Your Say...
In response to the hornets' nest I appear to have stirred
up, I would like to make the following points. Firstly, I am
not against the police's efforts to control speeding in our village,
but I still question the need to deploy six officers to address
the problem in one particular area. If indeed the problem is
so critical, then let's have a speed camera there. In fact I
would welcome the positioning of speed cameras along Birstall
Road, along Wanlip Road (in the area of Riverside School) and
at the bottom of Stonehill Avenue where lunatics frequently travel
at speeds well over that which could be considered safe. I would
also be interested to know how many accidents due to excess speed
along Birstall Road have occurred, or are we dealing with a non
existent problem, or at the very least using a sledgehammer to
crack a nutshell?
Secondly, in response to Inspector Yallopp's statement that "the
level of policing has not been reduced compared to what it was
a year ago", I agree. It was, however, reduced prior to
that from two beat officers to one beat officer and then one
beat officer plus a CSO.
On a different point entirely, Tesco! Whilst agreeing that the
sighting of this shop will undoubtedly cause parking problems,
the smaller shops that offer quality products and excellent customer
service will always flourish. Those that don't, won't. Somefield's
may not be the best supermarket in the world, it certainly lacks
variety and has a less than comprehensive range of goods, but
I nearly always receive a friendly hello from the check out staff,
and that goes a long way. If I understand the small Tesco concept
correctly, it will only stock the top 100 best selling items
in any case and will provide some competition on those items
which can only benefit the consumer. I have noticed several price
reductions in Somerfield lately and the cynic in me can only
speculate as to whether this has anything to do with Tesco's
impending presence.
Nicholas G Black
When we first saw a plan of Hallam Fields development, the
impression given was that the fire station would be something
like the one at Syston although the planners said that a platform
would not be allowed. I thought this was strange because Coalville
wanted a bigger one.
Eventually we had details. The HQ Fire Station at Glenfield is
to be transferred and a bigger one built in Hallam Fields. Why
not extend and modernise the Glenfield HQ? In any case the Leicestershire
Fire service will be taken over by the state-of-the-art Castle
Donington centre which will handle all emergency calls in Leicestershire,
Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire
who will begin to use it in 2009. (Loughborough Echo Friday July
27, 2007). A new building is made redundant before it is built!
Don't the planners speak to each other?
Tesco state that they do not use a third party to put in an application
for development. They tell Birstall to go further afield - Tesco
shouldn't be part of this story. Then why is Tesco applying for
a licence to sell alcohol from 139 Sibson Road? The previous
building had an alcohol licence - could there be a possibility
that Asda could put in an application for the premises? After
all for many years the retail trade has voted that Asda is the
cheapest supermarket! The planning application for the site,
submitted in 2006 was made by Mr Lunn and the agents are Nottingham
based Marchini Curran Associates. The documents refer to "a
major retailer" but no supermarket group is named. The only
name we see is Winfield. Then to make matters worse Tesco ask
for the bus stop to be moved - the council officers suggest that
the stop be moved nearer to the A6. This would put the stop dangerously
in the way of motorists speeding down the slip road after being
given the green light by the one way system. The solution is
- move Tesco. The bus stop was there before Tesco came in. Why
can't Tesco apply in the normal way?
Yes, the back door is one way, but not a very good one. In this
case if you wanted Tesco you would be pleased. However if someone
did something the back door method and it really upset most people,
you would hardly say that it gave what people wanted.
The developers want to build more in the area of the A6/A46,
but will not say where. They are waiting to see what the East
Midlands Assembly/East Midlands Agency recommend (both of these
are not elected), Loughborough inner ring road plans were displayed
in Loughborough Library and were coloured. Why can't Birstall
have the same treatment?
At least Dr D A C McNeil agrees with me on one point. Government
guidelines are often quoted by the planners, but there is one
guideline totally ignored. The Government want people to use
the car less and to use the bus more. The planning of Hallam
Fields will make a bus route with bus stops impossible and the
people will use their cars. When I wrote to Arriva I was told
that they did not have contacts with Hallam Fields. The reply
from Hallam Fields was "we will subsidise the buses for
a certain length of time". I asked for a route and Hallam
Fields ignored my question. If we are to follow the Government
guidelines on cars and buses then Central Government will have
to subsidise buses ad infinitum.
Why is Tesco so interested?
L A Briers
In reply to recent correspondence regarding Tesco in Birstall
and as a resident of Birstall for many years, I'd like to point
out that the first (pre-war) off licence in Birstall was where
the proposed Tesco shop is being built.
The original building had beautiful bow fronted windows on either
side of the door and had much more character that the long plate
glass frontage that the Victoria Wine Co installed.
If the 'Powers that Be' had not granted an alcohol licence to
the newsagents and the frightful Bargain Booze shop further along
Sibson Road, which completely lowers the tone of the village,
the original off licence would still be functioning. As for Tesco
causing more traffic problems, this is bound to happen anyway
with so many more properties being built in the village.
There is more than one side to every story!
Cynthia Coltman
Home Front Heroes Wanted
I am researching a documentary series on the men and women who
worked on the Home Front during World War 2 to make the weapons,
unload the ships, dig the coal, nurse the injured and produce
the food that Britain needed to survive - and ultimately win
the war.
I would like to hear from people who worked in the aircraft and
munitions industries, on the railways, in the mines, in the emergency
services, by the sea and docks and on the land. All worked long
hours, withstanding bomb attacks and separation from loved ones
to do their bit for the country. I am interested in memories
of the pride, camaraderie, danger and sacrifice made by young
men and women on the Home Front during WW2. If you are in your
eighties, nineties or hundreds and have a moving personal story
to tell please contact me:
Lizi Cosslett
Testimony Films, 12 Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RH Tel:
0117 925 8589 email:lizi.cosslet@testimonyfilms.com
I read with interest David Gaskell's remarks on the new Tesco
store which we are told is to be built on Sibson Road, (Birstall
Post August), and would heartily second his remarks, we most
certainly do not need another liquor outlet, this would only
lead to more empty bottles, empty cans, broken glass etc strewn
on the Sibson Road and also on the playing fields. We have enough
of this already and I should know!
PS Perhaps a sight of a policeman could help here!
Les Gale
It would appear to me that your correspondent has shot himself
in the foot. Whilst I can understand his point that Sibson Road
parking is invariably full during the day to the extent that
cars are parked across the pavement opposite, his action in objecting
to the licensing of the premises falls down in a historical perspective.
Consider what stood on the site before - the Victoria Wine shop.
From a planning perspective the difference between parking for
a dedicated shop and for one whose purpose is not dedicated would
suggest a smaller number of parked vehicles.
Perhaps the questions that should be asked relate to who inspected
the plans at an earlier stage on the part of the parish, what
objections were raised and why, when clearly parking was going
to be a problem, the application was passed. Perhaps also the
planning committee may be persuaded to suggest how to alleviate
the congestion of parked vehicles and a bus stop can be resolved
using methods more acceptable to the local residents than a distant
park and ride scheme to be opened in 2009 at the earliest.
Dr D A C McNeil
Regarding the letters from Dr D A McNeil and Simon Faulks
against a Tesco Metro store here in Birstall.
I want to air my views as a supporter, I think it would be a
real asset to the community as that person who wrote in and did
not wish to be named, it will be really useful for those who
haven't got a car and for the elderly and they wouldn't have
to go on two buses to the Tesco store at either Beaumont Leys
or Hamilton. Nor would they have to get two buses back and carry
real heavy loads.
When the Tesco store opens here in noble Birstall, perhaps Tesco
could have a free minibus to collect non car owners and the elderly
from their homes and to Tesco then back again, it would be a
real godsend as the Tesco catchphrase says 'every little helps'.
Simon Faulks said isn't it encouraging corporate greed, well
can't that be said about any business big or small as that person
said perhaps Tesco doesn't really need the business but people
should be pleased of a choice of where to shop. I know I will
be. I wish people wouldn't be so negative about things that haven't
happened yet. Most people are satisfied with Tesco's and as for
them getting richer, good luck to them is all I can say.
There is another factor that Simon Faulks and Dr D A McNeil overlooked,
creating a new Tesco store means creating new jobs, isn't that
better than people being unemployed. More positive thinking is
required. I doubt if the Tesco will be a very large one, the
good people of Birstall will have to wait and see. Perhaps they
could even get Prince Charles to open it. How great would that
be?
Name & address supplied
It was with some disappointment when we went over to Birstall
Gala. It was more like a car boot sale than the annual village
gala. What is wrong with a proper village fete, with garden produce,
flower, cake, jam competition, children's sports/fancy dress,
brass, jazz or steel band, dog show, children's pets.
There are people in this village who I am sure could judge the
exhibits and would encourage the members of the various organisations
to enter. This would surely be much better than the stalls selling
second hand paper back books, old CDs and other cast offs. There
are one or two quality exhibits at the moment and it would come
as no surprise if they are no longer with us next year. The local
organisations were there doing their usual good job but if we
must have trade stalls, why not a farmers type market?
The proms concert in the evening goes without saying. Brilliant.
B Smith
On behalf of the Council I would like to respond to the 'Disappointed'
letter by Carl Gunns in the last month's edition.
Birstall Parish Council too was disappointed that due to the
issue of safety with the equipment the boxing exhibition could
not take place at the gala. The gala is a large event, requiring
major co-ordination to ensure everything is set up and taken
down as effectively as possible with as little disruption to
the surrounding residents and to ensure that damage does not
occur to any items utilised for the gala.
Both council staff and councillors spend many hours (many of
which were unpaid) on this event in order that the people of
Birstall can enjoy themselves in a fun and safe environment.
But unfortunately that means that rules and regulations have
to be followed.
As stated the council has donated £370 to the gym, along
with many other donations to other deserving causes to help benefit
all the residents of Birstall. Every application for grants/funding
is vetted and sometimes further information is requested to ensure
that the small amount of funding that is available for community
groups is distributed fairly and evenly.
The council both supports and acknowledges the excellent work
that the gym does and commends Carl for the work he does within
the community. In addition the council has included information
promoting the gym on its website in a hope that it will encourage
more people to utilise this facility. The discipline required
in boxing is exceptional and it is a wonderful environment for
youngsters to train within.
Birstall is fortunate that there are a large range of activities
for the residents of all ages to join and enjoy within the parameters
of the village and this council commends all the staff and volunteers
for the work they do.
In addition I would also like to set the record straight on two
of the other matters raised. The cheque for £21 (temporary
licence fee) was never cashed and this was returned to you when
you visited the council office. The £16 was in fact a charge
which was made after a function held by the gym at the village
hall for additional cleaning required and for additional hire
of the hall because the function over ran.
Brenda Thomas
Birstall Parish Council Clerk
Corbett’s cricket corner
Although the summer continues to be non
existent, on and off the field it has been a great month for
the cricket club.
Pic: the under 11 team in the finals
of the
Leicestershire Youth League. Back row: Rob Drake
(Head Coach), Joe Slater, George Corbett, Preyesh
Patel, Andy Corbett (manager). Front row: Dilan Amin,
Ben Drake, Yash Thakrar, James Darlinson, Max Lewin
The Under 11s in their first season of playing hard ball cricket,
have won their group and the semi final beating Austrey juniors
from Tamworth by 130 runs. It was a good team performance but
a special mention must go to George Corbett who took 7 wickets
for 1 run, the final will be played at Birstall against last
year's winners Narborough and Littlethorpe.
Pic: Jamie Drake
Congratulations must also go to Jamie Drake who has been picked
to play for Leicestershire Young Cricketers in the Under 17s
team squad.
The club has won the 'Wisden Cricketer' Club of the Month for
September, for promoting junior cricket in the village and also
working against antisocial behaviour with regard to the graffiti.
The prize is a Gray Nicholls cricket equipment set. The Wisden
is a national magazine, so this is a fantastic achievement for
the club and recognition for all the hard work Rob Drake, Chris
Hopkins and myself have put in over the last few years. The work
continues throughout the winter when the cricket has long finished.
The club are holding their annual presentation night but unlike
other years it will be a joint adult and juniors presentation
night. It will be on Saturday October 6 at the Birstall Social
Club from 7pm, it will consist of a disco and buffet. Tickets
are £5 each and everyone is welcome. Contact any member
of the cricket club for a ticket. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Junior winter nets are starting again from October 27 at Soar
Valley Leisure Centre, Mountsorrel on Saturdays from 5-6pm, £1
per session.
A final mention must go to Head Coach, Rob Drake (pictured above)
who recently celebrated a very special birthday, the big 40.
From Andy Corbett
|
St James Church news
AS USUAL, September sees the start of a
new season of activities in and for the churches.
Our parish has a 'Link Visiting' scheme which keeps in touch
with present and former members of the church through a Link
Letter, which is delivered to individual homes by regular visitors
each quarter. The Link visitors themselves meet twice yearly
to listen to a speaker and share news and information.
On Wednesday September 5 at 7.30pm (in the Methodist church lounge)
there will be a talk by Steve Bonham, a local teacher who is
a regular visitor to Christian communities in Palestine, and
has much to say about the difficulties of life in an occupied
land. Anyone wishing to hear more is cordially invited to attend.
In a more light-hearted vein, there will be concert in St James'
Church on Saturday evening September 15, at 7.30pm when the Heart
of England Barbershop group are coming to entertain. Also appearing
will be some of our own performers., Mary Williams, cello and
Cynthia Coltman, piano and the proceeds of the evening will go
to the church appeal. Tickets will be £5 including refreshments.
Most of the tickets for the day outing to Oxford organised by
the Monday Group have already been sold but if you want to hear
about any cancellations try phoning 2205158. Tickets are £10.
On Sunday September 23 we celebrate Thanksgiving Sunday with
a special service at 9.30am at which this year's speaker is Rev
Dr Mike Harrison. Afterwards there will be a bring and share
lunch in the Village Hall. If you would like to come to this
lunch, you can phone the Church Office 2671797 on Monday or Tuesday
mornings or add your name to the lists in Birstall or Wanlip
church.
Finally Monday September 24 marks the beginning of the new sessions
of home group meetings with a faith super in the Village Hall
at 7.30pm. If you are already a member of a home group (usually
meeting fortnightly in private homes) or would like to know more
about them, please come along on the 24th.
Methodist Church news
Yet more building!
Those with eagle eyes may have noticed the work going on at
the back of our premises. You can view the work from the Crossways.
Both the Boys' Brigade 'hut' and the 'lean to' that adjoined
it have been demolished, their place taken by a new storage area.
It should make the back of the premises look a little tidier.
The work was made possible by a legacy given in memory of Mrs
Sylvia Neeham and also funds raised by the Mens' Pantomime.
The church was very grateful to those good folk who helped
with the annual summertime maintenance work in July. Some decorating,
gardening and cleaning was done, not to mention clearing out
the old BB Hut & adjoining storage area, ready for the demolition.
Volunteer Drivers needed
Every Wednesday a Luncheon Club is run for lonely elderly
folk in Birstall. It is an opportunity to share a meal with others
for folk who sometimes don't see anyone all day. However the
church is short of drivers to transport these elderly folk from
home to the Church Hall & back again afterwards. If you are
able to volunteer, do phone Dorothy on 2122716. You will be paid
money for your petrol, and will be called upon once every few
weeks.
Marion Merritt
Many Birstall folk will remember Alan & Marion Merritt. Rev
Alan Merritt was minister of the Methodist Church in Birstall
about 30 years ago. Sadly, following cancer, his wife Marion
died on 20th July, aged 74. Although they lived in Bristol, the
funeral was held near Holsworth not far from Bude on the Devon/Cornwall
border.
Fund Raising
For NCH, a Saturday Coffee shop and envelope collection raised
£126.89 in July. For the books for the Seminary Library
in The Cameroon the cream teas at Mr & Mrs Harrisons in Allington
drive raised £173.
An evening of Music
On Saturday 22nd September at 7.30 there is to be an evening
of music and singing. This is in aid of the books for Cameroon.
Tickets are £6 and include a sausage & mash supper.
If you've got an instrument, do bring it along. If you can't
play an instrument, then just bring yourself and enjoy the evening!
Entrance is by ticket only. Phone on either 2672606, 2675973,
or 2929670.
NHW news
Police Surgery
DO YOU know our local beat officers? Is there anything you would
like to discuss with them?
Our local officers, PC Chris Falle and CSO Mark Butler, hold
regular surgeries in the village. These are held in conjunction
with the Neighbourhood Watch 'Advice Shop' in the building on
the Sibson Road car park on the third Saturday of each month
from 10am till 12noon.
The next one is on Saturday September 15.
A private room is available for confidential discussions if required.
A police surgery is an opportunity for anyone to meet and talk
to our officers and discuss any concerns they may have about
policing in our village or to pass on local information etc.
Both Chris and Mark are very keen to meet residents and listen
to their concerns. Local information is invaluable in improving
the 'Community Policing' in our area and the sooner possible
problems can be identified, the sooner they can be solved. Informal
crime prevention advice is available together with a whole range
of information leaflets.
The Neighbourhood Watch will also have available the usual range
of personal and shed alarms, fence spikes, security markers etc
and will be happy to postcode cycles, scooters etc.
Birstall is lucky to have the facilities to have these regular
informal contact opportunities in the centre of the village.
You will be given a warm welcome by the members of the NHW manning
the Advice Shop and the chance to have a free cup of tea/coffee.
Just call in between 10am-12noon on the third Saturday of any
month.
Watch telephone 0116 2676397
Watch website www.villagewatch.co.uk
From Allan Kinton (Treasurer) Birstall and Wanlip Village
Watch
Book reveals history of Birstall
'EIGHT OUNCES of Gold', Mike Smith's history
of Birstall, has been reprinted and is again on sale.
Its 157 pages tell of the people, events and institutions that,
over the centuries have made our village, including
o Bronze age finds, Saxon, Scandinavian and Norman invaders and
the Domesday Book
o The Lord of the Manor who fought a duel and the others, some
of whom were neglectful, some compassionate and some downright
crooked
o Yeoman farmers like the Whiles and The Tuffleys who made and
lost fortunes
o Maps, letters and documents recording the life and struggles
of the ordinary men, their work, their wages and the cottages
they lived in
o Birstall's Workhouse and the pauper apprentices
o Four militant suffragettes
o The churches and the schools, their early struggles and their
neglect
Copiously illustrated with photographs of vanished Birstall and
five especially drawn maps the book costs £9.50 and is
obtainable from Birstall Library or from the author on 0116 2675792
who will deliver free to any Birstall address.
For addresses outside Birstall postage and packing is £2.00
|
Lawn cinema remembered
In the early 1930s, my friends and I were
agog with excitement when, in the Leicester Evening Mail, we
saw an illustration of what was to be 'A Super cinema for Birstall'.
Unfortunately this ambitious thousand seater, planned for the
corner of Loughborough Road and Sibson Road, never saw the light
of day.
But our disappointment did not last too long, for the sale of
the Lawn estate and demolition of Lawn House in the heart of
the village freed a large block of land on which were built a
row of shops, the Social Club, a new Earl of Stamford Pub, a
garage and joy of joys A NEW CINEMA.
The opening of the new cinema, named after Lawn House, was announced
to the world in a double spread advert in the Leicester Mercury
on Monday October 5, 1936.
Lawn Cinema Birstall
Grand Opening Tonight Monday October 5th
Great Double feature - Also Tuesday and Wednesday
'Public Nuisance Number One' Arthur Riscoe, Francis Day
'Remember Last Night' Edward Arnold, Robert Young
On that Monday my mother asked me if I would like to go to the
new cinema on the Tuesday. Now I must confess that even then,
at the age of nine, I was familiar with the lure of moving pictures
for as an annual treat a rather indulgent grandmother took me,
on my birthday, to see a film of my choice. For my eighth birthday
we had crossed town to the Humberstone tram terminus where at
the Trocadero I saw Robin Hood of El Dorado, for my ninth birthday
I was led along the Floral Hall's famed tiled corridor to see
G Men. We must have made an interesting pair, me in school cap
and blazer and grandma in her fox fur stole settling down for
our annual treat of death by six shooter and Thompson sub machine
gun.
The grandeur of that Tuesday treat still lingers in my memory.
On the roof of the theatre ten large cut letters spelling LAWN
CINEMA were marked out with electric light bulbs, whilst the
name of the feature film, spelt in smaller orange letters, was
set in an illuminated canopy over three sets of swing doors.
The central pair of doors were held open for us by a commissionaire,
magnificently clad in a double breasted ankle length overcoat
and peaked cap, all in a dignified deep maroon with gold piping.
Unlike my grandmother, mother preferred the rear stalls to the
balcony and bought one ninepenny ticket for herself and one fivepenny
ticket for me (front stalls were sixpence, threepence for children
whilst the balcony was one shilling, sixpence children). The
warm, brightly lit foyer was as grand as the outside with the
added allure of a hint of pine disinfectant. But what really
impressed me, even more than the dignity of the commissionaire,
was the gentleman in an evening suit who smiled and bade "good
evening" to us and the other patrons. He, unlike the commissionaire,
was no anonymous cipher, for a tastefully painted board neatly
set on an easel advised us that "The Lawn Cinema and its
manager MR HERBERT POLLARD welcomes you and hopes that you will
have an enjoyable evening".
Mr Pollard's hopes were indeed realised for it was not only an
enjoyable evening but also a memorable one. For compared to the
sedate outings with my grandma I had not realised how much fun
you could have in the dark, what with being shown to my seat
by torchlight, pushing past knees and tripping over feet as I
went to buy an illuminated ice cream in the aisle and barging
through the swing doors to the lavatory in what seemed blinding
daylight.
The films were enjoyable too, as was the news reel. But it was
the trailers of the 'Forthcoming Programmes' that really caught
my imagination with their exciting action or romance packed snippets
and alluringly resonant commentaries. In retrospect they seemed
to have had far more appeal than the 'overkill' of today's TV
commercials.
After thoroughly digesting the trailers I could hardly wait for
next Thursday, Friday and Saturday when Pat O'Brien was to appear
in Stars Over Broadway, whilst the following week we had what
the posters described as 'a double bill of comedy and horror'
with May Robson in Brewster's Millions and Boris Karloff in The
Old Dark House.
My appetite was whetted: I was hooked
Next Month : Saturday Matinees, Bargain Matinees and Two Ways
to Get In Without Paying
By 'Old Codger'
Memories of Sibson Road shop
JOHN FORRESTER, who ran Forrester's grocery
shop on Sibson Road for 35 years, has died aged 89.
Pic: Outside the shop: John Forrester
with Hilda Robinson (left) and his
wife Frances
A familiar character in the village,. John ran the business with
his wife Frances and sister and brother in law Hilda and Joe
Robinson, from 1947 until their retirement in 1983.
John saw the business through the post war shortages and rationing
of the late 1940s and early 50s, to a home delivery service during
the 1960s and 70s. He was one of the first in the country to
introduce the self service style of shopping.
After his retirement, John rented the premises at 9 Sibson Road
to the Birstall Action Team in 1983, where the Birstall Post
was originally produced. In 1990 he sold it to the present owners,
Jackson solicitors.
Birstall man’s Government job
A FORMER Birstall Parish Councillor has
been asked by Gordon Brown to write Labour's sporting manifesto.
Pic: Andy Reed with Gordon Brown
Andy Reed, Loughborough's MP since 1997, will oversee the creation
of a comprehensive 10 year plan for sports from the grass roots
upwards, running up to the 2012 London Olympics and beyond.
Mr Reed said: "After Gordon took over I had a meeting with
him at number 10. He knows of my interest in sports and he asked
me face to face of this would be something I would be interested
in.
"I'm pleased to have been asked, as you can imagine, it's
nice to be a part of it."
Andy Reed was educated at Birstall schools, was a parish councillor
from 1987 to 1991 and is President and a player at Birstall Rugby
Football Club.
Moving to Belize
MANY READERS will remember Malcolm Lambert,
our Rector for five years, and will be interested to know he
and his wife Ruth are planning to go to Belize, Central America,
next spring.
Pic: Malcolm & Ruth Lambert
They both feel called to share their skills and experience with
a church in another part of the world, and so Malcolm will be
taking up the post of Director of the Anglican Theological Institute
and Ruth will be Priest-in-charge at St Ann's Church in Belmopan,
the capital.
Belize is about the size of Wales, but its population is smaller
than Cardiff and it is one of the most culturally diverse nations
of the Caribbean with English as its official language. Most
Belizeans are Christian, and a third of the population are classified
as poor, one in ten have difficulty in getting enough food to
eat. Although a beautiful country, Belize is suffering from all
the social problems associated with poverty, drugs, etc.
Malcolm will be working to develop new leaders in the church,
and Ruth will be developing outreach work with schools and hospitals.
They are both excited about this new venture, but are required
to raise funds toward their living costs.
If Malcolm or Ruth supported you in any way during their time
in the parish and you feel able to offer any financial support
to help them in their new work, it would be very much appreciated.
Should you require further details, Malcolm will be pleased to
answer them, either on tel: 0116 2202625 or email Malcolm.lambert@gmail.com
From St James the Great Church, Birstall
|
Age Concern Info
Walk to Help Local Older People
Every year Age Concern Leicestershire and Rutland organises several
Sponsored Walks across the county.
All walks are only a few miles long in order to give everyone
the opportunity of walking, from the youngest member of the family
to the oldest. There is also the opportunity to take and enjoy
a picnic or to visit a local pub.
This year the walks have been arranged as follows:
Sunday, September 9
o Bradgate Park Walk - meet at Newtown Linford Car Park at 11am
o Earl Shilton-Bosworth Battlefield Walk - meet in the Shenton
Steam Station Car Park at 10.30am
o Birstall Watermead Country Park Walk - meet at either St James
Centre, School Lane, Birstall at 10.30am or Meadow Lane Car Park
at 11am.
o Melton Mowbray - Town/Country Park Walk - meet at Gloucester
House, Scalford Road at 11am
or Thursday September 27
o Rutland Walk - meet at Morrisons Car Park, Stamford at 10am
If you would like to participate in one of the walks, please
contact the Admin Department on 0116 2992236. Alternatively,
donations payable to 'Age Concern Leicestershire & Rutland'
at Lansdowne House, 113 Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7LA
will help us to continue helping local older people.
If you prefer not to seek sponsorship but fancy walking anyway,
just turn up and consider making a modest donation.
The Big Knit - Keeping Older People Warm This Winter
What is the Big Knit?
Little woolly hats are handknitted by Age Concern supporters,
to sit on the lids of Innocent 'Smoothies' before being sold
in Sainsbury's stores UK wide.
Innocent gives 50p to Age Concern for every bottle sold wearing
a hat. Innocent also benefits from the campaign by way of increased
sales. As it's such an unusual and fun campaign, it also attracts
a lot of media attention this increasing the profile of Age Concern,
Innocent and Sainsbury's.
Get knitting
Innocent has asked Age Concern England for a total of 280,000
hats, which need to be produced UK wide. We have agreed to produce
1000 of these, so if you have a few oddments of double knitting
wool of any colour, some size 10 needles (3.25mm-4mm) and a few
minutes to spare, why not get knitting!
Pattern
1. Cast on 28 stitches
2. Knit 2 rows. Then starting with a knit row, work in stocking
stitch (knit 1 row, purl 1 row etc) for 12 more rows.
3. For the next row, knit 2 together to the end (14 stitches),
and for the row after that, purl 2 together to the end (7 stitches)
4. When finished, cut the yarn leaving about 25cm . Thread the
cut end of the yarn through a sewing needle, then run it through
the loops and remove the knitting needle.
5. Tighten the yarn and sew the little hat together at the side.
Once finished, turn it right-side out so that the seam you've
just sewn runs up the inside
6. Sew a little bobble onto the top of the hat.
Innocent are happy for you to create your own bobbles. It would
be lovely to have all our hats with nice neat bobbles on but
if we can't do that, the main thing is that the hats are all
individually hand knitted and that they neatly fit on the bottles.
Sending in your completed hats
September 25, 2007 is the deadline for sending in your completed
hats to Age Concern Leics & Rutland, Lansdowne House, 113
Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7LA. Call 0116 2237343 in case
of query or visit the 'news' section of our website www.ageconcernleics.com
Physical activity in later life : BHF resources
Two new resources are available from the British Heart Foundation
(BHF) National Centre for Physical Activity and Health.
Active for Later Life is a web based resource to help national
and local agencies promote physical activity for older people.
It can be used for advocacy, strategic planning, practical action
and to inform practice.
Guidelines for the Promotion of Physical Activity with Older
People is designed for professionals who promote physical activity
in later life. It highlights current guidance on appropriate
physical activities for older people and on translating into
practice the evidence of what works well.
Active for Later Life
Guidelines for the Promotion of Physical Activity with Older
People
Tel: 0800 600 6566 (BHF publications)
www.bhfactive.org.uk/older-adults/currentprojects.html
Being a Grandparent : Grandparents' Association Research
The Grandparents' Association has published a summary of statistics
and basic facts from a review of research evidence on grandparents
and grandparenting. The report looks at the impact of divorce
and step families, ethnicity and changing family structures,
grandparents raising grandchildren; and financial support by
grandparents. Trends in grandparenting are identified, and the
report concludes with a series of recommendations, which include
raising the profile of grandparents and a review of the legislation
affecting them.
Being a Grandparent : Research Evidence, Key Themes and Policy
Recommendations
Tel: 01279 428040 (Grandparents' Association)
www.grandparents-association.org.uk/resources_pubs.asp
Dementia and the Family : Alliance for Health and the Future
report
Dementia in My Family has been published by the alliance for
Health and the Future in conjunction with Alzheimer Europe and
the International Longevity Centre-UK (ILC-UK). It looks at how
family members, including partners, children and grandchildren,
are affected when someone has dementia. It argues that care and
support should be based on an inter-generational approach which
provides services and guidance to help all family members to
cope and adapt. The report is illustrated with international
examples.
Dementia in My Family
Tel: 020 7735 7565 (ILC-UK)
www.ilcuk.org.uk/
Equipment for Disabled and Older People : DLF factsheet
The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) has issued a new factsheet
which gives information on sources of funding for equipment for
older and disabled people. The factsheet covers daily living
equipment, housing adaptations, and equipment for mobility, communication,
and home nursing.
Sources of Funding for Obtaining Equipment for Older and Disabled
People
Tel: 020 7289 6111 (Disabled Living Foundation)
www.dlf.org.uk/public/factsheets.html (scroll down to General)
Social Care Charging and Eligibility Policies : Counsel and Care
Report
Counsel and Care has published the results of its latest survey
of local authority charging and eligibility criteria in England
and Wales (though with only 26 returns from local authorities
the results should be treated with some caution). Some 15% of
authorities had further raised their eligibility criteria, and
only 16% still offered support for people with moderate needs.
Charges for home care services varied considerably, with fewer
authorities capping the maximum level of charges than in 2006,
and a 6% increase in the average hourly charge (now £11.07).
the average 'standard' rate for residential care was £379.35
per week, and for nursing homes, £467.08 per week. Counsel
and Care made recommendations to improve the situation.
Care Contradictions : Higher Charges and Fewer Services
Tel: 020 7241 8555 (Counsel and Care)
www.counselandcare.org.uk.uk/influence/news/ (see Annual care
charging survey)
Digital Televisions : Ricability Research
Ricability, an independent consumer research charity, has published
the results of tests on digital televisions on its website. (By
2012 Britain will have switched from analogue to digital TV).
The tests show which sets are easiest to use and which have audio
description for visually impaired people. The Ricability digital
TV website and equipment testing are funded by the Department
of Trade and Industry.
Digital TV - Consumer Test Reports
www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk
Age Discrimination Debate
During a debate on age discrimination on July 10, Don Touhig
MP welcomed the government's Green Paper on streamlined equality
legislation, but pointed out the continuing age discrimination
in health, social care, financial services, volunteering and
public life. In her response, Barbara Follett, Department for
Work and Pensions minister with responsibility for equality,
made a personal commitment to the removal of mandatory retirement
ages and added that the government was considering targeted,
non-legislative measures to tackle age discrimination.
House of Commons Hansard, July 10
By Jex Woods
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