Police visit gym
TWO TOP Police Officers praised the work
done by Carl Gunns at his Birstall Road boxing gym when they
dropped in to watch young people training.
Pic: Chief Superintendent Daimon Tilley and
Inspector
Cathy Yallop with Carl Gunns at his gym.
"I am very impressed" said Chief Superintendent and
North Area Commander Daimon Tilley. "What Carl is doing
here is fantastic, very positive, and I can see there's a good
range of kids from different backgrounds.
"If the gym wasn't here, where else would they be and what
would they be doing? The gym is helping them keep fit and giving
them self respect and some discipline" he added.
Accompanying Commander Tilley was Inspector Cathy Yallop, officer
in charge of the Charnwood LPU, and Birstall's Beat Officer Chris
Falle.
The gym was set up five years ago and now has 1500 members, including
350 girls. It is open six days a week.
Carl, who has reached the final of the Leicester Mercury Sports
Awards for his contribution to sport, said: "With all the
antisocial behaviour we keep hearing about we need to see that
there are good kids out there and people doing some work to address
the problem. I'm pleased the Police are impressed with what we're
doing here at the gym."
New shops planned
PLANS FOR three new shops and a suite of
offices on the first floor have been submitted for 121 Sibson
Road - the old video shop opposite Barclays bank.
The proposal requires the demolition of the existing retail unit
together with the first floor flat. The new building will be
extended onto an area that is currently paved, and that was formerly
used for the external sale of fruit and vegetables. Service access
will be from the Meadway.
The ground floor will be predominantly glazed and will 'wrap
around' the corner onto the Meadway.
The applicant is Mr T Lunn and the architects are Marchini Curran
Associates - the same applicant and architects as the 139 Sibson
Road development, which will open soon as a Tesco Express. Planning
Officer at Charnwood Mr Darryl Watson told the Birstall Post
that there was no reason to suppose that Tesco have any connection
with the plans for 121 Sibson Road.
Birstall Parish Council have objected to the plans on the grounds
that the design of the building does not fit in with the existing
street scene.
Post Office: thousands object to closure
MORE THAN 2000 people have signed a petition
objecting to the closure of the Kingsgate Avenue Post Office.
Pic: The petition against closure
was presented to the
Mayor of Charnwood. (l-r) Cllr Helena Edwards,
Kingsgate Avenue Postmaster Mukesh Patel, Mayor of
Charnwood Cllr Joe Tormey, Cllr for Wymeswold Jenny
Bokor and Council Leader Cllr Richard Shepherd.
Many others have written letters of objection to the plans, part
of the Post Office's Network Change Programme which has seven
Post Offices in Charnwood threatened with closure.
Kingsgate's Post Office Manager Pushvinder Khalifa said: "I'd
like to thank everyone who has signed the petition, written letters
and supported us, it has been tremendous. I'd especially like
to thank Nigel Coleman, Councillor Helena Edwards and Adrian
Stanley who have given a lot of their time helping us."
A decision by the Post Office on the future of Kingsgate Avenue
is expected in mid January.
The Post Office says 2500 closures are necessary across the country
because of increasing financial losses and falling customer numbers.
The Post Office figures show that the Kingsgate Avenue Office
has 500-750 customer visits a week, Stonehill Avenue Post Office
has 1500-2000 and the Loughborough Crown Office 3000-3500. The
Post Office class an office as busy when there are 750 visits
a week.
Campaigners to save the Post Office are highlighting the 900
new homes for Hallam Fields, 3500 plus at Ashton Green and the
20 hectare employment site north of the A46 as supporting the
case for keeping Kingsgate Avenue open.
They say the closure would contradict the Government's Green
agenda to reduce car usage, make access difficult for the elderly,
disabled and young people, and damage community cohesion.
Cllr Helena Edwards said: "I believe the 4500 new homes
plus hectares of business being built at Ashton Green and Hallam
Fields means we need more Post Office capacity in the LE4 area,
not less."
Parish Council notes
A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council
was held on December 12.
PC Chris Falle reported that a Birstall Business Watch had been
set up.
Two plain clothes operations had been conducted recently at known
trouble spots for antisocial behaviour, but nothing had happened.
PC Falle said that further operations would be carried out.
PC Falle reported on a marked decline in antisocial behaviour
on the School Lane playing field now that the CCTV is operational.
Mukesh Patel, the Kingsgate Avenue Postmaster, brought a petition
to the meeting, signed by 2000 people, objecting to the proposed
closure of the Post Office. The Council agreed to send a letter
in support of the petition.
It was reported that the County Council has decided to leave
the bus stop outside Tesco, 139 Sibson Road, and not to move
it to a location closer to Boots the Chemists. The council agreed
to continue pressing that the bus stop be moved.
The Council agreed to wait until the May meeting before considering
whether to apply for Quality Status.
The Council agreed to object to a planning application for a
two storey development at 121 Sibson Road consisting of three
shop units and offices on the first floor. Councillors felt the
appearance of the building was not in keeping with the street
scene.
The Council agreed to erect a plaque bearing a profile of Edith
Murphy in the planned Sibson Road car park extension (opposite
Birstall DIY). The Edith Murphy Foundation have agreed to pay
for the new car park.
Councillors agreed to consider ideas for a Christmas lights switch
on event in Birstall for 2008.
It was reported that allotment holders were in the process of
formally creating the Birstall Allotment Society which would
be affiliated to the National Allotment Society.
It was reported that due to changes in the law, fines from penalties
imposed by the dog warden would be kept by the Parish Council,
and not, as previously, kept by Charnwood Borough Council
Council budget
BIRSTALL PARISH Council has agreed its
precept, or budget, for the year 2008/09 at £322, 280.
The figure for 2007/08 was £306,250 and for 2006/07 £297,400
£322,280 is a 5.2% increase on the previous year's figure,
but because of the increase in the total number of households
in Birstall the increase per household is 4%.
The estimated expenditure for 2008/09 excluding capital projects
is £436,117. the balance will be met from reserves and
projected income. The Council anticipates that administration
costs will be £198,700 and £237, 417 will be allocated
to parks, the cemetery and the allotments.
The Parish Council is responsible for providing and maintaining:
o the School Lane, Meadow Lane and Harrowgate Drive playing fields
and associated sports pitches, play areas, pavilions and changing
rooms.
o Village Hall function facilities and accommodation for Age
Concern
o the Old Council Office which incorporates the Youth Drop-in
and local Police Base
o three free car parks
o dog warden facilities and free dog waste bags
o contributions towards the Age Concern bathing service
o Youth Worker salary for the Drop-in centre
o Birstall Gala, festive lights, hanging baskets, donations to
local organisations
o employment of eight full time and seven part time staff
The Council has agreed that a priority for 2008/09 will be the
replacement of the paths on the School Lane playing field and
the cemetery.
Parish Clerk Brenda Thomas said: "Even with this four per
cent increase in place each household will pay a total of £1.54
per week, based on a band D property, to Birstall Parish Council
for all these services and we believe this represents value for
money".
Mark’s China trip
A BIRSTALL businessman was one of a small
group from the East Midlands who travelled to China in November
as part of a trade mission.
Pic: Mark Gregson introducing himself
to delegates
at the trade mission
Mark Gregson, managing director of Doortronic Ltd, was hoping
to find new suppliers on the week long trip, organised by the
East Midlands China Business Bureau.
He said: "It was a fantastic experience, China is a vast
market and from a product and technology point of view, they
are streets ahead of us here in the UK. The factories are superb
- clean, managed exceptionally well and with excellent facilities
for workers."
Pic: Mark Gregson with representatives from
his
Chinese suppliers
Mark (43) started his business importing remote control garage
door openers from China in 2005. He now has a turnover of £85K
and is looking to expand his product range into swing gate and
roller shutter door openers.
"One of the aims of the trip was a matchmaking exercise,
introducing businesses to new business contacts. I met up with
a swing gate opener supplier and have placed an order for some
samples" said Mark.
The visit, to Chongquing and Sichuan, was led by Cllr David Parsons,
Leader of Leicestershire County Council and Chairman of the East
Midlands Regional Assembly.
Stars of the future
TWO BIRSTALL girls from Starlight Theatre
School successfully competed in the BTDA All England Championship
Finals.
Pic: Sophie Derry (left) and Lilie
Scott
Sophie Derry was runner-up champion for Character and Lilie Scott
was runner-up champion for National
Principal Monica Osborne said: "Starlight students, mostly
Birstall girls, did remarkably well in the BTDA drama and singing
festivals winning 49 medals and 12 trophies.
NHW news
May we wish you a Happy and 'Crime free'
New Year.
A New Year's resolution may be to deal with doorstop sellers
in a more positive way. Some are honest and genuine, however,
some are not and might use lines like these to get into your
house -
Congratulations you have won a prize please sign her
I note you have a few loose tiles on the roof
There have been a lot of burglaries in the area recently
I'm doing a survey………and there are many more!
To help with doorstep callers DON'T
Ask a doorstep seller to call unless you are sure you want to
buy
Let a caller into your home if you are at all suspicious of them
Agree to buy until you have checked prices elsewhere
Let the seller push you into making a snap decision
Pay a deposit unless you are sure you want to buy
Agree to having work done on your home without a second opinion
Listen to scare stories they are usually nonsense
Birstall and Wanlip NHW is continuing to set up No Cold Calling
Zones. The areas covered already are having positive results.
Ask your NHW co-ordinator about this scheme. If your road is
not covered by the NHW and there are only a few, why not become
a co-ordinator, get to know your neighbours and help keep Birstall
and Wanlip safe.
From Tony Marriott, Committee member NHW
Birstall NHW 2676399
Crime Report Nov 2007
Burglary other than dwelling 14, burglary dwelling 2, theft of
motor vehicle 2, theft from motor vehicle 10, theft person 1,
theft from store 1, other theft offences 9, damage to motor vehicle
6, other damage 10, indecency 1, assault and harassment 5, public
order 1
|
Award winning Karen
THE PRINCE'S Trust has given an award to
Longslade's Karen Norris for her work with young people.
Pic: Award winner Karen Norris
with some of the Princes
Trust XL team.
Karen (40) leads the Prince's Trust XL programme at the College
and received an East Midlands Leadership Award, along with seven
others from the region.
The XL programme works with vulnerable teenagers: they may have
dyslexia or lack confidence and skills. Karen said: "It's
an interactive practical approach to personal development and
a fantastic opportunity for students to achieve." There
are normally 12-16 students on the two year programme, which
Karen has led for the last four years with fellow staff members.
Julie Taylor and Margot McSwiney.
A recent project has seen the group raise £350 for cystic
fibrosis by selling a recipe book and recipe cards they compiled
themselves. Some of the recipes were supplied by celebrities
including Phil Vickery and chef Aldo Zilli, and the project was
nominated for the Princes Trust Community Impact Award.
Karen was a deserving winner of the Leadership Award according
to one of her students, Rebecca James. "No matter who you
are or what you've done, Karen will never give up helping you
to achieve your goals" she said.
Weight loss challenge
A MARTIAL arts teacher is challenging local
businesses to take part in a weight loss contest.
Mick Gannon, owner and chief instructor of the MG Black Belt
Academies, said: "I propose to select five adults who have
recently joined one of our adult martial arts or fitness classes
to compete against five randomly-selected adults from a local
business and conduct a 30-day weight loss contest" said
Mick. "The losing team will buy a 'weight-conscious' dinner
for the winners at a local restaurant of their choice."
The friendly competition aims to promote and support weight loss,
improved nutrition and increase physical activity.
As a local business and one that promotes healthy physical activity,
excellent nutritional choices and stress-reduction strategies,
the MG Black Belt Academies want to use this opportunity to focus
local adults' attention on the need to develop a healthier lifestyle.
According to Mick, the statistical evidence reveals the seriousness
of the issue and what drives the MG Black Belt Academies to issue
this challenge.
Mick said: "Many people live sedentary lives; in fact, 40%
of adults in the East Midlands do not participate in any leisure-time
physical activity. I want this challenge to be an example and
a lesson to employers and adults throughout our community that
the benefits of physical activity, weight loss and better nutrition
extend to less days off from work, greater energy that translates
into greater productivity and many others that have a direct
effect on individuals' lives, the work place and employer-employee
relations" said Mick.
He added: "I invite any local employer to contact me on
0116 2623080 or via our new website www.mgbba.co.uk to accept
our challenge. We'll total the weight of your teams of five participants
and then weigh them 30 days later to determine a winner."
Man jailed
A FIFTY-ONE year old man has been jailed
for 12 months for stealing from the School Lane playing field
changing rooms.
Paul Andrew Eaton, a heroin addict, admitted the theft of a mobile
phone, gold chain, watch, wallet and cash from the changing rooms
on February 24 during a football match.
Leicester Crown Court heard that Eaton had previous convictions
for dishonesty and handling offences.
Fun for girls
ARE YOU a girl between 14 and 26, free
on a Thursday night and want somewhere to go?
Birstall Rangers are reopening, providing somewhere for you to
go, hang out with your mates, meet new mates and have a laugh.
Activities will be up to you but could include camps, activity
weekends, outings (cinema, bowling, ice skating, salsa dancing,
Loughborough fair, whatever else you fancy), gossiping, making/designing
things, themed evenings (Chinese/Indian/Spanish/Italian/Greek
nights etc, Valentine's night, bonfire night, Christmas, slumber
parties) Can you think of more?
We are running taster sessions on Thursday January 17 and every
Thursday till our grand reopening on February 21. Our Ranger
room is tired and sad so our first night, Thursday January 17,
will be dedicated to a pizza and decorating party. We'll provide
the pizza and as for the decorating, anything you can find goes!
We'll be at Number 1 Johnson Road, Birstall, 7.30 to 9.30pm if
you need more info. Contact Lisa or Julie on 0116 2837190 or
9116 2675264, or we'll see you on January 17.
From Julie Parker, Guides
New screen completed
THE NEW screen at St James Church has been
completed, creating a new space for community use.
Pic: Rev James Shakespeare beside
the
new screen
The glass screen and doors separate the 'new' church from the
13th century building. Potential uses of the space are : meetings
for local clubs and societies, art exhibitions and hospitality
after concerts, receptions after weddings, christenings or funerals,
a drop-in for socially disadvantaged groups, primary school workshops
and youth work.
Rev James Shakespeare said: "I am delighted that the screen
and porch are now complete. Our next task is to completely refurbish
the space, including heating and furnishing, so that it is warm,
welcoming and ready to use."
He added: "Our overall vision is to provide an attractive
and useful space at St James that people are drawn to, supporting
the local community and making the Church more accessible.
The official opening of this £44,000 project will be early
in 2008.
Methodist news
The annual pantomime with its almost entirely male cast takes
place from Tuesday February 13 to Saturday February 17. This
year's production is 'Robin Hood' and runs each evening at 7.30pm
with a matinee on Saturday afternoon.
Demand for tickets usually exceeds supply, so if you want a seat,
don't leave it before they are all gone. Tickets will go on sale
from January 2. Tel: 2122513 (before 9pm please).
Very Methodist and Very United!
At the beginning of each year Methodist Churches hold a Covenant
Service. John Wesley started this way back in the 18th century.
It is a service of recommitment to the Christian faith. The emphasis
is God's readiness to enfold us in generous love, not dependant
on our deserving.
These days the words used are appropriate to the present age,
but they do not detract from the original words used by John
Wesley 300 years ago. The service is at 10.30am on January 6.
You don't have to be a Methodist to take part!
The Methodists are delighted that friends from other denominations
share in this annual service - and this leads into the other
January event - the Week of Prayer for Christian unity. It is
from January 18-25.
In the Week of Prayer there are four events, starting with a
special service at 7pm at Wanlip on Monday 21st, Holy Communion
on Wednesday 23rd at 9.30am at the Methodist Church (not the
lounge), Holy Communion at 9.30am at St James on Thursday 24th
and bringing the week together with a special service at St Theresa's
at 7pm on Friday 25th The theme is 'Pray Without Ceasing'.
Coffee Shop
The last coffee shop before Christmas in on Saturday December
22 and it re-opens on January 2.
Thank You
To all who contributed to our Christmas appeal which went to
Hampers for Needy
Families in Charnwood. Also to all who gave toys for the Charnwood
Christmas Toy Appeal and finally to those who sang, collected
or gave something at the door for carol singing, proceeds being
split between NCH and The Children's Society.
Top marks
BIRSTALL ACORN Under 5s Playgroup is celebrating
a successful Ofsted inspection - it was rated as 'outstanding'
in every category of the report.
The group opened in 1983 and operates from Highcliffe school.
There are currently 43 children from three to five years on roll.
The report stated that: "Children's behaviour is exemplary.
As strong emphasis is placed on promoting positive behaviour.
Staff skilfully prove activities and experiences to encourage
children to be self motivated and active members of the setting.
Meticulous monitoring and evaluation procedures and extremely
competent staff work effectively to provide a rich, vibrant environment
where children flourish as staff inspire them to reach their
full potential in learning."
Pre-school Manager Jackie Bateman said: "I am very pleased
with the report - we are lucky to have supportive parents and
very experienced and well qualified staff."
Highcliffe Ofsted
HIGHCLIFFE IS a 'good' school according
to Ofsted who carried out an inspection in November.
"Highcliffe Primary School and Community Centre is an effective
school where pupils are well cared for, achieve well and reach
good standards" said the report.
Inspectors found that: "the school has improved well in
most aspects since the previous inspection three years ago. Most
notable has been the significant improvement in the provision
for music and Information and Communication Technology. This
has resulted in rising standards, especially in music."
The report states that the quality of teaching is good throughout
all year groups, that the school is well led and managed, and
that pupils enjoy school.
The Inspectors felt that the school could improve by:
o creating a clearer division of management responsibilities
o make more effective use of assessment and monitoring data to
match the learning needs of pupils
o improve the consistency of marking, and pupil's knowledge and
understanding of their learning targets.
Headteacher Iain Munro said: "We are very pleased with the
report, it reflects the strengths of the school. We are achieving
high standards and the children are very positive about coming
to school."
Lifesaving medals
EIGHT MEMBERS of Birstall Lifesaving Club
have received their Royal Lifesaving Bronze medallions.
They are: Rosie Helps, Jessica Simmons, Hannah Simmons, Ruth
Dacie, Hannah Gladstone, Sofie Lewin, Victoria Kilby and Katie
Young.
At the presentation on December 10, teacher Val Burdett was given
a long service award from the RLSS.
Andy Wright, who grew up in Birstall and came in to examine the
exam, was also the recipient of a RLSS award.
Anyone interested in joining Birstall Lifesaving Club should
contact the swimming pool on 2673461. They meet on Monday evenings
for under 15 yrs and Thursdays for over 15 yrs and adults.
Group’s ten years walking
BIRSTALL WALKING Group has celebrated its
10th birthday.
Pic: Birstall Walking Group
The group was started by the late Mike Smith. A spokesman said:
"He shared a wealth of hiking experience with the often
newly interested and recently retired of the area. Now we are
celebrating 10 years of walking, mostly in Leicestershire with
local members who have become friends over the years".
The group venture into Derbyshire or Nottinghamshire four times
a year to enjoy longer days walking in the countryside, sometimes
stopping to visit a church or monument on the way.
"The pub lunch is always a popular ending to our walks -
giving us more time to chat!" said the spokesman.
There is a long waiting list to join, but if readers would like
to start a new walking group, Birstall Walking Group would be
able to advise and assist. Contact The Birstall Post for details
(0116 2674213).
WI news
THE DECEMBER meeting of Birstall &
Wanlip WI was also the AGM.
All members were present plus four visitors. After the monthly
business was dealt with the meeting passed on to the annual minutes,
committee reports and president's address. The Financial Report
was given and adopted and Irene Faulkner appointed as auditor
for a further year. June Else than took over as chairperson whilst
the committee and officers were re-elected en bloc.
A finger buffet was provided, which had been prepared by members
of the committee and then a quiz time was conducted by John and
Linda Beynon who had been invited to entertain. This started
with anagrams of everyone's name and then went on to General
Knowledge and music all with a Christmas theme, which everyone
enjoyed and there were prizes for all.
The next meeting will be on Monday January 7, 2008 when the speaker
will be Mr Bryan Copson with a talk about 'Glass Walking Sticks'.
Annual subscriptions will be due at this meeting.
Lottery cash
THE FRIENDS of Belgrave Cemetery group
are celebrating after receiving a substantial grant from the
Big Lottery Fund, 'Awards for All'.
Dorothy Marshall said: "This will enable Brenda Watts our
historian to publish a commemorative booklet for the 148 Belgrave
men who lost their lives in the 1st and 2nd World Wars. We also
intend to produce an information leaflet about the cemetery."
Brenda has spent the last three years researching the project.
She said: "It is important that we should remember and honour
these brave young men."
The group would like to say a big thank you to their members
and the people who supported their recent coffee morning. Funds
raised will provide public liability insurance for guided walks
and events at the cemetery.
Weather report
November in Birstall was a milder month
than usual.
The average afternoon temperature was 11c which is about 1c above
normal. The second was the warmest day when the temperature reached
16c. The coldest day was the 17th when the temperature only reached
5c. Some of the nights were very mild and the warmest night was
the 8th when the temperature did not drop below 10c.
The end of the month gave us some cold nights however and our
lowest temperature was the 24th when the temperature dropped
to -4C. the average night-time temperature was 3.5c which was
0.5c below normal. There were only six airfrosts recorded. Rainfall
was below normal for the month. 44mm fell on Birstall during
the month but most of it fell on just a few days. Indeed there
were actually 19 days where there was no rain. Nearly all the
rain fell in just three days between the 18th and 21st. However
it did not all fall as rain as in the cold air on 18th the rain
turned to snow. Snow fell for about four hours and gave us a
covering of about 2cm. Milder air overnight melted the snow however
and by morning it had gone and our brief winter visit was over.
The wettest day was the 19th when 24mm fell or half the whole
month's total in one day. Rainfall was about 10% below normal.
Airpressure was above normal with large high pressure areas dominating
our weather and low pressure was quite rare.
All in all apart from our brief taste of winter November was
a quiet month weatherwise!
From weather reporters Megan Boyall
and Grace Brown
Corbett’s cricket corner
THE CRICKET season may be four months away
but preparations for the new 2008 season are getting underway.
The club held its Annual General Meeting and Andy Merry, who
has been the club's secretary for 15 years, is now the new chairman
of the club replacing Doug Topley, who has become a Vice President.
Vice Chairman Andy Corbett is the new secretary and Ian Bartlett
continues as Treasurer. The first team will be captained by Paul
Snuggs and the second team by Steve Findley. The full committee
now includes Jamie Drake who will be representing the every expanding
Junior Section.
Some of Birstall's Leicestershire Young Cricketers are halfway
through a busy winter training programme and have met the new
Chief Executive David Smith who is also Chairman of the Leicestershire
and Rutland Cricket Board. The lads have been coached by Dips
Patel, the LRCB Community Cricket Coach and Head Coach Tim Boon.
George Corbett has been selected for a high performance batting
clinic throughout spring, with Excellence Coach Russell Cobb.
Jamie Drake (pictured) will be attending specialist wicket
keeper coaching with Phil Witticase, the former Leicestershire
Wicket Keeper and now a coach at LCCC. This is a fantastic opportunity
for the lads to learn from professional cricketers and coaches
and is something they will enjoy and benefit from.
Any adults or juniors who are interested in joining the club
can contact Andy Corbett on 0116 2693936.
Church news
IT HAS been a great pleasure over the Christmas
season at St James to enjoy the benefits of the new, open appearance
of the church interior, as revealed by the recently installed
glass porch and screen between the 'old' and 'new' churches.
Although achieving this has meant the loss of some pews at the
rear of the seating area, the benefits to a congregation or audience
are considerable. Heating is much more efficient (very welcome
in those cold December days!) and the enclosure of the glass
screen not only keeps out draughts but creates a greater feeling
of 'togetherness' lacking in the previous layout. Even when every
seat is filled there remains space beyond the glass screen for
extra seating and no-one need miss out on the action. Of course
these changes are not only for the convenience of the regular
congregation but to open up the newly created space for wider
use in the community so a lot of planning will be going on in
the new year to work out the best way to achieve this.
During December St James has been well used by many groups for
their carol services and two notable concerts have also taken
place. Firstly, a delightful programme of Christmas music in
many different musical styles was performed by the 'The 8' (eight
singers based in Loughborough), applauded by an enthusiastic
audience on a very cold night. Generously the group gave all
the concert proceeds to the ongoing appeal to fund the church's
alterations, which now stands at £28,050 towards the target
of £34,000. Secondly the church was pleased to play host
again to the Ibstock Brass Band for a concert organised by St
Theresa's which always has an excellent reception in Birstall.
Observant music lovers may have noticed that the small grand
piano which served the church well for many years but was needing
a major overhaul if it was to continue in use, has been replaced
by an electronic Clavinova. This will be much more versatile
in use, particularly by the music group which leads our Open
House informal services on a Sunday morning at 11am. The sound
quality is excellent and many people are unaware that there is
no longer a piano in use!
The beautiful old church at Wanlip, with candlelight illuminating
the ancient walls, always comes into its own at Advent and Christmas
particularly for the carol services. As usual there were packed
congregations to hear again the Christmas story and enjoy the
mulled wine afterwards, welcome warmth on two cold frosty nights.
The month of January brings again the Week of Prayer for Christian
Unity, which will be observed by all four Churches Together in
Birstall and Wanlip, starting with a communion service at Wanlip
at 7pm on Monday January 21st. When our news programmes so often
make us aware how much division there is in the world between
one religion or one sect and another, it is good to remind ourselves
that the Christian religion preaches peace on earth and love
for one another.
From Beryl McHugh
Park is winner
THE CONNECT2 project has won a televised
public vote - meaning that Watermead Country Park will receive
a £700,000 share of the £50 million prize awarded
by the National Lottery.
Additional funding provided by local organisations including
the County Council means that £1.4 million will be spent
on improving footpaths and cycle ways into and through the park.
'The People's 50 Million' was voted for by the public online
and by telephone and thousands of people voted nationally. Locally,
the project had the backing of hundreds of city and county residents.
Connect2 was up against opposition from Sherwood Forest, the
Black Country, and the Eden Project.
Ernie White, Chairman of the Connect2 Steering Group expressed
his delight at the news, "We are extremely happy with the
outcome of the TV vote. 43,000 people live within 1 mile of the
park, and countless visitors come from further afield, so winning
the money is good news for a lot of people. We would especially
like to thank all the people in Leicester and Leicestershire
who voted for Connect2 - without the public vote, we could not
have made this happen."
The Connect2 project took 42 per cent of the vote and will create
new cycling and walking routes in 79 communities across the country.
Work on the improvements at Watermead Country Park is expected
to start before summer 2008.
Birstall Parish Councillor Pat Cleere was a member of the Connect2
steering group. He said: "I am delighted at the outcome
of the vote. Before this all got going I was campaigning to get
improvements to access at Birstall lock, and now Connect2 will
do this and more."
Quality PE
BIRSTALL'S TWO primary schools have received
an Activemark for their success in delivering physical education.
The award is made by the Government's Department for Education
and Skills - qualifying schools must have 90 per cent or more
of pupils across the school doing at least two hours high quality
PE and school sports a week.
Kwan Lee, PE Co-ordinator at Highcliffe, said: "I am very
pleased as this is the first time we have achieved this after
having had a good push over the last two years. To learn effectively,
children need a good balance of physical activities with classroom
learning."
As well as PE lessons, activities at Highcliffe involve swimming,
lunchtime football club, after school cross country, gymnastics,
dance competitions and karate. The school has also formed links
with Birstall United for football training.
Students’ festive scene
STUDENTS FROM Longslade's Princes Trust
XL Programme designed a festive scene for the Birstall Methodist
Church Christmas festival.
16 young people aged 14-15 were involved and spent three weeks
making a child friendly 12 days of Christmas display that encouraged
children to find the hidden figures in the design.
Student Rebecca James said: "We think it turned out very
well in the end, it all came together and looked brilliant."
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