Popular teacher retires
AFTER SPENDING his entire career at Stonehill
School, teacher Phil Cunnington has retired after 38 years.
Pic: Deputy Headteacher Phil Cunnington
"I think I've done every single job here" says Phil
(59), "caretaker, teacher, dinner lady, head of year, head
of department and acting headteacher."
Hundreds of Birstall residents will remember him best as their
Geography teacher. "I loved those fieldtrips to the Orkneys
in the 1970s" says Phil. "We lived in barracks or camped,
and it was great to get to know the children properly, to see
them in their true colours."
Phil arrived at Stonehill aged 21 in August 1970 with his Certificate
of Education from Sheffield City College. "On that first
day I remember I had a certain amount of arrogance I could do
the job. It was hectic and pressurised but I absolutely loved
it and it has mostly been that way since. It's the staff who
upset me more than the pupils!" he says.
"I feel a bit said to be leaving the children, but I won't
miss the admin. You can't be a good teacher unless you like children
- they are just great. You have to have patience and treat them
with respect. If you speak normally and are upfront, they will
be the same.
"The school has changed, we take a lot more city children
now. They are just as nice but have different attitudes to the
Birstall children, you have to work harder to gain their respect.
The Birstall kids are a lot more open and friendly, for the most
part."
Phil says that the educational standards are much higher now
than in the 1970s. "It was much more relaxed in the 70s
but the introduction of the national curriculum in the 80s has
raised the levels of teaching and the standard of teachers has
gone up tremendously. Four out of five children leave Stonehill
with a good standard of literacy and numeracy which in the past
would have been much lower."
Phil, who has three children and three stepchildren, has moved
to Buxton and plans to spend some of this time in retirement
walking in the Peak District.
Stonehill's headteacher Alan Monks said: "As a new headteacher
at Stonehill it was a great support to have a Deputy with Mr
Cunnington's knowledge and experience of the school and the link
that he gave us to the local community. It has always been fascinating
at parents evenings when you come to realise the number of parents
who have been taught by him as well as the children. He will
be greatly missed!"
Gala spirit
THE WEATHER failed to dampen the spirits
at Birstall Gala in July.
Pic: (l-r) Chairman of Birstall
Parish Council Stuart
Jones, Deputy Clerk & Gala organiser Jennie Hutton
and Parish Clerk Brenda Thomas
Pic: Allan Kinton (left), Birstall
Citizen of the Year
Pic: Olivia (6) & Kaitlin (4)
Johnston
under dad's umbrella with prizes they won
at the fair
The rain stayed away on the Sunday evening allowing the proms
concert to go ahead, complete with firework finale.
The two day event, organised by Birstall Parish Council, was
held on Saturday and Sunday July 5 and 6.
On Saturday there were performances from bands Stereo High, Kaleb,
Simone Swift, The Carnabys, The Kicks, The Days and Lix and on
the Sunday, Mayfair, Silhouettes, Fosse Swing Band, Beat-That,
Junction 21 and the Hathern Band with soprano Joyce Rimmington.
Pic: Linda Robinson stays vigilantly
by her stall despite the rain
Pic: Taking shelter at the Cats' Projection
stall are
June Harvey, Margaret Pickard, Louise Smith
and Judith Streeton
The Birstall Citizen of the Year award was presented to Allan
Kinton, the Treasurer of Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch.
He said: "I was dead chuffed and feel really honoured, Neighbourhood
Watch is a real community organisation that adds to the community
spirit in the village, by getting people talking to each other."
Chairman of Birstall Parish Council, Stuart Jones said: "Our
neighbourhood watch is one of the best in the county and Allan
and his wife are such a good team".
Pic: Faces Arts Group
Deputy Parish Clerk Jennie Hutton was the main organiser of
the Gala. She said: "Thanks to all those concerned with
the running of the Gala - Simon Castleman and all the bands,
thanks also to the lovely stallholders who turned out in the
rain on the Sunday and all the stewards and volunteers.
"Thanks also to our sponsors, Severn Trent, Edith Murphy
and Florence Turner, to Starbucks for their wonderful goodie
bags and the NH Skip Hire at Mountsorrel, and to all the advertisers
in our programme and the businesses who donated prizes.
"Finally, thanks to the Mayor and Mayoress of Charnwood,
BBC Radio Leicester, the four schools for raising the money for
the fireworks display and to Jerry at the Birstall Post for all
the publicity."
Gala photos: Andy Corbett, Allie Day, Tony Griffiths, Phil Parrott
& Roger Smith
TV shop closes
WHEN DAVID Blankley opened a TV repair
shop in Sibson Road, people told him it would only last six months.
Pic: David Blankley closes his
shop for the last time.
Now, 30 years later, Mr Blankley has put up his shutters at the
last shop if its kind in Birstall.
He said: "When I started, there were Kelhams, Birstall Electrics
and another one."
Mr Blankley, who lives in Roman Road, did his apprenticeship
as a TV engineer at G W Cowlings in its workshop in St Peters
Road, Leicester.
In 1966 he went into business with George Bentley on Belgrave
Road and moved to Birstall 12 years later.
"George Bentley was a true gentleman in every way and taught
me a lot. He let me keep the name when he retired. I felt I had
a better catchment area in Birstall, although I brought a lot
of customers with me."
At first, Mr Blankley went out to people's houses to repair the
TV sets - and also used to put up aerials, until he fell off
a roof.
"With new technology, plus health and safety, it's all done
on a workbench these days" he said.
Mr Blankley, who has two children and six grandchildren, is retiring
because of ill health. He says he will fine plenty to do, including
the restoration of old cars and motor bikes.
His wife, Jill, said: "He gets a lot of satisfaction getting
something to work that is broken. A lot of people have come into
the shop to thank him for being here."
Olympic trip
A LOCAL chiropractor has been invited to
the Beijing Olympics to provide treatment to competitors.
Pic: Thomas
Jeppeson
Thomas Jeppeson from the Health on Hand clinic on Loughborough
Road is the only UK chiropractor to be invited. He will be joining
six other chiropractors from around the world and setting up
a clinic at the World Olympian Association Reunion Centre in
the ancient Prince Jun Palace, Beijing.
The chiropractors will be offering their expertise and experience
to athletes from around the world throughout the Olympic games.
Having already experienced working at the Winter Olympics in
2006 and at the World Games in 2005 Thomas is excited this will
be his beigest challenge to date. He said: "Several countries
bring their own chiropractors to help keep the athletes at their
physical peak, but many do not have that knowledge or privilege.
We are aiming to be there supporting and helping the athletes
getting the best out of their bodies in the games".
As a member of the British Sports Chiropractic Council, Thomas
will also be offering treatments at no cost to Olympians in order
to keep the British team on track for more medals both in Beijing
and in the preparation for the 2012 Games.
Parish Council notes
A FULL MEETING of Birstall Parish Council
was held on July 14.
PC Doudie reported there had been a large increase in reported
crime in the last month. He reported that of the nine house burglaries,
none had been committed against householders who had informed
him they were going away and he urged householders to advise
him when their homes would be unoccupied. To do this call 222
2222 and leave a message for PC Doudie, his voicemail number
is 1993.
PC Doudie reported that during the summer holidays he would be
working the late shift, starting at 3pm. He reported that he
had been thanked by a Wanlip Lane shopkeeper for the reduction
in antisocial behaviour outside the shops near Lambourne Road.
The council agreed to submit its concerns about the possible
noise from the cabinets at the base of the planned phone mast
at the BT Exchange on Fielding Road.
The Clerk provided councillors with a booklet: 'A Guide to Becoming
a Quality Council'. At the August meeting the Council will consider
whether or not to pursue Quality Status.
The Chairman thanked Deputy Clerk Jennie Hutton for her organisation
of the Birstall Gala and for raising the most sponsorship the
Gala had ever received.
Mr R Dickinson was co-opted to fill a vacancy on the council.
Councillors considered the problem of long stay parking on the
Sibson Road car park which has a two hour limit. Local businesses
are parking there all day. Various options were discussed including
parking meters, renting parking spaces, signage and limited vehicle
use. It was agreed to defer a decision until the car park extension
has been completed.
The council agreed to erect a 'no ball games' sign on the toilet
block wall at the School Lane car park and that no ball games
on the School Lane car park be added to the byelaws when they
are next reviewed.
Man robbed
A MAN has been robbed as he walked along
the jitty between Gwendolin Avenue and Northfield Avenue.
The victim was knocked over by three bike riding robbers at 4pm
on Sunday July 6. They stole his mobile phone, watch and cash.
The suspects are black and aged between 20 and 30.
Anyone with information should contact the Police on 222 2222
or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Pool progress
A SPONSORED swim at Birstall Pool has raised
more than £1000.
Raised by pool users in the week July 6-12, the money will go
towards refurbishments, replacement of the pool inflatable and
may also subsidise public swim sessions.
In a bit to address the pool's financial problems, a pool users'
group has been formed - this will be able to apply to more services
of grant funding than are available to Longslade College, who
own and manage the pool. It's hoped that if the group can secure
some funding, they can use the money to reinstate the sessions
that were cut recently, as part of a cost cutting exercise.
Signs informing and directing the public to the pool are planned,
and Longslade are discussing with Stonehill the possibility of
restoring access to the pool via Stonehill's car park.
Recent publicity about the pool has increased visitor numbers,
say staff and a full summer timetable is running until August
24 - timetables are available from the pool or Birstall library
or at www.longslade.leics.sch.uk
Birstall Pool is located on the Longslade College campus and
offers public sessions, aquafit and swimfit classes and swimming
lessons for children and adults. Contact the pool on 2673461
Football
BIRSTALL'S BEAT officer PC Gordon Doudie
has organised a football tournament for young people from 10
local villages.
The event took place at the Soar Valley Leisure Centre in Mountsorrel
on July 26, with teams from Birstall, Quorn, Barrow, East Goscote,
Syston, Sileby, Mountsorrel, Anstey, Thurmaston and Rothley.
Some of the young people have previously come into contact with
the Police.
Artist’s trip to USA
A BIRSTALL artist is about to embark upon
a six month tour of the USA, promoting the children's book she
has illustrated.
Pic: Heather Parrott
Heather Parrott (23) has provided the illustrations for American
author Byron von Rosenberg's 'Dale the Uniclyde', a modern fantasy
take on the classic tale of the Ugly Duckling.
Heather, who recently graduated from Lincoln University with
a BA (Hons) in Illustration, started chatting to the author's
son on an art website a year ago. Heather says: "He said
his dad was publishing a book soon and asked for one illustration
to look at, so I sent a picture of a unicorn." To Heather's
delight Byron then asked her to provide around 20 illustrations
for the book.
She says: "It was a great opportunity and I'm very grateful
he agreed to take on my work. It's been a learning curve for
me and I've learned an awful lot from it.
Dale the Uniclyde tells the story of a Clydesdale unicorn and
his friendship with the stable boy who cares for him.
Heather will be at the St James' Church Fete in August selling
and advertising the book, along with original works and prints
for sale. A donation of each sale will be given to the St James'
roof fund. Copies of the book are available at the back of St
James' Church as well as on direct request. She also does a range
of illustrations, including animal and human portraits and is
available for commissions. You can contact her on: 0116 2674755
or by email: heather.parrott@btinternet.com
Birstall girls run
EIGHT FRIENDS from Birstall joined 2000
other women to take part in the Run For Life at Loughborough
University.
The five kilometre run around the university's 400m track was
raising money for Cancer Research UK. The girls from Birstall
were: Vicky Guthrie, Sam Guthrie, Amy Johnston, Charlotte Ebert,
Christy Lynch, Charlotte Harris, Erin Flower and Hayley Jones.
Vicky's mum was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She said:
"All the girls taking part either know someone who has sadly
passed away from cancer or who is battling it, like my mum and
Sam's.
"It was a lovely day to see 2,000 women ready to run, walk
or jog the 5K, and very emotional to see so many people supporting
such a fantastic charity ."
Vicky and her friends would like to thank all their sponsors,
especially the Earl of Stamford who donated £40.
Girls’ Brigade awards
THE 1ST Birstall Girls' Brigade held their
annual awards night on July 8 to round off another successful
year.
Pic: members of Best Squad - back
(l-r) Hannah
Morrish, Lucy Hodgson, Louise Simpson, Zoe
Hodgson, Front: Katie Duddle, Lauren Walker (seated)
Pic: Awards winners - back (l-r)
Sadie Smith, Robyn
Collins, Megan Sherriff.
Middle (l-r) Eve Simpson,
Charlotte Layshlay,
Front: Rebecca Arlow.
Around forty girls received badges and awards earned over the
year. Badge work included a llama walk, learning about the country
code, depicting the story of Noah's Ark, Christmas entertainment
and surprisingly a sponsored silence!
After a great deal of hard work, Rachel Wheeler earned her Advanced
Young Leaders Award and her Brigader Brooch which is the highest
award in that section. Rachel has been a member of the company
for 13 years and will be taking over the running of the Explorer
section (girls aged 5-8 years) in September.
Lauren Walker received a special Bravery award. Lauren has had
several operations this year and has shown immense courage, we
were delighted that she was able to attend the awards night.
Each year three trophies are presented to girls who have been
outstanding in some way over the year. The trophies were given
to the company in 1999, by Jean Yates, the founder captain. This
year, Sadie Smith won the trophy in the Senior Section, with
Megan Sherriff runner-up. Robyn Collins won the trophy in the
Junior Section, with Rebecca Arlow runner-up. In the Explorer
Section, Charlotte Layshlay won the trophy, with Eve Simpson
runner-up.
The company meets at Birstall Methodist Church on Tuesday evenings
from 6pm, if you would like to find out more, please ring Susan
Wheeler on 2209318.
NHW news & crime report
THIS MONTH a number of bicycle thefts have
been reported to the Village Watch as well as a couple of bicycles
found.
By reporting both stolen and found bikes, there is an increased
chance of reuniting owners with their missing bikes. It is unwise
to leave bicycles on the front of properties, even for a few
minutes, as they are easy prey for the opportunist thief. As
well as padlocks to help secure property, bicycles can be coded
free of charge at the NHW Advice shop, the next one being on
Sat August 16 from 10-12noon.
The latest security device that we have discovered is an alarm
for bicycles. This works with your own security code which has
to be entered if you want to cycle off without an accompanying
siren! The cost is around £15 and, as always, the Watch
makes no profit on this. All goods are sold at cost. Do feel
free to come and browse on the 16th, with no pressure to buy.
It appears that someone has thought it is a good idea to steal
an elderly lady's brown garden waste bin, rather than pay just
£26 for one of their own. It is perhaps advisable to keep
these at the rear of properties!
From Evelyn Holden, for the NHW committee
Crime Report. June 9 - July 14
Drugs 2, assault or harassment 8, robbery 1, theft of motor vehicle
1, theft from motor vehicle 3, burglary 6, burglary other 9,
theft stores 1, fraud 3, theft 8, damage 14, theft of cycle 5,
misc 2
A man has been arrested in connection with two burglaries in
the Loughborough Road area.
A man has been arrested near to the Earl of Stamford for breaching
a court injunction to stay away from that area.
A man has been arrested in connection with a serious assault
on Wanlip Lane.
Police have apprehended three Birstall youths for causing a massive
amount of damage at the Meadow Lane playing fields. A ten year
old and two nine year olds were responsible for smashing windows
and other vandalism. Their parents have been spoken to.
PC Doudie has given 24 shed alarms to allotment holders. Police
are aware of underage drinking and drug dealing in the Meadow
Lane area.
A bike thief is targeting expensive bikes in the village. PC
Doudie said he was close to making an arrest.
PC Doudie reports that a thief who stole cheese from Somerfield
was caught and received an £80 fine.
A Birstall girl has not caused problems since receiving an Anti
Social Behaviour contract. She will be making a day visit to
Glen Parva Young Offenders' Institute to see what the consequence
of criminal behaviour can be.
WI news
THERE WERE only ten members present at
the July meeting of Birstall & Wanlip WI.
Unfortunately, two ladies were seriously ill in hospital and
others were on holiday. We heard a report of the AGM in Liverpool,
which had been sent from the delegate who represented us but
who was unable to attend this meeting. Forthcoming county events
were also noted.
Seven members had attended the Taste of Poland evening at Queniborough
which was interesting though the sound system made it difficult
at times for people with hearing aids. Four members are belly
dancing at Denman later in the year and they have been signed
up for the Christmas entertainment.
With a talk entitled 'Chapter and Verse' we were not sure quite
what to expect from Mr Mike Brewer but it was a very polished
performance of readings of his own poems about aspects of life
past, present and fantasies of the future, interspersed with
explanations. It kept everyone very quiet and thoughtful.
This month there is no meeting. We resume again on Monday September
1.
Women celebrate anniversary
OUR PICTURE shows Birstall Methodist Women's
Group celebrating at their special 50th anniversary coffee morning.
A spokesman said: "It was lovely to see so many past members
there, and I'm sure there were lots of reminiscences exchanged."
The group was started in 1958 by Nancy Stewart who realised there
was a need in the Church for a place where women could meet for
friendship, fellowship and fun. The spokeswoman added: "Our
title then was Methodist Young Wives. Despite our change of name,
we hope that we are continuing to carry on in Nancy's tradition.
The coffee morning raised £550 towards our project 'The
Laura Centre'. This was a marvellous result, and one again our
sincere thanks to you all."
Men are county champions
BIRSTALL'S TOP tennis team has been crowned
champions in the county league - for the third successive year.
Pic: Back from left: Sam Williams
Matt Williams,
David Hutchinson and Graham Smith. Front:
Christian Berry (left) and John Hurst
Birstall Watermead Tennis Club's first men's squad has not lost
a match for three seasons. They clinched the title in Group 4B
of the Leicestershire Summer Men's Doubles League in their final
match, winning 6-3 away against Gynsill 3.
Their success owes much to the emergence of four talented youngsters.
Sam Williams 19, his younger brother Matt 17, Christian Berry
17, and John Hurst 20. Their power and energy, combined with
the shrewd captaincy of veteran David Hutchinson, and the experience
of Graham Smith, has fuelled the remarkable hat-trick of promotions.
David was full of praise for his team's young guns. "They
got better and better as the season went on and more than held
their own. If a set came down to a tie-break they would invariable
win it. It also helps that they are so keen on their tennis."
He said it was a great relief to win their final match, but the
vital victory came the previous week, winning 6-3 against Victoria
2, their main rivals for the title.
The club held a highly successful Open Day on Sunday, June 29
with a steady stream of visitors. As a result the club welcomed
17 new members. The previous Sunday saw an entertaining strawberry
lunch event to get people in the mood for Wimbledon.
Charity bowls day
A CHARITY day at Birstall Bowling Club
saw over £1200 raised for Birstall member Wayne Parkin
and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Pic: Some of the Birstall bowlers
before the start of the Bowlathon
The money was raised from a Bowlathon, hot dog, burger and curry
sales, a quiz, auction, raffle and tombola. There has also been
a sponsored slim by Birstall members John Lee and Richard Smith
and it is hoped that the final total will exceed £1700.
Meanwhile last year's Ladies County Singles champion, Birstall's
Diane Hurst, has reached the final again this year, and by doing
so has qualified for the National Finals at Leamington Spa. She
beat Oadby's Janet Horsley in the quarter final and won the semi
final against Kingscroft's Sally-Ann Lewis.
Jan Everitt also made it through to the semi final before losing
to Jenny Groves of Kingscroft, having earlier beaten Kibworth's
Zoe Eisler in the quarter final. It's the third event Diane has
qualified for in this year's National Championships. She is also
there in the Champion of Champions singles and the fours where
she teams up with Jan, Sue Wilson and Pa Walker.
The Leicester City and District Parks finals were taking place
at the end of last month with several Birstall representatives
once again involved and the club have reached the final of the
Bramley Bowl. A report on the finals will be in the September
Birstall Post.
More information about the club can be found on the website www.birstallbowling.co.uk
Allotments open day
RED HILL allotment holders are having an
open day on Saturday September 6 from 12noon to 4pm.
Iris O'Toole from the Friends of Red Hill allotments said: "We
would like you to take this opportunity to see how well the site
has developed since the last open day. There will be stalls selling
home made produce, plants, garden produce and refreshments, children's
activities and more.
"More plots are becoming available as the rest of the site
is gradually being cleared. The steward will be on site if you
wish to discuss reserving one.
Medical centre
THE REFURBISHED Birstall Medical Centre
on Whiles Lane has re-opened after a £1million face-lift.
The extended centre now has four GPs and there are plans to provide
more services, such as carrying out endoscopies and bringing
in hospital consultants for clinics, to save patients travelling
to Leicester's hospitals.
A pharmacy is planned and in the future dentistry may be provided.
The official opening was carried out by Charnwood MP Stephen
Dorrell before the public was allowed to look around the new
facility.
Pupils display art
A GROUP of eight talented pupils staged
an exhibition of their artwork at Riverside School.
Pic: Sue Faulkes with Artique
Led by Learning Support Assistant Sue Faulks, the group is called
Artique and her Riverside students, aged 9-11, are: Jacob Benfield,
Grace Brown, Amy Collins, Elena D'Ovidio, Natascha Hope, Olivia
Montague, Isaac Van Ristell and Eleanor Wells.
Sue, who has a BA Hons 1st in Graphic Design from Leicester Polytechnic,
has been teaching the group for one year. She said: "The
have produced some wonderful work which they, and I, are very
proud of. It has been great to pass on my knowledge, and it's
made me think seriously about going into teaching."
Sue's students have learned about drawing, painting, ceramics,
print making and art history.
Pupil Isaac Van Ristell (9) said: "I look forward to coming
and I definitely like Mrs Faulks".
Olivia Montague (11) said: "I really liked working with
clay, it was really fun and Mrs Faulks was very encouraging,
gave us great ideas and it came out really well."
Sue, a freelance artist, is available for tuition, both within
schools and privately. She is also available for portraiture
of people or animals in pencil, pastel and paint and is currently
seeking private commissions. Contact her on 2205164 or 07894
197114.
Rainbows charity night
BIRSTALL'S MULBERRY Tree restaurant on
White House Lane hosted a charity night in June for Rainbows.
Pic: (l-r) John Le-Good, Sally
Le-Good, Emma
Lovegrove from Rainbows, compere Pete Davinson
and Paul Clements, Manager of the Mulberry Tree.
The event was organised by Sally and John Le-Good of Heathgate
Close. After years of trying for a baby, Sally gave birth to
a still born baby boy they named Archie and to honour his memory,
the Archie Le-Good Tribute Fund was set up, to raise funds for
Rainbows.
The fundraising at the Mulberry Tree included a music quiz, a
raffle, play your cards right and an auction with prized donated
by local businesses, a signed guitar by the Kooks, a signed Kasabian
CD and a signed Tigers rugby ball.
Sally said: "Thanks to everyone who helped organise and
support the charity night. Over £1500 was raised and we
are extremely grateful for everyone's help and support."
Further donations to the charity can be made by contacting Sally
on 0788 2066820.
Trail proceeds
£1500 from the proceeds of the Birstall
Garden Trail organised by the Methodist Church have been presented
to the Royal National Lifeboats Institution.
Our picture shows David Bark (left) presenting a cheque to John
Harrison from the RNLI
Biker’s ride for Guides
A BIRSTALL biker has ridden his Harley
Davidson to the Highlands of Scotland to raise funds for Birstall
Guides.
Pic: Steve Parker with Birstall
Guides
Steve Parker is the husband of one of the guide leaders and set
up on his sponsored ride to Lossiemouth near Inverness astride
his Harley Davidson Soft Tail Heritage Classic. He completed
the journey in two days.
The money raised will go to the Guides Building Fund. Anyone
wishing to support the fund should contact Marie Upton 2671043
or Chris Woods 2210243
|
Stonehill’s Ofsted
STONEHILL HIGH School is a "satisfactory"
school according to Ofsted, who inspected in June.
Ofsted's inspector found that:
o Standards are average in mathematics and science and below
average in English, although these are expected to improve in
the 2008 test results.
o Pupils' personal development and well being are good. Pupils
say they feel happy, safe and secure in school and that incidents
of bullying or racism are dealt with quickly.
o Attendance improves year on year and is now good.
o A minority of pupils misbehave in lessons but actions to tackle
this are effective as temporary exclusions and the number of
pupils sent out of lessons is reducing well.
o Teaching and learning is satisfactory overall and some teaching
is good or better.
o Provision for ensuring health and safety is very strong.
o The quality of leadership and management is satisfactory and
the headteacher, Alan Monks, provides strong direction and leadership.
o The school needs to ensure middle leadership is consistently
effective in evaluating data to identify the causes of underachievement.
o All pupils need clear guidance on how well they are doing and
how to improve.
o The school should increase the proportion of teaching that
is good to raise overall standards.
Stonehill school has 688 pupils aged from 11-14. The Inspection
Report can be read at www.ofsted.gov.uk
Methodist news
New Methodist Minister arrives in August
Sometime during August Rev Rachel Parkinson will move, with her
husband and two sons from her churches at Thirsk to the Birstall
Road Manse.
Pic: Rev Rachel Parkinson
Rachel was born and brought up in Stoke-on-Trent. One of her
earliest memories is of sitting in the corner of a box pew at
Jubilee Methodist Church in Tunstall with her rag doll Wendy.
At University she joined the Methsoc and first heard a call to
preach, along with the first inklings of a call to full-time
ministry. Rachel moved to Leeds to take up a job with the Health
and Safety Executive as a factory inspector. She spent 17 very
happy years inspecting workplaces all over West Yorkshire. At
a local ecumenical group she met Neil, an Anglican. They now
have two sons, Matthew and Andrew. After four years of non-residential
training with the Northern Ordination Course, Rachel was stationed
to the Thirsk and Northallerton Circuit. As a 'city person' she
was at first dismayed to be given pastoral oversight of six rural
chapels, but dismay quickly turned to delight. She now looks
forward to this next phase of her ministry.
Birstall looks forward to welcoming Rachel and her family. In
addition to having pastoral oversight of both Methodist churches
in Birstall and in Rothley, Rachel takes the role of Circuit
Superintendent (there are eight churches in the circuit). Her
welcome service is at Birstall on Sunday September 7 at 3pm
Rev Edward Sakwe (who is at the Park Road Manse) has oversight
of Claremont & Harrison Road Churches and Rev Ian Mason (who
used to live in Birstall) oversight of Syston, Thurmaston and
Queniborough Churches. Rev Steve Hoggar (who is an unpaid minister)
has oversight of Edgehill Road.
Children's Holiday Club
The Children's Holiday Club is running from August 11-15. Places
are limited. Contact any of the churches for more derails, for
this joint churches week for children.
Christian Youth Fellowship
This is new group that is being formed for young people who have
left junior school, up to the age of 14. It is a joint project
with all the churches in Birstall. Contact Peter (2929670) for
more details.
Pupils raise cash
PUPILS FROM Stonehill School took part
in a sponsored walk around the playing fields.
Each year group was raising funds for a different charity.
Year 8 raised money for the Rainbows Hospice and our picture
shows pupil Sasha Atkinson presenting a cheque for £1658
to Ivan Brookes from Rainbows.
Oriental thinking
PUPILS FROM local schools tried the oriental
game of GO at a training day hosted by Longslade College.
GO is an ancient game, using simple materials, which originated
in the East and is said to develop lateral thinking skills. It
is easy to learn the basics but the game can be played at many
levels and by all age groups. Longslade was fortunate to procure
expert trainers of the game who travel Europe teaching it in
schools. In France all schools are expected to include GO as
part of their learning. Jean Baxter, the Widening Participation
link at Leicester University, provided funding for this event
to take place.
During the morning most of the primary schools from Birstall,
Glenfield and Anstey took part and were aided by the current
Post 16 Longslade students. The afternoon session involved group
work combining years 10 and 12 Longslade students with some of
the gifted and talented students from Stonehill High School.
The aim is for students to return to their schools and set up
a GO club, sharing their experience and knowledge of the game
with other interested members of the school.
One Stonehill pupil said: "It started out quite simple,
so we thought, but as the afternoon went on it got harder. If
you wanted to win you had to concentrate very hard!"
Birstall roadworks
NATIONAL GRID WILL install a new gas pipeline
in Birstall to reinforce the area's gas network.
The work will start on August 4 and last two weeks. National
Grid say the work is part of a major investment programme to
ensure people can continue to enjoy safe and secure gas supplies.
Engineers will be laying 845 metres of new plastic gas pipe from
Oakfield Avenue along Loughborough Road to the grounds of Stonehill
High School & Community College. Temporary traffic lights
will be in place on Loughborough Road at the junction with Sibson
Road and Greengate. The sequence of the lights will change during
this period only allowing traffic through the junction one road
at a time.
National Grid is advising motorists who normally travel through
the area to use the alternative routes marked out by the highways
authority, especially during morning and evening peak times.
Project manager Mark Allsop said: "This is the final stage
of essential gas mains renewal works that will ensure residents
continue to enjoy safe and reliable gas supplies into the future.
"By carrying out this work during the school summer holiday,
it is hope that disruption to traffic will be reduced due to
less traffic on the road at this period. We apologise for any
inconvenience caused to local people and motorists. We are aiming
to complete the work as quickly as we can and minimise any disruption
to the community."
Corbett’s cricket corner
THE SEASON is half way through and both
senior teams are both midtable in their leagues.
Pic: Ian Bartlett, Dave Sharpe,
Josh Saye,
George Corbett
The under 13s are now top of the league with five matches left,
this is a great achievement because most of the team are 12 or
under.
In July the club had four centurians, 1st team captain Josh Saye
scored 100 against Leicester Caribbeans, Dave Sharpe and Ian
Bartlett both scored 100 in the same game against Woodhouse Eaves
and 12 year old George Corbett was representing Leicester Young
Cricketers against Worcestershire also scored 100.
Pic: Sheryl Findley, Mitu from Aromaspice
and
Andy Corbett
The club held a beer and balti social night on the School Lane
playing fields with Mitu from the Aromaspice Restaurant providing
the food. Social Secretary and Events Co-ordinator Sheryl Findley
said "It was a good turn out and it was good to see so many
non-playing members supporting the club. The food was superb
and with the weather being warm if made it a really enjoyable
night."
Pic: (l-r) Andy Darloston is served with a
pint by
Stuart Jones and Tammie Bartlett
The club would like to thank all those who supported the club
during the gala weekend. Despite the showers the bar was quite
busy. Chairman of the Birstall Parish Council Stuart Jones popped
into the recently refurbished clubhouse and helped serve behind
the bar with the help of Tammie Bartlett who gave up her spare
time to give the cricket club some much needed help.
Andy Corbett
Your Say...
There's a notice in Stonehill Post Office that says 'Use it
or lose it'. I'm afraid we are going to lose it. What am I talking
about, Birstall Swimming Pool.
Already sessions have been axed, the early bird swim, over 50s
swim plus five other sessions. Apparently the pool is not paying
its way. I'm not surprised, many people in Birstall don't even
know we have a public pool, and those that do know can't find
it.
The entrances are a lonely (unsigned) walkway from Wanlip Lane,
or if travelling by car you can use Longslade School's main entrance,
turning left, proceeding until reaching small car park. No sign
from here, but take a left hand path until reaching metal gates.
Through gates turn right, second building is the pool.
Access was previously by Stonehill School's main gate, you turned
right and you were almost there, but somebody decided the gates
wouldn't be open when the school was closed, which is like saying
the pool is open but you must go round the back way.
This in my and my friends' opinion is the main reason for so
many people not using the pool. During the 1960s so much effort
went into raising money for the pool by Birstall residents, it
took many years to achieve. It's not the grandest of pools but
it's adequate and Birstall hasn't many leisure activities.
Hundreds of children have learnt to swim in this pool, it's suitable
for young and old. Cutting classes is not the answer, try opening
those Stonehill gates and the takings will double.
Eileen Austick
I would like to record a note of thanks to all the bands who
played at the Birstall Gala on Saturday. Despite a number of
difficulties not least of which was the weather and the position
of the stage, they all stuck at it and delivered some great entertainment.
I would also like to thank Starbucks who provided, free of charge,
'goody bags' for the bands. A number of the bands singled out
the crisps and biscuits for particular praise.
Simon Castleman
I've recently moved to Birstall and it's great to have locally
owned shops so handy - and cafés. I'd like to meet other
people interested in Climate Change, Peak Oil, Organic food growing
- the whole Transition Town stuff. Even if you're not into this
you might be interested in one of my ideas:
A Fruit Exchange - do you have more apples, plums, raspberries
than you and your family can eat - why not swap them or give
them away to someone who can use them and maybe get juice, jam
or chutney in return
Car Sharing - I'm cutting down on the use of my car, if you are
too, we could think about car-sharing. My reliable little car
is all taxed and MOT'd and sits on the drive most days. About
30p per mile covers insurance, tax, petrol and so on.
If you're interested in any of these please get in touch through
the Birstall Post or phone me or send a text to me on 0777 3353482.
I look forward to meeting some like-minded people.
Louise Hall
Ed's note: Mail posted to us will be forwarded to Louise
We've just come back from a few days in Dorset. On the way
back, we passed Poundbury Village near Dorchester. This is the
Duchy of Cornwall design that we think the Hallam Fields development
is based on. The shops in Poundbury seem to be in small groups,
next door to the houses. There is no 'shopping precinct'. Is
that how the shops will be developed at Hallam Fields?
The web site: www.poundbury.info/ is worth a look.
Name & address supplied
I would like to put the record straight regarding the poem
'The Man Apart' published in the July edition of the Birstall
Post.
Due no doubt to a misunderstanding I was credited with writing
the poem, this is not so. The facts are that whilst serving as
a beat Sergeant at Charles Street Police Station I saw it on
a notice board and made a copy.
My apologies to whoever did write it, should they still be with
us.
Donald Sims
I was doing some surfing the other day and looking at Birstall
on Google Earth, when I came upon your community website. I lived
on the corner of Wanlip Lane and Windmill Ave. in one of the
old pre-fabs before they were all destroyed and houses built
there. I went to Birstall Junior School and sang in the choir
at St James Church as a young boy. I remember going to the Saturday
matinee at the Lawn Cinema where Bert Pollard was the manager
and spent some hours in the hallway of the Social Club while
my Mum and Dad had a beer or two on a Saturday night.
I was surprised to see an article containing a piece about a
Cynthia Coltman playing the piano. I was wondering if it was
the same Cynthia Coltman who lived, (if I remember correctly)
on Gwendolin Avenue. If so she was my piano teacher for 5 years
from 1954 -1959. I managed to get 5 certificates in music 3 with
merit and 2 with distinction under her tutelage. If this is indeed
the same person, I would love to hear from her. I no longer play
piano, much to my regret but have been playing acoustic and electric
guitar for almost 41 years now.
My family moved to Glenfield in 1959. I joined the Royal Navy
in 1968 and stayed in the Fleet Air arm until 1980. I went to
work in North Carolina in 1986, where I met my lovely wife and
we have been happily married for the last 17 years.
It's true that from time to time I miss England and finding your
website really brought back some happy memories.
Larry K. Smith (North Carolina, USA)
Larry.Smith@TIMCO.aero
My daughter would like to let the person know that the baby
tame rabbit they set free in the Wanlip Lane fields now has a
nice new home and doesn't have to fend for itself in the wild.
There are places you can take unwanted animals too, like the
RSPCA.
Jean Spencer
I agree with Simon Castleman over his comments about carbon
emissions. I was probably one of those sitting at the new island
at 06.00 in the morning coming home from work. What once was
a free flowing traffic run to Loughborough has now become a stop
start nightmare even at 06.00 in the morning. Also which idiot
of a planner decided to make the lanes around the island from
Loughborough Road onto the A6, three lanes going into two? This
is an accident waiting to happen, we now have the boy/girl racers
speeding round the island now trying to get in front of everyone.
These were controlled lanes before, if someone was in the wrong
lane courtesy used to prevail, not now! Is it too late to get
some sanity back and have the lights working together to allow
a free flow of traffic and to put the lanes back to two remember
Mr Traffic Planner it is only a dual carriage way and dual means
two. We can only hope.
Peter Stephenson
Starbucks gym donation
THE NEW Starbucks coffee shop in Hallam
Fields has made another donation to a local good cause.
In May, staff helped out gardening at the Abbeyfield home on
Netherhall Lane, in July they provided refreshments for the bands
at Birstall Gala and now they have agreed to support Carl Gunns'
boxing gym.
Carl said: "I went up there to see the manager, Gerrit Koekemoer
and I was impressed with both him and Starbucks. He took the
time to come and talk to me and offered me support in the form
of vouchers and gifts. I think it's great that a big organisation
like that has agreed to help the gym without hesitation.
Gerrit said: "Carl's Gym is playing a very active role in
the local community and contributes to everyday life. At Starbucks
Birstall, we aim to do the same, albeit in a different way. We
are very keen to help and contribute to people and communities
in the immediate area and by helping Carl, we are effectively
and indirectly helping the local residents. With our sponsorship
of 75 items that Carl can use in a raffle or however else he
pleases to raise money for more boxing gloves, we are helping
many youngsters keep off the street and occupied. At Starbucks
Birstall our aim is to establish ourselves as a cornerstone of
the community, involved in the community and helping the community.
We have also helped local schools and local nurseries with various
community initiatives, and this is just the start of what will
be a very long and happy relationship between us and the people
in our area."
Stonehill talent
TALENTED PUPILS from Stonehill school sang,
danced, acted and played music at the Stonehill Talent Showcase
in June.
Pic: Dancer Hannah Loach
Pic: Skie Pickering
Pic: Oliver Collins
Pic: the Buff Girl dancers Emily
Spence,
Georgia Smith, Chloe Moore, Lois
Farmer and Beth Russell
Teaching Assistant Helen Tebbutt said: "The pupils were
fantastic and very talented. The evening was about celebrating
the pupils' talents both on the stage and off it, in their care
and support of one another. Everyone who came to the show spoke
positively about the evening, which was a tribute to all the
pupils' hard work."
New singers
FIVE NEW men have joined Birstall's Heart
of England Barbershop chorus in the last month.
"Two are 19 years old, proving age is no barrier" said
spokesman Jan Hunt. "Now that 'The Last Choir Standing'
is being shown on the BBC we would like to think this will inspire
more people to join us" he added.
The chorus meet at Birstall Social Club on Monday evenings from
7.30pm. Last month they hosted four visiting choruses and raised
£200 for LOROS. Jan said "It was a superb evening
with over 60 singers on stage combing to make a huge sound."
The chorus has also recently sung at the Ratby Musik Festival
with the Ratby Co-op band.
Longslade art & design show
OUR PICTURES show some of the work produced
by students at Longslade's Art, Design and Technology end of
year show.
The event was attended by several hundred invited guests who
had the opportunity to enjoy the work on display as well as to
vote for their 'student of the year'. Sandeep Tara, Head of Graphics,
said: "The exhibition confirmed the department's expertise
in each specialist area available to pupils and consolidated
the college as one of the fore-runners for creativity within
the county. The ambition shown within the pupils' work has steadily
improved from year to year".
Work on display included a copper water feature, eco-housing
and clothing using recycled materials. The Governors at Longslade
said: "The standard of work was felt to be very high and
reflected brilliantly on students' abilities and staff expertise
and professional skill."
Next year the exhibition will include additional subjects including
Electronics and Hospitality. The 2008 winners were as follows:
Graphics, Alex Webster, Eco House; Resistant Materials - Mark
Hampton, Copper fountain; Textiles - Anna Harbot, Water dress;
Fine Art - Holly van Geffen, Houses picture; Photography - James
Hissett, Fashion pictures; Food - Emma Purcell, Mango dessert;
Construction - Jack Broome; Art and Design - Stephanie Wells.
The overall winner and Longslade Designer of the Year is Mark
Hampton in Year 12.
Each winner will receive a special trophy and a place on the
Longslade Design and Art Wall of Fame.
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Planning
Somerfield Stores - 19 Wanlip Lane - removal of 1 No item
of roof mounted plant. Installation of 2 No items of roof mounted
plant
10 Front Street - felling of one Cyprus tree and height reduction
of another
69 Woodgate Drive - erection of single storey extension to side
of dwelling
58 Whiles Lane - erection of a single storey extension to rear
of dwelling
27 Firfield Avenue - conversion & extension to front of garage
15 Cliffe Road - insertion of dormer windows to sides of dwelling
43 Beechfield Avenue - erection of a two and single storey extension
to rear of dwelling
33 Harrowgate Drive - formation of pitched over porch and front
of garage of detached house
Greengate Medical Centre - display of fascia sign
9 Park House Close - erection of side and first floor extension
to garage
9 Park House Close - erection of conservatory to rear of dwelling
54 Beechfield Avenue - erection of two storey extension to side
and single storey extension to rear of dwelling
WEA courses
THE WEA Birstall & Rothley branch has
announced their autumn season.
Anglo-Saxons and the East Midlands
The Romans had left Britain never to return but soon new groups
of invaders arrived to impose their way of life on the population
and the landscape. They left no written records but archaeological
evidence and surviving place names have enabled us to build up
a picture of how they invaded, settled and left their indelible
mark on the East Midlands. Find out about the people that gave
England its name!
Tutor: David Taylor
Venue: The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley
Starts: September 16 for 10 meetings, Tuesday 10-11.30am
Fee: £41.25 (concessions A £37.10, B Free)
Tai Chi
With daily practice, the soft flowing movements of Tai Chi strengthen
the body, promoting stress reduction and well-being. One posture
of the 24 sequential movements of the form is taught each week.
Please wear loose clothing and flat-soled shoes.
Tutor: Laraine Tucker
Venue: Methodist Church Hall, Wanlip Lane, Birstall
Starts: September 16 for 12 meetings Tuesday 12.45-2.45pm
Fee: £66 (concessions A £59.40, B Free)
Turner to Doig
This course explores some innovative developments in British
landscape painting, from the powerful influence of Turner through
Eric Ravilious and Ivon Hitchens to the exciting work of the
contemporary modern artist Peter Doig. No previous experience
necessary - just a lively open-minded interest in art!
Tutor: Janis Baker
Venue: The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley
Starts: September 17 for 10 meetings, Wednesday, 7.15-9.15pm
Fee £55 (concessions A £49.50, B Free)
Singing for our Lives
Enjoy singing a wide range of songs in an enjoyable and supportive
environment. You don't need to have previous experience of singing
or be able to read music. Social singing is a vital part of all
societies and something we all can do! This course will help
you reclaim and rediscover this joyful activity.
Tutor: Willow Songsmith
Venue: The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley
Starts: September 18 for 10 meetings, Thursday 7-9pm
Fee £55 (concessions A £49.50, B Free
Further information
Franca Freeman 0116 2362566 francafreeman@hotmail.com
John Laurence 01509 813005 johnlaurence@hotmail.com
Or send enrolments to WEA Treasurer 35 Seagrave Road, Sileby,
Leicester LE12 7TN with cheques payable to WEA Birstall &
Rothley branch
Age Concern info
Age Concern Seeks Local Views on Care in Later Life
Older people and their relatives who have experienced the complexities
of the social care system are being asked to contact Age Concern
to support a major new care campaign launched in May.
Preceding a major government consultation about the future of
care, Age Concern is calling for radical reform of the system.
The charity has launched a nationwide campaign 'The Big Q' to
demand better care that enables people to keep their dignity,
their rights and control of their lives.
The way the current social care system operates is little short
of a national disgrace. Many older people are forced to soldier
on without the care they need, slowly stripping away their dignity
and independence.
Age Concern, the UK's largest organisation for older people is
urging anyone who has a story about their experience of care,
good or bad, to share it with the charity. These real life stories
will help the charity to raise awareness of the issue and will
also support its calls to challenge the Government to reform
the current care system.
Up and down the country, the care system is failing older people
and their families. The charity is calling for care to be funded
fairer, quality of care to be improved and care to be accessible
where and when needed.
If you would like to support Age Concern's calls to reform the
care system and share your experiences about any aspect of care
in later life, please contact Esmee Russell on 0208 765 7656
or email Esmee.Russell@ace.org.uk
Poverty, Income and Benefit take-up 2006/07: DWP Reports
The three annual Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reports
covering pensioners' income, poverty and benefit take-up have
been published:
o Income-related benefits estimates in take-up in 2006/07 shows
no improvement in take-up of Pension Credit, Housing Benefit
or Council Tax Benefit. Between 1.2 and l.8 million older people
do not claim the Pension Credit they are entitled to
o Households below average income 2006/07 shows an increase in
the numbers of older people living in poverty
o The Pensioners' Incomes Series 2006/07 gives a range of detailed
information about incomes of older people
Tax on Small Pensions: HMRC announcement
For several years, up to 420,000 pensioners were not taxed on
small private pensions due to an administrative error. Tax codes
will be readjusted to rectify this. Originally those affected
would have had to pay back any tax owed for 2007-08 but following
lobbying from a coalition of organisations, including the Low
Income Tax Reform Group (LITRG) and Age Concern, the government
has now agreed not to collect back tax for 2007-08. It will work
with coalition organisations on future communications.
New
'Don't be fooled', 'Going Solo' and 'Adapting your home' are
new Information Guides available.
In addition to:
Help with care in your own home
What to do when someone dies
Making the most of your money
Choices in retirement housing
Putting your affairs in order
Financial Help in Retirement
Living Well in your home
Planning to live abroad
Your employment choices
Help with legal advice
How to find a care home
Your health services
Going into hospital
Healthy Living
Planning your retirement income
Living well in your neighbourhood
The Age Concern England Information Line (ACIL) supports information
and advice work by offering a telephone helpline and providing
new information guides, factsheets and information sheets to
individuals directly or at the request of an Age Concern.
Members of the public can call 0800 009966, or visit www.ageconcern.org.uk
Also all the Age Concern England factsheets are in two folders
at Birstall Library.
62% of Brits Do Not Organise Their Important Documents
Age Concern Leicestershire & Rutland reveals our relaxed
attitudes to storing and remembering where important documents
are kept. Two thirds of Brits admit to leaving essential documents
in unlocked places around the home such as kitchen drawers or
in unlocked cupboards. The research also shows that a massive
97% have to hunt around for misplaced and important certificates
including vital papers such as passports (38%), driving licences
(18%) and insurance policy details (11%), in fact 42% have no
idea where they keep their birth certificates.
In order to help people collate all their information about their
life in one place, Age Concern has launched the Age Concern LifeBook.
LifeBook is a practical service which is free of charge to everyone
and is designed to allow people to manage their affairs and pull
together practical personal and financial information. LifeBook
is available as a booklet or an interactive website. It is an
easy-to-use method of recording the important details of your
life and it can also be used as a way of managing different practical
affairs. For example, friends' birthdays or renewal dates on
different insurances, as well as keeping a record of utility
suppliers and store cards, there is even a section to record
your final wishes. The Age Concern LifeBook will also enable
loved ones to help look after their affairs should the need arise.
Phil Redfearn from Age Concern Leicestershire Insurance Service
Ltd says: "Our research and years of experience working
with older people in the Leicestershire and Rutland area shows
that as we age we appreciate the importance of planning and getting
our affairs in order. That is why LifeBook has been created.
The Age Concern LifeBook provides an easy to address the difficult
task of putting our affairs in order and gives the confidence
that the burden of managing our affairs will be made so much
easier for our loved ones when it becomes necessary."
LifeBook is available to everyone regardless of age. Tel: 0845
6851061, quoting ref: ALL 721, to request your free copy.
British Gas
is offering anyone over 70 FREE home insulation worth around
£600.
Amazingly, the offer is made regardless of income and you don't
even need to be a British Gas customer. The initiative, which
is part of the government's carbon emissions reduction target
(Cert) scheme, will offer both cavity wall and loft insulation
entirely free of charge to every homeowner in the UK who is either
older than 70 or receiving certain benefits.
A spokesman for British Gas says this is a no-strings offer available
across the UK as long as the recipients fit the criteria. "Everyone
over 70 is immediately eligible whether they are a British Gas
customer of whether they get their energy from one of our rivals.
The same goes for those on particular benefits - regardless of
their age. The aim is to improve the insulation of the homes
in most need. If you think you may qualify, give the call centre
a call and staff will be able to talk you through the process.
To take up British Gas's offer simply ring 0845 6052535, Code
JOU - it is possible to save up to £200 a year in energy
bills and reduce CO2 emissions.
Alternative Water Supplies for Severn Trent Customers with
Medical or Mobility Needs
If you have a mobility or medical need that means you use a lot
of water or find it difficult to leave your home, you can join
an Access Register. Once you are on the Register, Severn Trent
can contact you as a priority if your water is cut off because
of something planned or unplanned.
They can also make sure that you know about any emergency quickly.
Contact Severn Trent free on 0800 783 444 and they will try to
make sure that an alternative supply is available should you
need it.
Good Life Projects to Promote Healthy Living
We have two new Good Life Projects that have recently started.
One covers the county and is run by Suki Garcha and the other
is covering the city and is co-ordinated by Nisha Popat.
Both projects are running for just under five years and both
aim to promote Healthy Living Styles to older people through
setting up interactive sessions. The sessions will be held at
various venues and instructors are brought in to do various exercises,
alternative therapies and to advise on diet and nutrition.
At present we have arranged 18 sessions in the Oadby and Wigston
area and we will advise on further sessions when they are arranged.
Please contact Suki on 2992261 or Nisha on 2046441 for further
information.
Suki Garcha will be working in the Charnwood area from October
this year and with her help, Age Concern Birstall and Wanlip
is hoping that it will be possible to set up some weekly interactive
sessions, provided that a suitable venue is available and a few
suitable volunteers come forward to run the sessions.
We are looking to recruit volunteers in the Goodlife Project
to promote Healthy Living Styles to older people through advising
on diet, nutrition and exercise. We would like volunteers to
have a background in these areas. Please contact Suki or Nisha
for further information.
Learning Disability and Dementia: Resource Pack
In the Know is a resource pack for anyone supporting a person
with a learning disability who develops dementia. It was developed
by the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships at Edinburgh
University, with support from the Joesph Rowntree Foundation.
The pack includes factsheets, which provide background information
and describe good practice in dementia care, and a number of
practical tools. Topics include 'life story' work, dealing with
challenging behaviour, developing a suitable environment and
eating well.
In the Know: Implementing Good Practice
Tel: 01273 623222 (Pavilion Publishing)
www.jrf.org.uk/bookshop/details.asp?pubID=693
Disabled Facilities Grants: CLG Announcement
Some changes to Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) announced in
February have now been introduced:
o extending passporting provisions linked to the DFG means test;
o bringing access to the garden within the scope of the DFG;
o increasing the maximum grant from £25,000 to £30,000;
and
o giving local authorities discretion to levy a property charge
(restricted to £10,000) to adapted homes of owner-occupiers
if the DFG is £5,000 or more, and if they sell their home
within ten years.
Jex Woods
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