Riverside cricket champions
RIVERSIDE PRIMARY School of Birstall are
celebrating their girls' cricket team becoming Leicestershire
Schools Under 11s cricket champions.
The girls, all aged ten and eleven, remained undefeated throughout
the tournament and played in a tremendous three-way final against
Wolsey House and Badgerbrook Primary Schools. They won both games
to win the trophy.
Pic: (l-r) Bayley Kay, Melissa Purdom, Ella
Wortley,
Remi Sargeant, Emily Carnan, Poppy Gordon, Grace
Brown, Emile-Jane Gordon, Taylor Findley
Captain, Poppy Gordon, put their success down to the fact that
they were a very united team who were always able to remain positive
and supportive of one another, even in close and difficult matches.
Emily Carnan, bowler, proudly recalls a match where they hit
seven sixes in an innings that led to a resounding win. The girls
will receive their trophy and medals at an official awards ceremony
at County Hall later in the year.
Quality council
BIRSTALL PARISH Council is to pursue Quality
Status.
The Quality Parish and Town Council scheme was launched in 2003
following the Government's Rural White Paper 2000. The aim of
the scheme is to pride benchmark minimum standards for parish
and town councils, and improve the quality of management and
administration.
To qualify councils must pass several tests. These are:
o Electoral mandate - at least two thirds of councillors must
have been elected
o The clerk must have obtained the certificate in Local Administration
qualification
o Council meetings - draft minutes must be published within two
months of meetings
o Communication and community engagement - councils must have
a website, list council members and provide contact details,
and produce their own or contribute to an existing community
newsletter
o Annual Report & Accounts
o Code of Conduct
o Promoting local democracy and citizenship
o Training of both staff and elected members
Reports from Parish and Town Councils across the country suggest
that grants are available for Quality councils that would otherwise
be unavailable.
Parish Council Clerk, Brenda Thomas, said: "This Council
is continually striving to improve its services to the people
of Birstall and deliver them as cost effectively as possible.
These aims also coincide with the aims of Quality Status.
"Quality Status is deemed to bring real benefits, not only
for the Quality council, but also for the people who work with
it and, more importantly, the community it serves. It will help
to demonstrate to our principal authority that we are an active,
professional and competent body to work with and in the long
term the Parish Council may be granted more powers to deliver
more for its community locally. The Council feels that Quality
Status will benefit the community it services and can only be
good for Birstall."
Youth football
YOUNG PEOPLE from Birstall joined others
from Charnwood villages to play in a football tournament organised
by Birstall's beat bobby PC Gordon Doudie.
Birstall reached the final of the Charnwood Community Shield
but lost to a team from East Goscote 4-1. Tommy Bradley won £100
for being the best player in the tournament.
The event was held at the Soar Valley Leisure Centre in Mountsorrel.
Those taking part had come into contact with the Police and warned
that if they got into trouble three times in the weeks before
the tournament, they could not take part.
PC Doudie said: "It was a complete success and I'd like
to thank the Borough Council for giving me funding and the Soar
Valley Leisure Centre for reducing the fee for pitch hire".
PC Doudie is planning similar events for cheerleading, pool,
rugby and another football tournament next summer.
Summer holiday drama
40 CHILDREN took part in a dance, drama
and art summer school at Birstall Methodist Church.
At the end of the week they took part in a production of Peter
Pan for family and friends.
Jody Chesterton of Faces Arts organised the event. She said:
"Classes involved making scenery, learning lines and dances
to music from the show. Some of the children have never experienced
anything like this before but because of the structure to the
summer school it really gave the children so much confidence.
Thanks to everyone involved and thank you to the Methodist church
hall for their well maintained, spotless venue."
Birstall's Liam and Grace Brown said: "We had so much fun
we can't wait to do it next year." Celia Middleton (7) said:
"I enjoyed being a pirate and loved decorating the biscuits."
Mae Birch (7) said: "I really enjoyed the whole week, doing
the play was the best bit."
Faces Arts hold classes every Thursday at Highcliffe School.
For any further info please contact Jody_chesterton@hotmail.com
or on 07971423201
Parish council notes
A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council
was held on August 11.
The Council agreed to spend £2231 on an additional CCTV
camera at the rear of the Village Hall.
Parish Clerk Brenda Thomas reported on a site meeting held with
officers of the County Council at the A6 park and ride site.
The Parish Council would like to see a vehicle entrance for the
Stonehill/Longslade campus incorporated into the site, to take
vehicles away from Stonehill Avenue during the school day. County
Council offices will attend the September meeting to talk about
the scheme.
PC Gordon Doudie reported there had been 12 burglaries in the
last month, up from six last month. One man had been detained
and admitted to eight of the 12, plus a further 30 burglaries
over the last two months within the county.
PC Doudie said there was a continuing problem with shed break-ins
on the allotments. Two people were stopped on the A6 in possession
of drugs and given a street caution. There were still problems
with antisocial behaviour: one girl has signed an Acceptable
Behaviour Contract and two other young people may do so. ABCs
lead on to an ASBO when they are breached. PC Doudie said ABCs
and ASBOs do work and are not regarded as a badge of honour by
young people.
It was reported that overflowing drains on School Lane, Curzon
Avenue, and Loughborough Road had been reported to the County
Council.
Chairman Stuart Jones reported on the excellent performance of
the Estates Team staff who had recently completed NVQ II level
training.
The council agreed to establish a Youth Council comprising 10
members aged 13-18 representing a cross section of young people
in Birstall. A budget of £20,000 has been set aside. Comment
was made that input from young people would provide insight on
what facilities they need, and that the Youth Council would be
able to apply to various sources of funding.
It was agreed that the Clerk chair Birstall Business Watch for
six months to help get it established.
It was agreed by a majority decision that the Parish Council
seek Quality Status.
New loco at GCR
A BRAND new main line steam locomotive
which has taken 20 years to build has arrived at the Great Central
Railway in Leicestershire for 'running in'.
The GCR is delighted to announce the arrival of Al Class no.
60163 'Tornado' for a two month stay.
"This is a terrific honour for the GCR", said railway
president Bill Ford. "Tornado has been the talk of the enthusiast
community for years, but now it's finally ready to run, the whole
world is taking notice. After testing it will pull its first
trains right here in Leicestershire. We're expecting to be very
busy indeed!"
The engine has been built by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, an
independent group of railway enthusiasts based in Darlington.
The A1 Class of Pacific locomotives was designed by Arthur H
Peppercorn for the London and North Eastern Railway and built
in 1948/49. They were the last of the East Coast Main Line's
series of thoroughbred express passenger steam locomotives. Examples
of many other Darlington and Doncaster built locomotives have
been saved for preservation, but not the Peppercorn A1s which
were scrapped. It has cost £3 million to build.
The engine arrived in mid August and spent two months at the
Great Central. The first month will be taken up with testing.
The engine will run by itself and then with empty carriages.
In late September Tornado will pull its first passenger trains,
initially for the thousands of people who have helped sponsor
the build. Then the trains will be open for everyone, for three
weekends until the middle of October.
Mark Allatt, Chairman of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust said:
"The GCR offers us all the right facilities for testing
our new locomotive. Naturally being in the middle of the country
we hope as many people as possible will share in the chance to
see Britain's first brand new main line steam engine since 1960.
After our stay at the GCR we're heading off for service on the
national network, though we still need to raise £66,000
to finish the job."
Daniel picks a diamond
AN EIGHT year old boy from Birstall has
won a £1000 diamond while on holiday in Cornwall.
Pic: Daniel's reaction on finding
a diamond
and below, searching in the sand
Daniel Phillipson (8) was visiting Treasure Park near Redruth
with mum Gail, dad Richard and brother Max (6).
The jewellers Cornish Goldsmiths have filled a perspex pyramid
with sand, thousands of fake diamonds and just two 0.5 carat
diamonds each worth £1000. Visitors pay £2 to have
a rummage around in the sand and pull out what they hope is a
real diamond, which is tested by a machine that shows a red light
for a fake and green for a diamond.
Gail said: "When that green light came on it went wild -
the manager was called, photographs were taken, it was absolutely
amazing!"
Daniel said: "I was happy and excited and thought I was
going to faint."
Cornish Goldsmiths Manager Pat Maiden said: "We always love
it when someone picks out a diamond, there's always lots of cheering
and shouting and we take a photo to go on the wall with the other
winners."
In the last three years there have only been six winners.
Cornish Goldsmiths are setting the diamond in a ring for mum
Gail - Daniel is getting a laptop computer.
Methodist news
Welcome to the Parkinson Family
The new Methodist Minister, Rev Rachel Parkinson and her family,,
husband Neil, and two sons Matthew & Andrew, moved into the
Birstall Road manse in August.
There will be a welcome service, led by the chair of the Northampton
district, Rev Alison Tomlin at 3pm on September 7 at Birstall.
Rachel has already attended a service at Birstall and you can
read all about her first impressions on the 'blog' at www.birstallmethodistchurch.org.uk
- and if you haven't got the internet her remarks are favourable!
A Pilgrimage from Syston!
Syston is hardly noted for great spiritual places where one might
make a pilgrimage to! However one is planned for September 14.
This event might be better described as a leisurely walk with
short stops for prayer and reflection. Whatever you would call
such a walk, all are welcome to meet at Syston Methodist Church
at 2.15pm on Sunday September 14.
Pantomime Rehearsals Starting
Thursday September 25 will be the first gathering for those men
who will take to the stage for the 2009 Men's Pantomime. If you
would like to join this motley group of singers, dancers and
actors, then do turn up at 7.45pm. Your only qualification is
to be able to turn up most weeks each Thursday and then as February
draws closer Mondays as well. Talent is not required but being
prepared to make a fool of yourself is!
Summer Improvements
The small gardens outside the church have had considerable attention
during the summer, several of the large bushes have been pruned
back and some prickly ones removed altogether. But this outside
view, along with the newly painted white lines is only a small
part of the work done, mainly be volunteers to the inside. Several
rooms have been repainted, shelving put up, carpets laid, and
a number of other minor but necessary work undertaken.
Birstall to Belize
IN MARCH of this year Malcolm Lambert,
the former Rector of Birstall and Wanlip, and his wife Ruth moved
to Belize in Central America to work for the Anglican Church
in that country.
Malcolm is the Director, and only member of the Anglican Theological
Institute, where he is responsible for training priests and lay
leaders, while Ruth is priest in charge of St Ann's in Belmopan,
the capital.
Life is some different from life in Birstall. The climate is
tropical and Malcolm writes that the service where Ruth was instituted
as the new priest of St Ann's it was 35 degrees C and 70% humidity
and he had to wear robes designed for January winters in ancient
mediaeval cathedrals in northern Europe. However, he managed
to do so with a smile, through a 2 hour institution service and
Eucharist.
Although primary education is free and the state pays teachers
salaries, all the schools are run by the various religious denominations
and both Malcolm and Ruth are involved in both teaching religion
to the Anglican schools as well as being involved in the management.
The Anglican church is very short of priests and lay leaders
and on Sundays Ruth can be involved in round trips of up to 100
miles taking services in outlying villages. In addition to teaching
and taking services on Sundays Malcolm is also expected to oversee
Religious Education in schools. One of his current tasks is rewriting
the RE syllabus for primary children in Anglican schools. The
authorities want it rolled out to schools by August, with lesson
plans and resources for every year group up to age 13. As he
says, "No pressure there, then!"
Recently tropical storm 'Arthur' hit Belize. The storm caused
extensive flooding in the southern part of the country, destroying
crops and houses as well as cutting roads, which hampered the
relief effort. The churches were in the forefront in sending
help to the flood victims and Ruth's congregation sent $1,000
to the Red Cross as well as clothes and other essentials. They
were also very proud of the way that British troops from the
Jungle Training School in Belize were unstinting in giving help
to the victims, especially in the use of their helicopters. Rice
and beans are the local staple food, but during the floods some
of the shops ran out of rice and there were reports of profiteering.
Life for ordinary people is very hard at the moment as the cost
of living is being pushed up by local and world events.
Perhaps the thing that Ruth and Malcolm miss most is British
television. There are two local television stations but they
cannot afford to spend much on programming. At peak viewing hours
they often have live coverage of school concerts and even inter
school spelling competitions.
From Bert Tegg
Fraudster jailed
A BIRSTALL woman has been jailed for two
years for fraud.
Daksha Saujani (47) of Harrowgate Drive stole £116,449
of public money from the Inland Revenue, pleading guilty to nine
offences at Leicester Crown Court.
The mother of three exploited her position of trust while managing
a team at the Inland Revenue's Family Tax Credit Department.
She diverted claimants' money into her bank account, her husband's
and one of her sons. She also forged false claims in the names
of unsuspecting acquaintances.
The dishonesty was discovered when an auditor spotted suspicious
payments.
Judge Simon Hammond said: "It was done to sustain a lifestyle
and one of her children was privately educated. She's unable
to account fully for what she did with the money and sought to
minimise her behaviour. She says the Government loses lots of
money through poor administration and seemed angered she'd been
charged and that doesn't smack of remorse to me.
She is an intelligent woman and spotted a flaw in the system
and exploited it. Tax credits are for the needy, not the greedy.
It was a gross breach of trust and she exploited her position
over a period of time. It was well planned, sophisticated and
skilfully set up. People who abuse their position of trust in
this way inevitably go to prison."
There is an asset confiscation hearing pending and the family
face losing their home. Gary Bell, defending, said Saujani had
no previous convictions and ended up in debt from a failed business
venture.
Thanks to supporters
OUR PICTURE shows the children of Birstall
Methodist Pre-School.
Joint Leader Laura Freer said: "We'd like to thank all the
local businesses and parents who have supported us through the
last year and especially in our fundraising effort at Birstall
Gala and the generous raffle prizes that were donated. All the
funds raised will go toward new equipment."
She added: "We would also like to give all the children
starting primary school next term our very best wishes."
Club raring to go
BIRSTALL RUGBY Football Club is raring
to go as the new season gets underway.
Having recorded their most successful season in over a decade
the Green dogs surprised all in the county by being crowned Leicestershire
League 5 Champions, losing only one game along the way and making
the semi finals of the Presidents Cup.
Club Secretary Dave Bonser said: "This season is going to
be the toughest we have faced for a few years but there is a
good buzz around the club at present. We are turning out two
sides every week and recruiting more and more players. We pride
ourselves on being a friendly welcoming club to anyone who wants
a game of rugby on a Saturday and while it was great to pick
up some silverware in the last campaign it's the club spirit
that everyone cares about. Our club coach Chris Byrne has recently
passed his level 2 RFU coaching badge which isn't easy to come
by and this is yet another sign of how the club is developing
both on and off the field."
The Green dogs face a tough start to the season against old rivals
Keyworth and Boots Athletic before the first round of the County
Shield.
If you are interested in playing, training or just enjoying the
social aspect of BRFC then why not call Dave Bonser on 07841
58 42 06. Training is held at Longslade Community College playing
field every Tuesday from 7.15pm. Please visit www.birstallrfc.co.uk
for up to date information
Club supports canoeist
A CANOEIST from Birstall has received a
£500 award to help her achieve her sporting dreams.
Pic: (l-r) Ian Inglis, Rotary Club
of the Wreake Valley
Past President; Jo Oughton; Jessica Oughton and
Graham Packwood, President of the Rotary Club of the
Wreake Valley
Wild water racing canoeist Jessica Oughton (19) is currently
ranked number two in the world and number one in Great Britain
in her events.
The Rotary Club of the Wreake Valley and the charity Sports Aid
made the award to Jessica to help pay for coaching, travel, training
and equipment costs.
Girls’ golf
EIGHT GIRLS from Birstall took part in
a girls' competition at Birstall Golf club organised by the Leicestershire
and Rutland County Ladies Golf Association.
Pic: Maddie Reed, Charlotte Boyall,
Chloe Boyle, Ella
Wortley, Megan Boyle, Olivia Bailey, Lottie Quinlan-Merry
Pic: Birstall girls waiting to
tee off: Charlotte Boyall,
Megan Boyle and Ella Wortley
Pic: Olivia Bailey with Birstall
Lady Captain
Mrs Di Batterham
37 junior girls from golf clubs around Leicestershire took part.
15 girls played an 18 hole competition and 22 girls played a
flag 50 competition which is where the competitor sees how far
they can get in 50 shots, the winner is the one going the furthest
around the course. Birstall had eight girls playing in this competition
and four of them were winners. Chloe Boyle (14) won her age group
and in the age group 10-12 years, 15 girls played. The winner
was Oliver Bailey (11) getting to the 10th hole, 2nd was Maddie
Reed and 3rd Ella Wortley all from Birstall Golf Club.
The girls were presented with their prizes by Birstall's Lady
Captain and ex Stonehill High School PE teacher, Mrs Di Batterham.
Club triumphs
THIS SUMMER has seen success on all fronts
for Birstall Watermead Tennis Club.
Pic: The successful teams: back
row, from left, Bradley
Stones, Ben Gale, Josh Slingsby, Matt Williams, Adam
Garratt. Front row, from left, Mitchell Stones, Christian
Berry, Daniel Marlow and Joe Hesketh.
Not pictured but played in an under-16s match was
George Muller
At the annual county tennis championships, BWTC players - up
against those from much bigger clubs - had two major triumphs.
Seventeen-year-old Matt Williams won the Men's Singles Handicap
event while Wendy and Laura Morley took the Women's Doubles Handicap
title. The mother and daughter partnership went one better than
last year when they reached the final.
Laura, who is club coach, also introduced the juniors to competitive
tennis, with two age group teams taking part in the county junior
leagues.
BWTC's under-18s won all four of their matches, finishing top
of their group. They beat Ashby away 7-6, defeated Enderby 8-4
at home, beat Gynsill 10-2 away and Oadby 7-6 at home. The under
16s won the two matches they played.
Laura said: "I'm extremely proud of all the lads who represented
our club. There were some fantastic individual performances but
the team spirit from players and parents is what made the season
a successful and enjoyable one."
Cash for homes
CHARNWOOD HAS received a £414,000
grant from the Government as a reward for facilitating the delivery
of new homes in the Borough.
Cllr Hilary Fryer, Charnwood's Cabinet member for Planning and
Development, welcomed the announcement which puts the Council
in the top 25% of performers in the country. She said: "This
is terrific news. This award ranks us 79th among the 400 authorities
in the country placing us well within the top 25% of performers.
It is testament to a great deal of hard work in identifying suitable
sites for new homes and supporting the house builders in delivering
new apartments and houses where they are needed, including elements
of 'affordable housing' for those who cannot aspire to home ownership."
The grant rewards local authorities for their performance in
plan making, ensuring an adequate supply of land for new housing,
and facilitating the delivery of new homes on the ground over
the period April 2007 to March 2008.
The criteria for the award of the grant have been recast this
year to give greater emphasis to the delivery of new homes. Under
the previous Planning Delivery Grant regime, the Council has
secured around £1.4million in performance-related grant
awards over the past five years.
Charnwood says the money has been ploughed back into service
improvements, delivering faster handling of planning applications,
internet access to enable customers to view and monitor the progress
of applications on line and access a wide range of planning information
on the Council's website: www.charnwood.gov.uk. The additional
resources have also been used to fund a programme to equip Town
and Parish Councils throughout the Borough with laptop computers
and digital projection equipment to aid their engagement in the
planning process - an innovative scheme which is attracting widespread
interest among authorities across the country, says the Council.
David Hankin, Charnwood's Director of Development, said: "We
are immensely pleased with the award and by the improvements
in the outcomes of the service which it represents.
"We will be looking to invest the grant wisely to build
upon the successes achieved to date in order to extend the benefits
to our customers and stakeholders and improve our services to
secure the best possible rewards over the projected four year
life span of the new grant regime."
Leading figure in ATC remembered
A LEADING figure in the Air Training Corps
has died.
Pic: Neil Liquorish
Some 250 family, friends and colleagues attended the funeral
of Flt Lt Neil Liquorish RAF VR(T) (Rtd) held at Loughborough
Crematorium on Tuesday July 29.
Neil (61) died peacefully in Leicester Royal Infirmary on July
15 after a long battle against cancer.
Neil was a well known figure in the Birstall area where he lived
all his life. He was a member of the Birstall Royal British Legion
and served as a Special Constable for many years being awarded
the Police Long Service Medal. His working life was spent at
British United Shoe Machinery.
Neil will mainly be remembered for his work with the Air Training
Corps at 1947 (Birstall) Squadron but he was a significant influence
on cadets throughout the Midlands area through his wider involvement
in adventure training, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and
many summer camps.
Neil became a cadet with the Birstall squadron in 1961, rising
through the cadet ranks to Cadet Warrant Officer. In 1970 he
became a civilian instructor but he was soon back in uniform
when in 1971 he was appointed Adult Warrant Officer, followed
in 1975 by a commission as a Pilot Officer into the RAF Volunteer
Reserve Training Branch. In 1977 he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant
and took command of Birstall Squadron where he remained until
2003 when he transferred to 1461 (Wigston) Squadron. Neil continued
his uniformed service with the ATC until he retired in September
2007 and once again became a civilian instructor.
Neil took a particular interest in passing onto the cadets his
love of hill walking and the outdoor life. Neil also had a love
for boats, particularly on the Norfolk Broads and only a matter
of a week before he was admitted to hospital he 'skippered' a
crew of ATC friends on what turned out to be his last trip.
Earlier this year Neil was presented with the Air Cadet Meritorious
Service Award by Wing Commander Nigel Dickinson, Officer Commanding
South & East Midlands Wing. Many a young person throughout
South & East Midlands Wing owes so much to Neil. He worked
tirelessly for the cadets and established a unique rapport with
them; it is perhaps fitting that an ex-cadet should pay a final
tribute.
"A true gentleman, a true leader, an amazing man, Flt Lt
Liquorish had that fantastic 'unflappability', a very warm and
dry wit and the ability to gently poke fun at events whilst subtly
getting people motivated to do the task at hand. RIP, Mr Liquorish,
you will be sadly missed".
St James church
ON TUESDAY September 9 there will be another
in the series of outreach meetings at St James' church.
This time the speaker will be the Revd. Andrew Quigley on the
subject of 'caring for creation', with all its environmental
implications, and it takes place at 7.30pm.
Unfortunately our trip to Coventry Cathedral, planned for 13th
September has had to be cancelled.
On Sunday September 28 throughout Leicestershire is 'Back to
Church' Sunday, when anyone who may not have been to their local
church for a number of years is invited to come along to our
services either at 8am, 9.30am or 11am where they will receive
a special welcome.
From Beryl McHugh
Spencers’ Birstall team
THE BIRSTALL branch of Spencers estate
agents on Sibson Road celebrated a year of trading on August
28.
Assistant Branch Manager Stacey O'Connor said: "Despite
pessimistic reports cramming the headlines in recent months with
regard to the property market, the team at Birstall remain positive
and motivated and as result boast a successful year of sales.
"This hasn't gone unnoticed by Birstall residents who regularly
comment on Spencers 'Sold' boards dotted generously around the
village and WE would like to convey our sincere thanks for the
welcome we have received since opening."
The team (pictured above) is headed by Senior Manager, June Polonksi,
Stacey O'Connor (Assistant Branch Manager), Gemma Grimsley and
Hayley Atter (Sales Negotiators) and Jo Chapple (Financial Advisor).
Longslades record breaking exams
STAFF AND students at Longslade college
are celebrating their best ever GCSE and A level results.
At A level, the proportion of A and B grades gained was 39 per
cent, eight per cent higher than 2007 and 97 per cent of entries
resulted in a pass, an improvement of one per cent.
153 students took at least one A level this year, 30 more than
2007, and nearly all students who applied for a university place
have been successful.
Principal Dr Mike Griffiths said: "Students in year 12,
who are half way through their A levels, also did significantly
better at their AS courses than students were able to last year,
which suggests we could be in line for even better results in
2009! Watch this space next year.
"A number of students did extremely well, but we would like
to make special mention of Jane Aston, who has gained a place
to study maths at Trinity College Cambridge, having reached especially
high standards not just in maths, and the sciences (all A grades),
but A grades in Religious Studies, General Studies and AS Citizenship
as well!"
GCSE results showed further improvements with more students than
ever before achieving good grades. 71% of students gained 5 A*-C
grades, 6% more than last year, showing a 20% rise over the past
four years. 54% of students gained 5A*-C grades, where two of
their A*-C grades included English and Maths. This was 11% more
than last year and is 8% above last year's national average.
All students who attended Longslade during the year gained at
least one exam qualification.
Longslade says that more students than ever before are staying
on at the college to continue their successes into the 6th form.
Dr Mike Griffiths, the Principal, said: "I would like to
congratulate all students on their achievements, which reflect
the hard work that they have put in to reach their targets. I
would also pay tribute to the dedication shown by our staff,
who teach to high standards and support all students to do their
best. Our ambition is to become a leading school in both Leicestershire
and England and the continuous improvements we have made over
the last four years indicate that we are really getting there.
We want every student who comes to Longslade to achieve their
full potential."
NHW news
Have you noticed the number of 'scrap' collectors touring
the village recently?
A few years ago it was quite difficult to get rid of scrap and
we were paying to dump an old car into a scrapyard. Times have
changed and the prices of all metals have soared.
The almost traditional theft of 'lead from the church roof' has
returned in a big way. Even small amounts are worthwhile to the
thief and we know of lead and copper flashing strips being stolen
from roofs of buildings in the village. All types of metal are
now attractive to the thieves, including plumbing and electrical
materials and fittings, garden ornaments and gates, even memorial
plaques have been stolen. Almost any metal object or material
left in your garden or yard is liable to be picked up by a passing
'collector'.
Very recently there has been a spate of thefts of catalytic converters
from the exhaust systems of vehicles. Apparently these units
contain small amounts of very expensive metals. The units can
be cut from under vehicles very quickly, especially those with
higher ground clearance such as 4 x 4s. Be careful where you
park your car. What can we do about this?
Vigilance is the answer, if you see anything that you think is
suspicious, give the police a call and let them check it out.
It only takes a few minutes to check out vehicle numbers etc
and they are always interested in which of these 'dealers' is
currently in the area.
Police Surgery
Our beat officer, PC Gordon Doudie, has now been on the Birstall
and Wanlip beat for approximately four months. Have you met him?
Would you like to have an informal chat with him? Gordon will
be available at the regular 'Police Surgery' held in conjunction
with our Advice Shop on the third Saturday of each month. The
next one is on Saturday September 20 at the council building
on the Sibson Road car park.
Since arriving on this beat, Gordon has made antisocial behaviour
his priority and is achieving some marked success. He would be
very pleased to hear from residents their opinions for future
priorities.
Watch telephone: 0116 2676397
Watch website: www.villagewatch.co.uk
From Allan Kinton (Treasurer) Birstall & Wanlip Village
Watch
Bowls club
Birstall Ladies Bowling Club was well represented
at the National Finals, which took place at Leamington Spa last
month.
Diane Hurst had a good run in the singles. A 13-19 deficit in
round one against Rosemary Ellis of Wiltshire was turned into
a 21-19 victory. In the second round she beat Berkshire's Shirley
Dutton 21-18, before just losing to Joan Rogerson of Durham 19-21
in the third round, the last 16 in England. She was also representing
Leicestershire in the champion of champions competition and after
easing past Northumberland's Pat Browne 21-12 in round one, lost
out to eventual semi finalist Sheila Forrester from Hampshire
16-21 in round two. Diane teamed up with Sue Wilson Pa Walker
and Jan Everitt in the fours competition but on a fast and tricky
green, they were defeated 14-21 to a team from Somerset. Diane
and Jan were also part of the Leicestershire team that were semi
finalists in the national Johns Trophy competition.
Birstall again dominated the Leicester City and District Parks
finals at Abbey Park. The Bramley Bowl was retained thanks to
a 99-62 win against Oadby in the final, with all four Birstall
rinks winning. The club was also involved in five out of six
individual finals, winning three and runners up in two.
Dick Cooper won the singles by beating last year's winner and
Birstall team mate Dave Clarke 21-18. Dave beat another Birstall
player, Stuart Hartop, by the narrowest of margins 21-20 in the
semi final. Dave then teamed up with Dennis Meason to win the
senior citizens pairs with the last bowl of the game in an extremely
close final.
Dave and Dennis were also part of the winning fours team, joining
up with Andy Wye (who was substituting for the unavailable John
Lee) and Grahame White to beat South Wigston by one shot 18-17
in the final.
Pa and John Walker narrowly lost out in the mixed pairs final
22-24 to Rushey Mead, while Dennis Meason, Tom Cowles and Stuart
Hartop were even closer, losing 12-13 in the triples final to
host club Abbey Park.
More information about the club is on the website www.birstallbowling.co.uk
WI news
AS THERE is no meeting of Birstall &
Wanlip WI in August to report on this is a good opportunity to
write a few words in appreciation of two members who have recently
died.
Cynthia Olin had been a member for some years and though never
seeking to join the committee she was always ready to help selling
raffle tickets, washing up or preparing coffee or any other job
that needed attention. She joined in other social events outside
the meetings and was a valued member.
Betty Barker who together with husband George died within two
days of each other more recently had been a 'veteran' member
having joined before most of the present day members. She had
served in many capacities on the committees. She was president
in 1969 and probably again in later years. She also started the
Birstall & Wanlip Institute 'Singing for Pleasure' group
around that time which she conducted and organised for many years.
She could always be relied upon at meetings to start the singing
of 'Jerusalem' on a note and key that could be reached by all
the members. She attended nearly all the meetings until recently
when she became too ill. It was a nice touch to include 'Jerusalem'
as one of the hymns at the funeral service and was appreciated
by fellow members present.
Both ladies will be sadly missed when meetings resume again on
September 1.
Corbett’s cricket corner
WITH A mixed bag of weather the season
is coming to an end for the Juniors and the various ages have
done really well.
Pic: Andy
Corbett and David Lloyd.
The Under 17s have had a fantastic season finishing 7th best
in the County. This is a fitting ending as the team will be finishing
at the end of the season as most of the lads are now too old
to qualify. Rob Drake will also be retiring knowing that the
job has been done.
Under 17s sponsor Rob Frizzell treated the lads after the last
home game to a pizza night at the club house. To his surprise
Rob was presented with a crystal tankard just to say thank you
for all his support over the many seasons. Rob said: "I
have supported this age group over the years and this is the
best they have ever done, it's a shame the lads have had to finish
but I look forward to sponsoring the next generation of juniors
- the presentation has come as a massive surprise to me and I
am very moved by the kind thoughts of the lads and all at the
club." Rob would also like to thank La Virra in the village
for the pizzas and the extras they donated - none went to waste.
Pic: Rikesh Mistry
Pic: Rob Frizell
The Under 13s have won the league and are now through to the
county play offs. All the lads have contributed to this achievement
but I must congratulate Rikesh Mistry who took his first ever
5 wicket haul, bowling off spin against Bharat Sports. Plans
are being put in place for next season with the arrival of Lewis
Spice from Uppingham CC. Lewis already represents the district
and is an outstanding batsman and will be a great asset to our
club.
Pic: Lewis Spice
Pic: Henry Whait
Three of the juniors have been invited for district trials at
Under 13s: Dillon Amin, Max Lewin and Henry Whait. Henry has
already made his debut for the North District this season.
I was invited to Headingly, the home of Yorkshire CC by Sky Sports
to be presented by David Lloyd for outstanding service to local
cricket, not just Birstall Village but also at district level.
I would like to thank the Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket
Board for the nomination, the day was fantastic and one to remember.
I was one of eight coaches presented with a certificate and two
of them, one from Shropshire and one from Guernsey had read about
the murals on our cricket pavilion. It's good to know that news
has traveled so far.
The junior presentation night will be held at Birstall United
Football Club, Meadow Lane on Friday 3rd October, further details
will follow. Winter nets will start on Saturday 4th October at
Soar Valley Leisure Centre, Mountsorrel 4pm - 6pm .
From Andy Corbett
Your Say...
I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt
gratitude to all patrons, staff and management of The Trees public
house for the hospitality and tolerance afforded me when I last
visited the premises on Friday July 25.
Judging by my demeanour the following day it is entirely possible
that I prevailed upon the various refreshments on offer more
than was strictly necessary. Consequently my conversation may
have become erratic.
Let me also reassure neighbours of the afore mentioned hostelry
that, according to eye witness reports, I left quietly if slightly
unsteadily.
Arnold Bolt
Olin : Cynthia's family wishes to thank all who attended her
funeral and for all their kind donations to the Stroke Association.
Also thanks to the Co-op Funeral Services for all their help
at this sad time.
Mrs Brunskill
In my garden recently I found a cat's blue feeding bowl, courtesy
of fox cub. If this is yours please contact me at 715 Loughborough
Road.
Dr D A C McNeil, Heritage Warden
I feel proud and honoured to have received the Birstall Citizen
of the Year Award for 2008, particularly as it is awarded following
nominations from the residents of the village. To say I was taken
by surprise when approached by council chairman Stuart Jones
at the village gala would be an understatement. I knew absolutely
nothing about it and was, temporarily at least, speechless. The
cup now stands in pride of place on the Kinton sideboard.
Many thanks to all those who took the trouble to nominate me.
The ten years that I have been involved with the Village Watch
have been most enjoyable and I have made many friends in all
parts of the village and beyond, but I would not have been able
to do that without the support and company of my wife Audrey.
I am very happy to share the plaudits with her.
These things always happen to other people and it will probably
take all the time to next year's gala for me to recover from
the surprise at this year's.
Once again, very many thanks to those residents who for some
reason nominated me for this award.
Allan Kinton
Thank you to everyone for their help and support with the
Beers and Bangers Bash that we held for the Archie Le-Good Tribute
Fund for Rainbows. A big thank you to the Mulberry Tree for their
kind donation. We raised £280 which is fantastic.
Sally and John Le-Good
I drove past a shop where an empty bread tray was propped
up on the outside wall, a dog sniffed around the tray then wet
over it!
Later on Sibson Road, I saw a man scoop into a plastic bag mess
left by his dog,. The man then popped the bag into a nearby rubbish
bin.
So much for hygiene!
Name & address supplied
I drove past a shop where an empty bread tray was propped
up on the outside wall, a dog sniffed around the tray then wet
over it!
Later on Sibson Road, I saw a man scoop into a plastic bag mess
left by his dog,. The man then popped the bag into a nearby rubbish
bin.
So much for hygiene!
Name & address supplied
Pool friends
THE FRIENDS of Birstall Swimming Pool is
a new group that has been formed to help keep the pool open.
The aim of the group is to help source funding and to attend
public swimming sessions. The group has helped the Pool obtain
a Shires grant of £500 from the County Council, and one
of the cut swimming sessions has now been re-instated - Fridays
from 12.30-1.30pm.
Longslade's governors are meeting in September to discuss the
pool's progress and the strategy for the future.
Rothley’s new tea room
FORMER BLUE Peter presenter Simon Groom
opened the new tea room at the Great Central Railway's Rothley
station in June.
Pic: (l-r) Sandra Baines
(GCR Support), Simon Groom
and Linda Poole,
tea room manager
Visitors to the GCR now have a place to unwind, relax and enjoy
some refreshments. At the award winning, and haunted, Rothley
station, a derelict Victorian store shed has been fully restored
and converted into a quality tea room.
In addition, a new viewing area has been created at Rothley allowing
passengers to get right up close to historic steam engines as
they run past. The new 'grandstand' and tea room are fully accessible
to wheelchair users. There is also a landscaped garden railway
as an additional attraction.
"We've finished the job at the end of May and the new tea
room has already proved popular" said GCR president Bill
Ford. "The building itself isn't listed, but as it falls
inside the boundary of the station, which is, we've taken great
care to make sure the restoration is up to the highest standard.
Best of all, it has full wheeled access, proper toilet and baby
change facilities not to mention great food It's a great leap
forward for what we can offer our visitors."
The tea room ahs been called "Ellis's" after the building
it's in. It was built in 1899, when the Great Central Railway
was opened. Local firm Joseph Ellis and Sons Ltd used it to store
corn and coal, ready to be collected by wagons and sent around
the country by train. The building fell out of use well before
the GCR was preserved but has now been fully restored and carefully
converted.
The £70,000 project has taken six months, with the money
raised by The David Clarke Railway Trust, the Great Central Railway's
supporting charity.
"We're keen to improve our facilities right along the line"
concluded Bill. "We won the gold award for East Midland
visitor experience in 2007 but you can't afford to stand still.
We hope people who live in the area will make Ellis's a new drop-in
point.
You don't have to buy a ticket to ride our train to visit - and
after all, how many tea rooms come with a great view of steam
engines, large and small, thrown in for the price of a coffee?!"
Ellis's tea room is open six days a week, Saturday to Thursday,
from 10am to 4.30pm. It serves hot and cold drinks, homemade
cakes, sandwiches, light lunches and ice creams. It also hosts
party bookings. You can contact the tea room direct on ellis@gcrailway.co.uk
or 01509 632343
Supper
BIRSTALL METHODIST Women's Group's Summer
Supper held on July 28 was a great success.
This was due to the kindness of Barbara and Nev Steward who opened
up their beautiful garden for our enjoyment, our grateful thanks
go to you both.
It was a perfect summer evening and the refreshments were excellent.
These were supplied by the committee so our thanks also go to
them. It was a most delightful evening.
From Jean Gale
Newts
GREAT CRESTED newts at Birstall Golf Club
will be re-housed before the club builds new facilities.
The newts and their habitat are protected in law and the Golf
club has taken advice from conservation organisation Natural
England and drawn up a plan for capturing the newts and re-locating
them.
The club want to build new storage sheds, a shower block and
a rest area for staff. The plan for the newts will be part of
the club's planning application submitted to Leicester City Council.
New track
900 METRES of track from Swithland to Mountsorrel
is being re-laid by the Great Central Railway.
The former branch line, which once carried millions of tonnes
of stone from a local quarry, is being restored in a project
led by the GCR and Railway Vehicle Preservations Ltd.
The branch line ran north east from the Great Central Railway's
Swithland Yard towards the village of Mountsorrel. It was built
at the same time as the main line, opening in 1899. It fell out
of use in the 1950s, the track was taken up in the 60s and the
route was abandoned. The quarry now run by Lafarge takes its
stone out by a conveyor belt over a separate disused railway
line.
Working at weekends, volunteers have been clearing 900 metres
of the old line and thanks to a donation of ballast from Lafarge
track laying is due to start soon.
Heading up the project for the GCR and RVP Ltd is Mountsorrel
resident Steve Cramp. He said: "We're very grateful to Lafarge
Aggregates Ltd who operate the quarry, for agreeing to donate
2000 tonnes of ballast. This will form a bed for the re-laid
railway to sit upon. Naturally it's exciting to have the support
of a major company and the fact the line used to serve their
quarry makes an interesting connection with the past as well."
The new railway will add another aspect to the GCR, demonstrating
how freight trains used to arrive in Swithland Yard from the
quarry, their wagons ready for shunting, so the stone could be
sent onwards by train across the country. The local community
have become involved in the rebuilding and a group of school
children have helped to clear the overgrown route.
Steve added: "There are important educational aspects to
the branch, hence the tie up with schools. Village life was very
different a century ago. Some Mountsorrel children, from the
age of just nine, would work in the quarry pushing wagons around.
Rebuilding the branch provides an illustration not just of railway
operation but rural life. It wasn't all hard work though. Once
a year, the Martin family who owned the quarry opened the doors
of their house to entertain families. Children would ride in
the wagons, pulled by steam engine to get there!".
Three GCR wagons are due to be repainted by local groups into
the colours of the Mountsorrel Granite Company. An original vintage
engine which ran over the branch line still survives and it's
planned to eventually recreate an original train from the branch.
The GCR also hopes on special occasions to provide the chance
for visitors to ride over the branch line in carriages.
Tim Deal, Senior Planning and Estates Manager for Lafarge Aggregates
said: "We've been impressed with the work done so far to
clear the original route of the branch line. It's good to be
able to support this Great Central Railway project. As a major
Leicestershire employer, we take pride in getting involved with
the community. It just so happens the stone, which once was carried
over the railway, will now go underneath it to help in the rebuild."
The branch line trackbed continues beyond the 900m section being
restored, as far as Bond Lane on the outskirts of Mountsorrel.
Lafarge and the Great Central Railway are working in partnership
to clear this further section of vegetation. The total length
of the line is 1.8km (1.2 miles)
Steve said: "Restoring this lost branch line has turned
into a genuine cross community activity with local schools and
the Rothley Youth Group, besides the GCR, RVP and the welcome
support from Lafarge. Tracklaying should begin in the not too
distant future and will progress as volunteer support and resources
permit. I'd be delighted to welcome any assistance. There are
a number of jobs which can be done from home even if you can't
spare the time to get involved with the physical reconstruction."
If you can spare a few hours of your time then please contact
Steve Cramp, either by email smcavalon@yahoo.co.uk or by phone
on 0116 2301374
Age Concern info
Community Legal Advice for Older People
Older People are being encouraged to seek help with their legal
problems by contacting Community Legal Advice. The service, paid
for by legal aid, is free and confidential for those who are
on a low income or benefits.
Community Legal Advice, which changed its name from Community
Legal Service Direct in November 2007, can help people find information
and advice by referring them to relevant agencies, helplines
or local advice services.
o those eligible for legal aid can also access specialist advice
through a telephone helpline - 0845 345 4 345. This gives high
quality specialist legal advice and casework around five areas
of law including debt, housing, employment, benefits and education.
o the service provides a large range of information leaflets
that cover common legal problems. They explain the law and help
you get the right advice. You can read or download them from
the website www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk
o it also offers a three way translation service in 170 languages
This website enables both advisers and the public to find face-to-face
advice services near them. There is also a wide range of useful
information and tools they can use to help themselves.
Will Help - No Obligation
Once again, around 26 firms of local solicitors spread throughout
the two counties have been persuaded to reduce their will writing
charges for older people to only £35 + VAT for a single
uncomplicated will - a huge reduction with no strings attached.
The offer is available from September 1 until October 31. Hundreds
of people took advantage of this superb, low-cost deal last year,
either to make their first will or revise an old one. This has
proved to be one of Age Concern Leicestershire & Rutland's
most successful regular initiatives. To find out more, ring 0116
2992233.
Commenting the Executive Director of Age Concern, Mr Anthony
Donovan said: "Most people appreciate that it is extremely
important to make a will, but either never get round to it or
continue to put it off on the basis that they are too young and
it is something that they will do when they are much older. Unfortunately
7 out of 10 people die before they get round to it. By making
a will you take the pressure off those nearest and dearest to
you who will receive your money and property, rather than it
being left to the rules of law to decide."
The NHS Next Stage Review
The Department of Health published several new policy initiatives
in July, led by the NHS Next Stage Review final report which
prioritises high quality care. The report sets a new direction
for the NHS, empowering both patients and staff, and aims to
give local clinicians freedom to develop quality services that
meet the needs of their populations. The extent to which this
local control becomes reality remains to be seen.
A draft NHS constitution has also been published for consultation.
Although its principles include comprehensive service provision
irrespective of age, this is not reflected in the section on
rights. Since discrimination on the basis of age is not illegal
in the provision of goods and services, it does not feature in
the draft constitution. This highlights starkly the need for
the government to legislate against age discrimination in its
planned Equality Bill.
Polyclinics: King's Fund Report
An analysis of the opportunities and risks of developing polyclinics
has been published by the King's Fund. The report recommends
that primary care trusts should:
o proceed with polyclinics only where benefits in terms of quality,
access and costs are clear;
o focus on developing new care pathways, using technologies to
improve care and better joint working across teams and professions;
and
o consider alternative models such as a 'hub-and-spoke' model
where GPs draw on a central resource.
Under One Roof: will polyclinics deliver integrated care?
Tel: 020 7307 2591 (Kings Fund)
www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications
Mental Capacity Act and Banking: MHF Guide
The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) has produced booklets to help
explain how the Mental Capacity Act 2005 can help people with
mental health problems who have a bank, building society or post
office account. There is an easy-read version, a summary and
a detailed guide.
Banking on good decisions - how can the Mental Capacity Act 2005
help you with your bank, building society or post office account?
Tel: 020 7803 1101 (Mental Health Foundation)
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/?Entryld5=61149&p=2
Taxing Dementia: Alzheimer's Society Report
The Alzheimer's Society has published the report of a 2008 survey
of over 2,000 dementia sufferers and their carers. It finds that
more than half the people surveyed do not get the help and information
they need, and many pay a high price for residential or domiciliary
care.
The report recommends increasing resources to deliver good quality
care at a fair price; ending age discrimination; recognising
the role of carers; and seeking consensus that significant change
is needed to create a sustainable, transparent and fair system
of care.
Carers' Employment Rights: European Court Ruling
In a landmark decision, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has
ruled that European law on equal treatment in employment extends
to discrimination 'by association' with a disabled person. This
decision protects carers from discriminatory treatment at work
when this is related to their caring role. The case was brought
by as mother who alleges she was forced out of her job after
taking time off to care for her disabled son, but it has wider
application to carers of older people
Human Rights for People with Learning Disabilities: MoJ Guide
The Ministry of Justice has produced a revised guide to the Human
Rights Act (HRA) for people with learning disabilities. The guide,
written in accessible language, uses everyday examples relating
to supported housing, day services and employment to explain
what human rights mean in practice. It was produced with the
help of Working with Words, an organisation that supplies services
for people with learning disabilities and low literacy.
A Guide to the Human Rights Act : A Booklet for People with Learning
Disabilities www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/humanrights.htm
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 Seven 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.
Changing Population of the Oldest Old : ONS estimates
National Statistics has published edition 132 of Population Trends.
Alongside the latest demographic information, it includes an
article on estimating population changes among those aged 85
and over. Numbers in this group in England and Wales rose from
48,000 in 1900 to one million in 2000 and the projection for
2031 if 2.5 million. There were about 100 centenarians in 1911;
the estimate for 2006 is almost 9,000. Life expectancy at age
80 was 8-9 years in 2001 and is expected to be 12-13 years by
2041.
Delivering the Digital Dividend - Ofcom Proposals
Ofcom has published a second consultation about the digital dividend
- the release of valuable spectrum freed up by the switch to
digital television. Ofcom aims to maximise the benefits that
use of this spectrum will bring to UK consumers, while promoting
more competition and innovation. The spectrum released is an
important resource which can be used to deliver a number of services,
including e-government services, through digital television.
Older People and Technology: Ofcom Consumer Panel Video
Ofcom's Consumer Panel has posted a video clip on YouTube which
shows a selection of older people talking about their experiences
of technology, including digital television and the internet.
In the clip, the panel broadly categorises the experiences as
those of 'absorbers of technology' 'self starters, 'rejecters'
or the 'disengaged'.
Older People and Technology. Ofcom Consumer Panel video clip
youtube.com/watch?v=YRjUjAkXbTA
Price Comparison Calculators for Broadband: Ofcom Accreditation
With the aim of making it easier for consumers to choose a communications
provider, Ofcom has awarded its Price Accreditation kitemark
to price comparison calculators promoted by Broadband Choices
and Simplifydigital. The calculators cover fixed line and mobile,
broadband and digital television services. Schemes have to undergo
a strict independent audit to ensure they are accessible, accurate,
transparent and up-to-date, and provide information that is easy
to understand and use.
Jex Woods
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