Christmas extravaganza
THE CHILDREN from Woodlands Day Nursery
on Park Road charmed everyone by singing carols around a twinkling
Christmas tree at the start of the nursery's Christmas Extravaganza
on November 22.
"It was a day of fun and games for all the family with Christmas
market stalls, a photographer taking family portraits, a festive
creation station and many more fun and exciting things to do"
said Leonie Yates, Manager of the nursery.
She added: "For the majority of the children and their parents,
the best part of the day was meeting Santa Claus and his elves
in his very own grotto. The children were given an extra early
Christmas present and had the opportunity to tell Santa all their
Christmas wishes early - before the Christmas rush!"
Pic: Rymini Patel singing carols with mum
Jasu
Pic: Micah Holmes meets Santa
All the proceeds from the event went to Rainbows. Leonie said:
"We would like to thank everybody who turned up for the
event and showed their support for Rainbows Children's Hospice.
We asked the nursery team to nominate a charity and everyone
decided it should be Rainbows as this is a local charity close
to many people's hearts. We would like to extend a special thank
you to the many kind and generous local businesses and crafters
who made the event so successful by attending and making donations
to the charity & for the raffle. We are not quite sure how
much we have raised yet, because we are still receiving donations,
but as soon as we have a precise figure we will let everyone
know."
Leonie added: "May I take this opportunity to wish everyone
in our local community & beyond a very Happy Christmas on
behalf of our children and the team!"
Extra Police on the streets
EXTRA POLICE officers are patrolling the
streets of Birstall at the weekends to tackle problems associated
with large groups of young people gathering in the village.
Concerns about antisocial behaviour (ASB), graffiti and criminal
damage in the village were the subject of a phone-in on BBC Radio
Leicester on November 11, when some callers said they didn't
feel safe going outside alone at night.
The Police say incidents of antisocial behaviour in Birstall
are down, with 43 reported between September 1 and November 9.
Of these, 25 were criminal damage : 10 were damage to windows,
5 to fences, 5 were graffiti and 5 were miscellaneous.
Sergeant Marcus Lee said: "What is very positive is that
two of these incidents have been filed as detected, two are awaiting
filing as detected and one is under investigation with a named
suspect. This is a detection rate of 20% for a crime that is
all too often undetectable due to the sheer numbers of potential
subjects. This is testament to the Beat team's tenacity and interaction
with the community."
Sergeant Lee said that between September 1 and November 9, Police
spent 305 hours patrolling the ASB hotspot areas in Birstall,
and this was in addition to regular foot patrols.
"Most concerning of all were comments that someone was afraid
to go out at night alone due to groups of youths roaming the
streets. We are putting on extra uniform patrols, both on foot
and on bikes, primarily on Friday and Saturday evenings. These
patrols will concentrate on underage drinking and ensuring licensed
premises are actively promoting their licensing objectives"
said Sergeant Lee.
"This is a continuation of the extra patrols that took place
over the summer holidays that proved to be a great success"
he added.
Birstall Parish Council clerk Brenda Thomas said: "The Parish
Council does agree that Birstall is facing some serious issues
in terms of graffiti and antisocial behaviour. At the Parish
Council meeting on November 10 the local beat officer PC Carruthers
outlined in his report the measures the Police are taking to
try and catch the offenders. He also detailed additional resources
which are being made available to try and combat the issues Birstall
is facing.
"Birstall Parish Council can also confirm that the Police
did, earlier in the year, place additional resources in Birstall
to deal with the issues of gangs of youths in Wanlip Lane and
Lambourne Road which did help with the issues the local residents
and shopkeepers were experiencing.
"The Parish Council would actively support a request for
more Police in the area. However with Government money ever tighter
it is important that we work in partnership with the Police to
try and address these issues. In addition the Police and Birstall
Parish Council are working with the County Council Youth team
to try and establish a Youth Council in the hope that this will
help. Unfortunately like everything else this does take time
but it is a step in the right direction. There is no doubt more
needs to be done but the Parish Council is working with all concerned
to try and move things forward."
Inspector Cathy Yallop, Commander of Charnwood Local Policing
Station, said: "We know that large groups of young people
can be intimidating and that there are some problems in the village
around criminal damage and graffiti. We would urge residents
to report any problems to us so that we act upon information
and use it to effectively target our patrols in the village.
We take incidents of criminal damage and graffiti very seriously
and use a range of intervention measures with young people such
as Acceptable Behaviour Contracts to address poor behaviour."
Christmas in the snow
IT WAS a white Chrsitmas at this year's
Christmas festival at Birstall Methodist Church, with Santas,
Snowmen, Ice Queens & trees enchanting visitors, who all
got a dusting of 'snow' from a snow machine as they arrived.
Pic: an Advent star made by Longslade students
Pic: Joan Rumball (left) and Sheila
Wilson serving pancakes
The decorations in the church were all created by individuals,
schools, groups and businesses. The church also organised an
outdoor Christmas market with home made food, decorations and
a Santa's grotto.
Gunns’s gym grant
CARL GUNNS boxing gym has been awarded
£1000 by Ladbroke's.
The bookmakers made the award from their Ladbroke's
in the Community Trust on the occasion of the opening of a new
branch at the Clock Tower, Leicester.
Spokesman Steve Taylor said: "Carl is one of our customers
and his gym is a worthy recipient of this award."
Carl said: "This is fabulous support for the gym, Ladbroke's
are normally associated with horse racing and football and it's
great for them to get behind us.
Abduction attempt foiled
TWO MEN wearing ski masks attempted to
abduct a man walking along a Birstall street.
Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened
at 2.10pm on Thursday October 30 on Heathgate Close.
The 20 year old victim was approached by two black men who got
out of a parked black vehicle. One of the men grabbed the victim
before trying to force him into the vehicle. The victim managed
to break free and flee from the scene. He was not injured during
the incident.
Officers are trying to trace an elderly man who was walking past
at the time of the incident. He was walking a Jack Russell type
dog that was wearing a coat.
Detective Constable Jason Fell said: "We are particularly
keen to speak to this person as they could have vital information
which could assist with our enquiries and we ask him to contact
the police as soon as possible.
"We're keen to speak to anyone who witnessed this incident
and would ask anyone who was in the area at this time to think
back and see if they recall any details.
"It's important that we build up a complete picture of events
and would appeal to anyone with information, no matter how small
it may seem, to get in touch."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 1133 Jason
Fell on 0116 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message
for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer's identification
number 1133. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, which is free
and anonymous on 0800 555 111.
Birstall lights switch on
PANTO DAME Les Gale switched on Birstall's
Christmas lights.
Les, who has been dressing up as a woman for years with the
Birstall Men's Pantomime group, tried his hand at conducting
Alan Holford's Birstall Brass, which entertained the crowd with
carols and Christmas songs.
Car park
WORK ON the Sibson Road car park extension
will start on January 5, 2009.
Birstall Parish Council have appointed the County Council to
undertake the work, which is expected to last 8-12 weeks, subject
to weather conditions.
The existing car park will be closed during the construction
of the extension, on the site of an old bowling green. Alternative
short stay parking will be available at Somerfield, the School
Lane playing field car park and the Crossways car park.
A Parish Council spokesman said: "We would like to thank
Somerfield for permitting the use of their car park by shoppers
while the works are taking place."
For further details contact the Parish Clerk Brenda Thomas on
2677860
Governor
COULD YOU help the community and the development
of Longslade Community College?
Longslade is looking for at least one, and possibly two new 'Community
Governors'. Community governors are co-opted by the remaining
Governors of the College, who
represent Leicestershire, parents and staff.
They play a full part in overseeing the strategic direction of
the College and particularly how it relates to the community
it serves. Governors are not expected to be experts at everything
and training is provided.
If you would like to support the further improvement of Longslade
in its 'Going for Gold' campaign over the coming few years, the
college is urging you to think about becoming a Governor.
If you are interested, please ring 0116 2670802 or send an email
to mrssbunney@longslade.leics.sch.uk to organise an informal
conversation either with Tony Stott, the Chair, or Mike Griffiths,
the Principal.
Parish Council notes
A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council
was held on November 10.
PC Richard Carruthers reported that he had witnesses and leads
to follow up in respect of graffiti in the village,. He said
he would be visiting schools to ask for their co-operation and
support.
The County Council have provided a response to the suggestion
that a new vehicle and pedestrian entrance to Stonehill School
be created from within the planned park and ride site on the
A6.
They estimate the cost, at £200,000 would not be justified.
Councillors felt this estimate was high and that the issue could
be explored further by the Education Authority.
Birstall and District Art Society have donated a painting of
village scenes by Norman Sims to the Parish Council. It will
be displayed the Village Hall.
It was agreed that allotment rents be increased by £2 a
year.
Charnwood Borough Council have asked the Parish Council to consider
taking responsibility for the planned Community Hall at Hallam
Fields. Estimated annual cost could be in the region of £20,000.
It was agreed to defer the decision to a later date but that
if Charnwood needed the answer now, the council would decline
to assume responsibility.
It was reported that vandalism to the School Lane toilets had
cost £305 since April. Last year the total was £45.
Councillors discussed closing the toilets at weekends. It was
agreed to monitor the situation for one month and then reconsider
the issue.
It was reported that the total cost of maintaining and managing
the Birstall allotment sites was £11,405 with a rental
income of £1,149 leaving a subsidy of £10,256. There
are approximately 120 allotment holders over the three sites.
A full plot will cost £22 a year from January 1, 2010.
It was agreed to spend £720 on improving the lighting around
the School Lane pavilion to allow identification on the images
recorded by the CCTV cameras.
Abbeyfield Halloween
RESIDENTS OF the Abbeyfield homes in Birstall
enjoyed a Halloween party, including a visit from a group of
young people in Halloween outfits.
Coffee and muffins were provided by staff from the Starbucks
coffee shop at Hallam Fields. "A big thank you to Starbucks,
they were fantastic with the residents and brought loads of coffee
and muffins and the service was first class" said Abbeyfield
regional manager Jenny Morris.
"The residents really enjoyed seeing the group of local
kids, and the lads enjoyed it too. All in all it was a great
evening" she added.
Abbeyfield is a charity that provided sheltered housing for elderly
people. Barnes House and Grove House on Church Hill are home
to 16 residents. Each room has ensuite facilities and residents
enjoy two home cooked meals every day.
Jenny said: "To find out more about Abbeyfield in Birstall
why not visit us to see for yourself? You would be very welcome
to join us for lunch and meet our residents and staff. We can
arrange transport for you and offer trial stays of up to two
weeks if requested - we'll also help you to claim any benefits
to which you may be entitled."
Contact Jenny Morris on 01707 272864; email:j.morris@abbeyfield.com
or visit www.abbeyfield.com for more details
Running club
SEVERAL RUNNERS from Birstall Running Club
picked up awards at the annual presentation of the Leicestershire
Road Running League, held in Birstall on November 14.
Pic: members of Birstall Running
Club at the Derby Cross Country
Lesley Griffin picked up the over 55 1st place lady award and
Ian Black, Gary Harrison, Jane Coltman, Carl Voisey, Marvin Smith
and Deryk Woods picked up their 100% awards. This award is for
running in all 11 league races of varying distance over the period
of the league season.
Performing as a team the ladies came 3rd in division 1, the top
division in the county while the men came runner up in division
2 to gain promotion to the top flight next season.
The first race in the Derby Runner Cross Country League took
place on the 16th November at Bosworth Country Park. Spokesman
Gary Harrison said: "In very tough conditions following
substantial rain over the previous weeks Birstall Running Club
produced some great results which were greatly improved compared
to previous years following a great turnout by the club.
"There were some notable individual performances, especially
by 15 year old Joe Tambini running in his first senior cross
country."
Birstall Running Club welcomes new runners. They have regular
run sessions on Monday and Friday nights. For more details www.birstallrc.org.uk/
Art society exhibition
THE FOURTEENTH annual exhibition of paintings
by members of Birstall and District Art society was the first
since the death earlier this year of its founder, Norman Sims.
The exhibition, staged in the Village Hall, was opened this year
by Birstall Parish Council Clerk Brenda Thomas who spoke about
how Norman started the society in 1995.
Norman always encouraged members to put paintings forward for
the exhibition and he would have been pleased that 169 pictures
were on display this year.
Pic: Roger Cowham looks on as Brain Rimmer
demonstrates oil painting
His daughter Linda Walwyn has donated a Memorial Trophy to the
society to be awarded each year to the entry judged to be the
best watercolour. Its first winner was the Society's chairman
David Walmsley and it was presented to him by Linda.
At the exhibition's preview evening the paintings were judged
by eminent artists from the county including Tim Fisher, John
Redfern, Tim Hughes, Kathy Layfield, Alan Oliver and Peter Sumpter.
The winning artists Mary Bruce (pastel), Sue Faulks (acrylic),
Mary Houghton (most imaginative painting), Derek Walsom (oil),
Charlotte Stephenson (landscape) and Bill Benbow (still life).
Pic: Young Artist of the Year, Liam
Brown, with Lady Gretton
Only Riverside School chose to enter the children's competition
and prizes were presented to the winners by the Lord Lieutenant,
Jennifer, Lady Gretton. They were Shannon Webb and Brittany Goodwin;
second in their age groups were Kaimen Cheung and Charlotte Swift
and Highly Commended were Lorna Hulme and Robyn Collins. Young
Artist of the Year was Liam Brown.
The Society presented Lady Gretton, the President of LOROS, with
a cheque for LOROS, money raised by the Society's annual quiz.
Further money for LOROS was raised with collection boxes and
the sale of Christmas cards by John Kennedy.
The painting voted best in show by visitors was 'Lowing Herd'
by Derek Walsom. The raffle prize of a landscape by John Redfern-Harris
was won by Mr P Montague-Mason of Roman Road.
NWH news
Restorative Justice - The Common Sense Approach
Recently a Police Officer used the common sense approach when
he caught a teenager who was preparing to smoke cannabis in a
churchyard in Leicester.
The youth was a first time offender and showed genuine remorse,
so the officer gave him the chance to make amends by removing
litter from the church grounds.
This way of dealing with the teenager was beneficial to him,
good for the community, and saved the officer hours of paperwork.
The youth is, however, now known to police and would not be dealt
with in the same way again, should he re-offend.
There are certainly situations when restorative justice could
be used to good effect in our village.
Shed Break-Ins - Good News
Our local police have been successful in apprehending a 21 year
old man from Syston who has been charged with stealing from sheds
at the Meadow Lane allotments in Birstall and Church Street allotments
in Syston.
This has been a ongoing problem over a long period of time.
Remember that the Watch provide shed alarms at cost price at
its monthly Advice Shop 10-12pm every third Saturday amongst
many other crime prevention items.
As another busy year draws to a close I would on behalf of the
Watch Committee like to thank the many people who continue to
support us.
This support helps to combat crime in the Birstall & Wanlip
area and maintains a good community spirit.
We wish you all a Crime Free Christmas and a Healthy, Prosperous
New Year.
Ed Marshall, Chairman, Birstall & Wanlip NHW
Crime Report October 14 to November 10, 2008
Assaults & Harassment 10 (3 detected), burglary 4, burglary
other 18 (5 detected, 12 are allotments), damage 15, damage to
motor vehicle 6, drugs 9 (all detected), fraud 1, public order
3 (all detected), theft of motor vehicle 1, theft from motor
vehicle 5, theft of cycle 1, theft stores 2, theft 4
Burglary - this month has seen a reduction from 10 to 4. The
allotment burglar was caught after hours of overtime had been
put in.
Damage - up 2 this month. 10 of the 15 were antisocial behaviour
related. Halloween was a cause but this was policed by myself
and a Special Constable on foot. We seized 12 cans of lager and
two cannabis bags. 3 are graffiti related. I am very keen on
dealing with this. I have a statement detailing two culprits
that I will be dealing with in due course. I will be approaching
the schools to encourage the message about respect for property.
From PC 2139 Richard Carruthers
Birstall good citizens
IN 2004, the Chairman of Birstall Parish
Council Stuart Jones introduced the idea of a 'Citizen of the
Year' award for the residents of Birstall.
Pic: (l-r) Andy Corbett, Brenda
Watts, Jex Woods, Allan
Kinton and Stuart Jones
Elected councillors, at all levels, were specifically excluded
as were businesses and paid employees working within the community.
The focus was to be firmly on those individuals carrying out
voluntary work and adding to the community spirit of the village.
Nominations for the annual award were to come from the residents
of Birstall themselves and not be selected by the council.
Stuart said: "The introduction of this award has been a
marked success. The recipients have been worthy winners and have
collectively added considerably to the community well being of
the village."
Birstall's first Citizen of the Year was Jex Woods in 2005. Jex
along with his wife moved to Birstall in 1976. He became Chairman
of Birstall and Wanlip Age Concern in 1997 and held that post
for 10 years. During this time there were many developments and
improvements carried out within the organisation and to the St
James Centre in the village. Jex is also responsible for the
'Age Concern Info' page in the Birstall Post and for keeping
up to date the Age Concern England information held in the village
library. He was one of the first Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators
in the village and remains so 14 years later. He was a founding
member of the village Watch committee, which he was involved
in for 10 years. Over this period, Jex was active in almost all
aspects of Watch business and recognised as a 'hands on' committee
member. Jex feels honoured to be named Citizen of the Year and
is particularly proud to be the first name engraved on the cup.
The accolade for 2006 was awarded to Brenda Watts. Brenda, who
was born in Belgrave, has lived in Birstall for 41 years. Approximately
five years ago, Brenda got involved with the formation of a 'Friends
of Belgrave Cemetery' group. Her particular interest was the
graves of soldiers, especially those who served in the First
World War. She then embarked on what was to be a three year project
to research and record all the graves of soldiers within the
cemetery. With the help of a grant from the National Lottery,
the group were able to produce and publish a book of her research.
The profits from the sale of this book have now gone towards
the provision of a permanent memorial within the cemetery for
the soldiers of Belgrave. Brenda has also been involved with
the 'Birstall Quilters' group for almost 20 years and as a member
of their committee, has been involved with regular charity fundraising
efforts.
In 2007 the award went to Andy Corbett. Andy is Birstall 'born
and bred' and as a youth played cricket for the British Legion
team in the village. Andy is now the driving force behind the
Birstall Juniors Cricket Club. He joined the Birstall Cricket
Club approximately eight years ago at a time when they had just
four boys at under 10yrs level. They now have around 120 boys
ranging from under 10yrs to 17yrs old. Over this period the Club
has been transformed totally, the clubhouse refurbished inside
and out, benefit matches have been organised that included Leicestershire
County players and the club won the Wisden Magazine 'Club of
the Year' in 2007. Junior cricket at this club is now a year
round activity with winter coaching taking place at local indoor
facilities. Andy is also a trustee of the Carl Gunns Community
Gym. As Andy says: "What started as a hobby, has now taken
over my life."
Allan Kinton received the award in 2008. Allan has lived in Birstall
for 35 years, and also has a family connection with the neighbouring
village of Wanlip going back to 1911. He joined the committee
of the Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch in 1998 and took
over the post of Treasurer. Since that time the Watch has grown
in size consistently year by year and now has three thousand
contributing member households and 150 contacts/co-ordinators
within the village. It is regularly referred to as one of the
best organised groups in the country and has been used as a model
for other Watch groups to copy. Allan is ever present in all
activities of the Birstall and Wanlip Watch and is well known
throughout the village. The monthly 'Advice Shop and Police Surgery',
about to mark its tenth anniversary, is an established village
activity. Allan is also a member of the Charnwood Crime and Safety
Forum. Allans trademarks are a friendly approach and a well developed
sense of humour.
50 years of fruit and veg
"GOOD STUFF, I always sell good stuff,
never anything I wouldn't eat myself" says Birstall's John
Green whose fruit and veg stall on Leicester market has been
going for 50 years.
Pic: Sheila and Scott Green on
their stall.
Below: John Green.
John and his wife Sheila, of Wanlip Avenue, celebrate that
milestone this year although John's ill health means he has not
been to get to his stall for three years. Sheila (75) carries
on with help from grandson Scott.
"I have missed it" says John (74). "No two days
are the same, you meet some real characters and the customers
are brilliant."
Sheila said: "I'll keep going while I can, I enjoy it, I
like meeting people and we have lots of regulars, some have been
coming for many years."
For 12 years John organised the annual duck race on the Whiles
Lane riverbank, raising £60,000 for LOROS.
Longslade’s charity concert
STUDENTS FROM Longslade College entertained
with energetic performances at a concert staged to raise funds
for Children in Need.
Pic: Ginny Turnell and Chris Grant
Pic: Oliver Collins, Sam Robinson
and Jake Dickman
Pic: Ellie Mackness, Amber Ward
and Rhianne Patel
Pic: Chloe Webb
Producer Kate Goddard said: "The staff and students worked
incredibly hard to produce the Concert for Children in Need,
the show was a huge success and the talent and drive showed by
the students performing was truly inspirational. A special thanks
has to go to all of the staff and technicians that gave their
time to support the charity for the sixth year in a row."
Your Say...
I would like to thank all those who attended the Coffee Morning
in aid of Cancer Research UK held at the Rothley Centre on Saturday
October 25. The fantastic amount of £1016 was raised which
will go to the Breast Cancer Research fund.
Glenise Bowyer
On behalf of the Royal Air Forces Association Birstall branch
I would like to thank all those who have donated generously to
our Battle of Britain Wings Appeal 2008.
May I also take this opportunity to thank our members and friends
including the Cadets of 1947 ATC Birstall Squadron who gave their
time to collect for this worthy cause.
Your support, which is greatly appreciated, enables us to continue
our services and finance the growing need to expand them. The
total amounts to £2819.92
Eve Cooper
RAFA Birstall branch
Thank You, all you Shoe Box Fillers and those who gave donations,
that included members and friends of: St James, St Nicholas Wanlip,
Anstey Methodist, Harrison Road Methodist, Birstall Methodist
Church, because you will have helped to put a big beaming smile
on 385! young faces this Christmas and given yourselves a lovely
warm glow inside.
A Happy Christmas to you all.
Beryl Massey
We would like to draw attention to the disgusting mess in
the jitty which joins Allington Drive to Newton Drive.
Some dog owners let their pets do the business, thinking they
cannot be seen, and leave it to be carried on shoes. The situation
seems to have escalated in the past few weeks making it practically
impossible to walk through without getting some on your shoes.
We actually counted five lots there this week. It also gives
us responsible dog owners a bad name. We don't envy the street
cleaner who clears up after them. What we could do with is CCTV
cameras installed in the jitty to catch the culprits in action.
We have also noticed dogs walking off leads on the public highway.
This again would generate dog poo because you can't watch them
when they are running around. It is also dangerous to road users
and to the dogs themselves, no matter how well they are trained,
they could get startled and run into the road. It is still an
offence which carries a fine.
Responsible dog owners of Newton & Allington Drives
Name & address supplied
I was dismayed but not surprised to read in the November issue
(No.304) of the Birstall Post that discussions are underway
to consider installing CCTV cameras in Birstall on Sibson Road
(4!), Kingsgate Avenue and Wanlip Lane. Where is the justification
for this proposal? At the very least a public debate should be
suggested.
These intrusive devices seem to be spreading cross the country
at almost the same rate as speed cameras (sorry, safety cameras…)
which were originally going to be installed only at accident
black sports, clearly this is no longer the case as any driver
will know.
In a similar way CCTV cameras now seem to be appearing in the
most unlikely locations. I can understand that in certain circumstances
these cameras can serve a purpose, however having lived in Birstall
for over 20 years I do not feel that the suggested sites or indeed
any parts of Birstall can be considered hotspots of serious crime
or terrorist activity. These cameras if installed will only have
the effect of moving the perceived problem to other areas which
will in turn lead to yet more cameras until we end up with cameras
on every street corner. Certain sections of the media often concentrate
on reporting the negative aspects of our society and use this
to justify the need for yet more cameras which helps to create
a paranoid society.
This country was once regarded as a beacon of democracy and a
shining example to the rest of the world, it is no secret that
we are now among the most observed countries in the world with
more cameras per head of population than any other country. Even
the leaders of the notorious former German Democratic Republic
never achieved the levels of public surveillance currently being
employed in many towns across this country.
As a youngster I vividly remember reading George Orwell's 1984
and thinking this is pure fantasy …… it does not
seem so far fetched now!
Unless we can create a community based on mutual respect for
one another and property we are in serious danger of sleepwalking
into a totalitarian state where our every move, conversation,
text message and email will be recorded - is this the kind of
society we wish to leave for future generations?
Now where is that copy of 1984?
Mr E G Trzoska
Bowls club’s Spanish tour
A COUPLE of weeks after the outdoor bowls
season finished, around 50 players and guests from Birstall Bowling
Club left Leicestershire for a week's bowls tour to Mojacar,
Costa Almeria, Spain.
Having arrived on the Saturday evening, Sunday was a day of leisure
with many people opting to visit the old town of Mojacar.
The first game took place on the Monday and was an eight rink
match against Almeria, which Birstall won 153-108. The winning
continued the next day in the first of two six rink matches against
La Mata. The club won five rinks and drew the other in a 112-73
victory.
After a free day on Wednesday, the evening saw a visit to a nearby
restaurant for a meal and entertainment. With over forty bowlers
on tour, a much changed team faced La Mata again the following
morning, this time losing 76-118.
The final game on Friday was a ten rink match against Cabrera.
Almost every bowler played in this match, which the club narrowly
lost 157-174.
Birstall won two of the four matches. 17 rinks were won, two
drawn and 11 lost. Shots scored were 498 for and 473 against
with most players having three games.
The club left Spain on Saturday afternoon but a three hour delay
leaving Almeria Airport meant the bowlers didn't arrive back
in Birstall until 2.00am on Sunday.
Special thanks must go to Malcolm Wright for organising the tour
once again, and also to Rick the coach driver for not abandoning
us at Birmingham Airport following the delay! The bowling combined
with the excellent hotel facilities and superb weather, meant
everyone enjoyed the trip.
Just before the season ended the club won two more competitions.
The BAFTA (Birstall and friends Thursday afternoon) competition
involves Birstall, Blaby, Goodwood and Knighton playing each
other home and away throughout the season. Birstall won all
six matches to win the competition. In doing so they also won
the Jim Fearn memorial trophy, which is played annually between
Birstall and Goodwood.
More about the club can be found on the website www.birstallbowling.co.uk
From Andy Wye
Act of Remembrance
BIRSTALL REMEMBERED its war dead with one
minute's silence observed at the village war memorial this Remembrance
Sunday.
Wreaths were laid by representatives from local groups and organisations
as well as the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire Mr David
Knowles.
The wreath laying was preceded by a parade along Front Street,
Libra Parade, School Lane and Church Hill led by standard bearers
from the Royal British Legion. Taking part in the parade were
war veterans, Birstall Parish councillors, members of Birstall
Royal British Legion and Birstall Royal British Legion Women's
Section, the ATC, TS Tiger Sea Cadets, Girl Guides, Boys' Brigade,
Girls' Brigade, St John Ambulance, Scouts and the RAFA. The parade
marshall was Mr Chris Joyce.
Taking part in the parade this year were serving Royal Navy officer
Mark Stant (29) and his grandfather Rupert Stant (88) who served
on HMS Newcastle and came to live in Birstall after the war.
The parade was followed by a service in St James Church given
by Rev James Shakespeare.
On Armistice day itself, Tuesday November 11, at 11am a small
group gathered at the War Memorial to remember the fallen. Among
them were a group of pupils from Stonehill School with their
teacher Mr Cedric Cush. One of them was Sasha Atkinson (13).
She said: "Today is important because it is 90 years and
it should never be forgotten what all the soldiers went through,
no one would want to go through that. They did a lot for our
country and should be remembered."
News from St James church
THE CHRISTMAS season is particularly a time for the children
so it's good that we start this month with an occasion specially
for the young .
On December 7 the popular Christingle service at St. James takes
place at 11am, when children are encouraged to bring their contributions
for the work of the Children's Society which cares for children
less fortunate than ours. In return they each receive a Christingle
Orange, to remind them of our need to care for others in God's
world. Then on the afternoon of Sunday 14 more young people
will fill the church for the annual Scouts and Guides carol service.
On the subject of younger people, it is also good to know that
the new group called the 'J Thing' for 10 to 14 year-olds, is
flourishing. Having recently enjoyed, with their friends, a
Bonfire Night party in the Rectory garden, they are keen to invite
others to join their regular meetings on Tuesday evenings from
6.30 to 8pm (contact Mary on 2677620 for details).
Whatever age you are, you will be welcome at a Christmas Coffee
Morning in St. James' new social area Saturday, December 13 (with
the new heating system at last installed!) from 10am to 12 noon.
The proceeds will go to the re-roofing and refurbishment fund.
The following day, Sunday 14 at 8pm in St. James, we look forward
to the return of The8, the talented group from Loughborough which
dazzled us all last year with their superb singing. They will
be presenting a wide variety of Christmas music ranging from
Messiah excerpts and Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on Christmas
carols, to carols by modern composers such as John Rutter and
Charles Ives and even carols in the style of the Swingle Singers!
Tickets cost £7 including a glass of wine at the interval
and will be available at the door.
With a service of nine lessons and carols at Wanlip church at
6pm on Sunday 21 and a less formal service of carols and Christmas
readings on Monday 22 (also at 6pm) there will be no shortage
of Christmas music to appeal to everyone. The sign that Christmas
has truly arrived will be on Christmas Eve, when families traditionally
gather at 4pm for the Crib Service to greet the infant Jesus,
and at 11.30pm when the service of Midnight Mass will begin -
the real start to Christmas for many people.
(Full details of all Christmas services on the back page of
this copy of the Post).
May your heart and your home be filled with light this Christmas
and in the New Year to come.
From Beryl McHugh
Methodist news
THE DECEMBER calendar shows ten different Christmas events.
Many are free apart from a collection. All, in one way or another,
celebrate the Christmas season - so in this busy month find an
our or two to join in - and there is even an event at one of
Birstall's pubs!
Sunday December 6 is an evening of music presented by Kingfisher
Chorale. It will include the first public presentation of 'Angels
we have heard on High' written by David Bark. Tickets are £7
(£5 concessions). A wide variety of music will be included
including well known and unusual carols, and comedy pieces by
Mel Torme and Mike Sommes. A fabulous variety of wonderful music.
Tel: 2209318 for tickets.
Saturday 13th is a Saturday morning Children's Workshop (10am
to noon) including crafts and activities. Turn up on the day
at a charge of £1. At 11.30am in the church is a 'Come
and dress up Nativity' in which the children will be the ones
'dressed up'. It is very impromptu - but adults are welcome to
come and watch!
Weeknight Christmas Events
On four consecutive events there are four very different Christmas,
mainly musical, events. Three at the church and one in the White
Horse.
On Tuesday evening December 16 there is a community Christmas
sing-along. It includes Christmas music and readings, both religious
and secular. Free, but there will be a retiring collection for
the Cameroon Orphanage. It will include items from the Riverside
Choir and Laudate.
On Wednesday 17th, the International Peace Light from Bethlehem
will be distributed.
Each year a child from Austria, who has shown courage in the
face of adversity, is selected to fetch the light from the grotto
in Bethlehem were Jesus was born. The light is then flown to
Austria from where it is distributed at a Service of Dedication
to the delegates from across Europe who take it back, with a
message of peace, to their own countries for use at ecumenical
services throughout the continent.
Bring along a lamp or candle for this short service of distribution
at 7.30pm
On Thursday December 18 at The White Horse (White Horse Lane)
you can come along to take part in the Radio Leicester 'Sing
Christmas'. Please arrive at 6.50pm for a prompt start at 7pm.
Finally for this busy week, on Friday 19th at 7.30pm the Soar
Valley Christmas Concert is to be held at the Methodist Church.
Christmas Services
December 21 at 10.30 the morning service will include a Christmas
story 'with a difference' which the Girls' Brigade are presenting.
In the evening at 6pm there is the traditional lessons and carols
service by candlelight.
On Christmas Eve there will be a Midnight Communion service which
will start at 11.15pm.
On Christmas Day at the earlier time of 10am there will be a
Family Service.
385 Shoe Boxes
Shoe boxes full of small gifts have been assembled which will
be sent to 385 poorer children in different parts of the world.
There will be 385 delighted children on Christmas morning, as
a result of Birstall's efforts.
From Tony Moore
Burglar caught
A 21 YEAR old man from Syston has been
charged with 15 offences following a series of burglaries at
allotments in Birstall.
More than 30 sheds on the Meadow Lane allotments in Birstall
and the Church Street allotments in Syston were broken into in
the last 90 days. The police launched a crime prevention campaign
and wrote to allotment holders warning them about the break ins
and asking them to review their security.
They have arrested a 21 year old man from Syston who has been
charged with 14 counts of burglary and one offence of going equipped.
He appeared at Loughborough Magistrates Court on November 7,
2008 and has been released on bail to appear at Leicester Crown
Court on January 2, 2009.
Budgens bus service
BUDGENS SUPERMARKET in Mountsorrel are
offering a new free bus service for shoppers.
The door to door service will initially run on Tuesdays only
but may be extended subject to demand.
Customers ring the store to arrange to be collected by the bus,
they then do their shopping before being returned to their home
with their shopping.
Store Manager Guy Coombs said: "Some people struggle to
get to the shops and we hope this service will help. We're a
small independent supermarket with a full range of goods where
customers can do their weekly shop. And while they're waiting
for the bus home they can have tea and cake in our new café!"
The 11 seater minibus can accommodate wheelchair users. The service
is available in Mountsorrel, Barrow, Rothley, Quorn and Birstall.
Contact Budgens on 01509 416694
Bottles please
WITH THE run up to Christmas and the New
Year fast approaching, the Parish Council is urging residents
to recycle their empty glass bottles and jars into the bottle
banks on the Somerfield car park.
The Council receives the proceeds from the glass banks, via Leicestershire
County council, which in turn helps to pay for the festive lighting
and summer hanging baskets.
The bottle bank proceeds really make a difference, so please,
if you can, use the bottle banks when next visiting Somerfield
store" said a council spokeswoman.
Further information from Jennie at the Parish Council on 2676191
|
Growing veg
GROWING YOUR own fruit and vegetables has
sometimes been classed as being too much trouble and of taking
too much time to be worth all the effort.
But now there is a way to have fresh home grown produce from
your own back garden without even picking up a spade.
The Vegetable Gardener is a company specialising in growing herbs,
fruit and vegetables on your property so you can pick them fresh
from the ground when you need them. Mark Medhurst said: "By
making repeat sowings over the seed growing period, we are able
to ensure that there is always something fresh to take to the
kitchen throughout every month of the year.
"We take care of all the weeding and will ensure that watering,
feeding and pest control are also something that you do not need
to worry about."
He added: "Whether you have an existing plot to grow on,
would like to have some raised beds to give lots of produce in
a small space or just have a patio for container planting, The
Vegetable Gardener is able to take care of all your needs."
The firm also provides general garden maintenance on lawns and
borders, pruning hedges and leaf clearing. For more information
contact Mark on 01509 813 401.
BBC interview
A COUPLE from Birstall were interviewed
by the BBC after visiting the World War I war memorial at the
Menin Gate in Belgium.
Mr Harvhajan Singh and Mrs Savinder Jeet Kaur of Curzon Avenue
were on holiday in Belgium and had visited the Menin Gate to
look for the name of Mr Singh's grandfather, Kaser Singh, who
died in the war.
BBC East Midlands Today interviewed the couple as part of their
coverage of the 90th anniversary of the signing of the armistice.
More than 1.5 million soldiers from India fought with the Allies
in World War I.
Mr Singh said: "At the Menin Gate the people there were
so nice to us, so welcoming and said they were proud of our people."
Mrs Jeet Kaur said: "I cried with tears in my eyes, so many
people have sacrificed their lives and we never knew about it".
Corbett’s cricket corner
IT'S THE end of another year for Birstall
Village CC.
Each year is different and I try to make the next year better
than the last, this year 2008 was no exception. In January I
received a letter from the Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who stated
in the letter that he was pleased to hear how we were getting
children off the streets and tackling anti social behaviour by
getting them involved in sport.
Pic: Andy Corbett, Rob Drake, Steve Findley
& Bernard
Drake: the Cricketforce team
In February and March after an appeal in the Leicester Mercury
for volunteers to come and help us renovate our clubhouse I was
inundated with plasterers, painters, carpet fitters and kitchen
fitters, electricians and public donations of cash, this was
all part of the ECB 'cricketforce' scheme. Everyone gave their
time for free and made our clubhouse the best in the Leicestershire
Senior League, which in turn helped us increase our club membership
and thus increased the club funds, which has helped secure the
clubs future. May came and with it came a visit from Kathy Yallop,
Commander of Charnwood Police. In June the club had 4 County
Under 13 players representing Leicestershire and 3 players playing
for their districts.
Pic: Singer Tammie Bartlett entertains at
the awards night
Pic: Rose Parrott & Tam Mann-Kler
The social side of the club has been brilliant this season thanks
to social secretary Sheryl Findley who organised a skittles event
at The Soar Bridge, Barrow Upon Soar and a beer n balti night,
the beer provided by the Aroma Spice restaurant in the village.
It was attended by not just cricketers but also members of the
public.
This year also saw the return of the Presidents Day which was
organised by Gary Ferrar, a former player for the club. The day
was fantastic, the sun shone, the match was a thriller finally
being won by the Presidents XI. The day was rounded off with
a bbq and a presentation by President Mike Lord.
Pic: U13 District triallists Henry Whait,
Max Lewin &
Dilan Amin 355
The Juniors and their parents went to Trent Bridge to see Leicestershire
take on Nottinghamshire in a Twenty 20 cricket match. Leicestershire
lost but we all still had a great evening.
The Junior Presentation night was held at Birstall Utd Football
Club in October. Local vocalist Tammie Bartlett kept the audience
entertained and Rose Parrott presented the trophies and the Rose
Parrott award to the best junior Tam Mann-kler.
The club has also featured in the local media and also on television,
again with regard of getting 'kids off the streets'.
Now down to the cricket on the pitch. The first XI finished
mid table and the second XI just missed promotion by 6 points.
The Under 17s had their last season together but had the best
finish that they have ever had, the Under 13s again were unbeaten
and finished top of their group for the second consecutive season,
the Under 10s kwik cricket continued to improve and are looking
forward to playing hard ball next summer.
Pic: Rob Drake presented with his
Appreciation Award by Andy Corbett
All of this needs a lot of voluntary help to keep things running
smoothly and I would specially like to thank Steve and Sheryl
Findley, Rob Drake and Sharon Watson, Chris Hopkins, Ian Bartlett,
Rob Frizzell and Bernard Drake. I consider them all to be unsung
heroes, every club needs people like this who give up their time
and effort and we are lucky to have so many, and hope they will
carry on and continue to keep this club going. Even though we
are in the depths of winter the lads are still training.
This season, even though greatly successful, was over shadowed
by the sudden and unexpected death of a great friend and committee
member Kevin Wood who died in May. He is greatly missed but
many a good story was still recounted by many of his friends
who still come down the club and remember all the good old days
and many great matches that they had the pleasure to share with
Kev.
From Andy Corbett
Girls’ Brigade
EACH YEAR the girls of 1st Birstall Girls'
Brigade are very proud to take part in the annual Remembrance
Day Parade and service.
Pic: Wreath bearer and escorts.
(Pic A Boyle)
Spokeswoman Susan Wheeler said: "Once again the girls looked
really smart for this important occasion, which underlines the
tragic loss of life in war and the necessity to build a more
stable and peaceful world."
Pic: Children in Need picnic. (Pic: A Sherriff)
The company also likes to have fun, as shown in the picture of
the Teddy Bears' Picnic which was held to raise money for Children
in Need. The girls used their sweet money to cover a picture
of Pudsey with coins, and along with half their subscription
were able to send £60.80 to the appeal.
If anyone would like more information about the company, please
ring Susan Wheeler 2209318
Park & Ride on hold
PLANS TO bring forward the construction
of the Birstall park and ride site, announced in the summer,
are now on hold because of the recession.
Developers Jelson are required to provide a 535 space park and
ride site opposite Hallam Fields upon occupation of the 401st
dwelling, which is not expected until 2014.
In May 2008, the County Council announced it had allocated additional
funding to bring forward the project to 2010 and increase the
number of spaces to 1000.
But in November a County Council report on its 2008/09 capital
programme stated that the Birstall park and ride was "under
review because of the housing market".
The Birstall Post asked for clarification of this statement and
in response a County Council spokesman said: "The Birstall
park and ride scheme is currently under review. No decision has
been taken yet on how to progress this project"
County Councillor Roger Wilson said: "I am concerned that
the County Council's capital programme is in a precarious state.
If an established project like this is in danger, I am troubled
about the possibility of other capital projects being delayed
or stopped altogether, although I accept that the delay could
be due to the developers themselves."
He added: "I fear that the Palmer Tomkinson Centre at Longslade
could miss out on valuable support from the County Council if
they have to focus priorities on a shortfall or lack of resources
in other areas."
CLASH 4 mile swim
THE CLASH sponsored 4-mile swim at Birstall
Pool was a great success.
This new annual event was attended by children, young people,
and St John Cadets, from 4-17 years who completed two miles between
them. Two lifeguards, Naomi and Michael, completed one mile each.
£306 was raised for CLASH funds and £90 was raised
for St John Ambulance.
Thanks to members, families, friends, lifeguards and St John
Ambulance Cadets who contributed their time and skills to make
this event so successful.
CLASH members would like to thank Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop
for the kind donation of £600 towards Group activities
and to The Edith Murphy Foundation for the generous donation
of £1275 for the Access Project.
Details of CLASH projects can be found on the website: www.leicestershirevillage.com/birstall/clash/html
From Christine Thomas, CLASH
WI news
THERE WERE 18 members and visitors at the
November meeting of Birstall & Wanlip WI when Felicity Austin
talked about 'Life in Tudor Leicester'.
Wearing similar dress to that of a Tudor housewife and with the
aid of a map of old Leicester using old road names, Felicity
was able to transport everyone to that period of history. One
could imagine the sounds and smells of the poor standard of living
in the city in those days. The talk ended with some enactments
of a judges court and examples of the harsh sentences given for
offences we would consider minor today. Mrs Green, a lifelong
inhabitant of Leicestershire, gave a vote of thanks.
Arrangements were made for the AGM next month when two members
of the committee are to retire. Nominations were requested for
new committee members. A bring and share supper is proposed after
the business is over. Other items discussed included county news,
the group carol service at Cropston and the 90th anniversary
carol concert in Leicester.
|
Age Concern info
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit
The information this month is from the Age Concern Factsheet
No.17, it does not cover Housing/Council Tax Benefit for people
under 60 or people with children. Those rules are very different,
so if you are under 60 contact a local advice centre.
Housing Benefit helps people with their rent and with rates in
Northern Ireland (but this factsheet does not cover rate rebates).
Council Tax Benefit provides help with the Council Tax in England,
Scotland and Wales. Both benefits are related to income and savings
and are administered by local authorities although the rules
are set by the UK Parliament.
People who receive the guarantee part of Pension Credit (PC)
will usually get full help with their rent and Council Tax payments.
More information about this benefit is given in Age Concern's
Factsheet 48 Pension Credit and in Factsheet 18 A Brief Guide
to Money Benefits.
The Council Tax
The Council Tax is the system of paying towards local government
services in England, Scotland and Wales. It is based both on
the value of the property and, to some extent, the individuals
living there. For each property one or more people will be legally
responsible for paying the Council Tax although the household
can choose how to divide up the bill. There are many ways to
reduce your bill, such as through Council Tax Benefit which is
means-tested, and discounts and disability reductions which are
not means-tested. These reductions apply both to homeowners and
people who live in rented accommodation. Some examples are given
later in this factsheet. For more information about the Council
Tax system in England see Age Concern Factsheet 21 The Council
Tax.
Who can claim Housing Benefit?
You can claim Housing Benefit if you or your partner are liable
to pay rent for the accommodation 'normally occupied' by you
and your family. Your partner is your husband, wife, civil partner
or someone you live with as though you are married/civil partners.
You must also be 'habitually resident' in the UK and are not
excluded from claiming because of your immigration status.
Contact a local advice agency if you need further information
about the position for people who have been living abroad.
You can claim Housing Benefit for the following:
o council, housing association or private tenants may get help
with their rent and certain service charges;
o people living in houseboats may get help with mooring charges,
even if they own the houseboat;
o people living in a caravan or mobile home may get help with
site charges even if they own the caravan or mobile home;
o boarders and people living in hostels may get Housing Benefit
for the accommodation part of their charges;
o people in care homes cannot normally get Housing Benefit towards
their fees;
o home-owners cannot receive Housing Benefit but may be able
to get Pension Credit (PC) which could help them with certain
costs such as mortgage payments;
o if your landlord is a close relative (eg son, daughter, brother,
sister) and you share the household, you cannot usually get Housing
Benefit.
But if you live separately or you only share areas such as the
hall and bathroom you may still be able to claim benefit as long
as the arrangement was not set up to take advantage of the Housing
Benefit system;
o if you live in the same property as your landlord and he or
she is not a close relative you will be able to claim in the
normal way as long as the arrangement is on a 'commercial basis'.
Who Can Claim Council Tax Benefit?
You may be able to receive Council Tax Benefit if you are responsible
for paying the bill and you have a low income (assessment of
income and savings is explained later) this is called the 'main
Council Tax Benefit'. But some people will receive benefit even
if they do not have a low income. This may apply if you are responsible
for paying the bill and you live with one or more other people
who have a low income - this part of the system is called the
Second Adult Rebate and is explained later. You must also be
'habitually resident' in the UK and not excluded from claiming
because of your immigration status. If you have a partner (that
is you are married or civil partners or you live with someone
as though you are married/civil partners) you will be jointly
responsible for your Council Tax bill. Any benefit will be worked
out on your joint savings and income and only one of you should
apply.
In some cases two or more people who are not 'partners' will
be responsible for paying the Council Tax - eg two sisters might
jointly own their home. In this case each can claim benefit on
their share of the bill based on their own savings and income.
How Your Benefit is Calculated
Housing Benefit and the main Council Tax Benefit are worked out
by looking at the amount of rent and/or Council Tax you have
to pay, and then, calculating your weekly income (looking at
income from pensions, earnings etc and income from savings).
This figure is then compared with the 'applicable amount' that
someone in your circumstances is expected to live on. There may
also be deductions because certain other people live in your
home. This is explained later.
Your Rent and Council Tax
Rent and Council Tax are calculated on a weekly basis regardless
of how often they are actually paid. So if your pay your Council
Tax in 10 monthly instalments first work out the weekly amount
(multiply by 10 then divide by 52). If you pay your rent on a
calendar monthly basis multiply by 12 and divide by 52.,
Rent
The maximum Housing Benefit you can receive is 100% of your 'eligible
rent' although the amount of rent eligible for benefit may be
restricted if it is considered too high as explained below. Your
eligible rent can include certain service charges but does not
cover water rates or fuel charges.
Eligible service charges include: general management costs; charge
for furniture; cleaning of communal areas; portering; entry phone;
and caretakers. You can't get help with charges for things such
as: food; laundry; and leisure facilities.
For people living in supported housing (including sheltered housing)
there is a scheme called 'Supporting People' under which local
authorities receive a grant for funding support services. This
scheme pays for things such as: cleaning of private areas; emergency
alarm systems; and general support not funded by Housing Benefit.
These services should also help you to remain in your own home
so that you don 't have to move to sheltered housing or a care
home. If you live in private supported accommodation or remain
in your own home you will usually need to have a community care
assessment (carried out by the Local Authority Social Services
department) in order to get this support. People receiving Housing
Benefit will not be charged for these services.
Fuel Charges
If your rent includes an amount for fuel, this will not be counted
as eligible for benefit. For example, if your rent is £80
of which £10 is for heating, the maximum benefit would
be £70. If the charges for fuel are not specified separately
and you and your family have more than one room, the following
fixed amounts will be deducted: Heating £15.45; Hot Water
£1.80; Lighting £1.25; Cooking £1.80; All Fuel
£20.30
These amounts are lower if you only occupy one room.
Further information about Council Tax Benefit can be found in
Factsheet No.17 which is with all the other Age Concern England
Factsheets in two folders at Birstall Library. Any Factsheets
may be requested free from Age Concern Books, Linhay House, Linhay
Business Park, Ashburton, Devon TQ13 7UP or call the Information
Line free on 0800 00 99 66.
New
'Care Home Check List'
'Attendance Allowance'
are new Information guides available…
In addition to:
Your guide to healthy living, Living well in your neighbourhood,
Living well in your home, What to do when someone dies, Putting
your affairs in order, Planning your retirement income, How to
find a care home, Help with care in your own home, Choices in
retirement housing, Your employment choices, Going into hospital,
Your health services, Going solo, Don't be fooled, Adapting your
home, Your rights at work, Help with legal advice, Planning to
live abroad, Making the most of your money, Financial help in
retirement, Later life as an LGB person
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
Age Concern Leicester, Shire and Rutland Information and Advice
Service
Tel: 0116 2992233 to speak with an advisor or make an appointment
Opening hours: Mon, Tues and Thurs, l.30 to 4.30pm, Fri 1.30
to 4pm
Can also be contacted by Fax: 0116 2992244 and by email: enquiries@ageconcernleics.com
www.ageconcernleics.com
Jex Woods
Gifts at Christmas
A TOTAL of 885 shoe boxes full of Christmas
gifts for poor children around the world have left Birstall thanks
to the generosity of local people.
Beryl Massey of Birstall Methodist Church and friends from St
James, St Nicholas Wanlip, Anstey Methodist and Harrison Road
Methodist Church helped to fill 385 boxes.
Daphne Stephenson and friends filled 500 shoeboxes. She said:
"Hazel and I would like to say a very big Thank You to all
those people who have given their time and knitted for us, those
who have helped us not only to raise the magnificent sum of £1250
to pay for the carriage, but also the money to enable us to purchase
the items we needed to fill 500 shoe boxes.
"Special thanks must be given to Peter, Mike, Jean, Juliann
in the RSPCA shop and to Dave at Shoepermarket for saving us
his empty shoe boxes. Our boxes this year are going to Romania,
so on behalf of all those children a really big Thank You ."
She added: "Please keep knitting and collecting as God willing
we will start again in the New Year with a coffee morning at
the Methodist Church on January 10, 2009 from 10am to 12noon."
WEA courses
Medieval Buildings
A look at the castles, manor houses, towns and villages of medieval
England and what happened to them during the crisis years of
the mid-14th century (The Black Death). The church and cathedral
will also be examined, along with barns, fish-stews, dovecotes
and monastic buildings. We'll conclude in the 15th century with
the replacement of the old Plantagenet order with the new Tudor
dynasty.
Tutor: Colin Groves
Venue: The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley
Starts: 13th January 2009 for 10 meetings Tuesday 10am-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. Another Tai
Chi course is planned for summer 2009
Tutor: Laraine Tucker
Venue: Methodist Church Hall, Wanlip Lane, Birstall.
Starts: 13th January 2009 for 12 meetings Tuesday 12.45-2.45pm
Fee: £66 (concessions A £59.40, B Free)
British Art and Innovation
There have been many artists in British art history whose individualism
has set them apart from their contemporaries. Always extraordinary,
sometimes eccentric, they embody the conviction and vision of
an innovative Britain. From William Blake to Wyndham Lewis to
Christopher Wood, and Stanley Spencer to Peter Lanyon, among
others, this course explores their unique contribution to British
art. No expert knowledge required-just a lively open-minded interest
in art!
Tutor: Janis Baker
Venue: The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.
Starts: 14th January 2009 for 10 meetings Wednesday 7.15-9.15pm
Fee: £55 (concessions A £49.50, B Free)
Singing for Fun
Does the thought of singing anywhere other than in the privacy
of your own home fill you with horror? Banish those demons by
coming aboard a light-hearted vocal journey through popular and
classical repertoire from plainsong to the present day, covering
a little theory and music reading on the way but always with
the emphasis on singing for fun. The more experienced singer
is also welcome and will be given suitably challenging parts.
Tutor: Anne Hughes
Venue: The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.
Starts: 16th January 2009 for 10 meetings Friday 10am-12noon.
Fee: £55 (concessions A £49.50, B Free)
Sketching Techniques using Line, Wash and Tone.
Learn successful sketching techniques with a friendly and helpful
tutor. He will help you to gain an insight into how to draw and
then translate that into a useful sketching style. Explore methods
that will help you to draw what you see with an economy of line
and effort.
Tutor: Tim Fisher
Venue: The Old School Rooms, 3 School Street, Rothley
Starts: For two meetings. Friday 6th March 2009 and Friday 13th
March 2009 10.15am-4pm
Fee: £27.50 (concessions A £24.75, B Free)
Further information:
Marion Vincent 0116 2303405 vincent.mbe@ntlworld.com
Franca Freeman 0116 2362566 francafreeman@hotmail.com
John Laurance 01509 813005 johnlaurance@hotmail.com
Or send enrolments to WEA Treasurer 35 Seagrave Road, Sileby,
Leicester LE12 7TN with cheques payable to WEA Birstall and Rothley
Branch.
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