OCTOBER 2009 No. 315

the Birstall postY O U R C O M M U N I T Y N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

TORTURED, BEATEN, tied up and burned – a Birstall man has been jailedfor his part in a violent, five hour attack on a 20 year old victim.

him he would be buried. Thorpe producedwhat looked like a knife, prompting the vic-tim to run for his life. He hid in bushes thansought help at the clubhouse of a Birstallfootball club at about 10.15pm.

The man’s five hour ordeal saw him sus-tain two broken cheek bones, a broken nose,broken ribs and serious burns all over hisbody.

The guilty men, some of whom knew andassociated with the victim, believed he hadplayed a part in an assault on three of thedefendants – Paul Bradley, Anthony Diglinand Stefan Downing – the previous day. Theattack was in retribution for the victim’s per-ceived involvement.

All seven men pleaded guilty at LeicesterCrown Court on July 20.

Paul Sean Bradley pleaded guilty to Section18 grievous bodily harm and false imprison-ment and was given an indeterminate sen-tence for public protection and put on lifelicence for what the judge described as his“major part” in the assault. Bradley was alsosentenced for an unrelated grievous bodilyharm attack in the city centre two monthsearlier, when he punched a man unconsciousfracturing his cheek.

Jeremy Kenneth Thorpe (39) of BriarRoad, Thurnby Lodge pleaded guilty to thesame offence and received six years and eightmonths. The remaining five men pleadedguilty to Section 47 actual bodily harm, LukeHill (30) of Wavetree Drive, Leicester got twoyears imprisonment, while Anthony Diglin(25) of Narborough Road, Leicester received18 months. Stefan Downing (24) of Braun-stone Avenue, Leicester was given 30 weeksimprisonment suspended for two years, hewas issued with a 12-month supervision orderand 120 hours unpaid work. Callum Grant(23) of Central Avenue, Wigston was given 30weeks suspended for two years. He also re-ceived 100 hours unpaid work and a three-month curfew and tag preventing him from

leaving his house between the hours of 8pmand 8am. Craig Michael Diglin (24) of Syca-more Road, Birstall was given a two yearsupervision order. Both he and Stefan Down-ing were also ordered to attend a ‘ThinkingSkills’ programme.

Detective Superintendent Stuart Prior, wholed the investigation, said: “We know that thevictim in this case was put through a terribleordeal by these men and I hope that thisresult offers him some comfort. The fact thathe was assaulted by men that he knew andassociated with must have made it even moredifficult to come to terms with. I know he’smoved away from his old lifestyle and is try-ing to rebuild his life and we wish him wellin this. Fortunately, crimes such as these arevery rare and are usually in similar circum-stances with people known to one another

Paul Sean Bradley (20) of Johnson Roadwas one of seven men sentenced at LeicesterCrown Court: Bradley and co-defendant Jere-my Thorpe (39) were responsible for theworst of the violence, described by JudgeChristopher Metcalf as “a ruthless beating thatincluded torture”.

The victim was taken to a flat in Narbor-ough Road on October 30, 2008, where hewas held captive by seven men. He waspunched, kicked and beaten with exerciseweights and a pole. Bradley burned the man’sback with an iron and threatened to pull outhis teeth. He also set the man’s hair on fire.

Thorpe taped a sock into the victim’smouth to gag his screams and stubbed outcigarettes on his head, neck and bottom,criss-crossed his forehead with a knife orscissors and stabbed his buttock. Bradley andThorpe branded the victim’s body and facewith a hairdryer.

Another man, Luke Hill (30) kicked andkneed the victim in the head.

Bradley, Thorpe and an unknown manthen drove the victim to an isolated spotalong Wanlip Lane, Birstall where they told

Vicious attack

trying to administer their ownform of justice. However, as thiscase demonstrates, you don’t takethe law into your own hands, it isfor the police to investigate.”

The defendants tried hard to

cover their tracks, removing the carpets andthe sofa from the flat to destroy any possibleforensic evidence. The victim was kept blind-folded on the journey to and from the prop-

Pic: Paul Bradley

Pic: (l-r) Luke Hill, Callum Grant, Jeremy Thorpe

Pic: (l-r) Stefan Downing, Craig Diglin, Anthony Diglin

Continued on page 2

BURGLARS WHO stole a car then crashed itat 60mph into the front garden of a Birstallhouse have been jailed.

The Ford Ka, which demolished the gardenwall, had been stolen from a Birstall homeduring a night time burglary on May 1.

Driver Philip Roland Taylor (24) and pas-sengers Clayton William Astill (22) and MarkAstill (20) ran off but were caught by police,who were pursuing the trio when they crashed.

During the pursuit Taylor drove the car inand out of parked cars at 60mph, drove on thewrong side of the road around a blind corner,and on the wrong side of a bollard at 70mph.He lost control of the vehicle driving downGreengate Lane, hit the central reservation ofthe A6, launching the vehicle into the air thencrashed into the front garden wall of a Lough-borough Road property.

Taylor, of Sylvan Street, New Parks, admittedthe aggravated taking of the Ka which he then

drove dangerously, and having no insurance.He had taken cocaine and had been drinkingbut was not over the drink-drive limit. He wasjailed for two years and banned from drivingfor two years.

Clayton Astill, of Pindow Road, New Parks,and Mark Astill of Auburn House, AikmanAvenue, New Parks, both admitted aggravatedvehicle taking by allowing themselves to becarried in the ka, taken without consent. Clay-ton Astill was jailed for two years and bannedfrom driving for a year. Mark Astill was jailedfor two years with an additional 12 weeks torun consecutively for breaching a previouslyimposed suspended sentence.

All three admitted burgling the car owner’shouse.

Gary Short, defending Taylor, told LeicesterCrown Court that his client became addicted tococaine after being medically discharged fromthe army.

2 the birstall post OCT 2009

erty so he could not identify where the assaulthad taken place.

Speaking about the investigation, DetectiveSergeant Kenny Henry said: “In the initialstages the only crime scene we had as suchwas the victim. We didn’t know where theassault happened, all we had were his inju-ries.

“Based on the little evidence we had fromthe victim, we drove him around possiblelocations in Leicester to try and get someindication of where they might have takenhim. Despite managing to find the propertywithin 24 hours of the assault happeningthey’d stripped it bare in an attempt to get rid

of any forensic evidence. The burn marksfrom the hairdryer were quite distinctive andgave us more clues as to what had caused theinjuries. The hairdryer actually belonged toone of the defendants’ girl friends and wasseized following the arrest. I think the factthat all seven defendants pleaded guilty istestimony to the investigation. They tried veryhard to outsmart us, they thought they werecovering their tracks, but we were preparedto work long and hard to bring them to jus-tice for what they did to the victim.”

THE ANNUAL exhibition of art created bymembers of Birstall & District Art Societytakes place at the Village Hall later thismonth.

More than 100 paintings will be on show atthe event, which this year takes place on Satur-day October 31 and Sunday November 1 from9am-6pm and on Monday November 2 from9am-3pm.

Refreshments will be available including hotand cold drinks, savoury rolls and home madecakes. There will be a chance to judge the‘Best Painting in the Show’ and an art competi-tion for the younger children in the village withthe prizewinners’ work framed and exhibited.Paintings are priced to suit all pockets andthere will be a raffle to win a picture by a wellknown artist, the proceeds of which will go toLOROS. Further details from Mary Houghton,secretary 0116 2677833.

PLANS FOR a new £12 million fire serviceheadquarters in Birstall are expected to beapproved later this year.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service wantto build their new HQ next to the 900 homeHallam Fields development. They say the movewill improve efficiency bringing people whocurrently work in different buildings under oneroof. It is part of a countrywide restructuringthat will see stations closed in Moira and Syston,while a new station opens in Castle Donington.

David Glenis, head of operational resourcesfor the fire service, said: The cost of upgradingthe existing headquarters would be phenomenalso this represents good value for money. Thefact it will be staffed by full time firefighters willnot only improve our response times but willenable us to engage with the community a lotmore.”

The new Birstall HQ will consist of two three-storey buildings and will house the service’sadministration teams as well as 32 full timefirefighters who will cover north Leicester. It ishoped that building work will commence earlynext year and be completed by summer 2011.The building will include a wind turbine, airsource heating, and solar panels to generateelectricity.

The project was delayed because of legalissues relating to the purchase of the land – ithas now been bought for a reported £600,000from landowner Charles Palmer-Tomkinson. Thedevelopment will be partly funded by the sale ofthe current Glenfield headquarters.

The new fire service HQ is one of the majordevelopments that are a feature of the HallamFields site – these also include a primary school,industrial units, a community hall, sports areaand ‘village’ centre with retail units.

Continued from page 1

Pic: (top) some of the victim’s injuries &(above), the flat where the attack took place

Fire service HQ moves to Birstall site

Pic: the new Birstall HQ of the county’s fire service

Art society’sexhibitionStolen car crashes

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THE BIRSTALL POST, OCT 2009 3

“THERE’S NOTHING like Prestine bling!”says the owner of Birstall’s new fashionaccessories shop on Sibson Road.

Subhash Mistry and his wife Raj live in thevillage and opened their shop, Prestine, inAugust.

“My wife and I want to add some colourback to the village with our fashion accesso-ries shop, and attract more people into Bir-stall. The items we sell can be found in town,equally the Asian costume jewellery can befound on Belgrave Road – why not save your-self the trip and come and have a look at our

selection?” saysSubhash.

Prestine sellsrings, bangles,earrings, neck-laces, charmbracelets,scarves, purs-es, ladies andchildren’s hairaccessories,jeggings andtights.

For young-er children there are gummy bangles, fairy

wings, and partybags available

For Hallow-een, Prestinehave a choice ofoutfits withmatching or-ange, black orgreen nailpolish.

Prestine isat 147 SibsonRoad, near theNatWest bank.Pic: samples of the Prestine bling

A TALENTED tennis player from Birstall isthe under 8 county champion.

Seven year old Evie Lester of SaltersgateDrive has been playing for two years and wasone of the youngest competitors at the Leices-tershire Junior Championships which tookplace at the end of August.

She said: “I had to play my best tennis,concentrate and hit a lot of winning shots. Ialso served well.”

Evie is coached by Tom Kiesel at Charn-wood Tennis Club. He said: “Evie is a talentedplayer with a natural ability to move and tohit the ball.”

Six months ago Evie, a pupil at Highcliffeschool, was invited to train at Tennis Mid-lands as part of their international high per-formance programme.Pic: tennis champion Evie Lester

TOP QUALITY food delivered with a fastand friendly service is the aim of The Fry-ers fish and chip shop on Wanlip Lane.

New owner Lukwinder Dhami said: “Ourattitude to quality is that everything has to bespot on – I only serve the best to my custom-ers and only use the best ingredients, like topquality Maris Piper potatoes from Lincoln-shire. My kitchen is spotless, I’m proud of it.”

Lukwinder is from a family that runs fishand chip shops across the region and says hewants to give the Birstall shop a new lease oflife by offering good food, value for moneyand a deliveryservice.

One currentoffer is freechips with everylarge portion offish, Mondays toWednesdays. ForOctober onlyThe Fryers willgive you a freeregular portionof chips withevery order after5pm – see theadvert in thisissue for thecoupon you willneed to takeadvantage of thisoffer. The shopalso serves pizzaand a range ofIndian curries isplanned.

“Feedbackfrom our cus-tomers is goodand I’d encour-age everyone inBirstall to comealong and tryour food” saidLuckwinder.

The Fryers ison Wanlip Lane,near the junc-tion with Lam-bourne Road.

BIRSTALL RESIDENTS are being re-minded of the importance of reportingall incidents of crime correctly.

Ed Marshall, Chairman of Birstall &Wanlip NHW said: “If crime goes unre-ported the police are not aware of thetrue state of levels of crime in the area,leading to distorted crime figures andpossible reduction in policing resources.”

The correct procedure is:1) ring 999 if someone is in your

property or you witness a crime in action– do not confront the perpetrator.

2) if the perpetrator has left it is stillimportant to report the incident,. Call thepolice on 0116 22 22 222.

3) if you wish to remain anonymousring Crimestoppers – which is free – on:0800 555 11

Ed said: “Do not use the Watch tele-phone number to report crimes in thefirst instance, which unfortunately hasbeen happening. Making the Watch awareis at your discretion once the crime hasbeen reported to the police”

Watch phone number: 2676397

VANDALS have drawn obscene words andpictures over a football pavilion’s newgraffiti artwork.

The Birstall United Juniors Football Club’sclubhouse on Meadow Lane was decoratedwith artwork in August by around 30 youngpeople, guided by professional artists.

It was hoped that the colourful designwould bring to an end the graffiti tags thatwere repeatedly drawn on the building.

Artwork created by the same group on theLongslade College youth centre remains un-touched.

Funding for the work was provided by theCharnwood Community Safety Partnership,who say that the vandalism will not deterthem from supporting future projects.

The vandals’ damage is to be removedfrom the pavilion.

Prestine for bling Evie istennischampion

Artworkvandalised

Keep reporting crimeto the Police, says NHW

Fish & chips

The November issue ofTHE BIRSTALL POST

will be published on Oct 31.The copy deadline is Oct 16.

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incinerator closed. It is outdated and limitsthe number of uses of the site, as well as therange of materials that can be recycled there.As it is situated at the end of a narrow resi-dential cul-de-sac, it can make it difficult forpeople to access the site.

“Several sites have been considered in thesearch for a replacement RHWS for Sileby.Land at Granite Way, Mountsorrel was identi-fied as the most suitable site. It is close tomajor roads and will be accessible to resi-dents in Charnwood who already use the siteat Sileby.”

The County Council say the new site willminimise noise and that the use of containersand compactors that seal and compress wastewill reduce smells. The site design will incor-

A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held onSeptember 14.

PC Richard Carruthers gave the crime figures and report-ed that burglaries had risen dramatically – the recession wasprobably a factor he said.

A member of the public commented that he rarely saw PCCarruthers in the village and had never seen PCSO AngelaOgden.

Some allotment holders urged the Parish Council to givematters relating to the allotments serious consideration asthe importance of growing your own food was getting in-creasing national significance.

A member of the public who uses a powered wheelchaircommented that inconsiderate parking on pavements wascausing him and others serious problems, forcing him intothe road in order to get past. PC Carruthers reported that thepolice dealt with obstruction and would issue fixed penaltynotices or even remove vehicles. The first step, he said, wasto issue an advice notice.

The Council agreed to defer a decision on the terms of alease between the Council and Birstall United Juniors FC.They are concerned about a past history of poor payment

PICTURED ARE Kane (9) and Mia Menicou(8), with the giant sunflower they grew attheir Spinney Rise home.

4 the birstall post OCT 2009

Loughborough Road

Leicester Road

A6

A6

Granite Way

Granite

Way

Proposed site

>

N

porate CCTV to prevent illegal tipping near the entrance. The containers willbe sunken so there will be no steps up to platforms to empty your waste.

The County Council say they have undertaken a full traffic survey to assessthe impact of the site and that the ample parking provided within the site willminimise congestion.

• Borough councils are responsible for collecting waste, County Councilsare responsible for disposing of it. For more details visitwww.leics.gov.uk/waste

Pic: the location ofthe proposed site

AN ENTREPRENEUR from Birstall has beennominated for an award.

Steve Walker (31) has been nominated forthis year’s Young Director of the Year Award,organised by the Institute of Directors.

Steve set up his own management andtraining con-sultancy SWA,which is basedat Cliffe Houseon Church Hill.It delivers itsservices toover 100 com-panies acrossthe region.

Educated atStonehill andLongsladeschools, Steveis also manag-ing director ofAssessment UK,

one of the UK’s leading NVQ and trainingproviders, employing over 40 people.

It is the second time Steve has been nomi-nated for the award. He said: “I am delightedto be nominated again for the Young Directorof the Year award, to make it to this stageagain is a real honour and I am sure it re-flects the hard work and achievement of thewhole team at Assessment UK and SWA.

Pic: Steve Walker, Managing Directorof Assessment UK and SWA

STUDENTS IN Longslade’s sixth formachieved a pass rate of 98% at A2 level,which was above the national average.

94% of students who applied to universitygot into their first choice university, with onlyfive students going through the clearing sys-tem.

Longslade Principal Mike Griffiths said: “Ina year when there was the greatest level ofcompetition to get a place at university, this isa great achievement for Longslade studentsand indicates that the college is producingwell rounded individuals ready to move onfurther into lifelong learning.”

At GCSE, 60% of students achieved 5 A*-Cgrades, close to the national average. 33% ofstudents gained 5 A*-C grades including Eng-lish and Maths, which was below what thecollege was expecting. They have asked forsome papers to be re-marked.

99% of students at the college gained aqualification.

Longslade has set a goal for the new Year11 group: that 75% of students will gain 5A*-C in June 2010 and 60% will gain thequalification including English and Maths.

There are currently 1230-1240 students atLongslade – the largest number for manyyears.

OUR PICTURE shows the Birstall MethodistThursday Group’s chairperson Pat Towsonpresenting a cheque for £1500 raised bythe group to Christian Weikert-Picker ofLOROS

Giant flower

LOROS cash

BIRSTALL & Wanlip Neighbourhood Watchis very keen to increase the number of ‘NoCold Calling Zones’ within our area.

Introducing these areas has been shown toreduce doorstep crime and the number ofdistraction burglaries.

Once members in individual schemes haveagreed that they would like to be a designated‘no cold calling zone’ the Watch will supplyand put up signs alongside the present NHWstreet sign. There is no cost involved to Watchmembers. A window sticker is also suppliedindicating that the householder does not buygoods or services on the doorstep.

‘Cold callers’ may present in many formsbut all are uninvited and keen to take yourmoney, so be very wary. It is always advisableto use local tradesmen where possible, orthose with personal recommendations.

If interested in establishing a ‘No coldcalling zone’ in your street contact your streetco-ordinator, or telephone the Watch on2676397.Halloween & Bonfire Night

Once again these festivals are almost upon. Please remember to show considerationto the elderly and vulnerable members of ourcommunity – not forgetting our four leggedfriends. Children should be encouraged toenjoy these occasions but adults need to su-pervise in a responsible manner – better stillattend an organised event.

From Ed Marshall, Chairman Bir-stall & Wanlip NHW

A NEW waste and recycling site has been proposed for land offGranite Way, Mountsorrel.

The County Council say they intend to submit a planning applica-tion for it this autumn. A County Council spokesman said: “The cur-rent site [in Sileby] has been in operation for many years and wasoriginally intended to be a temporary arrangement when the old

and will seek legal advice on the options avail-able to them in the event of non-payment.BUJFC are seeking a 25 year lease, which isnecessary in order to apply for grant funding.

The Council considered a letter from theBirstall Allotment Society requesting self man-agement of the allotments by the society – thiswould involve the allotment society receivingthe rent while the Parish Council continues tobe responsible for the maintenance of thesites. Comment was made that the arrangementwould result in a net loss of income for theCouncil and it was agreed that a previous deci-sion by the Estates & Recreation committee toreject the proposal be upheld.

The clerk reported that the necessary pro-cedures to change vehicle waiting times wouldbe 18 months to two years. Some Sibson Roadshopkeepers want the waiting time reducedfrom 40 minutes to 30 minutes while otherswant it increased to one hour.

ParishCouncil notesNew tip planned

Steve’sawardnomination

Collegeexamresults

NHWnews

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ONE OF Birstall’s oldest residents celebrated her 90th birth-day with a family get-together.

Mrs Margaret Burden of The Crossways was 90 on Sep-tember 7 and marked the occasion with a party atthe Britannia Inn, Queniborough attended by herchildren, grand-children and great grand-chil-dren.

Mrs Burden has lived on The Crossways for34 years having lived previously in Rothley andMountsorrel.

A BIRSTALL football club has re-formed totake part in the 2009/10 sea-son.

Birstall Social Football Cluboriginally played in the LeicesterSunday League from 1991 untilthey stopped in 2003, but wasreformed earlier this year as anopen aged club for players aged 16plus.

BSFC will play in division two of theLeicester and District League on Saturdayafternoons.

Spokesman Phil Akiens said: “Although weare starting in division two we can see thisbeing a tough season with being a new teamand finding our feet, but we are hoping to doquite well with young players coming in likeLewis Parker and Jamie Akiens who alreadyhave senior league experience.

“Alex Smythe provides the experience ingoal and Michael Young will add some steelto the midfield. Manager Dave Nurse, with hisexperience, commitment and knowledge ofthe game, will be looking to take the teaminto the higher divisions of the league.”

BSFC home games will be played at CortCrescent, Braunstone Park for their first sea-son – they are looking for a pitch nearer toBirstall for next season.

The club would like to thank its sponsorsin this inaugural year:

Keith Riley of East Midland Screens; MarkAkiens of Tinny Plastering Services; Kev War-wick of Quinto Cranes; OS & PJ Goodwin –Plumbing and Heating Engineers, as well as

the committee and members of Birstall SocialClub for their support.Pic: back row: Matt Goodwin, OliverGoodwin, Carl Bentley, Gaz Jones,Brad Newman, Alex Smythe, MickYoung, Matt Griffin, Lee Smith, MickMathews, Keith Riley, Phil AkiensFront row: Kev Lee, James Price, MattDuffy, Ryan Sutherington, Dave Nurse,Liam Bailey, Pete Plumb, Jamie Ak-

iens, Mark Akiens

THE BIRSTALL POST, OCT 2009 5

Pic: Mrs Margaret Burden

THE BIRSTALL Starbucks coffee shop raised £645 for LOROS with an open day in July.The open day at the store, located on the Hallam Fields development, featured stalls, face

painting, coffee tasting, a tombola and a raffle. The total was boosted by a stall at Birstall gala.Pic: Adrian Walker, Senior Fundraiser at LOROS (right) receives a cheque from StoreManager James Martin and District Manager Catherine Gaughan-Brown

MORE THAN 50 primary school children from the village livened up a week of their sum-mer holidays at the Champions holiday club run jointly by St James and Birstall Method-ist churches.

A team of volunteers led the children in a variety of games, songs, crafts and bible storiesall related to sporting themes. The team were particularly impressed by the way the childrenengaged with all the activities provided for them and their high standards of behaviour. “As faras we’re concerned every child who came along was a Champion” said Rachel Parkinson,minister at Birstall Methodist. “It was a pleasure to be with them.”Pic: children at the Champions holiday club

A PLAYER from Birstall Rugby Club brokehis neck when a scrum collapsed during agame on August 18.

Richard Engelgardt (37), from Mountsor-rel, is being treated at Stoke Mandeville hos-pital in Aylesbury, a specialist hospital forspinal injuries.

Mr Engelgardt can make small movementswith his arms and hands but is unable tomove his lower body.

Birstall RFC has set up a trust fund to helppay for any medical care he needs.

A FORMER pupil of Riverside and StonehillSchools has been awarded her Doctor of Phi-losophy Degree by The University of Londonfor her work in the field of molecular genet-ics.

Dr. Victoria Castleman was a pupil at Rivesideand Stonehill Schools before moving to Rawlins tocomplete her GCSE's and A levels.

Victoria completed her BSc in Bio-Chemistry atSouthampton in 2004 before completing her PhDat UCL. Her first job after graduating was at theInstitute of Neurology in London researching ge-

netic causes of motor-neurone illnesses.

Since Septembershe has been workingon a research projectdesigning genetic testsfor muscular dystrophyat the Institute of ChildHealth and Guys Hos-pital London.Pic: Dr VictoriaCastleman

90th birthday

Coffee shop cash

Kids are champions

Birstall student’s Phd

Football club reborn

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I would like to say a big thank you to my familyand friends for the beautiful gifts of flowers and

cards I received for my 90th birthday.Margaret Burden

Church and St James, have undertaken several ofthese themed holiday clubs which go from strengthto strength and for which they well deserve somerecognition.

Once again, many thanks from a grateful mumand her two ‘champions’.Jenny Doyle

MPs will sit down over lunchAnd quickly fit the credit crunchWe’ll all have jobs and lots of moneyAnd live in the land of milk and honey

But all of this is just a dreamReality still makes me scream!

Celine Watts

6 the birstall post OCT 2009

YOUR SAY...

The Birstall Post welcomes your viewsand opinions on any subject. Letters,which must include your name and ad-dress, (though not necessarily for publi-cation) can be posted to: The BirstallPost, Longslade College, Wanlip Lane,Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH, or handed inat Birstall library or email:editor@birstallpost.co.uk

A huge ‘thank you’ to the Churches TogetherHoliday Club Team. Once again, all concerneddedicated a fantastic amount of time, effort, energyand resources into making this a thoroughly enjoy-able event for the local children. Through craft,story telling, dance, drama, song and puppet showsthe children had a truly positive community experi-ence whilst learning Christian values. The team ofvolunteers, led by clergy from Birstall Methodist

May I congratulate the Parish Council workmenresponsible for the village hanging baskets. Theyare particularly good this year and are a credit tothe men who regularly maintain them. Well done!Bill Hill

I really think we need a football court downBirstall park. They surely have enough room. Fur-thermore Thurmaston have one so I cant see whywe can’t? Also it would stop children from gettinginto trouble. Thurmaston always have teenagers onit. Also I have to bike through the lakes at night toplay there and also it causes trouble because Bir-stall and Thurmaston are rivals. All of my friendskeep going on about how they would love to haveone. I know there is lack of money to build it!Could you reply on your thoughts please. Thankyou very muchJames Hulme and Friends

Please allow me through your columns to offermy condolences to the family of the late Les Briers.Even though I frequently disagreed with his ideas –for example his desire to see the M1 and a halfconstructed outside my front gate – he did expresshis views clearly and with thought.

As a verbal sparring partner he will be muchmissed.Dr D A C McNeil

Mrs Joan Michael passed away on Sunday Sep-tember 6. I would like to say thank you for themany cards, letters and condolences received bythe family following the death of my mother. Shehad many good friends in Birstall who gave her

I have recently become the proud owner of adog and like numerous others take advantage ofthe marvellous facility that is Watermead Park. I amhowever thoroughly disgusted at the number of dogowners who fail to pick up their dog’s mess both inthe park and for some reason in Meadow Lanewhere it is particularly bad. It can’t be because of alack of bins as there are four between the entranceto Meadow Lane and the car park.

To those dog owners who pick up I say thankyou and to those who don’t (and you know whoyou are) I say maybe it will be your house it getswalked into and that would be some sort of justiceName & address supplied

The road works in Birstall have been chaoticmessy and too prolonged. A lot of it is unnecessaryand I feel that the funds were wanted to be spentrather than needed to be spent.

We are ending up with nearly 10 sets of trafficand pedestrian signals which will cause a stop &start situation, more congestion and more car pol-lution. Why can’t some of the signals not be pro-grammed to do both jobs, traffic control as well aspedestrian crossing. The pedestrian crossing on thein-bound Loughborough Road feels a waste whencrossing at the existing site is just as easy.

But who can argue with the decision makerswho have posted traffic lights at every possiblepoint in Leicester.Pravin Parmar

I am looking for any information or (moreimportantly) photos that any of your readers mighthave on the school ‘hut’ run by Miss Henson (ofHenson Close fame) in Cliffe Road, on the site nowoccupied by my house, 54 Cliffe Road.

If anyone has anything please contact me.Robert Pugsley

rmp6@leicester.ac.uk

The following poem was sent in by a readerin Birstall. It was written by an eleven year oldgirl.

The Real World

I saw the news todayJust the same as yesterdayDoom, gloom and suffering

I read the papers tooBut there was really nothing newJust doom, gloom and suffering

People dying in pointless warsTerrorists killing without a causeThere is no place for God’s Ten laws

Our politicians make mistakesThat leave our world in a terrible stateI read of famine and diseaseOh God please spare them, help them please!

Our leaders are corrupt and meanThis isn’t how it should have beenThe world and all its many racesIs full of sad and beaten faces

Drugs and knife crime in the streetConfront the thugs and you’re dead meatPeople can’t defend themselvesThey make our lives a living hell

The police are power less to actThey get abused if they reactAn ASBO, telling off or fineThe punishments don’t fit the crime

I lock my doors up every nightBut still wake up in fear and frightI think I hear someone behindIs it for real or in my mind?

The planet’s in a dreadful stateWe worry daily of our fateFossil fuels destroy the airBut big companies do not care

China’s building power stationsThat pollute their towns and all our nationsToxic fumes and global warmingIt’s not as if there’s been no warning!

The Poles are melting every dayThe world progresses but we all payWe just don ‘t learn from our mistakesI hope there’s time for all our sakes

Of course not everybody’s badBut I really find it rather sadThat the only things that make the newsAre killing, famine and dole queues

I yearn to have a magic wandTo change the world the way I wantAll killing, pain and hurt would ceaseAnd in their place – everlasting peace!

Each and every perfect dayThere will be love and peace I prayWar and famine will be goneAnd politicians won’t get it wrong

great happiness. She will be sadly missed. Thankyou.David Michael

Thanks

Thanks

Well done

Football

Missed

Mrs Joan Michael

Disgusted

Stop start

The Hut

Real world?

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Blockpaving • GravellingTurfing • Fencing

Slabbing • MowingHedgetrimming etc

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Keep Fit With a DifferenceWhy not join our local basketball group

No previous experience necessaryFor further details tel: John 2675269

• • •

Belgrave CemeteryCommunity Service Volunteer

‘Wave of Kindness Day’Sunday October 25. From 10am till 3pm

The Friends of Belgrave Cemetery Group re-spectfully invite their members and the public

to ‘A Caring Sunday’ eventCommittee members will be available to help

with cemetery record informationComplimentary refreshments will be provided

For further information about Belgrave Cemetery andthe group please visit our new website:

www.leicesterchronicler/belgravecemetery.comor tel: 0116 2672018

• • •Holland Academy

of complementary therapies raising funds forlocal charities

Health & Well-BeingEvent

Holistic Therapies, readings, gifts & craftsOctober 24 & 25. From 10am to 4pm

at Birstall Village Hall£2 admission, inc raffle

Call now for more information0116 2673337 or email:hollandacademy@aol.com

St John Ambulance & St James Day Centre• • •

Leicester Committee for Cancer Research UK

Coffee MorningSaturday October 31. 10am to 12noon

at The Rothley Centre,Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley

Many stalls: plants, books, bric-a-brac, gifts,cakes, tombola, Phoenix cards, handbagsRaffle – entrance 50p inc coffee & biscuits

All Welcome• • •

Birstall Methodist ChurchSaturday November 28

From 10am to 2pm

Table Top Sale(held in conjunction with Christmas Festival)

Tables @ £10 eachContact Margaret – 0116 2671181

• • •Soar Valley Artists

Annual Exhibition of Paintingsat the Rothley Centre,

Mountsorrel Lane, RothleySaturday & Sunday October 24 and 25 from

10am to 5pmAdmission free

Refreshments available. All welcome• • •

St James the GreatChurch Hill, Birstall

Sunday November 1 at 3pm

All Souls ServiceWe will be holding a short service of hymns,

readings, prayers and reflection for those whohave lost a loved one recently or in the past

Open to everyone in the parishYou will be very welcome

Refreshments after the service• • •

Birstall Parish Council

Cinema comes to BirstallVillage Hall

‘Race to Witch Mountain’ (PG)A film for the whole family to enjoy

Wednesday October 21. Film starts at 7pmAdmission by ticket only £4.50

Tickets available from the Parish Council Offices2676191

• • •Birstall Quilters

Coffee Morning and Sale ofWork

Saturday October 3, 10am to 12noonBirstall Methodist Church Coffee Shop,

Wanlip LaneChristmas items, fancy goods, cake stall, books,

plantsRaffle for a quilt and other prizes

Tea and coffeeIn aid of Air Ambulance. Admission free

• • •

Birstall Royal British LegionSaturday Oct 3: Natina B (F/V)

Saturday Oct 10: Jay the Entertainer (M/V)Saturday Oct 17: Tammy (F/V)

Saturday Oct 24: New Street (Duo)Saturday Oct 31: Randell (M/V)

Dancing every Sat night with live entertainmentFree meat raffle, Bingo and not forgetting

‘Open the Box’Every Tues night Bingo starting at 9.30pm

Quiz nights Sunday Oct 11 &25 starting at 9pm

Acoustic night Sunday Oct 18Rock & Roll nights Wed Oct 7 & 21Food available every Sat 12-2pm

• • •

Loughborough Farmers MarketDevonshire Square, Loughborough

Between 9am and 3pmEvery month

Next market October 14Wide variety of local produce: meats, sausage, bacon& cured meats, rare breed meats, meat, savoury &fruit pies, fruit & vegetables inc organic, plants &

flowers,herbs, therapeutic herbal products, honey & beeswax

products, chutneys & pickles, jams & preserves, home-made cooking sauces, wholemeal flour, muesli, fruit

juices, eggs & cheeses, bread & cakes.To book a stall or find out more call Markets and Fairs

team 01509 634624, email:markets.fairs@charnwood.gov.uk or log on to

www.charnwood.gov.uk• • •

Barn DanceSaturday November 14

Birstall Village Hall7.30-10.30pm. Tickets £5.50Bring your own food and drink

Proceeds go to the Samaritans Purse ‘Shoebox’Appeal

Tel: Hazel 2674008, Daphne 2675721• • •

Charity Bridge DriveOrganised by Loughborough Lions

At the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane,Rothley

Wednesday November 11 at 1.30pm with after-noon tea providedOnly £6 per person

To book a table please contact Jackie on 01162303317 or Ann 01509 232422

• • •Leicestershire Parents Group of Diabetes UK

Presents

60s, 70s & 80s DiscoSaturday November 14

At Longslade Community College, Wanlip Lane,Birstall. From 7-11.30pm

Trafficator disco, licensed bar, pop quiz, raffleTickets £6

Tel: Ian 0116 2301150 – 07946127572• • •

Tuesday October 6 at 7.30pm

St Theresa’s Feast Day MassAll welcome to attend

• • •Friday October 16 at 7.45pm

A quiz nightat St Theresa’s Church Hall. Pay on the door

Everyone welcome, come along and make up ateam and pit your wits against others

Proceeds to Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rut-land Air Ambulance

• • •Sunday November 22 at 7.30pm

A welcome return of the

Ibstock Brick Brass BandAt St James’ Church

Pay on the doorMonies to the band and a donation to the

church• • •

Yes folks it’s Panto time againHighcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society presents

Dracula the VampireStrikes Back

by Thomas Ribbits and Tim SawardAt Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane,

BirstallThursday & Friday Nov 26 & 27 at 7.15pm, Sat-

urday Nov 28, 2.30pm & 7.15pmTickets Adult £5, Concessions £4, discounts for

group bookings available from either email:hatsbirstall&hotmail.co.uk, tel: 0116 2128757

or 0775784719Comedy in a Jugular VeinDon’t delay book today!

• • •

Abbeyfield Autumn FairChurch Hill, Birstall

Tuesday 10 November. From 10am to 12noon20p admission

Tea & coffee, biscuits, cake also a home bakedstall, tombola, treasure trail, book stall and

gift stallAll proceeds are to go to the residents outing

and entertainment fund• • •

The Latimer Players present

Cinderellaby John Morley

Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, ThurcastonThursday, Friday, Saturday Nov 26, 27 & 28 at

7.30pmMatinee Saturday 28 at 2.30pm

Adults £7, Under 12s £5Tickets available from 121 Leicester Road,

Thurcaston or ring 0116 2362692• • •

Meet theBirstall & Wanlip

Neighbourhood Police TeamTalk to your local police officers about the is-

sues that concern youSaturday October 17, 10am to 12noon

Sibson Road Car Park, Old Council Office• • •

Birstall & District Art Society

Annual ExhibitionBirstall Village Hall

Admission freeSaturday October 31 & Sun November 1,9am-6pm. Mon November 2, 9am to 3pm

• • •

Autumn FairMountsorrel Memorial Hall

Sunday October 4From 10.30am to 4pm

Entrance £1, children under 16 freeA group of local women is holding a fair at the villagehall to raise funds for various charities. The group isthe Loughborough Club of Soroptimist International,which has several members living in Mountsorrel &

Quorn.There will be a variety of stalls with handmade goods:jewellery, ceramics, silk flowers, woodturning, naturalsoaps, greetings cards, chocolates & sweets, cheeses,

chutneys & preserves, linen and household items,hand bags & accessories, children’s gifts, plants, bric-

a-brac and books.Tea & biscuits will be served throughout the

day.Proceeds to a variety of local charities. Chari-

ties currently supported by the group are Rain-bows Hospice, Charnwood ‘Bridge’ for thehomeless, Women’s Refuge and Red Cross.

For further info contact Judy Barton 01509413230

• • •

Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council

Film Presentations“Dean Spanley”, Friday October 16 (100 mins)This clever, witty and barmy comedy drama, based onLord Dunsany's forgotten novel “My Talks with DeanSpanley” is an incredible tale set in Edwardian Eng-

land where “lips are stiff and drinks are stiffer”. PeterO’Toole gives a splendid performance.

“The Young Victoria”, Friday November 13(104 mins)

This charming British Costume Drama chroniclesVictoria’s rise to power, focusing on the early turbu-lent years of her reign. Prior to her coronation, Victo-

ria was at the mercy of her scheming mother andadvisors. However, her first cousin, Albert, defies pro-tocol to outwit the schemers. The young Victoria soon

learns to be assertive in politics and determined inher legendary romance. Emily Blunt gives a stunning

performance as Victoria.“A Bunch of Amateurs” Friday December 11All films start at 7.30pm and are shown at

Thurcaston Memorial Hall. Tickets cost £4, Con-cessions £3.50. Price includes refreshments

and a lucky prize draw.Advance tickets can be purchased via the parish

office 0116 236 7626 or at the door• • •

Syston Training Bandmeets on Monday evenings from 7-8pm

THE BIRSTALL POST, OCT 2009 7

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at the Syston Brookside (WMC) ClubPlayers of all ages and abilities can be sure of a

warm welcome from their dedicated musicaldirector Dennis Powell and his enthusiasticgroup of young, and not so young players

Beginners are welcome, instruments are pro-vided and tuition is available.

Syston Senior BandFor players with more experience the Senior

Band practice on Monday & Thursday eveningsfrom 8-10pm.

New players in all sections can be assured of afriendly welcome

For further details, tel: 0116 2609310 or 01162675823

• • •

Bath Male Choirand the

Chanterellesin concert

Saturday October 24 at 7pmSt James the Greater Church, London Road,

Leicester. £10 from 0793 071 3134or chanterelles_choir@hotmail.co.uk

• • •Birstall Methodist Church

Sunday November 8 at 6pm

‘Remembered by Name’a service of remembrance and thanksgiving for

loved ones who have diedEveryone welcome

Refreshments after the service• • •

Age Concern Furniture Shop, Birstallwould like unwanted toys and gifts for their

Christmas & Tombola Bazaarto be held on Friday and Saturday, Nov 27 & 28Please bring donations to 105 Sibson Road be-

fore Nov 22. Tel: 2672098Many thanks for your continued support

• • •New Dates for

Health Checksat Birstall Library

Due to overwhelming responsethe FREE health checks will carry on

until March 2010Health checks are normally held on Thursday

from 10am to 4pm.The following are the dates for your diaries:

Oct 15, Nov 12, Dec 17, Jan 14, Feb 18, Mar 18Health checks are free and cover: body fat %,

weight, body water %, and visceral fat, musclemass/bone mass, basal metabolic rate and

blood pressure. The health check days are runby Active Together Charnwood

Booking is required. You can either come inperson to Birstall library or book over the

phone on 0116 3058756• • •

Teddy Bears Picnicat Birstall Library

You are invited to come along to Birstall libraryon Mon October 26 from 10-10.45am

There will be teddy stories, rhymes and an ac-tivity for children under 5 with their parentsand carers. Bring your favourite teddy or any

toy alongIt’s free and booking is not required.

‘Family Feast’ half term activityFamilies of children up to 12 are encouraged tocome along and celebrate the family learningfestival at Birstall library on Tuesday October

20 from 2-3.30pmActivities will range from making things, quiz,hunt, competition and much more. Something

for everyone in the family and it’s freeBooking is required due to limited spaces.Phone Birstall library on 0116 3058756 to

book a place

WANLIP PRE-SCHOOL has moved to the oldCouncil Offices at 10 Sibson Road.

Our pictureshows Holly Fish-er (2) with dadBrian at an openday organised toallow parents tolook at the facili-ties, which arespread over tworooms.

Wanlip Pre-School is openweekdays, morn-

8 the birstall post OCT 2009

ings and afternoons. Contact Louise Websterfor details 078066 39045.

NO BARBECUE summer? Try telling that tomembers of Birstall Watermead TennisClub!

Their club’s two-week long annual cham-pionship culminated in a scorching hot finalsday played on the courts at the Co-op Sportsand Social Club ground on Birstall Road.

There were many outstanding performanc-es, not least that of Laura Morley who pow-ered her way to a hat trick of titles –including defending her ladies’ singles title,beating Mary Whiteman 6-0, 6-2.

Also successfully defending his title was 18year old Matt Williams in the men’s singles,who once again defeated older brother Sam,this time by a 6-1, 6-0 margin.

Arguably, the most thrilling match of theday was the under 16s final, between two ofthe club’s most promising youngsters, KieranWilliams and Ciaran Bibby, both 15.

After a real see-saw encounter, Kieran won1-6, 6-0, 7-5. Both players were applaudedoff the court at the end of an epic match.

In the under 18s final, Matt Williamsclinched a double success, beating BradleyStones 6-1, 6-1.

Meanwhile in the men’s doubles, SamWilliams gained some consolation for losingin the men’s singles final, by winning withMike Lale 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 against Ben Gale andMark Stones in a three set thriller.

The excitement carried on in the ladiesdoubles with Laura Morley and Melanie Os-win winning 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 against Carole Vin-

cent and Gayle Stones.In the mixed doubles Laura clinched her

third trophy of the day, when she and MikeLale beat Mary Whiteman and Connor Winter-ton 6-3, 6-2.

Trophies were presented a few hours laterby club chairman James Berry – fittingly at apacked barbecue – to cap a glorious latesummer’s day.

Pic: Laura Morley (left) and Mary Whiteman

Pic: Ciaran Bibby (left) and Kieran Williams

Crime Report Aug 9 to Sep 14Assaults & harassment 8, burglary 18 (up 12),

burglary other 6 (down 2), damage 7 (up 3), dam-age to motor vehicle 2, drugs 1, fraud 3, indecency1, non-recordable 13 (deaths, domestic trouble,malicious calls), theft 9, theft from motor vehicle 1,theft of motor vehicle 3, theft stores 1. Total 75

(up 38)There was one reported incident of graffiti.

Operation Ultimate is in progress on Thursdays andweekends. This essentially consists of two officerspatrolling Charnwood specifically to attend to mat-ters of ASB in hotspot areas. Additionally, highvisibility and covert patrols are still in operation inareas of special attention. Operation Shark is un-derway which consists of seven officers to attend toproblematic areas over weekends to assist localofficers. The way markers are still in place in areasthat have been historically problematic. The SpecialConstabulary still have the village set as a priorityfor high visibility patrols at weekends.

From PC Richard Carruthers, 2139

BIRSTALL UNITED under 16s vs Highfieldrangers - 20.9.09 (Birstall United 1-4Highfields)

On a lovely afternoon down at Birstallpark, Birstall united took on Highfields in agripping contest. Birstall made a very aggres-sive start to the match, winning all the tacklesand the headers in the air. James Pell andMatt Calvert were at the heart of this. Thedefence stayed strong as Highfields tried tobreak Birstall down in the opening 20 min-utes. Jack Norton defended very well duringthe first half but couldn’t do anything about afoul given against him; he received a yellowcard for this tackle! The break through cameBirstall's way in the 30th minute. A high footin the area by Highfields gave Birstall Unitedan indirect free kick from five yards out. JackWright passed to Luke Underwood to blastone home. Many Highfields’ changes left Bir-stall on the back foot for the whole of thesecond half. Highfields played very sharppasses and dominated play. The pressureshowed as they scored 4 goals in quick suc-cession. Birstall kept their heads up high forthe rest of the match. Well played to Birstallwho put in a good effort throughout.

From James Hulme

Continued from page 7 Pre-school moves

Tennis club champions

Birstall crime report

Unitedmatch report

AC RNBUILDERSEXTENSIONSALTERATIONS &PROPERTYREPAIRS

2675658Proprietor RMS Gibbon(

AGE CONCERN

INFOCoping with the Crunch : Age Concern andHelp the Aged Briefing

A new briefing paper from Age Concernand Help the Aged looks at the effect of therecession on older people. 60% of olderworkers say that the economic downturnmeans they may need to work for longer thanplanned, but one in five also fear that therecession could force them to stop worksooner than expected. 42% of people aged60+ are struggling to afford essential items.Retirement Income : ABI Research

Research for the Association of BritishInsurers (ABI) among people just before andafter retirement has found that their planningfor retirement income was often very limitedand haphazard and often started only a shorttime before retirement. While some had usedfinancial advisers, participants’ mistrust meantthere was a tendency to act alone or to turnto non-experts who they feel they can trust –particularly friends and colleagues.Financial Planning Through Retirement :AIFA Research

The Association of Financial Advisers(AIFA) has also published research on finan-cial planning through retirement, drawing onresearch with individuals, advisers and indus-try figures. A key finding is the need for fi-nancial advice coming up to and intoretirement, but the report also recommends areview of financial capability programmes toensure cost-effectiveness, and suggests thatproduct providers should adopt a consistentapproach to product features, risk and returnand terminology.Keeping Older People Healthy : Depart-ment of Health Announcement

As part of its Ageing Strategy, the Govern-ment has launched its Older People’s Preven-tion Package which aims to help people over50 years old stay healthy and maintain their

independence.The Package comprises a suite of down-

loadable resources to help healthcare profes-sionals improve prevention services for olderpeople. The current range includes best prac-tice around foot care, intermediate care andfalls prevention.

There is a public information leaflet thatadvises of the value and availability of pre-ventative checks and services.

Prevention package for older peopleTel: 0870 600 5522 (Department of Health

publications order line)www.dh.gov.uk

State Pension Cut-BacksMost people probably know by now that

the state pension age for women will start tobe gradually equalised with that of men fromnext year onwards. What few realise probablyis how widows’ entitlement to inherit theirhusbands’ state pensions will have been cut inhalf by October 2010. The reduction in whatcan be passed on applies to men as well iewidowers, but it is usually the man in a mar-riage or a partnership who dies first. Most ofthe 1.8million people who currently receivesome state pension inherited from a formerspouse or partner are women.

Changes to what was known as the StateEarnings Related Pension Scheme (SERPS)and is now called the State Second Pension(S2P) are phased in over long periods sup-posedly to let people adjust their retirementplans accordingly. Widows whose husbandsreached - or would have reached – 65 yearsof age on or before October 6, 2002 inherit-ed all their former spouse’s SERPS. But thosewhose husbands reached – or would havereached – 65 years of age on or after Octo-ber 6, 2010 will only receive half their S2Pentitlements.

How the maximum percentage of SERPSthat a man’s wife can inherit is being cut inhalf:

The man’s date of birth: 5 October 1937or before, 100%; between 6 October 1937 &5 October 1939, 90%; between 6 October1939 and 5 October 1941, 80%; between 6October 1941 and 5 October 1943, 70%;between 6 October 1943 and 5 October1945, 60%; 6 October 1945 or after 50%

If you would like to get some idea of howmuch state pension you can expect, the bestplace to start is the DWP’s Future PensionCentre on tel: 0845 300 0168 or go online towww.thepensionservice.gov.uk/state-pension/forecast/how-do-i-apply.aspBefriending Schemes : Counsel and CareNetwork

Counsel and Care has established a newnetwork for befriending schemes for olderpeople called VitalLinks. The project aims topublish a publicly accessible online directoryof befriending schemes in England and Waleslater this year.

Befriending schemes – join the new na-tional network!

www.counselandcare.org.uk/influence/news/Breaks and Check-Ups for Carers : Depart-ment of Health Announcement

The Department of Health has announceda programme of demonstrator sites which willtest different ways of supporting carers. Thereare 25 sites that will each receive between£400,000 and £800,000 over two years.Activities will include providing health checks,care to enable carers to take breaks, stressmanagement and health advice and makingthe NHS more carer friendly.Direct Payments for Care and Support :New Regulations

In response to new powers to issue directpayments contained in the Health and SocialCare Act 2008 the Department of Health hasissued new direct payment regulations. Theregulations enable local authorities to appointa suitable person to receive a direct paymenton behalf of a person who lacks the capacityto direct their own care even with the help ofan advocate and sets out the procedure forappointing a suitable person. The new regula-tions come into force on 9 November thisyear.Personal Budgets and Charging : Depart-ment of Health Guidance

The Department of Health has issued guid-ance setting out how a person’s contributionto their personal budget might be calculatedif it were needed. The guidance suggests thatwhere councils have always charged the fullcost of their services then the charge shouldbe based on 100% of the personal budget.Alternatively, in the case of free or subsidisedservices they could choose a percentageagainst which to charge. The aim is to ensurethat people who receive a personal budgetare not disadvantaged.

Councils are reminded that people whocan fund their own care are still entitled toan assessment of their needs. Those peoplewho are eligible for social services and who,as a result of the financial assessment, willmeet the full costs of their care, are still enti-tled to help in making appropriate care ar-rangements. The guidance supplements FairerCharging guidance that is still to be used forassessing how much the individual can bereasonably expected to pay from their re-sources.Social Care Reform – Lessons from Over-seas : SPRU Report

The Social Policy Research Unit has pub-lished a report looking at the lessons of so-cial care reform in other countries (Germany,Netherlands, Denmark, Australia and Japan).The main findings were:

• that all five are actively negotiating ongo-ing balances between the growing demand forcare and political and economic constraints

• only Australia has shifted the balance offunding care towards the individual the otherfour countries retaining a clear principle ofuniversal provision for everyone above a givenlevel of need for support.

• modest increases in income related con-tributions to social insurance schemes appearfeasible

• successful management of long term carebudgets is helped by central government tak-ing a clear lead role, and be single fundingstreams that are separate from acute healthcare

• policies relating to family carers areintegral to comprehensive strategies.Default Retirement Age : Judicial ReviewHearing

The latest stage in Age Concern and Helpthe Aged’s long running challenge to the Em-ployment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006took place in the High Court between 16 and20 July. Age Concern and Help the Aged arechallenging two parts of the Regulations: theNational Default Retirement Age of 65, andthe leeway that employers are given to justifydiscriminatory treatment on the grounds ofage. A judgement is now expected in theautumn.

Jex Woods

The ladies team of Sue Wilson, Pa Walker,Jan Everitt and Diane Hurst won the CountyFours title for the second time having reachedtheir third successive final. The 2007 win-ners and 2008 runners up beat a team fromKingscroft, Earl Shilton, which included twoEngland internationals, 16–13 in this yearsfinal.

Birstall also won the Greenwood Cup forthe first time since 1982. A score of +67over the four rinks secured the title by 11shots over the nearest challenger, HinckleySweet Pea, who finished on +56. Birstallscores: Rob Smith, Dave Hill, Diane Hurst andJohn Hurst +22 against Brookfield. Pa Walk-er, Jan Everitt, John Walker and Andy Wye+16 against Wymeswold. Gary Norman, RoyNutting, Tom Cowles and Paul Young +16against South Kilworth. Grahame White, John

Lee, Richard Smith and Dave Clarke +13against Belgrave.

Two fund raising matches have also takenplace at the club recently. The annual St JohnCup game raised £300, which included a£100 donation from opponents Rushey Mead,for the local St John Ambulance branch, andfollowing a match between Birstall and theZippers £300 was donated to their associa-tion, which raises money for cardiac andcoronary care units in over 60 hospitalsaround the country, including Glenfield.

More information is on the club websitewww.birstallbowling.co.ukPic: Birstall Senior Vice President Bren Thomp-son, Rushey Mead President John Washington,St John representative Eddie Simms, BirstallPresident Roy Nutting, Rushey Mead Junior VicePresident Doug Simnor and Rushey Mead SeniorVice President Christine Wilson.

THE BIRSTALL POST, OCT 2009 9

BIRSTALL BOWLING Club’s successful season continued with victory intwo county competitions.

20 Briargate Drive – erection of 2-storeyside and single storey extension to rear ofdwelling253 Birstall Road – raise canopy of 1 Treeof Heaven2 Church Hill – change of use ofgarage/workshop to ground floor flat

619 Loughborough Road – formation ofpitched roof to rear35 Cliffwood Ave – erection of 2 storeyextension to the side20 Rosetree Ave – erection of a singlestorey extension to rear of dwelling

Cup & title winners

Planning applications

Help us in our work helpingothers less fortunate than

ourselves

All gifts and donations gladlyaccepted at the

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION19 FRONT STREET • BIRSTALL

or Ring 2674817

NOT SELF”“SERVICE

BIRSTALL PLUMBINGTel: 0116 267 2266

Complete Professional BathroomSupply & Fitting Service

including tiling etcFREE ESTIMATES

Plumbing, Heating, Gas Installations & ServicingNo Call Out Charge

LEARN TO DOSILK PAINTINGSaturday 7 November 2009

Rothley Centre10am until 4pmCost: £38 which

includes materialsNo drawing ability needed. This will be arelaxed and supported day when you can

learn a new skill.To book or for more info ring

01509 416823

“The trip ended all too quickly at 4.15amback in Sainsbury’s carpark.

“If you are interested in joining the Guid-ing movement in our exciting centenary year,there are places available for a range of age

AIRPORT CARS Birstall. Airports, Seaports,Long Distance, Courier. Tel: 0777 1984806

TELEPHONE EXTENSION Sockets fitted by ex-BT engineer. Cable, BT and digital TV. Over25 yrs experience. John 2675132 BOX

ARCHITECTURAL DRAUGHTING. Plans, exten-sions & alterations drawn and submitted tocouncil. All types of draughting undertaken.Over 15 years experience. Tel: Mark 01162677721

FOUND Memory stick, blue, Kingston DataTraveller 2GB, on School Lane playing field onTues September 1. Contact 2205051

ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES provided by qualifiedaccountant. Low rates for sole traders/ smallbusinesses. Tel: 2673951

REDCURRANTS We have had a glut this year.Anyone who would like some, please contact2676946 (Ansaphone for when I’m out)

At the beginning of next month, on Sunday No-vember 1 at 3pm at St. James there will be theannual All Souls Service, when anyone who wishesto remember loved ones who are no longer withus, is invited to a short service of reflection, en-couragement and hope, with hymns, prayers andreadings. If you have transport problems, pleasephone the church office on 2671797 in the weekbeforehand.

Everyone is invited to any of these services.On Wednesday November 4 at 7.30 pm there is

another open event in St. James’ community area,when a talk on “War and Peace” will be given by aformer army chaplain, Revd. Tony Coslett, teamrector of the Resurrection parishes in Leicester.This should be a very challenging discussion, towhich all are invited.

From Beryl McHugh

10 the birstall post OCT 2009

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERLongslade College, Wanlip Lane,

Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GHEditor: Mr Jerry Jackson

Editorial/Advertising (Tel & Fax)

0116 2674213Correspondence, news etc

can be handed in at:Birstall Library or to our office in the

Youth Centre,Longslade College, Birstall

editor@birstallpost.co.uk

IN JULY a group of Birstall guides andleaders visited Adleboden in Switzerland.

Guide Leader Julie Parker writes: “After avery long journey by road and ferry we ar-rived at our chalet which was situated in avalley surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Thehighlights of our trip in-cluded a visit to ‘Our Cha-let’, which is one of thefour World Centres ofGuiding. We also had abrilliant time on a summertoboggan run and braved avery steep mountain rail-way (not for the faintheart-ed!)We took the easy route ofa chairlift up the Adlebod-en mountain range andhiked back down passingthe Alpine Garden.

“The high point was aday trip to Jungfrau, known ‘as the top ofEurope’. We had a snow ball fight in the thicksnow and enjoyed stunning views. We wereamazed by the huge ice palace adorned withice sculptures.

groups meeting on several evenings at ourBirstall Headquarters on Johnson Road. Formore information either call in any weekdayevening or phone 0116 2611779.”Pic: Birstall Guides on top of the Jungfrau,Switzerland

JUNIOR GOLFERS invited their mums to trythe sport at a special event organised byBirstall Golf Club .

Six mums came along to the Have a Go atGolf session organised by Girls Junior organ-iser Sue Bailey. She said: “Most mums andwives of golfers are left at home while theirfamilies play, only hearing in detail how thegame went when they return.”

Nine year old Lauren Burton helped mum Alison with her swingand loaded the ballsonto the tee for her.

Sue said: “All themums said they hadenjoyed the golf sessionand were keen to carryit on”Pic: (inset) Lauren Bur-ton showing mum howto swing a golf club

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“Togetherness” in Birstall and WanlipIt is more than 12 years since the people of St.

James, and Our Lady and St. Nicholas (Church ofEngland), St. Theresa (Roman Catholic), and theMethodist Church agreed to declare their unity andfellowship as Christians under the title of “ChurchesTogether in Birstall and Wanlip”. Their declaredaim was “never to do separately, what we can rea-sonably do together”, and during the years since,many good things have come out of this agreement,for the churches and the community.

Throughout the year, services are regularlyshared by the churches – the occasion of St.Theresa’s Patronal Festival on October 6th at7.30pm is the next one; the Advent Service followson November 29 at 6pm at St. James; then theservice of Prayer for Christian Unity at the Method-ist Church on January 24 at 6pm. The three clergymeet together, and twice a year there is a meetingfor members of the three church councils for plan-ning and discussion.Community involvement

Perhaps even more importantly, benefits havebeen shared by the community of the two villages.The Coffee Shop, open every week-day morning atthe Methodist Church, is run jointly by helpers fromall the churches: work with children has beenshared, in workshops, holiday clubs and after-school clubs (sadly in abeyance at present throughshortage of adult helpers); outings and holidays areopen to all – there is a very long list of local eventsand organisations which the churches jointly eithersupport or organise, ranging from a New Year’s Eveparty to Christian Aid week and Birstall Gala. Inthese days, when the Christian Church is often un-der attack in the national press, not everyone maybe aware of what quietly goes on in the locality.Forthcoming events

This month the Harvest services will take placeon Sunday October 4 at Birstall St. James at9.30am and 11am, when gifts of tinned goods, andtoiletries are specially needed, for the Welcomeproject for refugees at the Cathedral. There will bea tea afternoon at Wanlip with Festival Evensong at6pm, followed by refreshments in the Church andCommunity room.

The annual Civic Service, with the Mayor ofCharnwood, is at St.James this year on Sunday 11 at9.30 am.

On Saturday 17 at Wanlip at 3pm there will be aspecial service of Evensong, using the 1662 prayerbook, for the Leicestershire Prayer Book Society.

Filling a Shoe BoxCould you fill a shoe box for Christmas

that could be sent to a child, abroad, lessfortunate than most Birstall children are. Ifyou could do so, please contact Beryl on2103064 who can provide you with a leafletof items that can be included etc. Last year350 boxes were sent from many well wishersin Birstall, and not just from the Methodistchurch. This is part of a scheme calledSamaritan’s Purse.Toys on the Table

A project nearer to home; but still a littleway ahead. The church is again supportingthe Charnwood Toys on the Table appeal. Ifyou have toys or other items suitable for localchildren for Christmas then do put them by tobring along to our special Toy Service onNovember 29.Harvest Prayer Room

Do look in to the Quiet Room where youwill find prayer stations being set up with aHarvest theme.Civic Service

Sunday morning October 12 is the occa-sion of the Civic Service. Not only will RogerWilson attend, in his role as Chairman of the

County Council, the Bishop of Leicester, RevTim Stevens will also participate. The servicewill include special music by David Bark anda specially assembled choir. Roger will attendwith his consort, his wife Sheila – but forboth of them this will no more than they domost Sunday mornings – attend Birstall Meth-odist church!Pantomime Cast

The February 2010 pantomime is to beDick Whittington. If you missed the first meet-ing which was on Thursday September 24 andwould like to join the cast then do phoneRichard on 2209462.

From Tony MooreGuides’ alpine trip

Mums’ golf day

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