B Alert No. 5 2012

012 2 r e b o t c O / r e b m e t S ep

Still num b

er o n e

! e n o t f or n e w s i n Bra uns

Old Braunstone Park & Hall

Bye to Deirdre (in the middle)

A stitch in time!

Summer, our youngest reader

Manor House treasures

Happy volunteers

Wet, wet, wet!

Prickly visitor

NMB

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he most recent meeting of the Neighbourhood Management Board (NMB) discussed the following items.

- there has been a meeting to discuss combining 302 with 54 to Beaumont Leys. Due to road repairs, buses have been using the old route.

Feedback suggests they will keep to this route.

- The Residents’ Network was unhappy at the amount of time it is taking to repair the equipment. No one from Parks was available to feedback on progress.

- is working on their own logo so they are easily identifiable when they are out in the community, supporting and running events.

Multi Access Centre helped 53 people into work since April and 15 are volunteering in different sectors. B-working still provides volunteering, training employment opportunities; helpline for tax returns, welfare rights and benefits queries. It also has a facebook page and is linked to the Residents Network A recent community consultation will support a Big Lottery bid for jobs and training for young people.

- All households in the area will receive a brochure with full course details and centre contact numbers. Information is on website www.lasals.co.uk - Sally Franklin is leaving and being replaced

by Sharon Reid. Community Energy Programme (CESP) making good progress. Conversions are still taking place.

Next year there will be changes to housing benefit.

Combined with other proposed changes this may create problems. A short Revenue and Benefits talk has been organised for the next meeting to look at these changes.

-Preparation for school holidays are taking place. Officers have gone into schools and spoken to 8-13 yr olds. There have been a few vehicle break-ins around Valance and Winstanley, but compared to the same period last year overall reported crime is down.

- To date the panel has allocated £7,500. The successful groups were Golden Gloves Boxing Club, Studs FC and United Play. Conditions are that NHS, lottery, council funding and other public money cannot be used as the groups part of the match, but volunteers hours can be used. For more details go to www.b-inspired.org.uk and click on Community First tab. VAL will help groups to complete the form.

ResNet he Residents Network has had another busy period. Recently we held our Annual Meeting at the BRITE Centre. We launched our new logo, which we all ‘showed off’ on our new polo shirts. We also have our own stationery and business card. The idea is to give Braunstone Residents’ Network a clear identity for when we apply for funds for Braunstone or when we are working in the community.

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We still run the garage sale in Wellinger Way to raise funds for local activities. To help with this we are looking for a volunteer who is a bit of an E-Bay whizz. Some of the goods and clothes we get given are just right for Ebay and could bring in more money for Braunstone events.

We are also looking for a couple of helping hands to assist with sorting goods for the weekly garage sale. If you fit either of these job descriptions then give us a call - we won’t take up too much of your time and you’ll become part of a great team of local people who love doing things for Braunstone.

As well as that, lots of us are involved in Braunstone Foodshare and once a fortnight we organise the distribution of free groceries to our members. This is saving many people a lot money. You can join us as a member and we always welcome volunteers.

Congratulations… …to Braunstone Award winner, Anne Newbery on the birth of daughter Pollyanna Mary. Anne said that she went into labour just after her her 87th parkrun. (wow!).

She also reported that Pollyanna Mary came into the world at an eye-watering 9 lb 3 oz. (double wow!!)

Working Progress

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ontinuing its mission to help Braunstone residents get access to training and jobs, b-working asked us to carry on promoting their work.

Police Story ergeant Cara Guest sent us the latest news from Braunstone’s Local Police Unit. She told us that some of our local officers were very proud to have been part of the Olympic experience. “During July and August officers were part of an operation providing assistance to London and the police response for the Olympics. They said what a wonderful atmosphere there was in London during the events.”

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First the b-working Work Club; this is a great way for you to start finding your way into the job market. Work Club can help you with important things like developing your CV and job search. It is run by very experienced and helpful staff, Paula Smith and Donna Yassin. Work Club runs for two hours on Friday mornings from 10.00am at the b-working base on Gallards Hill. All the Back in Braunstone local police resources you need, including telephone and computer have started two new schemes access, are available free of charge. If you are looking to tackle crime in the area. Sgt. for work then is the place to start.

Guest said “The first is Operation Dynamo, which is an Manager, Emma Shabtay-White told us, “Our team is initiative to reduce the number of house burglaries. We dedicated to providing Braunstone with the best services have identified the areas that are most vulnerable to possible. In the first three months of this financial year burglaries and will have a marked vehicle on patrol. we had nearly 600 people in for Information, Advice Operation Dynamo has two main aims. One is to and Guidance (IAG) over 150 to the work club, 66 provide an efficient and quick response to burglaries residents given external training and 46 into part-time and the other is deter the offenders from committing the and full-time jobs. Since the end of July we’ve helped break-in the first place.” another 22 people into work.”

Part of the team’s success is their work to ensure that the service fits the customer. Emma said, “We never stop checking people’s views of our services. We are asking again for feedback on the quality of what we do and for suggestions about how we can improve.”

Emma reminded us that other valuable community services are provided at Gallards Hill. These include Clockwise Credit Union, an affordable saving and loans scheme and a Community Advice service , both running on Tuesday mornings.

The second scheme is Operation Barley. Sgt. Guest explained. “It is during the summer months that we suffer the most Anti-social Behaviour (ASB) problems.

This is generally due to the school holidays and the light nights. Op. Barley will provide another dedicated vehicle to tackle ASB issues in the Hinckley Road area.

We have identified the main areas for officers to patrol and respond to reports of ASB. We will then work together with our partner agencies With the aim of preventing further ASB and take positive action against those responsible.”

If you are on Facebook you can keep up to date with Although crime reduction is still an issue Sgt. Guest gave us some more encouraging statistics. She said, b-working news. “Facebook is a new thing for us but “For Braunstone and Rowley Fields ward the overall we already have over 320 members and welcome more.” crime figures are down from the previous year. We Finally, talking about staff changes, Emma told us, “I have had 486 crimes recorded compared to 592 am sad to say that Deirdre Warren is leaving us (see recorded crimes for the same time last year.” photos page). She has worked with us for eight years and I want to thank her for her hard work and Sgt. Guest, paid tribute to her officers for their hard commitment. Deirdre has been promoted to an work in tackling crime and added, “But it’s also due to Employment Services Team Leader elsewhere and we the support of our neighbourhood, and the calls from all wish her well. I am pleased to welcome Shan residents to report suspicious persons, vehicles or Needham back to the team. Shan joins us on a full-time incidents and supporting us through to a prosecution. I would like to thank all who have helped.” basis from September.”

If you want to report a crime ring any time of day For more information about b-working services

First Class!

Right to Control

riginally the Royal Mail was a service for the monarchy to send messages to and from the court.

In 1635 King Charles 1st extended it to the public.

All letters went to London, Edinburgh or Dublin then redirected by mail coaches. The receiver paid for the service extra pages. Longer distances cost more, so only the very wealthy, or businesses, could afford to use it.

Recently we had a visit from Brian Wheeler who came to tell us about a new service to help people with disabilities find work.

In 1680, William Dockwra introduced a pre-payment of one penny for posting letters. The revenue went to the Government. This penny post was increased to two pence (tuppence) in 1801 to help finance the war against Napoleon.

In 1840, over 200 years after the service started, Rowland Hill introduced the first postage stamp.

There used to be a post-box on the front garden wall of the Manor Farm at 252, Braunstone Lane. An area of lighter coloured mortar in the rock wall marks where the box was.

As late as 1880 the only postal collection to rural Braunstone village was by a horseman, who collected the letters from this hole in the wall. One carrier, Mr Billings, had a route between Leicester and Desford. He picked up the letters from Leicester and arrived in Braunstone on Wednesday early evening, indicating his presence by blowing a whistle.

you.”

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He told us, “I am part of Leicester’s Adult Social Care team and work with people with disabilities. Leicester is one of seven areas testing a programme called ‘Right to Control’. This is a new legal service for Cross-posts were erected at intersections on the postal disabled people, giving them more control and more routes and each post had a unique mark. These posts could choices about the support they need.” be used to show the distance the mail had travelled .1660 Brian is particularly interested in supporting disabled saw the introduction of post-marks as proof of delivery and people into work. “Through a scheme called ‘Work the postage due. Braunstone had it’s own cross post at the Choice’ we can set up a programme of care, training Crossway on the old Fosse Way, now Narborough Road. and support that will help you find the job that suits

Later the Braunstone postal service improved. At a parish council meeting in March 1923 it was agreed “… that the letter box should be cleared at 2.00 -12 p.m. and that the delivery should be 2.00p.m. instead of 5.30 p.m. on Saturdays."

Work Choice is open to any person with disabilities who is over 16 years old, and the support to any individual can last for up to two years.

“I rely on building contacts with local organisations that have contact with the community and who can refer people to me. So I’m in contact with STAR, b-working, the b-connected Neighbourhood Support Team and the Braunstone Residents’ Network.”

The idea is to make sure that people who need help can develop their confidence and get the back-up and training they need.

“For anyone who is interested, it’s important that you feel comfortable,” adds Brian, “I can meet you at home, at a local project or anywhere you feel at ease.

This is part of offering you real choices. Then I can introduce you to a range of different agencies to find out what works best for you. You won’t be pressed into anything you don’t want this really is about you being in control!”

By 1932 the village shop was also a post office. In the 1950s there was a post office at 288 Braunstone Lane, run by Mr & Mrs Liggins, who had a photo of the original Manor Work Choice has helped people Farm post-box; there were four others at Guthridge with disabilities to find work in Crescent; Ayston Road, Aylmer Road and 45 Wellinger carpentry and mechanics, and has even helped one Way (now the Neighbourhood Support Base). person who wanted to work in a stable.

In 2004 the Braunstone Lane and Wellinger Way post offices were closed. The closure of Guthridge Crescent followed in 2008, leaving only two post offices to serve Braunstone.

Thanks to Sandra from the Braunstone History Group for this brief history of Braunstone mail.

Brian said, “Some people from Braunstone have shown interest in Work Choice already and I want to spread the word even wider. If you give me a call I can give you help you need to find a Work Choice that suits you, with all the support you need.”

Remap

FareWEll to Freda

e heard from a unique volunteer group e were all very sad to hear of the death of called Remap. It’s a charity that aims to Freda Nethercot in late July. Many people improve the daily lives of people with will mourn her passing as she was a well disabilities by designing and building specialised known and much loved woman. She was a real hub of equipment for them. the community in Braunstone and over the years helped At a recent Volunteer Market, one of the Remap team and supported many people. Our condolences to explained, “Our volunteers are mostly retired Freda’s family on this sad occasion. One of our readers engineers, who use their skills and inventiveness to solve has been in touch and is writing a tribute to Freda for our next edition. problems for people with disabilities.”

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Just Perfect!

He demonstrated a machine for turning the pages of newspapers and magazines. “This was for someone who doesn’t have the mobility to turn the pages. It’s e’ve been giving a lot of coverage to new made from a few fans from old computers and other services for over 60s in Braunstone. This is salvaged bits and pieces and operated by a switch in because we think they are good ideas and a small mat. So just by pressing on the mat the user can because many of our older residents asked for them. make the machine turn pages backwards and We are pleased to report that the Over 60s Befriending forwards.”

Scheme is now up and running, having recently started It was fantastic to watch two arms that work and turn local befriending visits. Catching up on the scheme’s the pages, giving a disabled person a way to enjoy progress gave us a chance to speak to Lizzie, one of reading and keep up with what is happening in the the volunteer team. world.

Interestingly, Lizzie became part of the team by A visit to the Remap website showed us some accident. She said “I was helping out on the Alert on a remarkable inventions. Some are very simple devices busy day when there were lots of people in the office. to turn on a gas fire or open a fridge - made from things Through all the talk I overheard a conversation about like old hockey sticks, dowelling and hooks. Others are befriending. It sounded good so I decided to be nosy more complicated, like the page turner, or the amazing and ask more about it. It turned out to be Jane, the gadget that allowed a young man with severely limited co-ordinator and a volunteer. It seemed a perfect movement to play games on his X box. The device uses opportunity for me do something that I’ve always the very slight movements he has in his fingers to thought was worthwhile. I think it’s a great thing that operate the games controller.

Jane is doing.”

Remap is the ‘art of making things possible’ and they Lizzie feels that there are many older people in say no challenge is too great. The conditions for Remap Braunstone, who don’t get out and don’t have visitors. services are simple - any equipment is free of charge As well as visiting older residents at home the scheme and will be supplied only if there is no available has regular visits to Bridges House and Bowder House. commercial equivalent. Also, the equipment is for individual personal need, when you don’t need it any “I have already visited my first ‘befriendee’ and can’t longer you should return it to Remap. There are two wait to visit her again. We both enjoyed it. We need opportunities available through Remap, one is to have to look out for our older people and for me, this scheme equipment built to suit your needs and the other is to is just perfect.” use your inventive skills as part of the team.

Braunstone Over 60s Befriending Scheme volunteers

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Find out more about this wonderful charity.

are all trained and CRB checked. If you want a friendly visitor or know someone who might need one, contact;

Green Spot n our last edition we had an article about Tracey Spears offering allotment and garden advice. She told us that she has been working with some Audley End residents who want to make better use of their gardens. “If they keep on they will soon be eating their own home grown food.” Tracey has lots of ideas about healthy eating and growing food in your own garden and is hoping to take these ideas a lot further. She said, “There’s evidence that many of us in Braunstone don’t get the ‘five a day’ portions of fruit and vegetables that are recommended for good health. I’ve been thinking about a project that might get more people eating more healthy food. It could involve people learning how to use their gardens to produce food, or sharing the workload by sharing gardens - there may be other ideas and options too!”

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Anne Short and Tracey are looking at how they might develop the project. They want to start with some basic fact-finding to see what local support there would be for the ideas and who would get involved in growing their own food, or trying a garden share scheme. Anne said “We need to develop the questionnaires for this, and we would be asking things like - what fruit and veg you do eat?; do you get your five a day?; do you grow any food in your garden?; would you would like more information or help with these issues?”

Although the plan is still at the discussion stage, both Anne Useful numbers to help keep Braunstone Clean and Tracey want to hear from residents who might be Bulk Removal/Orange Bags 0116 252 7002 interested in taking part. So if you grow your own food, want Report Dog Fouling 0116 252 7001 to learn how to, or are willing to help with the survey, then Report Fly Tipping 0116 252 7001 call 0116 223 2256, 07588 569 726 or e-mail Report Graffiti 0116 225 3839

The Shakespeare Inn, Braunstone Lane

Adult Learning Courses 2012/13 @ BRITE Centre Braunstone Avenue We offer a range of courses : Maths/English Computing (beginners to level 2) Bookkeeping Childcare (beginners to level 3 diploma) Arts and Crafts Spanish and Italian Cake decorating Family learning and much more Main Enrolment Session Thurs 13 September 10.00 am – 8.00pm Assessments for ESOL Courses Thurs 6th & 13th September 1.00 - 3.00 pm Assessments for maths/English Thurs 6th September 1.30 – 4.00 pm Thurs 13th September 5.30 – 8.00 pm For further enquiries or to book an assessment please call 0116 233 3164 or 0116 229 2589

andy Grubb, was just 60 when he died of Lung

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Cancer on May 23rd , leaving behind Linda, his wife of 30 years, and children Natalie, Sam and Rose. In his memory, Natalie and Rose and best friend Jess are running Leicester’s Race for Life on September 22nd to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Natalie said “The cause is very close to our hearts. Our dad was the best, the life and soul of the party, a caring,kind man who will be missed by everyone who knew him. Cancer Research gave our dad an extra year of valuable time to spend with us before his death.”

Sandy was put on a medical trial which reduced his pain considerably and gave him the extra time. For this, the Grubb sisters will always be grateful.

In the Race for Life 2011 the girls raised over £500 – for Cancer Research UK. Natalie added, “Our Granddad has lived with skin cancer for 30 years, another reason why raising money for Cancer Research UK is so important to us” If you would like to make a donation to help the girls smash their £800 target then please log on to You can donate as little as £1 - every penny counts!

Bustin’ a Jig!

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e always want to showcase ordinary people doing extraordinary things and show that there’s more to Braunstone than meets the eye. For some time we had been hearing about a young man with a real talent and got the chance to talk to him. His name is Reiss Thomson and he dances.

“I was born in Braunstone Avenue but we moved off and lived in different places across the city. When I was ten we moved back to Rancliffe Gardens. I started boxing then - and I was pretty good.

But I was a proper lad and always mucking around. I ended up breaking my wrist three times and had to stop boxing, but I took up dancing When I was a young teenager I used to go to the Watershed and got into doing all sorts of youth activities, I learned more dancing and went to London for the B-Boys break dancing. I joined Mandy Sheppard's ER Crew and I really learned lots of stuff from there and got to dance at Luton Carnival. That was how I started to meet new people and make friends from different places and different environments. I was good, but to be honest when I was fifteen I just wanted to look fit and be popular… and to get girls!”

While still in his teens, Reiss also joined Streetvibe youth project. Streetvibe manager Brian Quinn told us, “I remember Reiss well - he was part of the Youth Panel and got involved in positive work. He was a great lad and he could really dance.” Reiss said, “This office we’re in now (45 Wellinger Way) was where we used to meet, that’s why I’m so comfortable here… all that time with Streetvibe.”

It was not all plain sailing for Reiss. He admitted, “When I was younger I did mess about and I could easily have ended up in trouble with the police. I was lucky that I got into things like ER Crew and Streetvibe. Going to dance events like Move It in London was great. I like to stand out and be noticed and it was like showing everyone what you’re made of and saying ‘We’re from Braunstone - look what we can do!’”

To Reiss dancing was just something he did. He said, ”My mum advised me to get a trade and I went to college to learn painting and decorating. I never once thought about being a professional dancer - I just danced. Me and my mates danced everywhere… clubs, friends’ parties. If there was music anywhere I’d just start bustin’ a jig!”

A local woman, Diane Ford, had a big influence on Reiss. She told us, “I’ve been a dancer all my life and I can tell when someone has talent. When I saw Reiss I thought he was brilliant and just needed a chance.”

Diane spoke to her friend Ann Oliver MBE, who runs the world famous Leicester College of Performing Arts. “I asked her to give Reiss an interview and she took the risk. Usually the interviews are four hours long and involve lots of different styles of dancing. After only forty minutes Ann Oliver decided to give Reiss a £27,000 scholarship.”

Then the hard work started. Reiss had to learn new dance skills including tap and ballet. “It was really exciting! I know I was privileged to get the scholarship…there have only been two in thirteen years.”

Now Reiss is a professional dancer, who has travelled all over Europe and the Caribbean, something he never considered a few short years ago. He said, “Now I say to my friends and anyone… you need to find out what’s inside yourself, what you want to do and just do it.

One of my mates said he would love to be a quad bike instructor but the training course was in Germany. I told him to stop thinking about it and go for it… make it happen!”

Looking to the future Reiss said, “I don’t have a vision of where my career will go, but I know I want to be noticed and seen for my dancing and choreography. It would be great to do something on the scale of the Olympic opening - we’ll see.”

We’re certain that Reiss will get that recognition and will be a great role model for other young people.

Braunstone Awards 2012 Do you know someone who deserves a Braunstone Award? A friend, family member, neighbour or worker who you feel deserves to be recognised for the things they do in Braunstone?

If so, then just fill in the form below and return it to;Neighbourhood Support Team at 45 Wellinger Way, Braunstone, LE3 1RG. Alternatively, you can email the details to us or e-mail b.alert@b-inspired.org.uk.

Who are you nominating?

The Categories

Tick one

Services to the Community: Groups - Do you know of Tell us their contact details so we can invite them to the Awards.

Address: Postcode: Telephone: What is your name?

Tell us your contact details, so we can invite you to the Awards.

Address:

any local groups who provide a fantastic service for Braunstone. Nominations can be for direct involvement with residents, encouraging and sharing knowledge & skills in hobbies or interests or for improving the local environment.

Services to the Community: Individuals It can be for individuals who work/volunteer tirelessly for Braunstone.

Nominations can be for direct involvement with residents, encouraging and sharing knowledge & skills in hobbies or interests or in improving the local environment.

Good Neighbours and Carers: Looking after disabled, elderly or needy neighbours, babysitting or childcare for neighbours, doing errands, helping others through troubles.

Work with Young People: School volunteers, running sports teams, organising music/dance groups, volunteering in youth or play activities, holidays & trips

Postcode:

Workers in the Community: doctors, police, teachers, bus drivers, youth or community workers, housing staff any paid staff who are doing a good job for Braunstone

Why do you think this person deserves a Braunstone Award? You can tell us things like; How long they have lived or worked in Braunstone; what they do that is good for others; where they workIndividual or volunteer; what kind Award: of people they help; what Achievement New category for makes them special; what others think about them. recognising personal achievements.

Opportunity for friends and families to share their pride and to inspire others

Thanks for your nomination

Taking Over!

On yer Bike!

s we’ve reported, Braunstone Foodshare keeps going from strength to strength and, so it seems, does the volunteer team. They feel the scheme is so worthwhile and important that they want to run it Andy Salkeld, LCC’s Cycling Co-ordinator, told us, themselves.

“One cycling connection with Braunstone was that five years ago Queensmead School hosted the Foodshare takes place every two weeks, at St Peters national launch of Bikeability, the national standard Church on Woodshawe Rise, and volunteers have always cycle training. In those five years the number of been an important part of the service, with a lot of support cyclists in Leicester has doubled - there’s a bike from local staff including the Rev. Chris Burch and the b-connected team. As numbers and confidence grew, the revolution going on and Braunstone is part of it.” volunteers wanted a bigger role in organising, planning Andy added that there are regular led-rides from and improving Foodshare.

Braunstone Leisure Centre. “These are opportunities for cyclists of all ages and abilities to get on two, The volunteers organised and ran their first meeting three or even four wheels to share their local streets.” recently and there was a lot of positive feedback and commitment. Everyone said how much they enjoy it, what An enthusiastic cyclist himself, Andy said, “Great a fantastic scheme it is and what they thought would make British cyclists are the best sports people in the world, it work better. but you don’t have to be Bradley Wiggins. If you’re new or returning to cycling then a little at a time Our youngest members, Nicole & Helena (aka The Twins), builds your confidence and energy. Practice makes are new to the volunteering world but are such bright sparks, both very enthusiastic and full of life and ideas. perfect so long as you don’t overdo it.”

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unners have Braunstone parkrun and walkers have Let’s Walk Braunstone, so we wondered if there was anything similar for cyclists.

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Braunstone bike rides are planned for September Another younger volunteer, James, said, “When I heard about Foodshare, I thought it sounded really good. I enjoy and there will be similar led-rides across the city. working with other people and it is satisfying knowing I ”My colleague, Janet, can even organise bike rides am doing something good.” for local groups on request.” Andy added, “It’s not just about cycling, it’s about meeting new people, Helen had this to say, ”I heard about it through the and making things interesting. For example, Richard Residents’ Network. It helps a lot of people, some of them Himan is a cyclist who is interested in wartime probably cannot afford much… and it’s putting the food Leicester; together we are planning a Braunstone Blitz to good use instead of it going to waste on landfills. I get Ride. You will be able to join a guided ride and hear a lot of enjoyment out of helping other people and I have made a lot of new friends.” about the wartime history of the area.”

Although times are tough there are lots of incentives to help you get on your bike. “You can get a good quality second-hand bike for around £40 at Bikes 4 All on Sanvey Gate; most people on low incomes can get free training on how to maintain their bikes and there is free cycle training for all Leicester adults.”

Joy added, “I decided to volunteer at Foodshare making tea and coffee at the start. I am a co-ordinator on Tuesday mornings. It’s a good idea that helps a lot of local people.”

Foodshare sessions are good for people to meet up and enjoy a cuppa and a biscuit and have a chat with other members. To join us call 0116 223 2256 or come to St Andy wants people to use cycling to have fun and Peters at any of the times shown on our letter page. enjoy the city. “Most people ride at a leisurely pace.

The trick is to find your own pace and enjoy it. It’s easier than walking and can be faster than driving!”

10.00 am - 11.30 am 50+ Aqua Fit, Leisure Centre 10.30 am - 12.00 pm Let’s Walk Braunstone, Stable Block, Braunstone Park 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm Golden Years Group (Bingo!)

Blessed Sacrament Church 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm Indoor Bowling,Trinity Church, Hallam Crescent 6.00 pm - 9.00 pm Bingo, Cort Crescent C.C. 9.30 am -12.30 pm 1.00 pm- 4.30 pm appointments

Over 60s CAB drop-in 45 Wellinger Way 60+ Citzens’ Advice

0116 223 2251 10.00 am - 12.00 pm Braunstone History Group BRITE Centre Library 10.15 am - 11.15am Coffee & Chat St Peter’s Church, Call Rev. Chris Burch, 0116 292 3377 2.30 pm - 3.30 pm Garage Sale 45 Wellinger Way 3.30 pm - 6.00 pm Family Group, The Oak Centre 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm 40+ Club, Oak Centre 12.00 pm - 3.00 pm 12.00 pm - 1.30 pm 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm 3.30 pm - 6.00 pm

Women of Wisdom co-operative Call Eileen 07769 315 184 Lunch Club, Trinity Church Call Marilyn, 0116 289 2182 Knit & Natter, BRITE Centre Friendship Club, Trinity Church Family Allotment, Rancliffe Allotments

10.00 am - 12.00 pm Friday Pop-in, Snacks, nearly new, bric-a- brac,books Blessed Sacrament Church 10.00 am - 1.00 pm Sew ‘n’ So’s Needlecraft Group The Oak Centre, Bendbow Rise 12.00 pm - 2.00 pm Mazzie Lunch Club, BRITE Centre Call 07941 997 238 to book.

9.00 am start ParkRun, Stable Block Braunstone Park (You need to register first at www.parkrun.org.uk/braunstone)

07890 564 709

0116 291 4993

07890 564 696

, Dumbleton Avenue, 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm , 11.00 am - 12 noon

6.00 pm - 7.00 pm Braunstone Avenue 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm Community Meeting 5.00 pm - 7.00 pm

Braunstone Sew ‘n’ So’s have just received a grant of £1780 from Community First, a fund managed by the Community Development Foundation just for community groups.

The local Community First panel is made up of local providers and residents who meet every six weeks to assess applications from local groups.

The grants provide match funding of up to £2,500 to community groups. Your side of the match can be from existing funds or grants (not local authority or Lottery) or your volunteer time which counts as £11.09 per hour.

To apply, you need to download an application from the b-inspired website. Voluntary Action Leicester (VAL) will provide help if you need it, or you can ask the b-connected team for guidance.

The next Panel application deadlines are 5.00 pm on:15th September, October 27th, and 8th December For more information or a chat contact b-connected on 223 2256 or look on www.b-inspired.org.uk

Braunstone’s Bryan Jones is a well-known character in Braunstone. Bryan and his sons are always among the first to step forward to help out at community events and activities. Bryan is currently one of the team of dedicated volunteers running Braunstone FoodShare.

A nice drink and good chat, especially about the old days and good memories Listening to music - I like R& B, 50s, 60s, everything!

A monkey - they’re pleasant and friendly - and don’t talk back War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells and there was a great album of it I’m into old British comedy films, sci-fi and action movies but no real favourite Since I’ve been here I’ve come out of myself and have made lots of friends. Where I lived before there was always trouble Friendly, quiet, courteous and I will help anyone

Australia, we had a six week holiday with my Mum’s sister.

The same as before, I still have relatives in Australia Chris Edwards, we grew up together and our mums were best friends. Me and Chris look like twins I can get on with anybody I don’t like being taken for granted Vision FM, that was the best thing we’ve ever done

Eddie Murphy, who else?!

That everybody gets on with each other and has a good life

- Inspection covers Heyford Road, Avery Hill. Starts 10.00 am prompt outside 1 Heyford Road - Inspection covers Hockley Farm Road, Wyatts Close.

- Inspection covers Imperial Avenue, Gaddesby Avenue, Winton Avenue, Harlaxton Street,Fosse Road South, Starts 10.00am prompt outside 51 Imperial Avenue - Inspection covers Thurlington Road, Elmsthorpe Rise, Valence Road, Turville Road, Guthridge Crescent. Starts 10.00 am prompt outside 124 Valence Road Inspection covers Blackmore Drive.

Starts 10.00 am prompt outside Hamelin Road Flats.

Gallards Hill (South). Starts10.00 am prompt from the corner of Cort Crescent and Gallards Hill.

– Inspection covers Braunstone Lane North and South. Starts10.00 am prompt from the parking bay on Braunstone Lane near Hand Avenue – Inspection covers Limber Crescent, Raven Road. Starts 10.00 am prompt outside STAR office – Cort Crescent Starts 10.00 am prompt corner of Cort Crescent and Hockley Farm Road - Inspection covers Mortimer Place, Mortimer Way, Linacres Road, Cressida Place, Main Street. Starts 10.00am prompt outside 1 Mortimer Place – Inspection covers Hallam Crescent East 2-66 and 7-87, Bainbridge road,Curteys Close, Audley end, Bonville Place Starts 10.00 am prompt outside 2 Hallam Crescent East

CO-INCIDENCES Dear Alert, I can’t believe the coincidence.

I started work recently and needed to catch the 302 to work.

I turned up but it didn’t!

Also I want to turn my back garden into a veg plot - I have no experience, no tools and no it. I have money to throw at don’t get just I but books read green not it - I am obviously fingered at all. If you can find someone to help or advise, that would be most appreciated. I would be willing to help as much as possible and share whatever we managed to grow. If you know someone who could help or if you together could put an advert ic. fantast be would that for me ry volunta It would have to be though.

That was another coincidence that you had the ‘cash crop’ item in the Alert. But the lady who does that wants a fee. I’m afraid this will have to be a hobby or a labour of love.

Thanking you, Gill Fairbrother Gill, keep hold of Cash Crop Tracey’s details just in case circumstances change. And consider us printing your letter as an advert - 1000s of people will read it. Hopefully someone will Regards, the A Team respond to your call for help.

Four Generations x 2

Nev and the Olympic Torches

Beauty in Braunstone

Volunteer

Day

Natalie, Jess, Rose & Sandy

The Band & The Audience

.

PAUL PENDER AND SON

Independent Funeral Directors

Stone Masonry Services Catering Buds Floral Designs p.penderandson@btconnect.com 0116 289 6608 2 Westover Road Forest East Braunstone Town 24 Hour Service Leicester Leicester LE3 3DT

READING WITH DAD The Brite Centre 29th September 1.30 – 2.30 pm A free, informal, friendly opportunity for dads to spend time reading with their children Free refreshments available Everyone taking part will receive a FREE book token .

We hope to make this a weekly event Tracey Inchley 0116 299 5476

Produced by Neighbourhood Support Team Ably assisted by the A-Team Write, or send pictures, to Braunstone Alert, 45 Wellinger Way, LE3 1RG. E-mail b-alert@b-inspired.org.uk Printed by Joseph A. Ball (printers) Ltd. We make every effort to ensure that information is accurate and up-to-date at the time of publication