Jan - Feb Braunstone Alert 2016

t r e l A e n o t s n u Bra 6 1 0 2 y r a u r /Feb January

e n o t s n u a r B n i s w e n r o f No. 1

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iles Topps T @ h c n Xmas lu Talktime

TRI4 James Leicester Marathon

Alert Readers

The Fat Controller opening St. Peter’s Autumn Fair Beautiful Braunston e

by Sandr a Zastaw ny

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The NMB

he latest meeting of the Neighbourhood Management Board (NMB) discussed the following items: Matters Arising The lighting of the skate park has been delayed by the final installation of the flood lights. Braunstone Hall – there is no more developments at this time.

Residents Network News A cash grant of £300 have been given to Braunstone Fishing Club and Golden Gloves Boxing Gym. A donation of £150 has been given to the community volunteers who are undergoing training, to pay towards the cost of running the annual toy sale. The roles of secretary and treasurer are vacant on the Resnet committee.

Community Wellness Breakfast Club A club aimed at alleviating holiday hunger for young people in Braunstone has successfully ran during the summer and later half term. Christmas breakfast parcels are being discussed and will likely be available.

Braunstone Blues A launch of this unique service will take place on 26�� November at the Oak Centre. The police, fire and ambulance crews will provide Braunstone people with advice and support. The aim is also to reduce the use of 999 calls, how to alleviate fire risks, tips on keeping warm and staying healthy.

Police Update A recent TV report stated that crime figures for this region were exceptionally high, however these figures are two years out of date. Motorbike crime has fallen since the last meeting and a minor spate of ASB has been dealt with.

Clockwise Credit Union Responsible lending for Christmas is available at Clockwise. Membership and tailored support is available.

Braunstone Foodshare This service is open 52 weeks a year thanks to the volunteers who work over the Christmas period. More volunteers are needed over the festive season to sort and give out the extra food items that are collected and donated. For more information call b-connected on 0116 223 2256.

Upcoming events Plans are under way to collect information about peoples experiences of the 302 bus service.

Confidence building training is available until early Dec at b-working.

Winter Warmer Stew Packs will be available at Foodshare during November.

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015 was a year of change, with some of our members moving onto other roles. We have seen lots of new faces getting involved, helping us to keep our fund raising going. We have given money to the fishing club to help them build a ramp for wheelchair users and we donated some money to Golden Gloves Boxing Gym to put on an event.

Our big event, the Christmas toy sale and we are pleased as punch to have smashed our target, of a £1000! Thank you to everyone who donated, who helped mend and repair, wrap and also to those who bought the items. This money will be used to continue our work, helping groups and organising things for the community to enjoy!

Our committee work hard to put on the Braunstone Awards, if you would like to be involved with this, come and join us! Find us at “Braunstone Residents Network”, or call us on 0116 223 2256.

future events in Braunstone

Thank you

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OW what an event that was. Our Christmas toy sale was a cracker!! From toys at cut price prices to juicy homemade mince pies, a fantastic time was had by all.

A HUGE THANK YOU goes out to EVERYONE who helped and supported the event! Without the help from the CVQ volunteers, we simply could not put on events like this. The money raised will go back into the community to fund events and trips in 2016. This event would not be possible without the time, passion and dedication you have all given to make the Resident’s Network Toy Sale such a huge success. Well done from Lucie Barry.

Supported by by Š b -inspired 2015

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BRAUNSTONE ALERT ISSUES DEADLINES FOR 2016/17 MARCH/APRIL - 11TH FEB MAY/JUNE - 11TH APRIL JULY/AUGUST - 13TH JUNE SEPT/OCTOBER - 11TH AUG NOV/DECEMBER - 11TH OCT JAN/FEBRUARY - 5TH DEC

POLICE NEWS

n behalf of myself and the Braunstone and Rowley Fields dedicated neighbourhood team, I would like to wish everyone a happy New Year. As temperatures begin to fall we would like to remind people not to leave vehicles running unattended to defrost as it may only take a few seconds for an opportunist thief to strike. With the dark nights still with us, we are still urging people to keep a light on and lock up their houses. We suggest that using timer switches on lights gives the impression someone is at home.

We are now operating beat surgeries in the local area at the Brite Centre and Hockley Farm Medical Centre.

These are a chance for people to meet members of the local dedicated neighbourhood team and discuss any issues. For times and dates please visit www.leics.police.uk/events. Our team are working to solve the issues in Braunstone and would appreciate the help of the community in resolving the issues by reporting crimes, antisocial behaviour and suspicious activity by calling 101, or anonymously through crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. As always we are keen to help where we can with any community events so please contact us if you need any help with your event.

You can follow us on twitter @LPRowleyfields where you can keep up to date with what we are doing.

Sergeant Lee Eckersley & the Braunstone Dedicated Neighbourhood Team

Leisure Centre Advert

Keep fit on the door step!

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-active, in partnership with Leicester City Council, are launching a new project called ‘Active Leicester Braunstone & Rowley Fields’. The project is funded for 3 years through Sport England National Lottery funding.

The aim of the project is to engage residents and will be different from usual formal sporting activities as they will be community led and will take place in and around Braunstone. Activities will be varied, such as Zumba, Pilates, dodgeball, walking football and to encourage families, baby buggy walks. They will take place on the park, in the street, basically popping-up where people meet.

You will see two Project Activators, who will be running taster sessions during January with a launch event on Saturday 30�� January 2016 on 11.00 am to 2.00 pm at Braunstone Leisure Centre. The launch will be your first opportunity to sign up to the project and there will also be activities for you to take part in. Later on in the project there will opportunities to undertake sporting qualifications to enhance employability in and around Sport.

Joe Smith, project coordinator, said “We hope that by delivering fun, accessible, community-led activities in the heart of the community, we will be able to motivate residents into taking part in sport and physical activity at least once a week. We hope to see as many residents as possible at our launch event to sign up to the project and have a go at some of the sessions!”

For more information call Joe on 0116 279 5041 or email joe.smith@b-inspired .org.uk

FISHING CLUB NEWS

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raunstone Angling Club would like to send a big thank you to the Braunstone Residents Network for their donation of £300 towards the disabled fishing bays. We are busy raising funds to have disabled fishing bays installed. At this time of year, things are slowing down at the lakes now the cold weather is here, however, the club will still be visiting the lake and monitoring it throughout the winter.

Elaine Halford

‘Full’ of the Christmas Spirit

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huge thank you to the pupils of Fullhurst Community College for their kind donation of 93 food parcels for the elderly and those in need residents from the local

community.

Key Stage 4 Leader, Mrs White told the Alert “ 900 students from 45 classes where asked to full one box of goodies. Some classes filled more than one” “Students have done us proud, a really great effort and a huge thank you to all the parents who donated”…

“We hope who ever received a Fullhurst parcel has enjoyed their Christmas”.

The Alert would like to say a big well done to all the students, parents and staff for their generosity.

If there are no volunteers, our community loses it’s voice on the kind of medical service we receive

If there are no volunteers, our community loses it’s voice on the kind of medical service we all receive

Busy Braunstone

in 2015…

Winter Warmer @ Foodshare

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ell Braunstone, with winter well and truly upon us, it was time for the b-growing team to dust off their winter woollies and head on up to the farm and start planting the winter crops. After battling the elements the team managed to cultivate and plant bulbs of garlic and winter onions ready for a spring harvest. Back at base, we were busy readying for Braunstone Foodshare winter warmer. Volunteers along with b-connected staff donned their aprons and armed with vegetable peelers and pans set to work.

Together they prepared a vegetable stew for Foodshare members to try. Using some of the produce from our farm plot, volunteers packed winter warmer stew packs for members of Foodshare to be able to take home and create their own masterpiece.

See what people said

Braunstone Foodshare Dates St Peters Monday 4.30pm - 6.00pm Tuesday 11am - 12pm URC Monday 4.30pm - 6pm BRITE Centre Tuesday 11am - 12pm

PLEASE NOTE St. Peter’s new opening times!

St.Peters: January: 4th 5th 18th 19th February: 1st 2nd 15th 16th 29th March: 1st URC: January: 11th 25th February: 8th 22nd March 7th BRITE: January: 12th 26th February: 9th 23rd March: 8th

variety of vegetables giving bumper early crops for Braunstone Foodshare.

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Want to get more out of what you give?

Enrol now and do a Community Volunteering Course

T N E M L O R EN !

S S E R P 6 STOP 1 0 2 Y R A U N A J H T 28 You can make a difference‌ Come join us!

Contact Lucie Barry 45 Wellinger Way LE3 1RG 0116 223 2256 Lucie.barry@b-inspired.org.uk Š b-inspired 2016

News from St. Peters

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t has been announced that the new vicar at St Peter's is to be Rev’d Keith Magee. Keith and his wife, Ruth, will be moving sometime during the spring.

We look forward to welcoming them to our parish.

Janet Scott

GET FIT! RUN FOR FUN!

i day at e F r d g n i s lo Now! C 2016 e t a n i b h t Nom 12 F e

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A fond farewell to Barry

taff at b-inspired were saddened to learn of the passing of champion fundraiser Barry Sawbridge.

We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Maria, his sons and grandchildren. As foster parents Barry and Maria supported numerous young people. They started Stars & Angels, a singing group for young people of all talents and abilities. Together they raised thousands of pounds for Heart UK by covering their home in Xmas lights and by dressing up as Santa! Maria and family are committed to continuing the good work done by Barry and we wish them all the best.

STOP PRESS Angie Wright and b-inspired Staff

Braunstone residents are openly invited to join a free running club. The New Parks Running Group uses both Braunstone and Western park.

Sessions take place every Tuesday and begin at 10am at the neighbouring New Parks Leisure centre on St Oswalds Road and last around an hour. All abilities are catered for and participants are welcome to bring a friend along too. If you feel The New Parks Running Group is for you and would like more information the please contact athlefit@englandathletics.org.

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Lunch in the Board Room

alktime were treated to a full on board room experience this Christmas as they were invited to share a Christmas lunch with members of staff at Topps Tiles. A festive array of goodies were served including some lovely homemade treats.

A fantastic time was had by all and we would like to say a huge thank you to Leicestershire cares and the team at Topps Tiles for their generosity and Christmas spirit.

See photo in Alert Gallery.

BRAUNSTONE HISTORY GROUP Braunstone History Group are holding an Event at the Brite Centre showing the history of the Winstanley Family and lots about the local schools on Saturday 20th February 2016, from 11 a.m. until 3.30 p.m. The cafe will be open for refreshments. We looking forward to seeing you.

r e n r o Pe t s C

New Year, new hope?

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anuary is a month to be reckoned with, when the demands for payment for those things you put off over Christmas are niggling away and becoming increasingly urgent. Christmas and New Year is all about family and celebration but if you have spent the festive season alone, the feeling of isolation as the January winds blow can be deeply saddening. Does this sound familiar?

Suicide rates soar in the early months of each year and episodes of mental illness are on the up. There are many reasons for this but poverty and struggling to survive week on week is a major factor in heightening stress and anxiety. There are some really useful people who can work with you to either overcome financial difficulties or chat about how you are feeling and other people who offer suggestions to get rid of those lonesome blues.

Try to keep in mind that most creditors are there to help you with repayment plans, (no one wants to see you evicted and no one wants to have the bailiffs harassing you). For help to stay in your home you can contact Star who will help you deal with all sorts of issues which threaten your tenancy. Star can be contacted at the Brite Centre on 0116 2995476. You will find that Clockwise Credit Union have numerous bank accounts aimed at keeping you on top of your bills as well as affordable loans which are arranged to suit your needs. Clockwise exists to support people on low incomes. You can call them on 0116 2423900. For help with mental help issues LAMP are a central organisation who can send you in the right direction, you can call them on 0116 255 6286.

There are lots of things you can get involved with in Braunstone, we at b- connected have a befriending scheme, social groups and volunteering opportunities, this can suit men and women of any age, so give us a call on 0116 2232256. For more help lines and a listening ear please call us or drop into 45 Wellinger Way where we have much more information. Happy New Year folks!

Brite Centre: 0116 2995476 LAMP: 0116 6255 286

Clockwise: 0116 2423900. b- connected: 0116 223 2256

A polished performance wins Karen a Bronze

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aren has won a brilliant bronze award for the exceptional work she does in helping over 110 people in the area to lose weight every week Karen. Who runs the Folville Rise Slimming World group, has been given the ‘Bronze’ status by the national slimming club because of her success in supporting local slimmer’s to reach their dream weights, improve their health and change their lives. Karen told the Alert “I am delighted to have received the ‘Bronze’ award on behalf of the Folville Rise group” In August, the participants who are all members of the Slimming World groups, held their own event on Braunstone Park to raise money for Cancer Research UK, Slimming World’s charity partner. The event was a great success and raised £870!

If Karen continues her success, she could be in the running for the ‘Silver’ or even ‘Gold’ award. Well done Karen!!

To join the Folville Rise group, see ‘Live happy with Slimming World’ on Trader’s Corner.

Carpet & vinyl specialists

Charlie’s Tails

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harlie's been swimming in the river this summer, but she also loves the autumn leaves. Here she's playing ‘hide and seek', can you find her?

Congratulations Andrew Blas for passing your driving test!

What’s up Doc

Can you see Charlie?

www.hockleyfarmnedicalpractice.co.uk

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Can you see her now?

e have had a very poor uptake on the flu vaccine this winter. If you usually have the vaccine at the surgery and have not yet booked an appointment please do so as soon as possible.

If you have a child aged 2, 3, or 4 years please book them in for their Nasal Flu vaccine. This is not administered by needle it is a simple spray into each nostril.

We are very pleased to announce that Dr Alice Bayford will be joining the team in January.

Sadly in January we will be losing Dr Milne, we wish him well in his new role as a Locum Doctor.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all a very Happy and Healthy Christmas from all the staff at Hockley Farm Hockley Farm Medical Practice

New Year’s resolutions: Where do they come from?

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There she is :)

By Ellie Davis-Stanier

hese Days, almost everyone will spend their January working out their New year’s resolutions. We’ve all got them, whether it’s to lose weight, quit smoking or simply to finish that book you were given for your birthday. But where do they come from?

While they may not always have been called “New year’s resolutions” this particular tradition has been practiced, in one form or another, throughout the western hemisphere for thousands of years. The ancient Romans and Babylonians both made promises to their gods at the beginning of the year, whilst in the middle ages knights would make what was known as the “Peacock Vow” to renew their commitment to chivalry. Whatever your resolutions are this year, good luck!

Erik Humphreys

In the Spotlight

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n the back of the huge success of the 1940’s tea dance in November we decided to put Braunstone Blues Team leader Edd Rogers in the spotlight for his 15 minutes of fame.

A good night out?

To go to music events or stage shows. A Guinness with friends is also nice A good night in?

Great TV, endless tea & maybe a packet of biscuits!

What animal would you be?

A Labrador.. Friendly and loyal.

What is your pet hate?

People who park outside my house.

People who are negative What was the last book you read?

Brian Blessed’s autobiography.

What is your favourite film?

The Star Wars films Describe Braunstone in 3 words?

Excellent Community Spirit What words would people use to describe you?

Funny, enthusiastic, handsome What’s the furthest you have ever been from home?

I lived in New Zealand for 18 months What is your ideal holiday?

A cruise around the Arctic or Alaska What one thing would you change?

My appetite!

What is your most attractive quality?

I can make people laugh …and your least?

Occasionally I can be horribly/anti-social Have you a claim to fame?

I have been on Deal or no Deal, Dinner Date and Country file How do you want to be remembered?

With a smile In a movie of your life who would play you?

Mmmmm I don’t really know… but definitely not Matt Lucas!

Mondays 10.00 am - 12.00 pm 10.00 am - 11.30 am 11.00 am - 12.30 pm 1.30 pm - 3.00 pm 4.00 pm - 6.00 pm 6.00 pm - 9.00 pm

Talk Time @ Sandyhurst call the b-connected team 0116 223 2256 50+ Aqua Fit @ the Leisure Centre Let’s Walk Braunstone @ the Stable Block, Braunstone Park Golden Years Group (Bingo!) @ Blessed Sacrament Church Taragh Twirlers @ the Oak Center KT Performing Arts @ the Winstanley Centre call Georgia 07794497458

Tuesdays 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm

10.00 am - 12.00 pm 12.00 am - 2.45 pm 5.00 pm - 7.00 pm 5.00 pm - 8.30 pm

Every 4�� Tuesday of each month Memory Cafe @ the BRITE Centre call 0116 2995476 Braunstone History Group BRITE Knit Wits @ the BRITE Centre ER Crew Street Dancing for ages 5+ @ the Oak Centre KT Performing Arts @ the Winstanley Centre call Georgia 07794497458

Wednesdays 10.15 am - 11.15 am 11.00 am - 2 .00 pm 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm 4.30 pm - 6.30 pm 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm

Coffee & Chat @ St Peter’s Chuch VONS Art Classes @ Cort Crescent Garage Sale @ 45 Wellinger Way Taragh Twirlers @ the Oak Centre KT Street Dance @ the Winstanley Centre call Georgia 07794497458

10.00 am - 12.00 pm

Talk Time @ Oak Centre call the b-connected team 0116 223 2256 Lunch club @ the Trinity Church Every 1�� & 3�� Thursday of each month, price £4.50.

Women of Wisdom co-operative (Call Eileen 07881284498) Friendship Club @ the Trinity Church KT Performing Arts @ the Winstanley Centre call Georgina 07794497458 Bingo @ the Oak Centre

Thursdays

1.45 am - 3.30 pm

12.00 pm - 3.00 pm 2.30 pm - 3.30 pm 5.00 pm - 7.30 pm

5.45 pm - 8.00 pm

Fridays 10.00 am - 11.30 pm 10.00 am - 1.00 pm 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm

Friday Pop-in @ Blessed Sacrament Church Sew `n’ So’s Needlecraft @ the Oak Centre Golden Gloves Boxing Club @ the Oak Centre

COUNCILLOR’S SURGERIES Dear Alert reader, I’m writing to let everyone know I really enjoyed getting involved and helping to make the winter warmer stew pack.

Cllr Stephen Corrall 07966629285

Cllr Cllr Elaine Halford Kulwinder Singh Johal 07736194824 07736194813

I enjoyed making it so much that I took the recipe home and was able to make my family a beef stew using the vegetables given in the stew packs.

The beef was so tender, it felt like it just melted in your mouth. My family enjoyed it so much that we’ve had it three Sundays in a row!

Vanessa.

Hi Everyone, We are the Occupational Therapy students from Coventry University, who have been on placement with b-connected since September.

Since working at b-connected, it has opened our eyes to the dedication b-connected and all the volunteers have for making this a brighter community to live in. We have both enjoyed getting involved with you all and giving support with the different activities held within b-connected. Thank you all so much for making us feel welcome and helping to support us in our journey. We have learnt so much from our time at b-connected including seeing Braunstone's great community spirit, the self-sufficiency of the neighbourhood and its talented community members with many skills and assets. We will never forget our experiences at b-connected and the people that made this placement so special.

A big thank you and goodbye from Danielle & Judy

Dear Alert reader, Ann Regan and Janet Statham, two local residents, would like to inform you of their petition to bring back the 302 bus route.

Currently there is no direct bus route from Braunstone (and some surrounding areas) that travels to much needed services such as the Glenfield hospital and Leicester Royal Infirmary, which were previously covered by this bus route.

To sign the petition, please call in at the Neighbourhood Support Base on Wellinger Way or sign the online petition (you need an email address) at the following link: http://www.leicester.gov.uk/, search for ‘current e-petitions’, then ‘browse all current e-petitions’ and then click on the title ‘302 bus route to be re-instated’.

We only have 28 days to get over 1,500 signatures, so please sign urgently by the 29�� January 2016.

Thank you very much

R E N R O C S ’ R E TRAD PAUL PENDER AND SON

Inde pendent Fune ral Directors

Summers Cafe

Ston e Masonry Services Cate ring Floral Tributes

Advert

p.penderandson@btconnect.com 2 Westover Road 0116 289 6608 ter Forest East 24 Hour Servi ce Leices Braunsto ne Town Leicester LE3 3DT

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Busy e n o t s n Brau

The next group starts in Januar y 2016 at Caldecote Primary School. To boo k your place please call Anjali Parmar on 011 6 295 0326 Parmar

Braunstone Alert

us know about If you would like to let d coming event, your group or an up-an or email call us on 0116 223 2256 d.org.uk and we tracey.spears@b-inspire will tell everyone!