Nov dec 2016 braunstone alert 2016

t r e l A e n o t Brauns 2016

r e b m e c e D / r e b m Nove

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

y r e l l a G t Aler St Peters Talk Time Reverend Keith Mag ee wins Bingo!

FOHS Beautiful Entry to the Spinney

Resnet Hunstanton trip Jam-making work shop @ the BRITE

Growing Communities Togethe r @ Braunstone Town Apple Even t

Farm Growing Communities Together up @ the Front cover photo provided by Tracey Spears. Have you got a digital camera or a camera phone? Send us your snaps and we will print our favourites. We might even put your work on our front page - instant fame! See inside back page for contact details.

The NMB update

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he latest meeting of the Neighbourhood Management Board (NMB) discussed the following items: Matters Arising Residents Network - A trip to Hunstanton was successful and was followed by the annual Awards Night – feedback was equally good for both events.

LCC council tax consultation - LCC informed the board of the latest consultation which would decide the level of council tax support being provided to those in receipt of benefits.

Braunstone Blues - ER informed the board that the Blues had recently been nominated for a Health Service award. Also, their new OT student had designed Xmas cards with relevant emergency contact numbers on. Calls to the police and fire are lower although ambulance calls are still very high with around 85 calls per day being generated by Braunstone residents. A closer look at the statistics is needed to measure the efficiency of the 101 system.

City warden - NC informed the board that the area of fly tipping would now be handled by cleansing rather than the Street Wardens and reporting of issues needs to be through the service The shops on Wellinger Way have been sent warning notices about the amount of litter in the street.

There will be stop checks and photo evidence gathered in order to support a prosecution, should the environment not improve.

LCC Housing - Due to cuts in services, the whole housing service is changing on 31st October. Housing and repairs are separating and there will no longer be a Braunstone based repairs team. The new focus will be on vulnerable people and fire safety. Braunstone Housing office is under threat of closure and it is proposed to hold surgeries at Brite Centre.

The public’s views are being sought.

Active Leicester - Active Leicester have a new timetable and are looking at new groups to deliver taster sessions. There is a volunteer programme and resident’s qualifications are available.

Childrens Services - There is a consultation into children’s services as Surestarts are at risk along with the adventure at found be can Consultations playground. consultations@leicester.gov.uk. A pop up play day will be taking place on Tuesday 18th October on Wellinger Way. Up and coming events & community news Jam and chutney making sessions will be taking place during October. A harvest event will be held in 2nd November at the farm (Beggars Lane). A Winter Warmer Event will be taking place on the 10th November for older and vulnerable people.

A model train exhibition will be taking place at St Peters on Nov 5th. On 13th Dec St Peters will be holding a carol service.

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he Residents Network has had a successful year, thanks to all the volunteers.

The Carnival was a huge success along with the Braunstone Awards, both was well supported and enjoyed by all. We’ve have had a great year with the garage sales which has enabled us to support and help various schemes and causes over the year, some of those being, The Fishing Club, CVQ Bake sale and the Harvest Celebration to name but a few.

Currently we are in the process of arranging our annual Christmas Toy Sale, this is being held this year on the 10th December 2016 at the United Reformed Church, Gooding Avenue/Hamelin Road LE3 1JW on the 10th November from midday to 3.30 pm.

If you would like to become part of our group just pop into 45 Wellinger Way, join us on Facebook, or simply give us a call. Finally, we would like to wish you all a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year.

The Braunstone Resident’s Network

rab and g Come mas t is r a Ch in Barga

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Behind the scenes with the dynamic duo

ho’s that? Batman and Robin? No, it’s Mark Harris and Janet Scott! Both are dedicated volunteers, who every Monday, working at b-inspired on Wellinger Way, coordinate the admin for all the Foodshare venues in Braunstone.

Mark volunteers every other Monday at St. Peters Church coordinating Foodshare. He does computer work and document organisation such as updating Foodshare members details on the computer database. Sometimes Mark can be found at URC or The Brite Centre but he is always at St. Peters Church. He has been volunteering for a year and says that it encourages him to do other things and has helped to build his enthusiasm. Mark was made redundant in January 2014 and says that the voluntary work gives him an incentive to look for different types of work.

Janet also works to help with the day to day running of the Foodshare venues, as well as the Foodshare paperwork and computer work. Even though Janet is retired she enjoys helping and serving others in the community and has been volunteering for three or four years. Janet is a active member of the St. Peters Church Council and works at the church every Tuesday. She has been involved in Foodshare from the start in 2012 with St. Peters Church and b-inspired, and represents St. Peters Church on the Foodshare Committee.

Janet and Mark are a great team and are very dedicated to their volunteering roles.

Written by Francis Hruszka

Beware the Krampus!

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hristmas is such an indelible part of European culture that writing an article on its mainline traditions and their collective origins seems redundant. From St Nicholas to Prince Albert popularising the Christmas tree in the 19th century, everyone knows something about where Christmas comes from, even if they’ve forgotten. But, what about the other, lesser known Christmas traditions? What about…The Krampus!

The Krampus (or simply Krampus) is a figure from Austrian and German folklore.

Although anthropologists are uncertain about his precise origin, Krampus is always depicted the same way: A large Goat-like demonic creature with a long tongue, chains and shackles on his legs and a large sack slung over his shoulder.

Krampus serves as one of the companions of St Nicholas and, while the saint will bestow gifts upon the good children, it is Krampus who is said to bear the responsibility for the punishment of naughty ones.

What form this punishment would take varied from region to region, with some traditions depicting Krampus as handing out birch branches, designed to serve as a reminder of the punishment naughty children would receive and encourage good behaviour.

Other depictions however, are decidedly more extreme with Krampus being shown to abduct naughty children, bundling them into his sack!

So, if you or your children have ever worried about receiving a lump of coal in their stocking, just remember: it could always be worse. Merry Christmas.

Written by Erik Humphreys

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very special THANK YOU to our fabulous volunteers and Residents’ Network. The programmes and events that b-inspired supports in Braunstone would not be possible without our band of hard-working and dedicated volunteers.

We wish all our volunteers a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR, and we look forward to working with you on existing and new projects in 2017.

Magic on the Radio

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alk time member Jean Simpson, 86, has always been a loyal listener to the wireless with her favourite station being BBC radio Leicester.

Little did Jean know that a 5 minute poem that she wrote for national poetry day would find her five minutes of fame.

To celebrate national poetry day BBC radio Leicester put out a call to their listeners to send in poems of a hundred words or less to celebrate Leicestershire landmarks.

Jean put pen to paper and wrote about the landmark in her life that is her wireless.

After submitting her poem, ‘My Friend’, Jean got a phone call from BBC radio Leicester inviting her to the studio to record her poem and meet presenters Jim and Jo from the breakfast show. Jean’s poem and interview were then aired the next day with BBC presenter Jim being reduced to tears saying “Its makes getting up at 4 am in the morning worthwhile”.

The Alert would like to take this opportunity to say a big well done to Jean, and thank you so much for allowing us to share your poem.

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My Friend The wireless is my special friend Who’s with me everyday There’s Jo and Jim, Jonathon and Monica I’ve met them by the way They have been with me no matter what Through thick and thin When there is no one else and I am very low We have laughed together, I cried I’ve shared so many things My memories, my family and my wonderful friends.

Strangers stop me in the street We heard you yesterday It’s nice to hear you now and again If we don’t we think you have passed away!

But I hope I’m not going just yet For although my legs and feet are bad My mouth still works thank goodness.

So, before I close I love all my friends but this one is not very big But it’s magic when it’s on To press a little button as I sit in my chair Then hey presto!

All my friends are there

By Jean Simpson from Braunstone

Thank you for your support

raunstone FoodShare would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has kindly donated throughout 2016. Here is a list of some who have helped.

Asda and Sainsbury’s at Fosse Park. Morrisons, Leicester Charity Link, LCC Housing Dept., Josh Adcock, Jodie Plume, The Real Junk Food Project, Business Box, Rueben Powers, Friar Lane Baptist Church, Open Hands, Braunstone Blues, Braunstone United Reformed Church, St Andrew’s Church, The Peace & Justice Group at Blessed Sacrament Church, Enderby Parish churches, Enderby United Reformed Church, Braunstone Community Primary School, Folville school , Stafford Leys Primary school and generous individuals.

Thank you Braunstone Foodshare.

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Keep Safe at Christmas

s the nights draw in and the festive period approaches we would like to remind residents of some simple ways to prevent crime and stay safe:Ensure that doors and windows are locked securely. Use light timers to make your home appear occupied. Avoid leaving unattended vehicles running to defrost as it may only take a few seconds for an opportunist thief to strike. Avoid leaving wrapped Christmas presents on show, keep them out of sight in a secure location away from windows. Remember not to leave empty boxes in the street, this highlights what’s in your property a may make it tempting to burglars.

Braunstone Park Run

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could not believe my eyes on Saturday morning when I saw 3 to 400 ordinary people gather at the old American parade square just outside Braunstone Hall in the park, some pushing prams and some with their dog on a lead. They had all gathered without notice, to take part in the regular FREE 5km run organised by parkrun. It’s a great way to improve your fitness; mobility; or to time trial for a marathon, as parkrun will check your time and compare it against a known standard for your age and gender, so you will have a record of your improvement, if you have a goal, or you can just run or walk for fun.

Julie Thompson was the event organiser on this day and the other event marshals are all local volunteers who guide participants around the course and they will stay there until the last person has finished, a mobile coffee, snacks and cool healthy drinks are available. The fastest participants completed the course in less than 30 minutes, so whether you want feel energised to take on the day or improve your endurance and speed, register now and take part, it’s on Saturday Morning at 9.00 am and it’s FREE. You just need to register once online at www.parkrun.org.uk/braunstone and then present your registration barcode after the run.

Written by Robert Butcher

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Braunstone History Group

raunstone History Group Heritage Open Day - Thursday 8th September, 2016, was a great success. There were well over 100 people (from far and wide) that came on a beautiful sunny day. Dave Andrews from BBC Radio Leicester came and interviewed a few people which was broadcast on his Sunday History Programme.

I understand that he was "blown away" with the artefacts and information and the people of Braunstone and has given our group a very glowing report.

Dave Andrews BBC radio We were also very lucky to have lots of Leicester donations of photographs for our archive which will enable us to show lots of new things at our next exhibition. Well done to everyone involved for their hard work and enthusiasm and to the people that came and supported us.

Written by Geraldine Syrett Opportunity to operate the cafe at the BRITE Centre Braunstone Avenue.

Previous catering experience essential Deadline for bids 3.00pm Thursday 22nd December 2016 For more details please contact Andrew Nielsen in Estates & Building Services, Leicester City Council Tel 0116 454 2138 EMAIL Andrew.Nielsen@leicester.gov.uk

Julie Thompson

Congratulations to our 2015 winners Individual Services to the Community Jo Bowden Group Services to the Community Growing Communities Together Team Working with Young people Melissa Sharman Good Neighbours and Carers Allan Ross Individual Achievement Award Dawn Tobin Workers in the Community Father John Joe Malony and the Pop in group Community Champions Shield Jo Bowden With special thanks to Joy Vincent

Proposals to close Braunstone Housing Office and move services to The Brite Centre

Have your say ●● Brite Centre, Wednesday 16 November, 4-6pm

● Oak Centre, Monday 21 November, 10am-12pm

Alternatively, give us your views online:

consultations.leicester.gov.uk

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he friends of the highway spinney have been very busy throughout the year of 2016 from celebrating the Queens 90th birthday for their Britain in bloom theme to leading guided walks and tidy up sessions. They recently lead a guided walk to the 2nd/60th Cubs group helping them to earn a badge. The cubs group had to visit an area where there were trees, flowers and animals and locate where they were found within the spinney.

The FOHS were also delighted to receive a nomination for the Braunstone awards, where they had a fantastic evening. Events secretary Janice Locke said ‘the friends of the Highway Spinney were FOHS Vice Chair Ann Baker with Richard Stephen, Britain in Bloom very pleased to receive their nomination and certificate in the It's Your Neighbourhood Assessor ‘Services to the Community: Groups’ category. We really enjoyed ourselves at the Braunstone awards evening, the venue was excellent – thank you to all involved”. The Alert would like to wish the FOHS all the best with their Britain in Bloom entry.

Pet’s Corner

Angels & Monsters Young Parents Workshops FREE to all parents under 20 and we even give you a monthly travel allowance

Activities include: Hair and Beauty (with free treatments ) Crafts, Cooking Trips, Sexual health info and advice and much more.

We are friendly and flexible, Pop in or get in touch for more info Facebook: Angels & Monsters Website: angelsandmonsters.org Email: angelsand monsters@fsmail.net. Find us at: 9 Cantrell Road, Leicester LE3 1SD Text us: 0779106872 or 07789696917

News from Blessed Sacrament Church

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or the last 11 months Blessed Sacrament Church on Gooding Avenue has had Open Church every Saturday Morning. It has been part of the Year of Mercy, called by Pope Francis, to encourage people to discover the mercy of God in their lives, and to be more merciful - caring, forgiving, helpful - to others. The outer, fairly plain appearance of this church, betrays the beauty to be found inside for it has the most wonderful paintings. These were commissioned from Nottingham artist Jennifer Bell, and always cause comment when someone sees them for the first time. It was hoped that over the past year there would be more visitors to the church on Saturday Mornings, but not many have come. However, on Saturday 19th November, the final Open Church Morning of this Jubilee Year, there will be coffee and cake for everyone who visits, plus opportunity to look around the church and see the fantastic paintings. If you are reading this, consider yours invited!

As with many other Churches, it is no longer possible to leave them unlocked without having someone present to welcome visitors. A small team of volunteers have been coming each Saturday to ensure that the church can be kept open during the past year, and after November you can still come along between 10 and 11am any Saturday - for quiet prayer, to talk to someone, ask questions or just look around. Blessed Sacrament also extend an invitation to their Services for the Bereaved on Friday 18th November, starting at 7.30pm. This is an evening of quiet reflection and prayer for those who have died, and also for those who miss them. Looking further ahead, you may be interested in the Resurrection Choir from St Petersburg that will be part of a Gala Concert at English Martyrs School on Anstey Lane on 26th November, and everyone is invited to the Christmas Bazaar On 3rd December between 11 am to 2pm in the Church Parish Hall.

Stay in touch with local news & events collect your Alert from: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

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● Hockley Farm Doctors ● Aylmer Road Post Office ● Braunstone Skill Centre Braunstone Community School ● ● United Reformed Church ● West End WMC ● Children’s Centres ● Leisure Centre ● Braunstone Vic WMC Braunstone Police Station

St. Peters Church Apple-a-day Cafe Fullhurst School Folville School Local shops Brite Centre Oak Centre 45 Wellinger Way Gallards Hill The Braunstone Alert is brought to you by

Whats on…

In the Spotlight

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n this edition we have shone the spotlight on our very own Lucie Barry. Lucie is Community Empowerment Worker for b-inspired and is based at the Neighbourhood Support Centre on Wellinger way. Lucie has lived in Braunstone all her life and is a kind friendly person who is always there to help others.

A good night out?

Anywhere with the girls A good night in?

Slippers on my feet, bum on the sofa and strictly on the TV Favourite Pastime?

Watching historical or factual programmes What is your pet hate?

People who don't use their manners What was the last book you read?

50 Notorious crimes through history What is your favourite film?

JFK Describe Braunstone in 3 words?

Home, family and togetherness What words would people use to describe you?

Funny, reliable and good hearted What would you do if you won the lottery?

Make sure my family were well taken care of What is your ideal holiday?

Anywhere in or around Devon! Love it!

What could you not live without?

My children Have you a claim to fame?

I met PJ and Duncan, better known as Ant and Dec when I was 14 at Birmingham NEC In a movie of your life who would play you?

Amy Schumer Who would you like to invite for tea?

Keith lemon Answers to the Quiz The adults in order: Swan, sheep, dogs, fox, snakes, hamster, cat, ferret, duck, geese, frog, donkey, goat, squirrel, horse, rat, cow, pig, human, deer, rat, bear, rabbit, and moorhen.

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

1.30pm-3.30pm

10.00am-12.00pm 12.00pm-1.30pm 12-00pm-2.45pm 5.00pm-8.30pm

10.15am-11.15am 11.00am-2.00pm 1.30pm-3.30pm 4.30pm-6.30pm 6.00pm-7.00pm

11.00pm-1.00pm 1.00pm -3.00pm 1.45pm-3.30pm 12.00pm-3.00pm 1.00pm-3.00pm 2.30pm-3.30pm 5.00pm-6.30pm 5.00pm-7.30pm

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

Mondays Talktime @ Sandyhurst Call b-inspired on 0116 223 2256 50+ Aqua fit @ the Leisure Centre Lets Walk Braunstone @ the Stable Block, Braunstone Park Golden Years Group (Bingo!) @ Blessed Sacrament Church Taragh Twirlers @ the Oak Centre KT Performing Arts @ the Winstanley Centre call Georgia 07794 497458 Tuesdays Every 4th Tuesday of each month Memory Cafe @ the BRITE Centre call 0116 299 5476 Braunstone History Group @ the BRITE Manor House Lunch Club call 0116 222 1021 Knit Wits @ the BRITE KT Performing Arts @ the Winstanley Centre call Georgia on 07794 497458 Wednesdays Coffee and Chat @ St Peters Church VONS Art Classes @ St Peters Church Garage Sale @ 45 Wellinger Way Taragh Twirlers @ the Oak KT Street Dance @ the Winstanley Centre call Georgia on 07794 497458 Thursdays Talktime @ St Peter’s Church call b-inspired on 0116 223 2256 Film Matinee 1st Thursday of each month @ Sandyhurst £1.00 per ticket Lunch Club @ the Trinity Church 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month, £4.50 Women of Wisdom co-operative Call Eileen on 07881 284498 Knit and Natter @ the BRITE Friendship Group @ Trinity Church The Hub @ the Oak Centre KT Street Dance @ Winstanley Centre call Georgia on 07794 497458 Fridays Friday Pop-in @ Blessed Sacrament Church Sew ‘n’ So’s Needlecraft @ the Oak Golden Gloves Boxing Club @ the Oak

COUNCILLOR’S SURGERIES

W Cllr Stephen Corrall 07966629285

Cllr Cllr Elaine Halford Kulwinder Singh Johal 07736194824 07736194813

ell that’s another year nearly over and time once again for us to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Our thanks to everyone who helped to produce the Alert during this year and special thanks to all of you who appeared in articles, interviews and photos during 2016.

SO THIS IS OUR LAST CHANCE TO WISH YOU ALL …

Een Plesierige Kerfees Rehus Gun Tso Sun Tan’Gung Haw Sun Sretain Bozic - Nollaig Shona Dhuit Christmas-e-shoma mobarak bashad Kurisumasu Omedeto-Felitz Natal Maligayan Pasko-Boze Norodzenie A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM EVERYONE AT THE ALERT - SEE YOU IN 2017 Your next Alert will be available at the start of January 2017 were we look forward to bringing you another year of local news.

Dear Alert Apple-a-day café’s Jo Bowden was nominated for a Braunstone award for her services to the community, little did Jo know that on receiving her nomination and invite to the awards she would be walking home not just the winner of the award for ‘Individual services to the community’ but also with the Community Champions Shield. Here are a few words from this year’s champion, “I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who voted for us in the Braunstone Awards. It was a lovely surprise, we didn't expect it as it is something that I love doing.”

Kind Regards Jo (Apple-a-Day Cafe) PS We have had lots of offers on eBay!)

Dear Alert, The residents of Willow Court would like to express their thanks for the lovely trip to Hunstanton on the 8th September laid on by the Braunstone Residents Network.

Everyone who went said what a lovely day it was and how much they enjoyed it.

Thank you for inviting us and we hope to join up with you again in the future.

Kind Regards Willow Court residents.

Produced by Neighbourhood Support Team, ably assisted by the A-Team, write, or send pictures to Braunstone Alert at 45 Wellinger Way, LE3 1RG. Call 0116 223 2256 or email tracey.spears@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.

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BRITE Centre

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St Peters

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Please be aware that foodshare will be closed over the Christmas and the New Year period, you will receive a double bag on your last collection date before Christmas until collections resume. See below: URC: Last collection date: Mon 12th December - Collections resume: Mon 9th January 2017 BRITE Centre: Last collection Tue 13th December - Collections resume: Tue 10th January 2017 St Peters: Last collection date: Mon 19th/Tue 20th December Collections resume: Mon 16th/Tue 17th January 2017

Growing Communities Together

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ith the harvesting season well and truly upon us the Growing Communities Together team have been busy harvesting there autumn crop for foodshare.

The team enjoyed a bumper crop of carrots, potatoes, onions and garlic that have now been put away into storage at the farm for use over the winter months. Volunteers have also been busy at our cooking workshops using fresh fruit and vegetables picked from the farm and local surrounding areas to produce a variety of jams and chutneys for foodshare. We also took our homemade jams and chutneys along to the ‘Apple day’ event in Braunstone Town in October where we raised £60 towards our growing effort (See photos on Alert Gallery page).

Our attentions now turn to preparing to celebrate our harvest festival event at the farm giving thanks for a fruitful season, and to laying our winter crop. The completion of our poly tunnel now means we are able to continuously grow throughout the winter months. A special thank you to Arnold Young for his kind donation of Runner Bean & Mange-tout peas for the farm.

If you would like to join us or would like more information regarding our growing, please contact b-inspired on 0116 223 2256 or email tracey.spears@b-inspired.org.uk

RT ISSUES BRAUNSTONE ALE 16/17 DEADLINES FOR 20 H DEC 2016 JAN/FEB 2017 - 5T FEB 2017 MAR/APRIL - 15TH H APRIL 2017 MAY/JUNE - 12T

AND SON PAUL PENDER ne ral Directors Inde pe nde nt Fu

ry Se rvic es S ton e Ma son Ca te rin g s Floral Tribute connect. bt @ andson

p.pender

0116 289 6608

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