Braunstone Alert Sept/Oct

t r e l A e n o Braunst/October 2017 September

e n o t s n u a r B n i s No.1 for new

Alert Gallery

Alert readers

Braunstone Growing Project

LCC Conservation day

Resnet Drayton Manor trip

Family Fun Factory at the Oak

Pride in Braunstone Garden makeovers

Braunstone Park Art Group Front cover photo provided by Michelle Webster. 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!

Ian Ruck and the Roystonbury Festival donate to Braunstone foodshare

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t has been a busy summer for the resnet.

Donations to the garage have soared and our day trip to Drayton Manor was a huge success.

Plans are now in place for the “Volunteers Braunstone celebration night” with a date of Friday the 13th of October. There’s still time to nominate your unsung heroes of Braunstone so get those nominations in by calling 0116 2232256 or emailing ali.gamble@b-inspired.org.uk, alternatively pop into Wellinger Way to make your nomination. Invitations will be going out to the lucky nominees in late September.

Do you have a passion for fashion or an eye for an antique? This autumn, the garage sale volunteers are looking for help in creating a new, vibrant and exciting garage sale for residents. Why not get involved with this new project which will give an opportunity to people to pass on their ideas and try them out too. For more information pop into Wellinger Way or give us a call on the number above.

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were chosen by t the beginning of this year local charity and Community Business Power to Change (Lottery funded), to take part in a national learning project and explore whether Braunstone could be a neighbourhood with the potential to create Community Businesses.

Following a successful 4 months project, b-inspired went on to secure a major grant investment for up to 5 years to really get stuck in along with residents in Braunstone to find out how local issues might be best tackled by local people coming together to set-up Community Businesses. These are run by the community and operated for community benefit and come in all sorts of shapes and sizes up and down the country.

Following early consultations there are already some great ideas coming through like a Community Shop, Community space with mixed social activities such as a café and Bar. from b-inspired told us……”over the coming year we will be talking to lots of residents in Braunstone about their ideas for how local needs and problems might be fixed through doing it for ourselves. We will be holding large open events, smaller focused events and social media networks to gather lots of information and to encourage local people to get on board and get involved with testing ideas. We know there are lots of people in Braunstone with great skills, talent and passion for their community and we would love to hear from you if you have an idea or want to get involved.”

If you would like any further information or to get involved, please contact the b-inspired Neighbourhood Support Team at 45 Wellinger Way, Braunstone, Leicester, or call 0116 223 2256 or email anne.short@b-inspired.org.uk

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Braunstone History Group.

he Exhibition held by the Braunstone History Group on Sunday 16th July was a great success. With over 400 visitors visiting the exhibition the place was buzzing. Everyone enjoyed looking around the exhibition and listening to the music of the Enderby Concert Band who were playing in the walled garden on what was a beautiful summers day.

We even had a visit from Mr. Andrew Poore (Rosemary Winstanley's son) who visited us and was extremely delighted with the way we had exhibited his family's collection.

As always the Braunstone community were generous in donating photographs. We received donations of old school photographs and lots of people shared their memories with us. Do you have any photos of local churches, schools, people or events in the Braunstone area that you would like to share with us? Please feel free to bring them along to our next exhibition (Details of which can be found on Busy Braunstone) or visit us at one of our meetings at the Brite Centre Library on a Tuesday between 10am and 12noon. We can scan your photos on the day and let you hang on to your original memories.

Thank you to everyone that made it such an enjoyable day.

Geraldine Syrett, Braunstone History Group

News from the FOHS

Braunstone Park Art Group

he summer has once again been a busy time for the friends of the highway spinney as they prepare for the Britain in Bloom, It’s Your Neighbourhood Assessment in August. Entrances are being cleared, gateways, fences and bins repainted and Notice Boards Repaired. Litter picking continues and dog poo is being removed regularly. It is very disheartening to report that all the plants that the Beavers planted at three entrances have been stolen.

Dog poo is worse and we have asked the city warden for Braunstone and Rowley Fields to do spot checks.

The spinney has been busy this summer with visits from Knighton Park Garden Club who enjoyed a guided tour

he Braunstone Park Art group are a weekly group that meet each Friday at the stable block on Braunstone Park. The group contribute a pound each week and meet from 10 am to 12 noon. They take part in a range of activities from sketching, painting to crocheting and collage. The alert visited the art group recently and received a wonderful welcome and were shown just a few of the lovely pieces or art and crafts that had been created at the group.

If you have a passion for Art and crafts and would like to share your hobby with others in a safe, friendly and welcoming environment why not pop down to the Braunstone Park Art Group one Friday? For more information contact the Braunstone Park Art group on 0116 2548467.

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and the 92nd Cub Scout Group. The Cubs enjoyed litter picking in their high vis jackets that the FOHS purchased for them. The Cubs then gathered wild flower seeds and suggested that once the plants grow they could come back and plant them at the spinney. It was such a success we have invited them to make this a yearly event.

Janice Lock, Events Secretary, FOHS.

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Did you Know that‌

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f you have access to the Internet you can read all our editions of our Alert at www.b-inspired.org.uk or here is the link http://issuu.com/b-alert. If you have a smart phone you can scan the QR code on the front cover of the alert (you will need to download the QR code scanner for free from your app store and use it to scan the code).

Police News

Farewell Tony

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t is with great sadness that the Alert says goodbye to Tony Thorpe who passed away in June. Tony also known as “Wheelchair Man” from Braunstone was well known for his voluntary work around Braunstone lending a helping hand to those in need.

Tony donated wheelchairs, electric scooters and stair lifts to those in need as well as fund raising for local charities.

Back in 2015, at the spritely age of 81, Tony organised a mobility scooter fun run around Braunstone Park including setting himself a personal challenge of completing a 100 mile sponsored scooter run consisting of 40 laps of Braunstone Park. Tony successfully completed his sponsored run raising over £1500 for local Dementia Groups.

The Alert would like extend its condolences to Tony’s family and friends at this sad time.

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he Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields beat have seen a few staff changes over the summer months. We welcome PC 2885 Lee Flavill who has moved over from the Westcotes Ward and PCSO’s, Rhiannon Green 6578 and Jenna Thomas 6551, who are all committed in tackling the issues in the area. Feel free to stop them and PS 1272 Wayne CHAPMAN have a chat.

We have received numerous reports of anti-social use of motorbikes. This includes legally owned off road bikes being ridden on Braunstone Park and other open spaces as well as stolen motorbikes being ridden around the area too. These riders are not only being anti-social but pose a risk of injury to innocent members of the public and to themselves.

Our team need the help of the community to tackle this issue, so if anyone has information of who the riders are or where the motorcycles are being stored, I would urge them to either contact 101, email one of the beat team or to anonymously call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

As you may be aware there has been a national increase in knife crime. The team have attended local schools to educate children about the risks and the consequences of carrying knives in public. Check out our #LivesNotKnives page on the Leicestershire police website leics.police.uk or follow us on Twitter @ LPRowleyfields for further information.

PS 1272 Wayne CHAPMAN

All change for Braunstone Foodshare

s previously reported, Foodshare is closing its outreach program and will be solely distributing from b-inspireds neighbourhood Support base on Wellinger Way from the end of September. The new system will no longer consist of pre packed bags, but will instead allow members to choose useful items for themselves, including toiletries.

The new holistic service will help with issues such as debt, housing, befriending advice and above all, a listening ear for those that need it. Now open five days a week, we hope that the new service will help to eliminate queues as well as being more confidential.

Unfortunately, due to an increase in demand for the service, we have had to restrict the eligibility criteria for new members. We now aim to serve those in the community who are either in receipt of benefits or experiencing a financial crisis and would also ask existing members who do not fall into those categories to consider whether they still need to use the service.

Braunstone Foodshare would like to thank all groups and individuals who continue to donate. To find out more on how to donate or to self refer to Braunstone Foodshare contact the Neighbourhood Support Team on 0116 223 2256 or email Ali.Gamble@b-inspired.org.uk

What is befriending?

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or people over the age of 60, life can be very isolating. Restrictions bought about by issues with health or finances can mean that many older people are unable to socialise as much as they may have done when they were more able. All of this means that any support that can be given to the more vulnerable members of our community is vital and that’s where you come in.

Do you have free time? Do you love to chat? Could you be friendly and respectful to someone, regardless of their personal beliefs? If your answer to these questions is “yes” then you may be an ideal candidate for the befriending program.

The befriending scheme successfully matches befriendees with volunteers and has created several lasting friendships.

Volunteers come from a wide variety of age ranges and backgrounds and are carefully matched with a befriendee using a number of criteria, including interests, background and personality. Our volunteers will be acting as a friend to those who need it most, engaging in social activities and trips, but are not expected to perform domestic tasks.

Volunteers interested in joining the befriending scheme should be extremely trustworthy, reliable and willing to undergo a DBS (or criminal record) check as most befriending partnerships will take place in befriendee’s homes. For more information or to join the scheme contact Michelle at b-inspired on 0116 2232256 or email Michelle.webster@b-inspired.org.uk

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Road sign damage

raffic signs play a vital role in directing, Informing and controlling road users' behaviour in an effort to make the roads around Braunstone as safe as possible for everyone.

However a recent number of road signs and other public amenities in the area have been vandalised leaving them unusable and causing damage to the pavement where they were stood. In some instances it is clear to see that the damage has been caused by a vehicle. The road sign pictured displayed a 20 mile an hour sign along with a sign drawn by a child to illustrate the dangers of speed.

These instances do not only cause damage but pose a threat to pedestrians. Should you come across a damaged road sign or any other problems regarding the roads and pavements around Braunstone, such as potholes you can report them directly to Leicester City Council using their Love Leicester App. Show your love for Leicester by reporting vandalism and damage to LCC directly using your smart phone.

Download the free Love Leicester App today from the App store or market place for your device.

Come join our befriending scheme, please call Michelle for more details about our services and volunteering opportunities.

Neighbourhood Support Base 45 Wellinger Way Braunstone LE3 1RG 0116 223 2256

Do you live in Braunstone? ● Free confidence building course ● Build up your CV ● Reference opportunity ● Improve your prospects ● Feel good course ● Meet like minded people ● Minimal reading and writing ● 100% Pass rate ● Certificate and £5 ASDA Voucher on completion!

Contact the Braunstone Blues today on: 07800 709802 to book your place on our up and coming Life Skills courses!

PAUL PENDER AND SON Independent Funeral Directors Shakespeare House now open Braunstone Lane, Leicester , Leicestershire LE3 3AS - 0116 289 6608

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stablished funeral directors Paul Pender and Son are proud to announce the opening of the newly refurbished Shakespeare House funeral home, the former site of The Shakespeare pub. Owners Paul and Jack Pender, are relocating the business from their previous premises of Westover Road, Braunstone Town, to Shakespeare House, Main Street, Braunstone Lane, from

the 4th September 2017.

The grade-two listed 17th century farmhouse, has undergone a 12-month sympathetic renovation, to restore and highlight the original features and characteristics of the iconic building. Work included, a newly thatched roof, a complete re-wire and redecoration to both the interior and exterior.

The premises provides a large office and reception area adequate for private funeral arrangements, a chapel for private funeral services, as well as three additional chapels of rest. A rear function facility is also available for small funeral wakes upon a family’s request, accompanied by generous parking facilities, a reflection garden, whilst providing floristry and stone mason services.

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can safely say this is the best service from any funeral director I have experienced in 13 years...

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aul, Thank you so very much again for all you have done. Nothing was too much trouble...

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t this sad time you came through for us & did everything with thoughtfulness & care.

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aul, Jack and the team have worked extremely closely with the Braunstone Heritage Archive group, to provide historical information of the grade-two listed buildings former years. A small heritage museum run by the archive group can be found within the premises, supported by Paul Pender and Son. The team at Paul Pender and Son would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community, for all their help and support throughout their seven years within the community. As well as their on-going encouragement and positivity throughout the major renovations and relocation, their loyalty is greatly appreciated. Paul, Jack and the team look forward to continuing to provide the same high-quality service, to families and loved ones during difficult times.

Dates For Your Diary Date: Sat 7th Oct | Time: 12noon - 4pm | Venue: Wellinger Way Garage Join us as we celebrate the Community Business Big Weekend!

After some consideration and lots of planning we will be re-launching our Wellinger Way Garage Sale. But we are not stopping there as we’ve got some even bigger ideas!!!! So join us for some good grub and drink and share with us what you think! Anything that will benefit the Braunstone community. P.s Don’t forget you can get yourself masses of bargains.

Date: Fri 20th Oct | Time: 12pm - 4pm | Venue: The Grove Come along to our family fun day! Everybody is welcome to The Grove, where there will be music, a BBQ, mini It’s A Knockout, and other fun activities. Join us and have a good time, be part of a team who can help shape your community.

Date: Sat 28th Oct | Time: 4pm - 8pm | Venue: Brite Centre Wellinger Way Shoe-string fashion show mark II is coming to the Brite Centre! Real people of all ages from the community will be strutting their stuff on the catwalk modelling pre-loved clothes and accessories. Come down and bag yourself a bargain.

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Vista in Braunstone

Art in the Park

ocal Man Adrian Gardener has been busy this summer transforming some well-known blank spaces around Braunstone with his graffiti art into inspirational messages and helpful tips for the community.

Ady, a free style graffiti artist has been interested in graffiti since the age of 14 and has recently joined up with the Braunstone Blues to help them relay the importance of the 101, 111 and 999 numbers as well as their healthy, safe and secure message. Using all of his own designs Ady has visually transformed sites across Braunstone.

When speaking to the Alert, Ady told us that his favourite piece of graffiti is the one he did on Braunstone Park featuring characters from the emergency services. “It’s an honour to be able to raise awareness of current issues through my art” said Ady, who’ll continue work on the “Pride in Braunstone” wall at the Pocket Park that will feature popular sites from around Braunstone.

Keep an eye out over the coming months for more graffiti art by Ady as he teams up with Leicestershire police to raise awareness of the forces #LivesNotKnives campaign.

Girls guide the way

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irlguiding currently has 450,000 young members and 100,000 adult volunteers. It is the country’s largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women.

The 68th Leicester Guides meet locally every Friday evening. There is a charge of £2.50 for the weekly meeting plus the cost of any extra activities and outings.

In the past year girls from the group have had the chance to try archery, go-karting, den building and trampolining in addition to their weekly meets where the girls enjoy a range of activities, crafts and games.

In September there will be some places available for girls age 10 and 11 to join the Girl Guides.

For more information or to arrange a visit contact Judy on 2410363 or text 07817785663.

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ista, the leading local charity with children and adults with sight loss is currently looking to recruit volunteers for their Thursday social group, taking place once a month in Braunstone. Social groups facilitated by Vista offer a supportive environment for people with sight loss to come together and take part in social activities or events. People who attend our social groups have made friends for life.

They're a fantastic way to meet people with similar experiences and have fun.

Volunteers are needed to assist the group facilitator in providing friendship, support and encouragement. Vista are looking for volunteers with good communication skills, who enjoy meeting new people, and are willing to help out where needed.

For more information, please call 0116 249 8843 or email volunteering@vistablind.org.uk. You can also find out more and apply online at www.vistablind.org.uk/volunteer For more details about our services, please call our helpline on 0116 249 8839.

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Free childcare in Braunstone for children aged 2-4 Did you know that all children in England are entitled to 15 hours free childcare a week after their Third birthday From Sept 2017 up to 30 free hours for 3-4 years olds Sunflowers Neighbourhood Nursery Sunflowers Nursery is a warm and welcoming, friendly, fun environment that Anne.short@b-inspired.org.uk affordable day care to the children across Braunstone for has offered full time over 10 years.

Sunflowers currently has vacancies throughout their nursery (with funding available). For more information contact Sunflowers on 0116 255 9258 or visit the nursery located at Braunstone Leisure Centre.

Hand in Hand at the Oak centre Hand in hand preschool aim to provide a warm, safe and caring environment where children can develop through play to reach their full potential, supported by a key worker. We value the involvement of all parents in the preschool regardless of race, culture or religion.

Hand in hand preschool currently has spaces available for children aged between 2 to 4 years of age. Enquires can be made by calling 0116 2558672.

United play at the Blue cabin United play located on Gooding Avenue, strives to provide the best holistic experience for all ages, we are Oftsed registered and provide care and opportunities for babies to five years, Holiday club and School drop off and collections services.

We currently have spaces available for 2, 3 and 4 year olds (All with funding available, T&C’s apply) For availability please call Jane, Hayley or Kirstie on 07506109224/01162550335.

Trinity Playgroup Narborough Road/ Hallam Crescent East Leicester "Supporting your child's care and education in their first steps from home" Trinity Playgroup offer 15 hours funded nursery education for 2, 3 & 4 year olds. The Ofsted Registered playgroup have qualified and experienced staff who look forward to welcoming your children. For more information contact Diane Johnson on 0116 2892182.

For more information on funding visit: www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs

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 Queensmead

The Braunstone Alert is brought to you by:

Whats on…

In the Spotlight

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drian Gardener is a larger than life character who is well known in the area. For many years he has worked with different organisations in Braunstone to help the community and help make a difference to others. More recently Adrian has helped spread positive messages from the Braunstone blues and b-inspired through his Graffiti art work. Adrian’s passion and commitment to Braunstone is as bright and inspiring as his art work itself. Keep up the good work Ady!

A good night out?

Going for a meal with friends and family A good night in?

Watching a movie What is your pet hate?

Lying What was the last book you read?

Horrid Henry with my Son What is your favourite film?

Goodfellas How would you describe Braunstone?

Friendly, full of community spirit.

What words would people use to describe you?

Friendly, talkative and outgoing.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

Go on a holiday What is your ideal holiday?

Somewhere hot with my family What is the one thing you would change?

Financial situation What could you not live without?

My children In a movie of your life who would play you?

Vin Diesel Who would you like to invite for tea?

Peter Kay Fancy your 15 minutes of fame?

In the Spotlight needs you!!

Come and face the 12 most difficult questions in Braunstone!

Contact Michelle, michelle.webster@b-inspired.org.uk for more information

Mondays 10.00am-12.00pm 10.00am-11.30am 11.00am-12.30pm 1.30pm-3.00pm 4.00pm-6.00pm 5.00pm-7.00pm

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 13+ Street Dance(Beginners) @ the Brite Centre call 07850 747 999

Tuesdays 9.15am-10.00am 1.30pm-3.30pm

10.00am-12.00pm 12.00pm-1.30pm 12-00pm-2.45pm 7.15pm-8.00pm

Walk/Run Westcotes Park 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 Cardio Combat @ West End WMC 16+ only call 07850 747 999

Wednesdays 10.15am-11.15am 11.00am-2.00pm 1.30pm-3.30pm 3.30pm-4.30pm 4.30pm-6.30pm

Coffee and Chat @ St Peters Church VONS Art Classes @ St Peters Church Garage Sale @ 45 Wellinger Way Family Multi-Sport @ Braunstone Leisure Centre call 07850 747 999 Taragh Twirlers @ the Oak

Thursdays 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

Talktime @ St Peter’s Church call b-inspired on 0116 223 2256 Film Matinee 1st Thursday of each month @ Sandyhurst £1 each Lunch Club @ the Trinity Church 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month, £4.50 Women of Wisdom co-operative Knit and Natter @ the BRITE Friendship Group @ Trinity Church The Hub @ the Oak Centre

Fridays 10.00am-11.30pm 10.00am-1.00pm 11.00am-1.00pm 6.00pm-8.00pm

Friday Pop-in @ Blessed Sacrament Church Sew ‘n’ So’s Needlecraft @ the Oak Side by Side St Peters Church Golden Gloves Boxing Club @ the Oak

Saturday 10.00am-12.00pm 11.00am-2.00pm

Mixed Group: Golden Gloves Boxing Club @ the Oak Street Dance (Advanced) @ West End WMC call 07850 747 999

ear Alert Reader Are you a keen gardener and are happy to share your knowledge with others.

Then we would to hear from you.

The Braunstone Growing Project (see us in the Gallery Page) has several pockets of land in and around the area to grow vegetables for Braunstone Foodshare.

What’s better than the taste of fresh veg!

We have space for flowers too. So if you have seeds or perennials that could be split and shared then give us call.

Tel: 0116 2232256

Remember to put your clocks forward 1 hour at 2am on the 29th October 2017 Dear Alert, Thank you to the Resnet for organising an action packed fun day out at Drayton Manor for the local community. We all had a great time and would love to go again next year!!

From everyone attending the trip

Dear Alert, We are Gaby and Rebecca, the Occupational Therapy (OT) students from sunny Malta! Unfortunately our 10 weeks working with the Neighbourhood Support Team and alongside all the lovely volunteers has come to an end.

Spending time getting to know everyone and helping in delivering the services offered at the Neighbourhood Support has been a great learning experience for us and an experience we will treasure through our career.

It was a pleasure to be part of such a united community.

As OT students we were pleased to see how volunteering and the services offered by B-inspired are helping so many Braunstone residents in various aspects of life, from providing basic necessities such as food to providing psychological support and social networks.

We wish you all the best and we encourage you to continue taking care of your community and each other!

Thank You for welcoming us into your community!

Cheers, Gaby & Rebecca

s r e d a r T corner T Email: gailcharles65@hotmail.com or find us on facebook

Gardening -

BRAUNSTONE ALERT ISSUE DEADLINES FOR 2017/18 NOV/DECEMBER - 6TH OCTOBER JAN/FEBRUARY - 8TH DECEMBER FEBRUARY/MARCH - 8TH JAN

PAUL PENDER AND SON Independent Funeral Directors

Summers Cafe Advert

Stone Masonr y Services Catering Floral Tributes

p.penderandson@bt connect.com

0116 289 6608 Braunstone Lane 24 Hour Service Braunstone Leicester LE3 3AS

Busy e n o t s n u a Br The Oak Centre Community Forum

Braunstone History Group Heritage Open Day Thursday 7th September 10-2.30pm Braunstone Hall Stables Museum

Exhibition of the Winstanley Collection, local school and churches, militaria and the old Braunstone village

Thursday 26th October 2017 from 1pm

Tuesday 31st October 10-12noon Braunstone Hall Stables Museum LE3 1JS

Come along and join us. For more information contact 0116 3260269

Deliverers wanted!!

Can you spare an hour or two every couple of months to help deliver copies of the Braunstone Alert to your neighbours, local shops and community businesses?

Come join the Alert Delivery team.

Contact Lucie at b-inspired on 0116 2232256

Pride in Braunstone Community Clean-Up Campaign 2017

Come and join us at our upcoming Clean-ups Date 11 Sept 27 Sept 10 October 23 October

Session Pride in Braunstone Clean-up Campaign Pride in Braunstone Clean-up Campaign Pride in Braunstone Clean-up Campaign Pride in Braunstone Clean-up Campaign

Location Hockley Farm Road

Meet Wellinger Way

Time 10-12 noon

Merridale

Roxy Chippy

12-2pm

Wellinger Way

Wellinger Way

11-1pm

St Peters Church

St Peters Church

10-12 noon

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