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‘Cut above the rest’ Arts & Crafts Exhibition
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Country Resnet Black Museum trip
Alert Readers
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The NMB he latest meeting of the Neighbourhood Management Board (NMB) discussed the following items.
Matters Arising Braunstone Growing Hub The community growing effort is going great, with lots of volunteers working hard to cultivate land across 3 sites. A local farmer has donated a plot of land, the Wellinger Way garden and an area of the walled garden and we have started to see our fist crops. Braunstone Park has been judged for green park status, the results of this will be known in July. Residents Network The garage sales has raised nearly £2000 since January and a subsidised trip to Black County Museum is taking place at end of June. A donation of £150 is being given to help pay for a volunteers celebration tea party and £1000 has been donated to Carnival. The Network have again funded the running of the carnival shuttle bus. Star tenants support Star have relocated from Raven Road and are now based at the Brite Centre. Drop in sessions are being considered for the North of Braunstone. TBC Residents can call them to make appointments. Police, Fire and Ambulance – Braunstone Blues Braunstone Blues is a pilot scheme which is bringing together the three emergency services, they will be talking to school children and are looking for community members to bring forward suggestions of things they can do. Councillors Introduction Steve Corrall and Elaine Halford were welcomed to the board and they told everyone about their experience and what plans they have to work in Braunstone. Upcoming Events There will be a charity fund raiser at Blessed Sacrament Church on 20th June at 10am. The Community Wellness team are planning to run a breakfast club, this will be by invite only. Braunstone Carnival will take place at the end of June. Moneywise - Asra Although this project is not currently active in Braunstone, they can do home visits. The project supports tenants to manage their finances through advice and access to information about help available
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he committee had an away day where we planned some events for the next 9 months. We decided to have a monthly open day, the first four will take place at the Neighbourhood Support Base on Wellinger Way where we will take advantage of the fantastic community garden. Please feel free to drop in for a coffee and a chat on the first Wednesday of every month, between 11am and 1.30pm. Our first ‘open day’ is July 1st, followed by August 5th and September 2nd. We have just got back from a trip to Black Country Museum where 40 local people came along and enjoyed a day out thanks to the fund raising we have done through the garage. We have decided to run another trip to Twinlakes again on August 6th, if you would like to come along please book early as the tickets go really fast. We subside this trip by paying for the coach and a contribution towards the entry so it’s well worth coming along! We are really keen to meet you and are looking for new people to get involved in the many events and things we do. If you want to know more or want to get involved but also if you have some suggestions, information or hot topics! Pop down and see us at Wellinger Way.
Braunstone Foodshare Dates St Peters URC BRITE Centre
St Peter’s Monday 5pm - 6.30pm Tuesday 11am - 12 pm URC Monday 4.30pm - 6pm BRITE Centre Tuesday 11am - 12pm
St Peter’s: July: 20th 21st August: 3rd 4th 17th 18th 31st September: 1st 14th 15th URC: July: 13th 27th August: 10th 24th September: 7th 21st BRITE: July: 14th 28th August: 11th 25th September: 8th 22nd
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ouncillor Piarah Singh Clair MBE opened the Exhibition with a very heart warming speech. He congratulated the Group for all their hard work and their contribution to the Community and was amazed at all the artefacts and information we had on show. We had 157 visitors and the atmosphere was buzzing. One lady brought us post cards and letters from her Grandad who was a prisoner of war in Germany in the First World War (letters dated 1917). We also had promises from several people to let us have more school photographs. The Band playing in the walled garden was lovely and the weather was great. So everyone had a great day and the members of our group went home tired but happy. We are now preparing for our next Heritage Open Day on Thursday 10th September (details to follow). Geraldine Syrett
Fun run with a difference… And then the main event
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in Burrows wrote into the Alert, to tell us all about local man Tony Thorpe. Lin told us ‘Tony is organising a fun run with a difference – he’s using mobility scooters!! Tony 81, who lives in Braunstone would like other people with electric scooters to join him from 2-5pm on Saturday 8th August for the fun run around Braunstone Park. Prizes will be awarded for the person who makes the most runs around the park (on one battery charge), the fastest times around the park and a prize for the best decorated scooter. It’s hoped participants will raise funds through family and friends and then donate to Tony’s two chosen causes, Dementia/Alzheimer’s groups and Community Action Partnership. Then at 4am on Sunday 9th August, Tony is setting off on a 24 hour or 100 miles sponsored ride around the park. Four times around the park is ten miles so that’s 40 trips!! If you’d like to join in on the fun run, help to marshal the event or to donate, call Tony on 0116 289 9327 or Lin on 0116 299 2192’. The Alert would like to wish Tony all the best with his super fundraising event.
POLICE NEWS
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ummer has finally arrived, and as temperatures soar please be mindful of a few hidden dangers. Always make sure doors and windows are locked when going out, you don’t want to attract any opportunist thieves. Please don’t leave young children or pets in an unattended car. During summer, temperatures rise very quickly in locked cars even with a window open. Be mindful of the dangers of playing in the street, we are lucky in Braunstone to have a lovely big park to enjoy!! Also check out your local community centres for activities. We will be attending the Braunstone carnival along with “Spike” the hedgehog who will be helping us out. You will also see us at the “Park games” on the 5th July at New College. As always we are keen to be a part of any local events and so please contact us if you need a hand. Alternatively to see what we are up to you can follow us on twitter @LPRowleyFields. If you are experiencing anti-social behaviour or have been a victim of crime please let us know by ringing 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Many thanks Sergeant Siobhan Gorman & the Braunstone dedicated Neighbourhood team
Did you know… Five things we bet you didn’t know about breast feeding… Breastmilk tastes of whatever the mother eats, and so helps babies enjoy the family diet later on. Babies get to enjoy plenty of different flavours too. Breast milk is never too weak – it is always the perfect balance for the baby and includes everything he or she needs for the first six months Breastmilk is always there for your baby, wherever you are, whatever the situation. It never runs out, or needs warming, or goes off. Babies the world over are fussy in the evening and won’t settle easily. Lots of feeding helps make lots of milk for the next day. Breastfeeding gives every baby the best start, whatever their parents’ income. Best of all breast milk is free!.
Braunstone Fishing Club After suffering the loss of wildlife last year when the lakes on Braunstone Park became polluted, good news is on the horizon. Paper work has been put in place for the removal of the fish and the cleaning of the lakes. The club will let members and supporters know when the fish removal will take place so you can come down and see all the action. Please be aware of our club rules, we have had day fishermen coming down with the wrong equipment. Club rules apply to all members and users, 36in-40in landing net, unhooking mat, no keep nets unless the club is holding a match and no night fishing. Fishermen report we have Tench, Roach, Carp and Barbell coming out of the lake. Please remember there is wildlife that inhabit the lake and it is the responsibility of all park uses to clean up after themselves. The club are still trying to raise funds for disabled fishing bays to be installed. There are still places available if you want to join, but spaces are limited. Contact the fishing club for more information, or alternatively visit our website or facebook page. www. Braunstonefishingclub. Elaine Halford.
Did you know…
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f you have a child under the age of 4 you could be entitled to free vouchers every week to spend on milk, fresh or frozen vegetables and infant milk formula with Healthy Start. ●Pregnant women receive one £3.10 voucher per week; ●Babies under 1 receive two £3.10 (£6.20) per week, children aged 1-4 receive one £3.10 per week. Find out if you are eligible by calling 0345 607 6823 or visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk. Alternatively speak to your Midwife or Health Visitor.
Greens have never tasted so good! At Braunstone Community Primary school a few of the parents Cathy, Neil and Kelly have recently started a creative parent’s café to originally promote healthy cooking from fresh produce to help show other parents what they could make and share tips and recipes. It’s also another way for parents to socialise with other parent to talk about everyday issues and give advice. Parents and relatives do go along so anyone is more than welcome to get involved. The parent’s café runs on a Monday afternoon 1.30 - 3pm, and is also linked to the growing project, which is on Thursday mornings 9am -12pm. The growing project has only started since Easter but is fast becoming an exciting place to be a part of, as the children of the school are very happy to get involved with during their golden time. The project has really helped engage the children, teaching them about how to plant and look after their own plots and see for themselves the results after their hard work. The children take pride in what they have been a part of and what they have achieved by being involved in this project. If you know anyone with green fingers, yourself or maybe a grandparent or other family member who would like to give a helping hand your more than welcome to come along and join in the fun. It will be continuing through the summer holidays on Thursday mornings, if anyone would like to come down and get involved then, it will be much appreciated. For more information on how you can get involved please call the school’s office on 0116 285 8130 or contact Kathy on 07758 081398. Written by Yvonne Horten
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News from Braunstone Foodshare
re you a registered Foodshare members? Have you got some spare time on your hands? Well look no further, Braunstone Foodshare Committee is currently recruiting volunteers for its Committee. What does it take to be a committee member? Firstly and foremost, the Committee are looking for enthusiastic individuals who can make a positive contribution to Braunstone Foodshare. If you are interested and are available to attend meetings once in about 6 weeks for 2 hours please contact the b-connected team on 0116 223 2256 or email Alision.gamble@b-iinspired.org.uk . We would also like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has kindly donated throughout 2015. Here is a list of some who have helped this month! Asda Fosse Park, Aldi, Sainsburys, LCC Housing, St Andrews Church on Hinckley Road and individuals. Also a huge thank you to Rachel Hodge for donating lovely courgette/squash and pumpkin plants for the Braunstone Foodshare community growing effort. Thank you Braunstone Foodshare
Did you know…
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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 free from your app store and use it to scan the code).
Savings with First Bus Savings on day and week tickets with First Leicester. You can now travel for less with First Leicester, with 40p off the price of a day ticket and 50p off the price of a week ticket. Adult day ticket: £4 Adult week ticket: £16 Available to buy from your First bus driver or on our mTickets app (available for iPhone and Android). Promotional prices valid until 31st August 2015. Visit their website for full details. Tuesday 28th JULY @ Blessed Sacrament Church Gooding Ave For more information call 0116 285795
A huge thank-you to all those who volunteered their time, energy, and spirit to support the Braunstone Carnival 2015.
Braunstone
Carnival 2015
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News from the Vegetable Patch
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ell Braunstone, the planting season is well upon us! Over the last two months, you have have put on your wellies and gloves and have come and supported the Community vegetable growing for Braunstone Foodshare. Down on the Farm vegetable plot, the b-growing team, supported by local residents, volunteers, businesses, police, and Ford &Slater have been working hard digging and preparing the plot for planting potatoes, onions sets and the vegetables sown at the 'Bean Factory’ event. At the b-connected office on Wellinger Way, the b-blooming crew along with other volunteers have been extremely busy with tidying up the garden, building and putting in raised beds, putting up pallet frames and filling them with crops, salads, fruit brushes, peas, beetroot, strawberries, herbs and salad. We would like to say a huge thank you to the blooming and b-growing teams, local volunteers, residents, PC Tim Oliver and PCSO Ben Stephenson Braunstone Dedicated Neighbourhood Police Team, Henry Palmer from Palmer Coaches and Ford and Slater Dealership Leicester, for their help in preparing and planting on the plot. This is a very exciting time for Braunstone, our vegetable growing is helping to support Leicester Foodplan and our entry for this year’s RHS ‘Britain in Bloom - Its your Neighbourhood Campaign’. Furthermore, all vegetables grown will go towards making up ‘casserole packs’ for the Braunstone Foodshare in the Autumn. So, if you feel you would like to come and lend a hand, please contact b-connected on 0116 223 2256 or email tracey.spears@b-inspired.org.uk.
SHAPE UP FOR SUMMER
W NO
£80
£32 or less sa ving up to
£48!
FREEEEK
6 TRWAINING
leicester.
PROGRAMME* Available for purchase between
1 June - 31 July For more information contact your local leisure centre or visit our * If the above purchasers of a 6 week Shape up for Summer pass decides to join one of the Direct Debit memberships available after the promotion we would waive the joining fee. This can be redeemed 1 week after their promotion expires. Previous members must have been cancelled for more than 2 months to be eligible for any of the above offers. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers
vailable Further reductions a cilities at our Lifestyle Lite fa
Summer-time Youth activities Youth Pod Festivals 2015 Wednesday 12th August 2 pm - 6 pm Braunstone Skate Park Braunstone & Friday 21st August 12 pm - 4 pm Braunstone Grove Youth Centre For more information call 0116 4541660
In the Spotlight… In the spotlight this edition is volunteer and fundraiser Maggie Bodell-Stagg. Maggie volunteers at b-connected Talktime where she enjoys a good chat over a cuppa or two. Maggie also organised the talk time Christmas lunch which was a huge success. Now we put her in the spotlight… A good night in? An early night with a good book and a glass or two of fizz. What animal would you be?
Mondays 10.00 am - 11.30 am 10.30 am - 11.30 pm 11.00 am - 12.30 pm 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm 4.30 pm - 6.00 pm 4.00 pm - 6.00 pm 6.00 pm - 9.00 pm
11.00 am - 1.00 pm 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm
A cat, living with cat lovers like us. What is your pet hate? Lying. What was the last book you read?
12.30 pm - 2.30 pm 10.00 am - 12.00 pm 4.30 pm - 6.00 pm
Boy Georges Autobiography. What is your favourite film? Gone with the wind. Describe Braunstone in 3 words? Green, friendly, caring.
10:30 am - 12.00pm 10.15 am - 11.15 am 11.00 am - 2. 00 pm 12.00pm - 1.30pm
What words would people use to describe you? Loyal, helpful, committed. What’s the furthest you have ever been from home?
1.30 pm 3.30 pm 4.30pm 4.30 pm -
3.30 pm 5.00pm 6.30pm 6.00 pm
The Far East. What is your ideal holiday?
11.45 am - 1.30 pm
Anywhere with sun and good food. What one thing would you change? Replace all self service tills with real people.
12.00 pm - 2.00 pm 12.00 pm - 3.00 pm
What is your most attractive quality? My sense of humour. …and your least? Wanting everything done yesterday. Have you a claim to fame? As Lord Mayor of Leicester I met HM the Queen. How do you want to be remembered? I don’t really expect to be.
13.00 pm - 13.30 pm 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm 1.00 pm - 3:30 pm 2.30 pm - 3.30 pm 5.00 pm - 6.00 pm 5.00 pm - 7.30 pm 5.45 pm - 8.00 pm
In a movie of your life who would play you? Meryl Streep. She played Maggie mark 1, why not me?
10.00 am - 12.00 pm 10.00 am - 1.00 pm 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm
50+ Aqua Fit, Leisure Centre Talk Time, Summer’s Cafe Let’s Walk Braunstone, Stable Block, Braunstone Park Golden Years Group (Bingo!) Blessed Sacrament Church Think Ahead Plus, Oak Centre Taragh Twirlers, Oak Centre Theatre Craft Class 13 yrs up, Winstanley Centre Tuesdays Mums & Babies, Summer’s Cafe Every 4�� Tuesday of each month Memory Cafe BRITE Centre call 0116 2310 6926 Stitch & B*tch, Summer’s Cafe Braunstone History Group, BRITE Think Ahead Plus, Oak Centre Wednesdays Nappy Library, Summer’s Cafe Coffee & Chat, St Peter’s ALVV Art Classes @ Summer’s Cafe, Cort Crescent BLT Summer’s Cafe, Lunch Club Last Wednesday of every month Price: £3.00 Garage Sale , 45 Wellinger Way Art Group For Children , Oak Centre Taragh Twirlers Oak Centre Think Ahead Plus, Oak Centre Thursdays Lunch Club ,Trinity Church Every 1�� & 3�� Thursday of each month, price £4.50. Nappucino, Summer’s Cafe Women of Wisdom Co-operative Cort Crescent Community Centre Armchair Aerobics (& chat!), Winstanley Centre Knit & Natter, BRITE Centre Art Group, Summer’s Cafe Friendship Club, Trinity Church The Hub, BRITE Centre Theatre Craft Class 3-9 yrs, Winstanley Centre Bingo @ The Oak Centre Fridays Friday Pop-in, Blessed Sacrament Church Sew `n’ So’s Craft Group, Oak Centre Golden Gloves Boxing Club
07736194824
Elaine Halford 07736194813
Dear Alert reader My name is Gloria and I am 10 years old. I am introducing ‘Cultivating Communities’. It is taking place in the Braunstone Skill Center. I enjoy going because you can grow-it, cook-it and eat-it. In the gardening club, we learn all the secrets of how to plant and harvest vegetables and fruit. I am enjoying it and I can not wait to go every week. Please join us on Saturday mornings. Gloria Gamage
07966629285
Monday 6th July, 3rd August & 7th September 3.00 - 4.00 pm e Monday 13th July, 10th August & 14th September 3.00 - 4.00 pm
9th July, 13th August & 10th September 3.00 - 4.00 pm
17th July, 21st August & 25th September 2.00 - 3.00 pm
Dear Alert I had a great morning walk in the fresh air and patchy spring sunshine on Saturday 9th May 2015 at 10.00am I met the members of the Friends Of Highway Spinney, as mentioned in the Braunstone Alert, they were kitted out in boots, warm jeans and jackets with their Hi-Vis over on. All four were talking to other interested walkers including children, the group often takes groups of school children around the spinney for educational walks. The group handed out plant, fungi and tree identification sheets for anyone who wanted them. We set off to discover their whereabouts of these plants and to take pictures and listen to Helen Catterwell explain their purpose, as many were used in ancient medicine remedies, I found the 2 hour walk flew by because there was so much to see and talk about. (See photo in the Alert Gallery page). Thank you FOHS Robert Butcher
The Alert went along to help out at the Braunstone Community Primary School’s big dig, organised by local parents, Kathy Freeman and Karen Lockton from the school creative café. The dig was held at the schools allotment on Saturday 16/04/15 and the sun was shining and the spades were flying. It was a good turn out from the children/ families and some teachers from the school. The local police turned up to help out and take up the offer of free refreshments for the hard workers who dug and weeded the plots ready for the children to plant fruit and vegetables. Every one worked hard to make the allotment look refreshed by clearing weeds, putting up new boarders and assembling the new non glass green house. It was great to see everyone pulling together to get the allotment looking fab. (See picture in the Alert Gallery). Well done to everyone who attended and we look forward to the next one. Dear Alert, We’d like to give a big thank you to the Braunstone Resident’s Network for their support of the Braunstone Carnival. This year the Resnet has made a generous donation of £1000 towards the carnival. But that’s not all! Again there was a Shuttle Bus provided by the Resident’s Network, to encourage as many Braunstone residents as possible could get to and from the carnival. So, thanks again to the Braunstone Resnet Volunteers for supporting their Community. b-inspired
Dear Friends, I was lucky enough to go on the Res Net community outing to the Black Country Living Museum and had a wonderful time. The sun shone (sometimes) and the company was brilliant, as you’ll guess from the photographs. It was good to see smiles all day on people’s faces... they made me smile, too. It was true community spirit. The attraction was very interesting, with a few reminders from the past of how difficult life must have been for most and perhaps how much we take for granted today. No more tin baths! I’d like to thank all those in organising the trip. It can be hard work getting people going in the same direction at the same time - but all the volunteers did a great job. I look forward to going on future outings, as time allows. Pamela Fry
Braunstone Alert Advertising Price List 2015 Black & White Advert: Full page
£190.00
Half page Quarter page
£105.00 £75.00
Boxed Advert
£25.00
Colour Advert : £240.00
Full page
£175.00
Half page Quarter page
£105.00
Design of Adverts are by negotiation The above prices do not include VAT. For more information call 223 2256 or email tracey.spears@b-inspired.org.uk
PAUL PENDER A ND
SON Inde pe nde nt Fu ne ral Directors
Summers Cafe
S ton e Ma son ry Se rvic es Ca te rin g Floral Tribute s
Advert
p.pender andson @bt connec 0116 289 6608 2 W esto t.com ver Ro ad 24 Hour Servic Le ices te e Bra u r Fo
nston reest Ea st Leiceste r LE3 3D T
Star Braunstone
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Now based at the BRIT E Centre Braunstone Avenue Call 0116 2232177
Star@leicester.gov.uk
Braunstone Residents’ Network ‘Open Day’ 1st July, 5th August & 2nd September 11.30am -1.30pm @ 45 Wellinger Way LE3 1RG For more information Call 0116 223 2256 Supported by b-connected