Broughton Astley Volunteer Group
InTouch and responding to our community’s needs
Volunteer Gardeners
It is now over two years since the volunteer gardening group was set up to see what they could do with the public spaces in the village. The aim being to tidy them up, improve them & add some life in to many overlooked areas. Volunteers lend their time and manpower when it’s possible and with the support of BAVG, the Parish Council team and the donation of plants.
The starting point for the group was the raised bed outside the village Coop store, an area that almost everyone in the village knows. It was full of dead shrubs, rubbish and the only thing growing there was weeds. With 4 volunteers, a few spades and hand trowels, the bed was transformed with plants kindly donated by Coles Plant Centre after being cleared by the parish maintenance team.
Two years on and the transformation continues as and when time permits. The cemetery, the roadside planters, the parish hall grounds and the raised bed outside Ringrose’s, have all had the BAVG treatment.
But it’s not a one off and so we always welcome more volunteers across Broughton Astley. If anyone fancies helping to keep your village open spaces tidy & colourful…. “Rule” number one is that you don’t need to be a gardener or have gardening experience. “Rule” number two is that there’s no age limit. And “Rule” number three is that volunteers only do what suits their own commitments and limitations. Quite simply there are no rules, only some health and safety requirements as we’re insured and to keep everyone safe. It’s a great opportunity to socialise so get your family & friends involved and it can be fitted in around work some of the current volunteers work and provide an hour or two when they can and not always on a regular basis. It’s worth noting here that gardening is also proven to be a good activity to help with mental health wellbeing.
There are several areas that are tended, stretching from Broughton Way to Sutton Lane, from Main Street to Frolesworth Road and from Station Road to Dunton Road. Autumn & winter months ahead means not as much activity takes place….and we have to watch out for the weather, however, if you want to get involved & have some ideas, come on in and become a community gardener. We also always welcome any donations of spare plants and cuttings.
Tel: 0808 528 4477 Email: BAVGoffice@bavg.org.uk
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Local Area coordination can help you to learn about what is happening in your area and how we can support you and the local community.
“A model of support which focuses on identifying and supporting those who need help before they hit crisis and working towards building an inclusive supportive community around them.”
Your coordinator is here to help with how to make life better, through connecting people together and being part of the community as well as finding out about what’s happening in your area and getting the right help from services.
cope with daily life due to age, disability or low level mental health needs and those who are social isolated.
I can provide shorter term support which may involve signposting to local services or community groups, or longer term support to help achieve goals and lead a happier life.
If you would like to have a further conversation about Local Area Coordination in Broughton Astley, please contact John Baraclough on 07732 824556 or email
News from St Mary’s
Local Area Coordination can also help with making positive action within your community through friendship connections and volunteering. Working alongside residents, local and countywide organisations and services to promote opportunities for people who may be at risk (vulnerable) or trying to
John.baraclough@leics.gov.uk based from Broughton Astley Library, Main Street LE9 6RD.
Local Area Coordinator John Baraclough
In the last 33 years, in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, Quetzal has empowered women’s recovery from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse by providing FREE and inclusive counselling and support services. The FREE counselling is accessible face to face, online, and through the telephone for up to a year at a time. In 2021 2022, they supported 460 women to better deal with the impacts of abuse, reducing in turn the risks of self harm, suicide, neglect, eating disorders and addiction.
One challenge is raising further awareness of our counselling support in the Harborough district. Last year, 23 women from the Harborough district reached out to Quetzal for support compared to 78 in Charnwood or 201 women in Leicester. With the support of ‘Getting Help in Neighbourhood’ mental health grant, this year, Quetzal is striving to engage with individuals, local authorities, voluntary organisations, business and churches in Harborough.
We still need your help in letting others know about our support.
Contact marie@quetzal.org.uk if you would like to receive leaflets, further information about our charity or would like to volunteer or fundraise for us.
For self-referral or to refer someone you know with their permission, please visit www.quetzal.org.uk or give us a ring on 0333 101 4280.
can also download on our website our free self help guide providing more information about the impacts of childhood sexual abuse on adult survivors as well as self care tips.
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Come along to our friendly and welcoming Tots group Held at Broughton Astley Village Hall Actively Seeking New Volunteer Helpers Find out more information on Facebook—Broughton Astley tots Bouncy castle regularly available Specific baby area Messy play Make new friends Supportive environment Regular arts and crafts 9.30-11.00 Thursdays. Term time ONLY £3 per family (up to 2 children) 50p per extra child Good selection of toys Baby weighing scales available
You
Christmas is nearly upon us, and we have some great events to help you celebrate this festive season. We believe that Jesus Christ is central to Christmas, the name gives it away.
That alone gives more reason to celebrate than you could ever imagine. Come along to one of our Christmas events and join in the fun. For more information check out our Facebook page or website.
11th December, 10.30am: Christmas Special Family Service 18th December, 6pm: Carols by Candlelight 23rd December, 7pm: Carols around the Tree (in the village) 25th December, 10am: Christmas Morning service
Are you looking for a venue to hold your corporate or community event?
Then look no further.
We have a selection of rooms available to suit your needs.
For further information, rates and availability please contact office@suttonelms.co.uk
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OUR HEALTHY HARVEST IN A TIN CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN A HUGE SUCCESS!
Thank you all so much for your
fantastic donations. In September and October alone, we have had over 5 tonnes of food and essential supplies donated to us! Our volunteers almost ran out of space to stack the donations so that they could be sorted safely! After a couple of years where Covid has limited how we can celebrate the Harvest season in the traditional way, this year we have been overwhelmed with the generosity of our communities.
Despite the huge challenges which we are all facing due to the rising cost of living, we have been blown away by the huge quantity of donations and the wonderful kindness of those in our communities who want to ensure no one is without food and essentials. We know as we head into winter, which is usually our busiest time, we know we are going to see demand increase once again but through your
December at St Mary's
A busy month in our lovely church, starting with the 3rd December community market, with local sellers and of course a great welcome and chance for a chat over a coffee and cake.
The following weekend 9-11th December, the Christmas Tree Festival is back after 3 years! The church will be open from 10 until 5 each day for you to come and visit. Tea, coffee and cake will be there to enjoy all day throughout. We also have, warming soup on Friday, All Day Breakfast on Saturday, and Christmas Afternoon Tea on Sunday. In addition, there will be a tombola, raffle and quiz to try your luck.
Amongst the beautiful trees over the 3 days there will be entertainment on the Friday evening "Step into Christmas".
If you are a local group or business and would like to enter a tree, please email Sheila Yates syates@talktalk.net.
Christmas Services across the month are.
December 4th and December 11th Communion service at 9.45am
December 18th Messy Church at 9.45am and Traditional 9 Lessons and Carols at 6pm
Christmas Eve Christingle service at 4pm and Midnight Mass at 11.30 pm
Christmas Day Family Communion at 9.45am
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generosity, we are now in a much better place to be able to cope. Thank you all.
Citizens Advice: 0300 3302 111 Local Area Coordinator ( Broughton Astley): John Barraclough 07732 824556 Twitter: @LuttFoodBank Facebook: Lutterworth and Villages Foodbank www.lutterworthvillages.foodbank.org.uk
If you need our support, please don't suffer in silence. Please contact one of our referral agencies who can support you and also refer you to us for a food parcel or contact us for more details.
The festive season is quickly coming around! We successfully agreed with the Chief Elf that Santa will once again be paying a visit to Broughton Astley throughout the week commencing the 5th December to the 10th December.
The group has had an exciting few weeks since the return from half term, I hope many of you noticed our very smart Squirrel scout section who took part in their first remembrance parade. They are our youngest group with some just 4 years old. We would love to open a second drey for another 18 children but as always rely on the help of dedicated volunteers so if you want to be part of something amazing contact our Group Scout Leader:
He wanted to remind you all that he along with all the scouts will be knocking on doors around the village bringing festive cheer and hopes that everyone can dig deep to help the Broughton Astley Scout group raise as much money as possible to allow them to continue with the great work they do in the village. Keep a look out on the Broughton Scouts Facebook page for daily routes and times.
phil.burton@broughtonastleyscouts.org.uk
So, on behalf of all the Scouts whether they are Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Leader or our Executive, we all wish everyone of Broughton Astley a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Broughton Astley Girlguiding is Growing
We are a volunteer led organisation and we need new volunteers to help us inspire girls in your area.
Come and be part of our amazing volunteer team and see what you can offer. Full support and training provided and a great team of people to support your journey. Give a little or a lot of your time, it is totally up to you.
Email: lutterworthgirlguiding@gmail.com Website: www.girlguiding.co.uk
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Vanessa Thompson Lowe visited our meeting to talk about Ginger Cat Glass fusing, telling us how she makes such a wonderful variety of glass artworks and demonstrated how to make a sun catcher.
Pieces of glass in a variety of colours are cut and arranged onto a glass base and different decorations are added to complete the design. This is then fired in a kiln for several hours. The result was very attractive.
Next Tim Coltman spoke of his great grandfather, William Coltman, and the story of the two crosses. The first was William’s strong Christian faith and the second was the Victoria Cross he was awarded for “most conspicuous bravery” in one of the many battles of 1918. William would not fight or kill, enlisting instead as a stretcher bearer, who went on to battlefields alone to carry his wounded comrades on his back to safety and treatment. William was a very humble man and was awarded other medals for his brave acts but never spoke of them.
Visitors are always welcome at our monthly meetings call 01455 282118 for more information.
The Broughton Bus
It is good to report that funding for our new bus is progressing well, and the recent donation promised by the Broughton Astley Gardeners Association represents a major step towards reaching the £75k needed for the new bus. We sincerely thank them for their generosity.
A recent questionnaire asking for ideas for
future trips out has been kindly organised by John Baraclough, the local LC.C. Co ordinator. The response clearly showed a good level of interest as well as a variety of venues to consider. Watch out for more details and thank you to John for organising.
Although we have recruited two more drivers this year, we still need two more to safeguard services into 2023. If you have a category D1 licence and can spare 2 or 3 hours per month, we would love to hear from you. (The majority of our services are local ones) If you feel able to assist in any way, we would be pleased to hear from you. Your contribution could make a difference as we continue to serve the local community!
If you have an enquiry about any aspect of our community bus services, we always have at least one of our team available at the BAVG Coffee Morning who would be happy to assist.
Call 01455 283001 or 282966
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