November 2016 - Your Local Birstall & Wanlip

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November 2016

Open On Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve & New Years Day Booking Advisable Christmas Party Menu

Christmas Day Menu

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STARTERS Garlic Mushrooms Mix Kebab Prawn Cocktail

Chef Special Tray (Chicken Tikka, Vegetable Pakora, Onion Bhaji, Lamb Shashlik) MAIN DISHES

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New Years Eve

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Complimentary Liqueur

Champagne & Party Poppers

£24.95 Per Person 12noon - 6pm

£24.95 Per Person 9:30pm onwards

TEL: (0116) 267 7458 / 267 1850 15-17 Sibson Road, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 4DX OPENING HOURS

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LOCAL

The Great British Dog Survey

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Are we treating dogs like children?

THE FIRST EVER Great British Dog Survey, undertaken by the charity Guide Dogs, has revealed that many owners are treating their dogs like children. The UK’s dogs often share our most popular baby names, are spoilt rotten on their birthdays and get pampered on an almost weekly basis.

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SALES TEAM SARAH TAYLOR T: 0800 6446 150 E: sarah@openboxpromotions.co.uk

It seems the UK really is a nation of dog lovers as we give them the same names as our children. The survey found that Poppy is the most popular dog name overall, as well as being the 5th most popular for baby girls in 2015. When it comes to boys, Charlie is the 2nd most popular dog name and also 5th when it comes to baby boys.

DAWN HARRIS T: 0800 6446 150 E: dawn@openboxpromotions.co.uk

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER ANDREW LEWIS M: 07504 634 838 E: andy@openboxpromotions.co.uk

It doesn’t just stop with names though as 4 out of 10 dogs get their own birthday present, and thousands more pooches get dressed up over the festive season. It appears the nation’s love of dogs knows no bounds!

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The survey also found that Labrador Retrievers are the most popular UK dog breed, followed by Jack Russell Terriers and Border Collies. The results of the survey make it clear just how much dogs mean to the thousands of owners across the nation. For guide dog owners, their dogs really do mean the world.

Nicola Harvey, a guide dog owner says “If you have lost your sight but want to keep your mobility and independence, I’d advise you to think seriously about getting a guide dog. I can get around with a long cane but I’m nowhere near as confident. When you have a guide dog, you have a friend and a companion.”

OPEN BOX PROMOTIONS LTD T: 0800 6446 150 E: sales@openboxpromotions.co.uk W: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk Open Box Promotions Ltd, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2HQ

The iconic guide dog service is at the heart of the charity, Guide Dogs has transformed the lives of thousands of people with sight loss by partnering them with a guide dog, helping them take control of their lives and move around freely and independent. Guide dogs mean the world to the people they help and it’s no surprise to see how strongly the British people love their dogs.

PRINTED BY NORWOOD PRESS T: 01530 262020 E: info@norwoodpress.co.uk W: www.norwoodpress.co.uk

As a charity, Guide Dogs helps thousands of people overcome the physical and emotional barriers of sight loss and their work has never been so vital. Almost two million people in the UK are living with sight loss. By 2050, there could be nearly 4 million. You can read the full survey results here http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/dogsurvey

Norwood Press, Unit 1, Moore Road, South Leicester Industrial Estate, Ellistown, LE67 1EU

NEXT ISSUE OUT

Operation Christmas Child asks for one million shoeboxes

DELIVERY DATE:

Wednesday 14th December 2016

DEADLINE DATE:

Monday 5th December 2016 Deadline and delivery dates are subject to change depending on how far we are ahead or behind.

The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the original advertisers & contributors and do not necessarily represent Your Local or Open Box Promotions Ltd. Open Box Promotions Ltd reserves the right to amend or refuse to publish articles or adverts submitted for publication.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. To see full terms & conditions visit www.openboxpromotions.co.uk/terms

THIS YEAR Operation Christmas Child UK hopes to send one million shoeboxes to needy children in developing countries.

And if you find it hard to get hold of a shoebox, no worries: OCC is now offering flat-pack shoeboxes for individuals, families, churches, schools and community groups.

The vision of Operation Christmas Child remains so simple: “a Christmas shoebox gift is a ‘treasure chest’ for a child who has never received such a gift before. It is a powerful symbol of hope that someone, somewhere, cared enough to pack a gift. Last year, people across the UK set 900,008 shoeboxes to 14 different countries. They played a key part in over 11 million children globally experiencing God’s unconditional love through a simple gift. Thank you!” More details at: https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child

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3

Monthly Report from Councillor Renata Jones Good news! My various emails, discussions, and investigations via freedom of information, have finally paid off regarding A46 slip roads. Highways England have responded with a fuller report to Charnwood borough council (CBC), in respect of planning application for build of Broadnook, requesting more time, with which they intend to investigate further. CBC have also sought responses from county council highways and Leicester city council, to assess impacts. I find this very encouraging news, and a landmark step towards a more suitable solution.

More good news from our other neighbouring borough ward, the other side of Birstall. I hear my fellow borough councillor Iain Bentley has secured funding from multiple sources, in order to resolve a long standing fencing issue, which it seems had been a thorn in the side of Birstall parish council for a while.

In other news we had three visitors to our October monthly surgery. I also supported ward referral and spoke on a planning matter at a CBC meeting in respect of a change use application, for a house in Hallam Fields. I’ve also created a residents’ survey.

To respond, simply follow link from: http://renatajones.yourcllr.com/contact/.

Should you require more direct, emergency, or immediate assistance, the following contact information for CBC may be useful to you: http://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages /contact_by_telephone, https://www. charnwood.gov.uk/pages/contacts.

Regards,

Renata Jones BA (Hons),

Councillor for Birstall and Wanlip at Charnwood Borough Council (CBC), Assistant whip for CBC’s Conservative group.

Cllr.renata.jones@charnwood.gov.uk

SURGERIES LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH, 10AM TO MIDDAY

Potter spell cast over Charnwood Museum A magical spell will be cast over Charnwood Museum with the arrival of a new Harry Potter exhibition. The display opened on Saturday, October 15 and features illustrations of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’, which has been reimagined by illustrator Jim Kay. His artwork has been published in a new illustrated edition of the book which was released last year. The display will feature original work including sketches, oils and digital prints. There will also be a variety of merchandise available to buy, from copies of the illustrated book to Harry Potter soft toys and stationary.

To find out more about what’s on at Charnwood Museum visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/charnwood_museum and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

BRADGATE DRAMA SOCIETY CHRISTMAS PRODUCTION The nights are drawing in and the central heating’s going on so it must be coming up to the pantomime season. If you’re a fan of slapstick, cross-dressing and corny jokes why not come and see Bradgate Drama Society’s production of ‘The Dragon of Wantley’ at Newtown Linford Village Hall on Thursday 1st., Friday 2nd. and Saturday 3rd. December (matinee and evening).

‘The Dragon of Wantley’? I hear you say, never heard of it, what’s wrong with Cinderella or Aladdin? Well we thought we’d go for something a bit different this year so chose this script which is a brilliant update, by Norman Robbins, of a traditional pantomime originating in Victorian times. All the usual pantomime elements are there in abundance including, in addition to the slapstick, cross-dressing and corny jokes mentioned above, a thigh slapping principal boy, a demure damsel in distress and a sundry collection of witches, wicked barons and dragons. As usual there will be a bar available to help engender the party spirit!

Tickets are now on sale and can be obtained through Toby Manning on 01530 245298 / bradgatedrama@gmail.com and are £7 for adults and £2 for children.

Curtain up is at 7.30p.m. for the evening shows and 2.30p.m. for the Saturday matinee.

Look forward to seeing you there!

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Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service.

Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number of tradespeople

perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle.

Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Birstall & Wanlip areas and manager Michael Parr agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good

business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’

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5

VOLUNTEER CENTRE NEEDS HELP TO SUSTAIN GROWTH Syston and District Volunteer Centre (SADVC) is struggling to satisfy growth in demand for its community transport services.

Raise the Roof

The Centre provides a range of transport solutions to meet the needs of the elderly, infirm and/or rurally isolated members of the communities of Syston and neighbouring areas. These services help individuals to be as independent as possible, directly assisting them to continue to play a full and active part in family and community life and sustaining their independence, vitality and independence.

for the

Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance

A light-hearted concert, full of fun and well-loved songs and carols with

Drivers who are prepared to use their own cars, in return for a generous mileage allowance, and who can offer anything from an hour per week upwards, provide door-to-door personal transport to doctors, hospitals, dentists, hairdressers, shops, family and friends.

Singing for Fun

…..and you can join in for free!

Others are needed to drive the small fleet of specially adapted vehicles to enable the Centre to organise group excursions to local places of interest such as theatres, restaurants, parks, shopping centres and boat trips and to fulfil group contracts for the local authority. Full MIDAS training is offered, free of charge, to anyone volunteering to drive one of the minibuses.

Saturday 10th December at 7pm

St James the Great

Every driver can choose to do as much or as little driving for the Centre as he/she chooses, to fit in with private or family commitments. The Centre always gives notice of their requirements well in advance. Drivers, as a group, enjoy regular opportunities to meet socially to relax and share experiences.

Church Hill, Birstall, LE4 4DN

FREE admission - retiring collection

Drivers need to be good listeners, without losing concentration since, all-toooften, they are one of the very few people that the user has met and spoken to in the period since the previous journey!

www.SingingForFun.co.uk

Volunteer driving is a win-win situation. All drivers speak of the great satisfaction they gain from the experience. At the same time, they know, from the feedback they get, just how vital and highly valued Centre services are to the users.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer driver at the SADVC should contact Centre Manager, Mark Smith, Tel: 0116 2607 888 email: info@syston-vc.org for further details.

The Blue Santas are coming to town!

Leicester City Football Club and the Foxes Foundation will participate in the Santa Fun Run & Walk in Loughborough on Sunday 4th December. This means that entrants to this popular event will be able to select red or blue santa suits, and support a charity of their choice.

Over £500,000 has been raised for local and national charities in the eleven years

that the Rotary Club of Loughborough has been organising the event. Thirty five

charities benefitted in 2015, as 1,430 santas ran and walked the 5km course.

“We have set ourselves a target of 2,016 participants this year” says Linda

Thompson, the President of the Loughborough Rotary Club. “We also hope the in the Market Place”

event will be even more colourful for the spectators

Sign up now on www.santa-fun-run.co.uk

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t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

Action Man Weekend The National Memorial Arboretum A talk by Roger Hailwood on Monday October 24, 2016, at Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall.

The Friends of Charnwood Forest held their regular talk at Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall. Over 50 members and guests heard a fascinating talk by Roger Hailwood.

Roger Hailwood is a guide for the National Arboretum. He is part of their promotional team as a speaker at venues throughout the UK. At Alrewas, where he lives, he is regarded as the village historian and he has published several books. In Alrewas he has been a youth leader, a church chorister and a Parish Councillor.

50th Anniversary Action Man Weekend to be held in the former offices of the Palitoy factory on 3rd and 4th December. Palitoy was an important employer in Coalville from 1937 to 1986 marketing such toys as Tiny Tears, Tressy, Pippa, Girls World, Star Wars, Care Bears, Mainline Railways as well as Action Man and Action Force.

Roger’s talk about the National Arboretum was copiously illustrated by slides and covered its foundation and development, and pictures of many of more than three hundred memorials on the site.

The National Memorial Arboretum is UK’s year-round centre of remembrance and is home to the iconic Armed Forces Memorial which was dedicated in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen.

The Arboretum features over 300 thought provoking memorials nestled amongst lush and maturing woodland. Military and civilian associations are represented alongside tributes for individuals. Rich in design and symbolism, and sympathetic to the landscape they inhabit, the memorials and their stories are waiting to be discovered.

Further information Peter Bertram 01162 100 572. Advance notice: ”Lacemakers and Luddites”Monday January 23rd 2017

Whet your appetite for christmas at Woodside Animal Centre Leicester’s biggest Christmas Market is coming to Woodside Animal Centre, Scudamore Road, Leicester Forest East on 26th and 27th November. In aid of RSPCA Leicester branch, there will be 50 craft stalls, a variety of hot food stalls, live music – including carol singing and a brass band - and a huge Santa’s grotto.

The market will have a distinctly ‘artisan’ feel, featuring high quality gift stalls, cheese makers and chocolatiers and a bar provided by Charnwood Micro Brewery.

The event offers something for everyone – whether you are after unique Christmas gifts, an unforgettable visit with Santa or just the opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit!

Free parking is available in the areas surrounding Scudamore Road. More information is available on the website: www.rspcaleicester.org.uk

Action Man was launched on 29th January 1966 and was inspired by the American toy G I Joe which Palitoy took under licence from Hasbro and over the years transformed the toy into a British icon. In collaboration with Hasbro, Art and Science are launching 6 versions of Action Man starting this year to celebrate the 50th anniversary.

About Woodside Animal Centre Located on Scudamore Road, Leicester, Woodside Animal Centre have been taking care of stray, unwanted and injured animals for the last 40 years.

The charity aim to turn ‘sad tails into paw-fect endings’ with the help of their highly trained staff and volunteers. The branch is one of the top performing RSPCA centres in the UK, with a very low animal return rate.

Education teams provide support to pet owners, experienced and unexperienced, to continually drive hope the importance of responsible pet ownership.

Woodside Animal Centre is an independent branch of the RSPCA, meaning they receive no financial support from the main inspectorate. The charity rely solely on public donations.

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

7

HIGHCLIFFE AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY (HATS) 2016 It’s Panto time again This year we will be performing

GOLDILOCKS AND THE 3 BEARS

by Damian Trasler, David Lovesy and Steve Clark TLC Creative.

I am sure you all remember the traditional well known story of goldilocks and her escapades with the bears. A cute and very endearing story from your childhood.

Activity groups awarded for helping older people stay active Activity groups which help older people stay active have been celebrated at an awards ceremony. The ‘Feel Alive at 65’ Celebration Evening, run by Leicestershire and Rutland Sport, celebrates people who continue to stay physically active.

Activity groups run by Charnwood Borough Council were among those who were recognised. Thurmaston Games Morning won the Community Group Award for its work to help members improve their physical and mental health. The group offers activities such as New Age Kurling, indoor bowls and table top games.

Councillor Jonathan Morgan, Lead Member for Community Cohesion said: “We’re committed to supporting our residents to stay mentally and physically healthy, so it’s fantastic to see our groups rewarded for their hard work.

“We have a range of activities on offer for older residents to help them stay healthy and active including regular walking groups around the borough, games mornings and falls prevention sessions.

Parkinson’s Chair Based Exercise group in Loughborough and Barrow upon Soar Walking Group were both shortlisted for awards.

For more information about activity sessions on offer www.charnwood.gov.uk/adult_sports or call 01509 632 535

in

Charnwood,

visit

Well sit back and enjoy this newer version, with twists you will never have thought of, and new characters that will bring a whole new story alive before your eyes.

Watch carefully for the “sting” in the tail. I don’t want to say too much about what this might mean, I want you to be intrigued and excited and eager to come and find out for yourself.

For those of you who return to see our performances year after year, you know exactly what to expect, chaos, laughter, singing, applause, boos, and the odd mistake (made on purpose of course). LOL. If this is your first time watching HATS, then you are in for a treat. Join in, have some fun and we are sure you will return again and again.

Dates & Times: November 24th, 25th and 26th 24th and 25th 7.15pm each evening 26th 2.15pm matinee and 6.45pm evening Prices: £6.00 adults - £5.00 children and concessions £20 family ticket, 2 adults and 2 children.

Venue: Highcliffe Primary School Greengate Lane, Birstall, LE4 3DL Box office: 0116 2209594 or 0116 2216019

GOT AN ARTICLE TO SEND US? We are always on the lookout for local news.

Please send articles to: yourlocal@ openboxpromotions.co.uk

8

Friendship Force is a not-for-profit cultural exchange organization promoting friendship and goodwill through a programme of homestay exchanges since 1977. The Friendship Force Club of Leicestershire completed its programme of Incoming and Outgoing Homestays for 2016 when it hosted 17 members from both Houston and Reno/Tahoe Clubs for an eight-day visit to Leicestershire.

Before coming to Leicestershire the two North American clubs had enjoyed a week-long homestay with members of the Friendship Force Club of Cornwall and visited the sights of London and Windsor Castle in-between time. The ambassadors arrived in Leicestershire on an October Saturday evening and were met by their hosts (who live in various areas of the county). The next day was a free day until the evening when a Welcome Dinner had been arranged at Leicester’s Belmont Hotel; this was followed by Welcome Greetings and entertainment was provided by the Leicester G. & S. Society.

The week progressed with various activities including a guided walking tour of Leicester City under the leadership of a local Blue Badge Guide and a lunch-time buffet was served in the wonderfully preserved Y Theatre (a real theatrical gem in the centre of Leicester); a traditional Long Alley Skittles evening at a local hostelry; a visit to Tuesday’s markets at Melton Mowbray; a visit to Market Harborough and Foxton Locks and a visit to Loughborough’s market and Carillon (where a special recital was given by the borough carilloner). The programme was completed with a Bring & Share Farewell Supper at the Rothley Centre followed with entertainment presented by the Barrow-uponSoar Ukulele Orchestra. The closing speeches were given by Geoff.

Wainwright, Jean Porter and Roni Nicora (the 3 exchange directors) and both incoming clubs offered to arrange a reciprocal exchange for sometime in the future. The other incoming exchange for 2016 was a group of 9 ambassadors who had come from the F.F. Club of Florianopolis, Brazil.

In August some members of the Leicestershire Club visited the F.F. of Bratislava and in September other members visited the Greater Hamilton& Burlington Club (Canada) and the Greater Cincinnati Club (U.S.A.) Plans are already well in hand for various homestay exchanges for 2017; in July we will be welcoming members of Cuidad de las Flores, Costa Rica and Murray Bridge, Australia. The Leicestershire Club has been invited to visit the clubs of Trujillo, Peru and Florianopolis, Brazil.

Soon we will be starting to make arrangements for both incoming and outgoing exchanges for 2018.

Further information relating to Friendship Force can be obtained from its web pages or by contacting our member – Margaret Myatt – tel. 01530 244388 or e.mail: melrose1936@icloud.com

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

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9

Birstall Flower Club

Severn Trent remind customers to be wary of bogus callers SEVERN TRENT has warned its customers to be extra vigilant after callous crooks claimed to be working on behalf of the company in Leicestershire earlier this week (7 November).

A customer was approached by a man claiming to be from a drainage company who asked for a significant deposit to carry out work at her home. After paying the deposit, the customer became concerned and contacted Severn Trent which was not involved.

The matter is now being investigated by Leicestershire Police.

Severn Trent is now reminding all customers in the county to check for identification before agreeing to any work at their homes.

Hilary Bennett, head of customer contact at Severn Trent, said: “We can’t stress how important it is for customers to check the identity of the person knocking on the door.

It doesn’t matter how convincing they look, if they work for us they’ll be carrying an identity card and you can check that they’re legitimate by ringing 0345 604 1655.

Birstall Flower Club announces it’s Christmas Open Evening on Wednesday 23rd November 2016 at Birstall Village Hall, 6.30 for a 7.15pm start. A qualified National NAFAS demonstrator: NICK GROUNDS will be making some stunning flower arrangements and you can watch how he does this. Buy a raffle ticket and you may even win one of the arrangements. The title of his demonstration is “Seasonal Anticipation” Entry by ticket only from Sylvia 0116 2674206 or Mary 07704398017- £10 and includes light refreshments.

Come and join us for a fantastic evening of entertainment.

We are also running a workshop for you to make your own Christmas door wreath.

“We’d also never try to get access to a customer’s house to fix pipes or to fit meters without making an appointment first and, even then, if anyone has any doubts, they should call us to double check.

“Our phone lines are manned 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and our employees fully expect customers to check their identity, either with a card or a call, and they’ll wait while you carry out the necessary checks.”

In addition, Severn Trent would never ask customers to pay for a service on the doorstep, or ask for bank details over the telephone.

The company also operates a doorstep password scheme to help protect customers from bogus callers, find out more here: www.stwater.co.uk/doorstep-password

This is being held at the Village Hall in Birstall on Wednesday 7th December from 7-9pm. We will help you to create your own individual Christmas door wreath. A fee of £15 includes your oasis wreath ring, ribbons, cones, etc and all your fresh foliage, or you can bring your own frame and “bits and pieces” and the class will be £7.50. Tea/Coffee/biscuits will be available. Tickets available from Sylvia 0116 2674206 or Mary 07704398017. Bring a friend and enjoy an evening with a difference and have something to take home at the end.

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13

GRAFFITI – Art or Vandalism?

Norman Griffiths takes a long look at Short Street

I

F YOU ARE one of the many who catch the bus into Leicester you may well walk from St Margaret’s bus station up Short Street towards the centre.

One side of this narrow street has the rather ugly backs of the Churchgate shops and bars, the other a boarded development site.

Pretty grim.

But recently the graffiti artists arrived and nobbled the whole street from end to end, so it’s now a chaotic blaze of colour. One of the works is less abstract than the rest and most striking. But is it Art or Vandalism?

Some graffiti is very creative, but often it’s in the wrong place, though perhaps not in this instance of a depressing urban landscape. Back in 2013 Leicester City Council spent nearly £100,000 to clean off the work of two graffiti writers and offered a £500 reward to help track the culprits.

Last year ITV news spoke to a Leicester graffiti artist called Ample Aerosolicz who came from a one parent family and difficult circumstances. His mother suffered from a brain tumour when he was 5-years-old and was unable to work after three operations. He started graffiti when he was about 12 years old, attracted by the notoriety and adolescent rebellion.

By the time he was 17 he had just started to get into the more arty side of graffiti, doing full colour pieces, but the trouble became too much so he ultimately gave it

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up. He retained his interest and a few years later started painting again for about 2 years as a hobby, learning and trying to increase his skills and to show a positive aspect to graffiti.

“It was about this time that I was made redundant from work in the engineering industry which was quite upsetting,” he said “and after about 6-9 months of being out of work I decided to make a business out of it. Since then, it’s gone from strength to strength over the past 4-5 years. I’ve done various commissions. The work I do with various youth groups provides the opportunity to teach children a positive view of Graf, showing that it’s a good form of expression, and

that it can brighten up run down areas.”

It’s certainly brightened up Short Street though the designs won’t be to everyone’s taste. “This is a privately owned site which was previously subject to lots of graffiti, some of it obscene, and our graffiti team had lots of complaints from retailers near by,” explained a spokesperson for Leicester City Council. “The owner has agreed for it to be used as a legal site for graffiti and I’m told there are far fewer instances of the other type of graffiti in the area now, and our graffiti team has had no complaints about the street’s new look. Therefore I think we can say that there is a place for this sort of street art, as long as the owner of the site concerned has given their consent for it, and in this case it has brightened up part of the city that was previously subject to ad-hoc and obscene graffiti.” So at this site it’s not considered vandalism.

Emma Fitzpatrick, current Chair of the prizewinning Leicester Sketch Club, likes graffiti if there is artistic skill involved and it is in a run down area. “It can add beauty and vitality to a depressing area. Leicester needs more visual stimuli,” she added.

Mark Wilde, who runs watercolour classes locally believes most street artists would not graffiti a listed building but would consider a dull, uninspiring wall in a back alley as usually fair game. The artists can still can get arrested doing it but this is probably part of the excitement. “Street art is pretty much accepted now as a legitimate art form,” he added. “Many

cities are commissioning artists to decorate walls in grey urban areas.

Loughborough commissioned a huge street artwork above the market area and then, strangely, ordered another artist’s work to be removed from another area, even though the shops and residents on the street supported the art staying. So it’s not very clear what’s allowed and what isn’t, legally.”

Commenting on the portrait parts of the graffiti on Short Street he said “Those are striking images indeed. I think that these were done freehand, while some artists, like Banksy and me, use stencils.

Many of the freehand artists don’t think much of the stencil artists as they see theirs as a purer art.”

So it seems quality work in the right environment can be an asset and brighten a dull urban landscape. But in the wrong place even the best may earn the tag ‘Art and Vandalism.’

You can see the ITV report on Ample and his work with young people in Braunstone at http://www.itv.com/news/ central/2015-06-19/meet-theleicester-graffiti-artist-paintingthe-city (or just Google itv graffiti Leicester).

“I would rather show them how to express themselves with a can of paint rather than them going out and expressing themselves with knives or getting into trouble,” Ample said. “If it gives kids something to do and gets them off the streets I don’t think that’s a bad thing.”

It’s hard to disagree with that sentiment, but what do you think?

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