St Peter and St Paul’s Church News

Cream Teas

We are holding this event on the second Saturday of July, August and September. That is 8th July, 12th August and 9th September!

The church will be open from 2pm to 4pm for tea and coffee, scones, cream and jam, or jam and cream. You decide which comes first!

A chance to step aside and sit somewhere quiet and peaceful to enjoy conversation with friends and family in this beautiful ancient church. There is no price rise, it will be the same as last year only £3!

The September teas will be special as there will be displays of weddings in your church. If you or family have been married in the church and you have a photo or piece of memorabilia you would be prepared to share please contact Sue Essex on 0116 260 7273. For the future we are thinking of gathering information from the 20th Century in Syston, particularly in the church. If you have any memories, photos or memorabilia you might like to share please contact Felicity Austin on 0116 269 2543.

Craft and Chat

Something new every Wednesday in the Church Hall, Lower Church Street between 2pm and 4pm. A friendly drop in for a social afternoon.

A Neighbourhood Mental Health Café Opens in Syston

Refreshments are provided, and, if you wish, bring your own crafting projects with you, your knitting, crochet, beading, or embroidery or simply come and chat.

New priest

We are hoping that in the August edition of Syston Town News we will be able to announce that Syston, St Peter & St Paul’s Parish combined with the Parish of East Goscote, St Hilda will have appointed a new priest to live in the Rectory in Upper Church Street and work in the two parishes. Check out for more information about us: achurchnearyou.com/church/5257/

Syston’s Only Dedicated Newspaper

The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Health and Wellbeing Partnership are expanding the number of Neighbourhood Mental Health Cafés (previously Crisis Cafés) as they announce the next 10 cafés that are set to open. Neighbourhood Mental Health Cafés offer local support for people who need immediate help with their mental health. The cafés are drop-in centres for anyone to come and talk about their mental health - no appointment needed.

Justin Hammond, Associate Director of Mental Health and Learning Disability at the Integrated Care Board, said: “This is an important project for the development of urgent mental health services across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Once all these 10 cafes open, we will have 25 cafés up and running across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. “These extra cafes mean that people who need urgent help can find this help more locally. People can simply drop-in to the cafes, so there is no need to get in touch with a GP or other service to make an appointment before getting help.”

The Syston Cafe: Tracy Pollard, project manager at the RCC (Rural Community Council Charity Leicestershire & Rutland) said: “Having a Neighbourhood Mental Health Café in Syston Continues on page 10

Food Gusto Returns to Syston

Region’s finest food and drink to be served up with Gusto as food festival returns to Syston

The Syston Food Gusto Festival is back this August in the picturesque setting of Central Park, Syston, with new dates of Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th. The festival will still have some of the region's best food and drink but over two days instead of one.

There will be a wide variety of artisan food and drink to the area for the fourth time, serving up locallyproduced tantalising treats and decadent delicacies for people to nibble, bite, chew, sip and slurp. There will be a range of food and drink exhibitors who have all been hand-picked for variety, provenance and passion to ensure food lovers are able to experience a taste of the truly different.

The sight, smell and taste of amazing food is accompanied by live music from Sincerely Yours, a 40s/50s and 60s hits duo who will perform a great set of live music on both days. There will also be fairground rides for the children.

Visitors can also take home a variety of treats to enjoy later, or to share with their friends and family, including pies, handmade cheeses, olives, preserves, biscuits, cakes, tray bakes, doughnuts, gin, wine, cider, craft beer and much more. We also have a selection of non food artisans for the perfect gift idea.

Gates open at 10.30am until 5pm on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th August. Entry to the festival is £2.50 per adult and free for children under 12. Payment is on the day via card or cash.

Parking can be found in Town centre car parks (charges may apply).

If you would like more information on the event, email admin@foodgusto. co.uk or visit their website https:// www.foodgusto.com.

Any local artisan crafts person or gourmet food and drink producers are urged to get in touch now if they’d like to put themselves forward via the interest form on the Food Gusto website https://www.foodgusto.com/ exhibitors/.

REMAP: Making things possible for people with disabilities

A U3A talk by Martin Grant

Tuesday 11th July 2023, 2.30 pm

Christchurch Clarendon Park, 105a Clarendon Park Road, Leicester LE2

REMAP

REMAP was set up in 1968 by a group of engineers dedicated to improve the quality of life for disabled people by designing custom made equipment to aid mobility and manage personal care. It became an independent charity in 1990 and now helps an average of 3500 people every year from branches all over the UK.

Martin Grant

Martin worked for BT for many years, then helped to set up the mobile telephone networks throughout the UK and abroad. He then moved on to working with mentally ill children in a hospital setting, before teaching adults with learning difficulties workshop skills. Martin has been active with REMAP for over 20 years and is now retired.

Friends of Barkby Road Cemetery

Hello everyone. Well what beautiful weather we’re having - lovely blue skies and fluffy white clouds - and gorgeous sunshine.

Trying to keep on top of the weeds is a full time job haha, as too are all the dead flowers. This beautiful weather is good in one sense, but not where fresh flowers are concerned – they need constantly topping up with water. The cemetery grounds look beautiful as always. Neil is doing a fantastic job with all the paint work on the chapel. Thank you. The displays are calming down now after all the special dates but look out for the summer displays though.

Continued from page 8 will make a real difference to the town and the surrounding areas – with over 12,000 residents in Syston alone, and great access links to other local villages, it makes the perfect place for someone to be able to access mental health support in their local area, without having to travel into the city”.

After running a local project, primarily targeting mental health in Melton and Rutland for the last two years, Tracey knows how important this café will be in helping and supporting people with urgent mental health and wellbeing needs.

“We wanted to create a unique café, combining a welcoming, safe space for socialising, and a confidential area for individual support, where people can feel

The Commonwealth War Graves commission open day, was a success again this year, quite a number of people came along, asking about the graves, where they were, and other questions. People were even asking about other graves in the cemetery. Some of the standard roses need replacing, so if you wish to dedicate one to a loved one, please see Catherine Voyce at Syston Town Council. A plaque can also be purchased to commemorate the rose, once again, just ask Catherine Voyce at Syston Town Council, Tel: 0116 260 7150. She has all the details.

The picture above shows L-R: Catherine Voyce Town Manager, Cllr Mark Cherry Chairman STC, Gary Redford, David Hackett, Ros Hackett and John Collis MBE at the open day calmer and more confident about getting the help they need locally. Our rural coffee connect barista coffee van will attend each café, offering free hot drinks to anyone who comes along – a warm drink and a listening ear goes a long way in helping people feel more supported and positive about their future”. The cafe will be open 12noon to 3pm every Thursday at the old school room, Syston Community Centre, School St, Syston LE7 1HN. with a coffee van outside making hot drinks.

Don’t forget that the chapel is available for hire at just £60 per session. Have a lovely month everyone and maybe make some memories. Love Ros.

Thank you

We have taken a call from the lady who had a bike accident in April and she wants to say a massive Thank you to the following people who came to her assistance: Dave Jones, his son Luke and granddaughter Kaitlyn, Jen and Phill plus others who stopped to help her.

Your Multi Award Winning

Syston In Bloom Station Adopters

The planting up of our new baskets is

David Seabrook Mortgage Broker

now complete. Let’s hope we can keep them looking good for the train passengers and give a good first impression of Syston. forthcoming RHS Britain in Bloom judging. We now have a few weeks left to tidy up all the garden areas. Sadly we have had a few plants stolen but have managed to fill the gaps. Passengers may also have noticed the brand new benches, and a new set of notice boards. Hopefully our displays will be appreciated by

Thank you to our local sponsors, D R Electrical, Green Stripe Media and The Rotary Club of the Wreake Valley, as shown by plaques on our baskets.

The Midland Railway pub and Syston Town News are our newest sponsors who we would like to thank and plaques showing their support will be installed soon.

To maintain good quality floral displays we would appreciate sponsorship from any business or local individuals.

If interested please get in touch through our facebook (Syston In Bloom/Station Adopters) page or with Marilyn by email on mbent83@icloud. com.

Grants from East Midlands Railway, Community Rail Network and a Charnwood Members Grant have enabled us to purchase the Amberol quality planters which should last for a very long time and providing we get enough funding for the plants, we should be able to provide long lasting floral displays throughout the year.

Dog & Gun, Main Street,Keyham. LE7 9JQ

A beautiful public house located in the beautiful Leicestershire Village of Keyham

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 12noon to 2.00pm and 4.00pm to 10.00pm Saturday 12noon to 10.00pm Sunday 12noon to 7.00pm

Food Served: Tuesday to Saturday 12noon to 2.00pm

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 6.00pm to 8.00pm Sunday Lunch 12noon to 3.00pm Main Menu & Roast of the Day

Lunchtime specials - Two course £15 Three course £20

Quiz held every Thursday 7.30pm Music Quiz every 1st Thursday of the month.

We can cater for rambling groups, family get together’s, plus we offer a buffet package for parties and funeral teas.

A very friendly cosy atmosphere welcoming dogs and muddy shoes too. We have a beautiful courtyard to enjoy the summer sun with friends and family. Our premium drinks menu including cask and craft ales available from our bar. For bookings and further information please contact Zoe on 0116 259 5571

Help a Hedgehog Day

On Sunday 4th June, a lovely sunny day, Pat opened her beautiful garden for her final open day to raise funds for the Hedgehog hospital that she has run for over 24 years.

Glen Wakeling Crowned Regional Winner in National Heating Installer Awards for Fourth Time

18 The Green, Syston. LE7 1HQ www.englishcouture.co.uk

She said that the open days have been a great way to support the work she does in rescuing hedgehogs, but that the time had come to use different ways to fund raise. It would be 25 years in February 2024 since she began.

The day was very well attended and the plant stall shown above was very popular as always. The event raised £2,480 which helps to cover any vets bills, medication, food, bedding etc. that the rescued hedgehogs need. Our picture here shows one of the five adults that were being looked after. This is unusual as there are usually babies as well, so the hope is that the hedgehogs locally are able to look after their young better and not that we are losing even more. Hedgehogs are on the red list of endangered animals in the UK and it would be very sad to loose these intriguing little animals.

Glen Wakeling from Queniborough, Leicester has been crowned the regional winner for the East Midlands in the 2023 national Heating Installer Awards for the fourth time, after overcoming tough competition in the highly talented region.

Glen specialises in heating systems from small domestic boilers to large commercial appliances with his company HeatSpec. In recent years, Glen has also worked increasingly with renewables and offers his customers efficient and cost-effective solutions, whilst providing the highest quality engineering service.

The panel of technical industry judges awarded Glen the top prize for the region after an interesting and exciting judging day in May. He successfully wowed the judges with his professional expertise, problem solving skills and commitment to customer satisfaction. Glen will now go on to the final in the tough competition for the national championship.

Speaking of his win, Glen said: “To win this award for the fourth time just feels incredible. I know how talented this region is and the competition seems to get tougher each year. I feel very lucky to have my work recognised again this year by the panel of judges. And congratulations to the other regional winners, they’re all fantastic installers and really deserve the win.”

Continues on page 14

Now open for all your dressmaking and sewing needs

‘Ladies Couture Tailoring’ book now available Courses now running Course bookings can be made via the website or pop into the shop Opening times when not in class 10am - 3pm New brochure available in the shop

Tel: 0116 260 6767

Syston Conservative Club

59 High Street, Syston

Why not book our Large Function Room

The Malt House Suite for Wedding Receptions and Parties

We Have Two Full Sized Snooker Tables in the Club

Quiz Nights: Sunday 9th July

Sunday 13th August

Bingo is played every Thursday 9pm and Saturday 8.30pm - Wednesday afternoon bingo starts 2pm doors open 1pm

We are also now the headquarters of the Syston and District Royal British Legion. Meetings will be held on the third Sunday of each month at 1pm

Slimming World

Helen 9.30am and 11.30am

Mob: 0794 912 3898

Clive 3.30pm, 5.15pm and 7pm

Mob: 0790 983 7215

A good selection of Beers, Wines and Spirits. Friendly Bar Staff

Members Children allowed in the Lounge until 9pm (Under parental control)

New Membership is Available

Tel: 0116 260 5775

Jeanne Douglas offers psychic readings in Palmistry, Tarot, Crystal and Personal Astrology. Her telephone numbers are 01664 562 471 or 07931 293 855.

ARIES March 21 - April 19

Life becomes much more fun and openhearted and this is not just down to the summer holiday season! For a romantic opportunity is also coming your way and this is exciting indeed. There is excellent communication between the two of you, encouraging you to open up and express your deepest thoughts. Creative projects abound.

TAURUS April 20 - May 20

This is a good time to approach any topic or subject that you’d rather avoid, for you can be sure of honest opinions and helpful discussions right now, as an attempt to solve issues. And you won’t hold back from battling it out either – if you have to! Yes, your confidence gets an unexpected boost just when you need it the most. Hurrah.

GEMINI May 21 - June 20

A significant job opportunity that holds tremendous power and authority could come into view. So you’ll be weighing this up carefully and yet this is so excruciating being as the excitement and uncertainty conflict strongly in your mind. Best to ‘go with the flow’ somewhat as your creativity and imagination helpfully come to the fore.

CANCER June 21 - July 22

Discussions take place on practical matters that affect your every day living. There’s hard work involved but you’re not too worried about that! It’s all about your life getting sorted out and you’re prepared to do whatever it takes. Just for once others are taking notice of you and helping you out. Even financial matters are improving.

LEO July 23 - August 22

There’s a bit of a power battle going on and yet your natural warmth, wit and charisma should help to save the day and to keep you at a distinct advantage – as always! Still, you’ll find it difficult to avoid requests from authority figures being as they talk such sense. As fun as it all is, you’d do well to ‘let go and relax’ at times.

VIRGO August 23 - Sept 22

Unusually, you go through a rather active phase of being determined to sort problems out! You also start to put yourself first for a change and it’s been a long time coming, especially when it comes to emotional matters and ‘what you want’. You finally see how you can stabilise your position and build on current successes.

LIBRA Sept 23 - Oct 22

Some social or community position of power is on offer and this would enhance your career! However, do assess the work commitment first being as there’s a considerable amount required. Others do seem to currently have the emotional edge right now and yet there’s an admirer in your social circle. Life is interesting.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 22

You’re having to wade through a fair amount of practicalities in order to get anywhere at all – and this turns out to be quite demanding! So nothing seems straight-forward and yet others appreciate your stamina and determination. Remember that you can still follow your dreams and no-one can take these away from you.

SAGITTARIUSNov 23 - Dec 21

You find that your popularity starts to increase and your company is much more in demand than usual. For all your hard work is paying off and your patience and positive thinking have served you well. You’ve been focusing on improving your confidence levels and close friends and partners have particularly helped.

CAPRICORNDec 22 - Jan 19

You’ll be glad when you get to hand over some work role and position of power and authority – for it’s been more trouble than it’s worth just lately. You’ll be seeking out some good pals with whom you can have a good talk and gossip! This also includes your special ‘someone’ with whom you’ll be having real honesty.

AQUARIUSJan 20 - Feb 18

Some big changes are about to erupt in your life and yet which will also see you elevated to a much better position. You’re also likely to face old familiar fears such as involved in risk taking and a change in habits. Close loved ones are being particularly supportive! In fact, someone stands up for you and fights your corner.

PISCESFeb 19 - March 20 from

You’re really busy these days with Saturn having recently moved into your sign; this is the planet of hard work and application. This planet also helps with problem-solving and recognition so that life gets sorted surprisingly easier and others are finally seeing all the talents and abilities that you possess. Your popularity increases.

Continued from page 12

The awards scheme, now in its eighth year, recognises the achievements and raises the credibility of plumbers and heating installers across the country who deliver excellent customer service on a daily basis. Representatives from the awards’ partners, Big Wipes, CIPHE, Danfoss, LG, Refresh PR, Stelrad and Polypipe Building Products as well as media partner Installer magazine, judged the entries on problem solving, product knowledge and unique details.

The panel was also joined by the 2022 Heating Installer Awards winner, John Cruickshank.

Glen goes forward to the National Finals and the winner will be announced at the Installer show on 28th June, the UK’s national plumbing and heating show.

Barkby & Beeby W.I.

Are your houseplants drooping, do you talk to them?

Susie Lickman gave Barkby & Beeby WI hints onhow to enjoy your houseplants.

Look after their well-being but don't kill them with kindness.

Nurture them back to health, match them to your environment, have the satisfaction ofseeing them thrive but best of all enjoy your endeavours and be stress free.

Launches their On Line Directory of Community Groups

Syston and District Volunteer Centre announce the launch of a comprehensive Directory of groups which offer much-needed services and contribute to the well-being of our local communities. Many of them organised by volunteers, they offer social, cultural, sporting, educational, financial, health and emotional support to those in need, easing problems and enhancing the quality of life for people of all ages.

Centre Trustee, Colin Grimes, says: “Syston and neighbouring communities are exceptionally wellserved by a wide range of organisations and companies offering such support. This on-line Directory (www.syston-vc.org) offers a onestop guide and clearly demonstrates that, whatever the need might be, there is a local solution. Many of these groups operate under the radar with a great deal of work being put in by small but dedicated groups of volunteers. As a result, too many local residents suffer in silence, experiencing great inconvenience, distress and loneliness simply through ignorance of what support is available locally. With the help of the Volunteer Centre, the Directory is intended to address these deficiencies by signposting those in need to appropriate sources of support.”

Printed copies of the Directory will be available from the Volunteer Centre’s stand at the “Help is at Hand!” pavilion at the Syston Summer Fayre, on Central Park on Saturday 2nd September. The special pavilion will feature a number of the community organisations involved. Others will be exhibiting independently at the event. At the time of writing a small number of stands are available, at a subsidised rate, offering an exceptional, low-cost opportunity to promote services, recruit more members, attract volunteer support and raise funds - all with the minimum of organisational effort. Entry into the Directory is free of charge. Any organisation that would like to be included and/or would like to book a space in the pavilion - should contact Centre Trustee, Colin Grimes (sadvc@btinternet.com) for a simple Registration Form.

New Barkby Wi

Vice President Jean Brutnall welcomed members and one visitor to New Barkby’s June meeting.

‘Jerusalem’ was sung followed by W.I. Business matters.

The speaker for the evening was Michaela Kelly, ‘my life as an artist’. From an early age, Michaela had begun to draw and sketch and her work has been very prolific. She brought along an extensive amount of her artwork depicting large animals (eg. Elephant, tigers) to domestic ones such as horses and dogs and a

Syston & VolunteerDistrict Centre

A Volunteers View

I moved back to the area in 2018 having taken Early release from the NHS.

After many years (not saying how many!!) working with the public I found life a bit too quiet for my liking. One trip to the volunteer Centre and I was on the road as a volunteer driver all expenses paid!

I love the flexibility of being able to say Tuesday this week, Wednesday or Thursday the next. I usually drive one or two days a week and still fit in painting of the Papillon breed of dog, mounted in a beautiful frame. Also there were albums which she passed round the members, showing different landscapes and seascapes and public house signs, which she had been commissioned to paint for both breweries and freehouse establishments.

Michaela has undertaken portraits, but finds it difficult to find volunteers to sit and have themselves painted. A very enlightening talk and the vote of thanks was given by Jean Brutnall on everyone’s behalf. Jean also won the competition for ‘my painting or sketch’. (A cross stitch picture of a lighthouse which she had made and regular return trips to my old haunts in south Wales. sewn). Refreshments were served by Cilla Lane and the raffle prize was won by Angela Montague. The next meeting will be on Wednesday 5th July at 7.30pm at Syston Community Centre when there will be a talk on ‘the magic of stained glass’. Visitors are always welcome to attend.

Yma o hyd !

As a volunteer driver I pick up clients and carers and take them to wherever they want up to around 20 miles away.

Some drivers do longer trips, I prefer the local ones. Hospital, GPs, dentist, hairdresser, shopping or coffee with friends anything goes.

I meet lovely people (not just in the office!) I enjoy listening to life stories, learning history, providing sympathy when they have lost someone and having a laugh usually with my useless wheelchair trolley steering!

M. P. ALLAN FENCING

All types of fencing work undertaken.

For a quote please contact M: 07971 669 483

You get to know which clinics run smoothly to time and which don’t!

Sometimes I accompany the client, other times I read a book, catch up on emails or go for a wander.

I find volunteering the most personally rewarding way to spend some time.

I highly recommend giving it a go !

Ali W

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The Great Little Paper

Can You Spare half an hour a Month?

Volunteers Required To Deliver in the Following Areas GREEN HEDGE SPRING COURT DAISY

FINAL COPY DATE FOR AUGUST 2023 ISSUE IS: Wednesday 12th July

Green Pages

Go green and advertise in the STN Green Pages Directory.

An entry costs from as little as £8 per month, giving you your own heading, business name, phone numbers, email and website addresses.

Extra lines are only £1 each.

In addition the directory is published on our website: www.systontownnews.co.uk free of charge

To promote your business in the STN telephone 0116 269 3221 or email fiona@systontownnews.co.uk