Syston Town News Your Independent Community Newspaper February 2025 by Syston Town News

Syston Hit by Third Flood in Sixteen Months!

On 6th January 2025 residents woke or were awoken by Syston Flood Wardens around 6.00am as the Barkby Brook broke its banks and flooded homes again!

A lot of these homes had only just recovered from 4th January 2024 and are now clearing new carpets and furniture again!

For some, this is the third time in 16 months, even after taking precautions to prevent future flooding! The sandbags didn’t protect for very long, they became overwhelmed by the amount of water.

The upset is understandable, as it is incomprehensible when the EA has all but finished the clearing of the brook through the town.

A very useful website you can visit to help you recover from being flooded, and to help you to protect your home against future floods is https:// floodmary.com/

However, it would appear that our existing flood alleviation systems

where also overwhelmed or didn’t provide the protection they should do.

The Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs) pictured below, Syston behind the Saxby Drive and Black Friars estates have not held back the water as they should.

This is probably due to the value heads, see image on page 14, having been vandalised, these were reported in June 2024 but as yet have not been replaced. The consequences are that any water flowing into the SUDs has flowed directly into the Brook adding to the problem rather than helping to alleviate it. You can see from the photograph above, that they have some water in them but they are not at capacity!

However, it is becoming apparent that Syston and surrounding villages, Barkby,

Healing Back Pain with Holistic Ayurvedic Massage

Back pain is one of the most common ailments in today’s fast-paced world. Whether caused by poor posture, stress, or the rigors of daily life, chronic back pain can severely impact physical and emotional wellbeing. Fortunately, holistic Ayurvedic massage offers a natural and effective way to alleviate back pain, restore balance, and enhance overall health.

The Ayurvedic Approach to Healing

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, views back pain not just as a physical ailment but as a reflection of imbalances in the body. Ayurvedic massage focuses on harmonising these energies, using specific oils, techniques, and pressure points to release tension, improve circulation, and stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Key Benefits of Ayurvedic Massage

for Back Pain:

� Relieves muscle tension and stiffness

� Improves spinal alignment and flexibility

� Reduces stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate pain

� Enhances circulation to nourish tissues and promote healing

Learn Ayurvedic Massage at the Himalayan Healing Retreat

If you’re seeking to deepen your understanding of Ayurvedic healing, consider joining my upcoming Himalayan Healing Retreat at Nanpantan Hall, Loughborough, from 21st to 23rdFebruary 2025. This retreat offers an immersive experience in Ayurvedic principles, including hands-on workshops where you’ll learn to perform holistic Ayurvedic massages.

Our expert-led sessions will teach you how to:

� Identify and balance dosha imbalances

� Use therapeutic oils tailored to individual needs

� Apply effective massage techniques for spinal health and overall relaxation

Complementary Practices for Spinal Health

In addition to Ayurvedic massage, the retreat includes daily yoga sessions, specifically designed to promote spinal flexibility and strength. Yoga asanas (postures) help decompress the spine, release tension in surrounding muscles, and improve posture. Combined with Ayurvedic practices, yoga provides a holistic approach to back pain management. To further enhance your healing journey, the retreat features:

� Guided meditations to calm the mind and reduce stress

� Sound baths that use vibrational requencies to promote deep relaxation and cellular healing

Book Your Ayurvedic Massage Today at Ishan-Sattva.com

If you’re unable to attend the retreat but still wish to experience the benefits of Ayurvedic massage, why not book a session? I offer both Ayurvedic head massages and fullbody massages tailored to your specific needs. These treatments can help alleviate back pain, relieve tension, and restore your sense of balance and vitality.

Embark on Your Healing Journey

Whether you’re struggling with chronic back pain or simply seeking a holistic approach to wellness, Ayurvedic massage and complementary practices like yoga and sound healing can transform your health. Join me at the Himalayan Healing Retreat to explore these powerful healing modalities or book a personalised massage session today at www.ishan-sattva. com

Supporting and Reporting in and around Syston

To advertise in the SYSTON TOWN NEWS Telephone 0116 269 3221

Trustees Wanted

Would you like to be part of this very important and Award Winning Syston charity serving the local community?

We are currently looking for new trustees to join the board.

Each Trustee holds a specific role and they all take an active part in the running of this charity.

For more information and to arrange a chat with the Chairman Call now on 0116 260 7888

Queniborough Swimming Pool ReOpens

On Friday 17th January a group of people waited outside the newly refurbished swimming pool for the Mayor of Charnwood Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE accompanied by the Mayoress of Charnwood Julie Ellerbeck (not shown in picture) opened the newly refurbished swimming pool in Queniborough. Along with a two year old user of the pool (not shown), the Mayor cut the ribbons and allowed us all entry to the pool house. The swimming pool had closed about 18 months ago and was sold by the Church due to the costs so local residents and schools lost an amazing facility. Luckily it was bought by Yvonne and Trevor Farmer. They along with Swim with Jo partner Tracey Murch started in August 2024 to refurbish this well loved facility.

The building was once the local primary school, built in 1847, it became a swimming pool in 1970 after a new primary school was built in Coppice lane starting 1953 and completing in 1966. Mr and Mrs Farmer wanted to retain as much of the original features of the building as they could, so new boiler was installed, and commercial pumping system for the swimming pool, which filters the whole pool every hour. They

have also a wonderful robot cleaner which cleans the bottom and sides of the pool, to keep it clean. A pool cover is used when the pool if not in use to help keep the water at the desired temperature.

The whole interior has been repainted in a lovely calming and warm blue, the changing rooms have hooks, benches and lockers, plus toilets towards to rear of the building.

It is an amazing venue refurbished in record time, a lot of long hours and hard work put in by Aron Partridge to get it completed and opened for the beginning of 2025. Well done to all involved, it is a beautiful facility and long may it continue to be so.

Swim with Jo who will be facilitating the pool will be offering classes here, from babies to local schools. They teach at 12 pools across Leicestershire and offer classes from babies to Adults using fun and play approach. So to include this one at Queniborough is great bonus for them.

Swim with Jo’s team are all DBS checked safeguarded and rescue qualified, as well as teaching swimming lessons they teach curriculum school swimming to eight schools locally.

Last summer they delivered 17 water safety assemblies to local primary schools and nurseries reaching over 3,500 children in total including their own swimmers. Jo and her team say that swimming is a vital skill that saves lives, they feel that local swimming pools need to be saved as they provide this vital facility to local children.

They also said that they are honoured to be facilitating the newly refurbished pool in Queniborough and are now taking bookings for classes.

The Mayor of Charnwood said before unveiling the plaque inside the pool house that she was so pleased to see the swimming pool ready for use

again as she is an advocate for swimming holding 21 world records including swimming the English Channel Butterfly.

Our picture shows L-R: the Mayor of Charnwood Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE cutting the ribbon with Yvonne and Trevor Farmer

Deaf Awareness: A Syston Sign Club Recap

The presentation concluded with practical tips for communicating effectively with deaf individuals, ensuring that attendees left with actionable insights.

On Wednesday, 20th November, Syston Sign Club initiator Matt Davis delivered an engaging presentation on Deaf Awareness. He began by exploring the history of sign language, including a fascinating mention of its first recorded use in 1576 at St Martin’s in Leicester, where part of a wedding ceremony was conducted in sign language.

Matt also delved into the diversity of sign languages worldwide, explaining that each country has its distinct system. He highlighted that even within British Sign Language (BSL), regional variations exist, which added an extra layer of depth to the discussion.

The evening’s atmosphere was informal and welcoming, encouraging plenty of questions and the sharing of personal experiences. The discussions flowed naturally, sparked by topics from Matt’s talk. The event wrapped up with a vibrant conversation about the distinction between having a disability and being disabled, which left many attendees eager to continue the dialogue.

We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us and contributed to the enriching conversation. Our next Syston Sign Club meeting will take place on the third Wednesday of the month at The Pharmacie Arms from 6.30pm onwards. We warmly invite you to join us for an evening of BSL conversations and community connection.

For more information, contact the club via email at SystonSignClub@gmail.com, or visit Facebook ‘Syston Sign Club’.

Syston’s Only Dedicated Newspaper

A

from Your Editor

Welcome to the first issue of 2025, we hope you enjoy reading it. I want start by giving an apology to Sue Essex who appeared on our front page in the Dec/Jan issue and for our error in elevating her to a Reverend of the Church of England when she is a Fully Licensed Minister.

I have apologised to her in person, but wanted to include this now, so that everyone is fully aware it was our error.

We at the Stn also want to say to everyone affected by the floods on 6th January 2025, that we are so sorry for what you're going through. We will do all we can to help get better resilience systems in place to protect our town from future problems by working with local flood groups, flood wardens, councils, the Environment Agency and our MP. If you want to help please let us know and we’ll pass your details onto the appropriate agency.

0116 269 3221

“We used HomeMove Charnwood to sell our property and Paul helped us every step of the way. Calm, professional & understanding”.

- A Wickes, 5* Google review

The Best Estate Agents in Syston

Tales from the Plot

February 2025

Well here we go …. the New Year, a new start! Last year was very indifferent for me, I experienced both successes and failures although I have to say a lot of the failures were self-inflicted. It would appear that unless you cover it, it will be destroyed by the birds or bugs: my successes throughout last year were all grown under netting.

been that successful. You can set pea seeds this time of year, also parsnips, but I’ll leave mine a little later. It's very easy to see someone else planting a particular vegetable seed and think you must get yours in but patience is often rewarded on the allotment.

The Malt House Suite for Wedding Receptions and Parties

We Have Two Full Sized Snooker Tables in the Club

Quiz Nights:

Sunday 9th February

Sunday 9th March

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

Members Children allowed in the Lounge until 9pm (Under parental control) Why not book our Large

IAN DAVISON

The only exception from being covered were my climbing beans, so more planning is needed for 2025. I already have two large net tunnels and don’t really want a 3rd so makeshift ones with water pipe and enviromesh will be the order of the day. I actually find the need for covering quite sad because I look back at photos and videos I did of my allotment some 12 years or so ago and barely anything was covered and it all seemed to do so well, maybe I’m remembering times past with rose tinted glasses LOL!

Well what is to be done in February if you haven’t already? Set onion seeds, they need to go in trays now; the first seeds to go in the ground will be the broad beans at the end of the month, I will set them directly in the soil about two inch deep and eight inches apart don’t forget the word bingo …always set bean seeds eyes down they’ll be covered with cloches to protect them until they’re about six or so inches high. I had a great crop last year and managed to save quite a lot of seed so it’s a nice feeling knowing that this year‘s crop will be free. If you’ve not already done so you could also set garlic although I’m far from an authority on garlic as I have never

If you have a greenhouse or a spare windowsill you can start tomatoes, brussels, spring cabbage, cauliflower etc. all in seed trays, this is by far the most economical way of filling your allotment with vegetables, buying vegetable plants from garden centres is the most expensive way so much so that they can work out more expensive than just buying your vegetables from a budget supermarket - so I try to avoid buying plants from garden centres wherever possible however tempting that maybe.

I remember last year thinking how ridiculous they had trays of carrots and parsnips seedlings, root vegetables are almost impossible to transplant successfully and they were charging £3.99 for about 20 carrot seedlings that never really were going to succeed.

A £1 packet of seed will have at least 500 carrot seeds in it so don’t waste your money, just use fresh seeds every year and providing you cover them with a fine mesh to keep the carrot fly away all should be well. Take care everyone and I hope we all have a great gardening year.

Richard Thorpe

15B Syston allotments

Happy New Year from All of Us at Grow Give Live!

December was a lovely month for us. We participated in the St. Peter and St. Paul Christmas tree festival and enjoyed a festive breakfast at the charming Duck and Willow Café. Although it was a quiet month for growing, we stayed busy by clearing and preparing more space on the allotment plot. We also finally set up our potting shed, which will allow us to start our seedlings earlier and provide a cozy, sheltered space to work in. Winter is an excellent time for reflection and planning. Looking back at 2024, we had a lot of fun and success with our growing projects. Our station and

community centre planters thrived, we supported a Duke of Edinburgh volunteer in completing their volunteer hours, grew fruit and vegetables with the Cubs, and established our weekly allotment sessions.

As we look ahead to this year, we hope to involve more people in our allotment sessions and continue sharing our produce with the community in as many ways as possible. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us over the past 12 months through plant donations, raffle prizes, buying raffle tickets, and joining us at all the Grow Give Live events. Thank you all very much!

Local Charity Issues Urgent Appeal for Shop Donations

Having a clear out this New Year? Perhaps you’ve received an unwanted gift for Christmas or you’re looking to declutter for a fresh start to 2025.

Local charity Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland has issued an urgent appeal for donations of any good quality, saleable stock including clothing, bric-a-brac, books and furniture to their local Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland charity shop.

Donors can take pride in the

The Easy Way to the Perfect Fitted Bedroom or Home Office

WINTER Discounts Available

knowledge that all money raised from the sale of goods donated is used to support local, vulnerable older people in the community through services such as befriending for the lonely and isolated, information and advice for those struggling to pay their bills and respite services to support older carers.

Anthony Donovan, Executive Director of Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland commented: “We are a lifeline for many vulnerable older people and a source of support for not only them but their families too. By donating your pre-loved items, now and on a regular basis, you’re helping us to raise the funds to provide vital services in the local community.”

The charity currently has 27 charity shops across Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland. A full list of their shops and their opening times can be found via: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/leics/shops/. They also offer collection of bulk donations and large furniture and this can be arranged by calling 0116 299 2233.

SHOP LOCAL

Support Your Local Businesses Shops, Cafes, Restaurants, Take Aways, Trades etc.

Syston’s Only Dedicated Newspaper

One call to Swift Fitted Furniture and we’ll arrange a no obligation estimate to make the most of your Bedroom, kitchen or home office space. Friendly service and professional fitting - for less than you’d think.

Call Paul or Brad

Tel: 0116 246 0686

to find out more today

New On-Demand Bus Service

A new On- Demand bus Service was launched in January 2025.

Leicestershire FoxConnect operates Monday to Saturday, 6am to 7.30pm, allowing passengers to travel in and out of Melton towncentre from rural areas as well as Syston town centre and Hobby Horse estate.

Journeys can be booked up to seven days in advance through an app, or the call centre and serves villages such as Bottesford, Old Dalby, Hoby and South Croxton.

The service is Leicestershire’s second digital demand responsive transport option to be launched. South West Leicestershire has benefited from the same type of service since autumn 2022, funded by the Rural Mobility Fund Government ‘Bus Service Improvement Plan’ grant funding has provided Leicestershire County Council the opportunity to introduce this service as part of a wider roll out of bus service changes and enhancements in the Melton area, which were launched on 6th January.

Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, Leicestershire County Council’s cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “We are pleased to introduce Leicestershire FoxConnect in Melton. The new on-demand service, in addition to the re-designed routes that

launched on Monday 6th January, increases bus service provision across Melton, connecting rural communities and increasing access to local amenities.

The smaller vehicles used for digital demand responsive transport options are more suited to rural roads and provide rural communities with more journey choice.

We want to make sure that our residents have access to sustainable travel to keep Leicestershire clean and green, and new service options helps us achieve this”

The safe and sustainable travel team are working with parishes to finalise pop-up information events about the new service across Melton and dates for them will be announced soon. Any community groups, organisations or businesses who would benefit from more information can email choosehowyoumove@leics.gov.uk.

The LeicestershireFoxConnect app can be downloaded from the Google Play store and the Apple app store. The call centre is open Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm, to book a journey, call: 0116 216 7756. More information on the service, including full list of communities served can be found on the Melton FoxConnect page.

Careers Advice Surgery 2025

Caroline and I resumed our free careers advice surgery at the Delish cafe at 1244 Melton Road, Syston on Thursday, January 9th between 10.00am and 12.00pm and we will be there on the second Thursday every month, so on February and March 13th etc.

We aim to help unemployed people, part-time workers and those seeking a career change for a variety of reasons. We can offer the following help:

• Help with CVs

• Career Planning

• Information & Advice

• Some help with job searching

• Help with interview skills

• Signposting to other suitable services

• General support

If you feel you fit into one of those categories and need our help do come along. Either try dropping in or arrange an appointment by e-mailing me at robin.perry316@gmail.com with some personal details e.g name, work or otherwise status, and needs. This is a free service and we are here to help.

Robin Perry and Caroline Howden

QUALITY KITCHEN MAKEOVERS

Syston’s Only Dedicated Newspaper

Triple C Comes to Syston!

On Saturday 14th December 2024, A new hobby shop opened it’s doors in the Town Square of Syston opposite the Eye Care Opticians.

In my role as Personal Assistant (PA) to the editor of the Syston Town News, I went to check out Triple C who had moved from the Queniborough Industrial Estate. Many may know this shop for previously being a small clothing boutique but now it has been transformed into a new a unique store.

This store includes Collectables, Trading Cards and Clothing. There was a variety of ages when I visited.

From Funko! Pop Vinyls to Football Memorabilia and American Sports Clothing to Pokémon Merchandise. This is a great little shop if you have Children, Grandchildren, Nieces or Nephews who are really into this kind of memorabilia.

There's plenty of gift ideas and collectables for the current ‘Geeky’ or ’Nerdy’ lifestyle and with its location, I hope it will have a lot of footfall from the younger generation of Syston.

Opening day brought huge success for the owners as they said that had made in one day, what they made in a month at their previous premises so its already making a huge difference to the business and the guys running it. They are such friendly and bubbly people and clearly have such a great passion for running this local business.

Their opening hours are: Monday to Saturday: 10am to 6pm Sundays: 10am to 3pm They are also open on Wednesday nights from 6pm to 8pm for Pokemon Trade Nights.

Photos and Article by Deanna

Johnson

Well, we are back after our Christmas break. We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We were planning to return to the group on the 8th January but apparently the weather had other plans for Syston. What a way to start the year. So we had made the decision to return to the group on the 15th January instead.

Let’s start with a recap of what we did in the final weeks before we ended for Christmas. We had multiple weeks of Christmas crafts and one of our members had even planned a lovely Christmas themed quiz for everyone. Fast forward to our last session of 2024, we had a wonderful end of year party and karaoke with food made by Carl Petch, who also provided the karaoke.

We had many laughs and many members took the leap of faith and got up to sing. They should all be so proud of the confidence they have gained and what progress they have made.

Once again, We are still open for donations and funding options so if you can help or know of someone who can help, then please get in touch with us via emailing MADSgroup@yahoo.com. Everything we do is to help the community feel happier and more confident to speak up and to hopefully help signpost them to the correct professionals that can help them as we have contacts we can signpost people to.

Written

by Deanna Johnson

[DISCLAIMER: We are not medical or healthcare professionals. We just want to provide a safe space for those who need the help to take that step into reaching out for the correct professional support which we can signpost members to.]

Wordsearch Winners

Congratulations to our three winners of the Christmas competition:

Braylin aged nine years, Bruce aged six years and Valentine aged 10 years.

We will include a photograph in the next issue when they are presented with their prizes from Tesco Syston.

SHOP LOCAL

Support Your Local Businesses Shops, Cafes, Restaurants, Take Aways, Trades etc.

Hear Today, Hear Tomorrow

Why Regular Hearing Aid Servicing is Music to Your Ears

Hearing aid adoption in the UK is on the rise, and for good reason. Thanks to advancements in technology, today’s hearing aids are more discreet, effective, and comfortable than ever before. These tiny devices are life-changing, enabling people to reconnect with loved ones, enjoy the world around them, and even hear their favourite tunes with crystal clarity. But just like many devices we rely on, hearing aids need some TLC to keep them performing at their best.

So, Why Should You Care About Servicing Your Hearing Aid?

Let’s face it: we love many modern gadgets, but we don’t always give them the attention they deserve. Hearing aids are exposed to everyday environmental villains like earwax, moisture, dust, and dirt. Over time, these can impact performance, leading to gradual reduction in function or a complete breakdown.

Many hearing aid users might not even realise their device isn’t working at full capacity. Enter professional servicing: the key to ensuring your hearing aids stay in top-notch shape.

The Sweet Sound of Regular Servicing

1. Extend the Lifespan of Your Hearing Aid

A hearing aid isn’t just a device; it’s an investment in your hearing health and quality of life. Like any valuable piece of tech, you’ll want to take good care of it.

Regular check-ups every six months can help prevent minor issues from snowballing into costly repairs or replacements. Proper maintenance will extend their life — so why not give them the love they deserve?

2. Better Sound Quality

Did you know that the average person can produce up to 4 grams of earwax a year? That might not sound like much, but when it accumulates in your hearing aid, it can significantly impact its performance. Wax buildup can make sounds feel muffled or distant.

Professional servicing isn’t just about swapping out filters or tubes; it’s about a deep clean and thorough check to ensure everything is working perfectly. After a good service, you’ll hear a noticeable difference—and get back to enjoying life’s best sounds.

3. Prevention is the Best Medicine Moisture, dust, and earwax are common culprits behind hearing aid malfunctions. The last thing you want is your hearing aid to fail when you’re in the middle of a conversation—or worse, your favourite song. Regular servicing helps catch these issues before they cause any major disruptions. A clean, well-maintained hearing aid is less likely to break down, meaning fewer unexpected trips to the repair shop.

Two-Year Tune-Up: More Than Just a Checkup

In addition to bi-annual servicing, it’s recommended that you have your hearing prescription re-assessed every two years. As we age, our hearing needs change. Whether it’s due to lifestyle, health, or

simply the passage of time, your hearing solution should adapt with you. Regular hearing tests ensure that your hearing solutions can address your unique needs—whether it’s improving settings, fine-tuning to account for changes in hearing loss or a completely new system. Local Care, Local Impact: Optimal Hearing in Syston

If you’re in the Syston area, you’re in luck! Optimal Hearing, which opened just last December, has already helped over 60 people improve their hearing. They’re passionate about providing top-tier care to make sure you hear as well as possible—whether routine servicing of all hearing aid types, earwax removal or a tailored solution to suit your prescription and lifestyle.

The Bottom Line

We all know that regular maintenance is the secret to keeping some of our possessions in top condition, and hearing aids are no exception. Professional servicing is crucial for extending the life of your hearing aid, improving sound quality, and preventing frustrating malfunctions. So, whether you're using hearing aids for the first time or have been rocking them for years, make servicing a part of your routine. After all, good hearing is worth taking care of—and so is the device that helps you hear it all.

Don’t wait for a problem to arise—get ahead of it, and ensure your hearing aids stay as fresh as the day you got them. If you or a loved one could be hearing better, make sure to give your hearing aids the attention they deserve

Rearsby Table Tennis Club

On Friday 20th December 2024

Rearsby Table Tennis Club had a spirited celebration with their annual social get-together. Club members came together, each bringing a dish to

Charity Fundraising Event

Saturday 29th March

Tina Mcbrien will be holding a Charity fundraising event on Saturday 29th March for Air Ambulance Leicestershire.

This will be held at The Secret Garden Leicester Glenfield Hospital time to be agreed, see March issue. There will be an organised Motorbike ride from a destination to be confirmed to The Secret Garden Glenfield Hospital.

I’m asking all bikes to donate £5 for

share, while the club generously provided drinks to keep everyone refreshed. The atmosphere was warm and festive, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a sense of community.

The highlight of the event was the knockout table tennis tournament, which drew participants of all ages, levels and abilities. The wide range of the 36 players ensured that the competition was

the charity to ride. We will be hosting a big raffle at The Secret garden Marquee also, stalls will be available. If you're a business and would like your logo on our posters I'm asking for a fixed £100 donation to the Air

both exciting and unpredictable. Throughout the tournament, cheers and friendly banter echoed in the room, adding to the festive spirit of the occasion.

This year's title saw an intense battle between two determined couples. Their dedication and skill were on full display as they competed for the championship, making it an enthralling spectacle for everyone present. In the end, it was the perfect blend of competition and celebration, showcasing the true spirit of the Rearsby Table Tennis Club.

The club meet on a Monday, Wednesday afternoon and Friday evening for more information or queries contact Mick on 01664 424 548.

Ambulance charity in return your logo will be added to the posters/flyers, the following businesses have already donated: JC Roofing and Caremark.

If anyone would like to donate a raffle prize to the event please contact Tina via tina.mcbrien0310@gmail.com as this is a very worthwhile charity and very close to my heart.

All proceeds will go straight to Air Ambulance who are backing us fully alongside The Secret Garden Leicester Glenfield Hospital.

Tina Mcbrien

Family Run Business

For

Thrussington Fun Run Is

Back Again on Saturday 1st March 2025!

Last year saw over 300 runners enter Thrussington Fun Run. This years' races will take place on Saturday 1st March. The fields we use lend themselves so brilliantly to a fun rundifferent challenging stream crossings, undulating terrain and some straw bales make it an exciting run for those of all ages and abilities and one on the calendar each year for many - our thanks to the Rudkin family and their sheep for allowing us to use it!

The fun run was set up to encourage people to take up running so we try to keep entry fees low. To do this we ask for sponsorship from local companies to cover our total costs of around £1k. This also means any profits go to our worthy causes.If you'd like to sponsor the event please get in touch. In return, we'll promote your company on the fun run website page, at the event and in our post race articles. Proceeds of the event are split between the school; providing extra curricular activities and supporting the education of the children, and the church, where £50k, part of £140k bill is needed most urgently to prevent the tower from collapse and the church from being condemned. On this note a shameless plug for the church's most recent fund raising initiative- an amusing rhyming bookThe Tale of the Tumbling Tower of Little Thrussington. The story follows church mouse, Fred and his estate agent, Barry as they visit properties in the village trying to find Fred somewhere new to live because his church is falling down, they also take part in the fun run!

All profits from the book goes to the tower fund.Get your copy - available at the Fun Run, Thrussington Stores at £7.50 or£10 inc p&p online at www.thrussingtonptfa.co.ukor using the QR code above right.

Don't miss out on being part of the fun run action! It's a brilliant community event, for ages from two to twilight. A great race with a fantastic atmosphere and warm drinks and hot food and cake for afters at the village hall. What's not to love?More information about the race will be available on the website which opened on 11th January 2025 at www.thrussingtonptfa.co.uk

Entry fee £6 early bird, £8.50 after 14th February.Entries close midday 27th February.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Highcliffe Harmony Christmas Concert

On 7th December Highcliffe Harmony presented a programme of seasonal music at Birstall Methodist Church.

After costs, we were delighted to donate £500 to the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal.

Thank you to everyone who came along to support our concert.

email:

Mental capacity can be lost in the blink of an eye and many of us are not prepared at all!! Next of kin (spouseand children) have no legal authority to manage our affairs without a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).If you want to know more about our LPA Services or would like to make a free local home visit to make an LPA then give us a call, we’re always happy to answer any questions.

07442 670570

info@wheelerandgreenllp.co.uk

www.wheelerandgreenllp.co.uk

Leicestershire National Garden Scheme

Snowdrop Gardens Opening

February 2025

Snowdrops are the harbingers of spring. By folk law, the white of the snowdrop symbolises the light of the winter sun which gets stronger as the days lengthen towards spring. There are two local gardens are opening in February bursting with snowdrops and late winter colour. Opening on the 22nd and 23rd of February from 11.00am to 4.00pm is the snowdrop garden at Westview at 1 St Thomas’s Road, Great Glen LE8 9EH. In addition to 300 varieties of snowdrops, there will be winter colour provided by cyclamen, hellebores, winter aconites, ranunculus ficaria, iris reticulata and complimented by evergreen ferns, box and yew hedging.

Winter display at Westview Garden Great Glen

For this opening late in February the owners also expect crocus, and the scented shrubs, Hamamelis, Sarcococca and Daphne, to be in flower providing colour and scent. Teas and cakes will be on sale, together with homemade soup to fend off any winter chill.

Nearby and opening the same weekend as Westview, is the charming garden at Hedgehog Hall at 3 Loddington Road, Tilton on the Hill LE7 9DE, from 11.00am to 4.00pm on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd

February. A half-acre garden with over 350 varieties of snowdrops and many unusual hellebores, trilliums, ferns, cyclamen, and pulmonaria for a lovely late winter display. There are also scented shrubs including sarcococca, daphne and hamamelis. Part of the garden is terraced displaying the snowdrops and hellebores to great effect.

Snowdrops on the Terraces at Hedgehog Hall

Visiting one of our lovely snowdrop gardens helps nursing and cancer charities. Thanks to the generosity of garden owners, our volunteers and garden visitors, in 2023 The National Garden Scheme donated £3,403,960 to charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and The Queen’s Nursing Institute.

For further details on our open gardens, accessibility, directions and admission fees and details, visit www.ngs.org.uk

Carol

Bartlett Leicestershire Volunteer Press Officer

FEBRUARY

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 20 - April 19

Venus is set to move into your sign this month and this makes up for the recent bumpy emotional ride that you seem to have gone through! And now, the world can’t get enough of you, as your popularity soars. Moreover, your charm and winning personality shine. If there’s anything that you want, now is a really good time to ask.

TAURUS April 20 - May 20

New ideas help to distract you from recent changes in your day-to-day existence, pointing the way forward and helping you to move on. For others may have been quite bossy at times and acted with a sense of entitlement. Frankly, you’re most keen to put this strange phase behind you and get on with making more sense of the world!

GEMINI May 21 - June 20

You come into your own as you unfold emotionally and reach out for just what you want! It’s been a long time coming but practical considerations have dominated your life until recently. Also, do follow any instinct or intuition being as these are working well for you right now and will steer you out of problems and onto the right path.

CANCER

June 21 - July 21

With Mars still in your sign, you’re energetic and determined and others will find it difficult to keep up with you! Your ideas flow particularly well, especially when it comes to anything financial but also practical. It’s also a good time to go after any dreams and ambitions being as you’re most likely to find success at this stage.

LEO July 22 - August 22

With the Full Moon in your sign this month, expect some grand finishes whether work projects or getting rid of anything old and worn! For this is to be a time of new beginnings, coming very soon – so get ready. Your only issue is dealing with the concerns of others who just did not see changes coming. So tread gently and time will help.

VIRGO August 23 - Sept 22

Just for once, others seem to be holding all the cards and your own life is quiet and calm, comparatively. You decide that it’s best to let others make decisions and to lead the way being as you’re quite happy to follow! You’re dealing with a few old memories that you’d like to release, so go easy on yourself and be patient.

LIBRA Sept 23 - Oct 22

Romance is certainly high on your agenda this month and yet the object of your desire seems out of reach and perhaps hiding in plain sight. Thus, give the matter some time and approach things indirectly for that will prove to be the most effective way! Your social life is up for a few changes as old faces go and new ones appear.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21

All the signs indicate that you’re coming to the end of a work phase and this is bound to have repercussions. So congratulate yourself on having come so far and some kind of celebration may be in order! Rewarding yourself with a treat is indeed most appropriate. However, you know that changes are also likely, as a result.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 20

Time spent at home is good for you even though this will be considerably more so than usual! For on some level, you’re recharging your batteries and getting your feet back firmly on the ground after quite a long phase of doing other things. You’re now seeing life quite differently and need time to adjust.

CAPRICORN Dec 21 - Jan 19

All your financial ideas over the last year or so are finally bearing fruit and you’re enjoying seeing how things are now working out. However, this seems to have quite dominated the scene, almost as if you’ve been quite single-minded! It’s now time to attend to more social matters, such as catching up with others.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 17

With Mercury working its way through your chart this month, expect good communication all round and you’ll certainly have the edge over others such as the ‘gift of the gab’! So make the most of it and you’ll be able to ask for just about anything that you want. Meanwhile, others close to you are going through changes.

PISCES Feb 18 - March 19

Well there’s a great deal going on in your life this month with quite a few planets in your sign. Saturn ensures that hard work and application must continue yet Neptune ensures that you have a sense of returning to your true self, as your real personality shines forth! A work change is also imminent so go easy on yourself.

Continued from Front Page

Our picture shows missing value head taken on 6.1.25

Queniborough and East Goscote all of which suffered flooding to properties need more sustainable and effective flood alleviation systems. To avoid annual flooding in the town and surrounding villages. It will need a combination of natural systems like planting trees and leaky dams higher up the watercourse. There is also a need for a water storage system which could collect water in times of heavy rainfall that would help alleviate flooding but could then be used in times of water shortages to be used by farmers and even go into the general water supply for households to use.

These systems are expensive but our town and area deserves to have existing homes protected from flooding!

Homeowners are finding they cannot sell their properties, due to more frequent floods, so are trapped in a terrible situation.

As for new developments, residents feel that these should be put on hold until suitable systems are put in place to protect the existing homes from further flooding.

Here we go AGAIN

What a disappointing and heart wrenching start to the New Year, a deluge of rain causing more severe flooding.

Having breathed a sigh of relief on 18th December when the brook broke its bank but no homes were flooded, we were hopeful that the desilting had given us breathing space to keep pushing for works to be done upstream to help slow down the flow of water into Syston. Alas, this hope was blown apart on Monday 6th January, one year and four days after the January 2024 flood.

What can you say to those residents and businesses who have again been flooded and to those who were flooded for the first time ever?

I still cannot find the words other than to offer a heartfelt ‘sorry’ and assure them that I and my fellow group members will continue to press the authorities for help and answers as to what works could and will be carried out to make Syston as resilient as

possible against flooding.

We are aware that the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA)in our case Leicestershire County Council (LCC) and Charnwood Borough Council (CBC) are still looking into the drainage systems and flood alleviation measures near St Hilda’s Close to make sure they are functioning correctly.

We pointed out last year that two valves had been vandalised, these still need to be replaced.

The LLFA and Environment Agency (EA) are also revisiting the possibility of Natural Flood Management measures upstream. They all have a vast job on their hands given the extent of flooding in Leicestershire.

We’re under no illusions that any action will take time, that’s one thing we have learnt this past year, but giving up is not an option.

It seems likely that the community will need to raise funds to get some works off the ground and/or get together a volunteer workforce. Until we know what could be done we need to keep the brook as clear from rubbish and loose vegetation as possible, PLEASE report anything you see.

On a brighter note we need to give a BIG THANK YOU to the following:-

School of Law at Leicester University, pictured above, where staff and students raised money for us to help with tackling the flooding.

Wickes –Provided equipment to help us clear vegetation and silt.

Stay safe - Stay Strong – Keep Smiling

Syston Community Flood Group systonfloodgroup@googlemail.com

The Rt. Hon Edward Argar MP

Member of Parliament for Melton & Syston

As we begin the new year, and this my first article for the Syston Town News in 2025, I wanted to take the opportunity to wish all Stn readers the very best for 2025. However, as readers will be all too aware, the new year got off to a very wet, then very cold, start as we have all seen in recent weeks, with our local area suffering very significant levels of rain, and snow melting, falling on already saturated ground, leading to widespread flooding in our area, through towns and villages, and across the county. Despite all the work undertaken last year, with the community, individuals, councillors, Syston Town Council (STC), myself as the local MP, and a range of local bodies working with the Environment Agency to help secure the clearing of Barkby Brook, Syston again suffered particularly extensive flooding, with devastating effects on those whose homes or businesses were affected, many having been flooded on previous occasions as well. I met a number of those affected in different parts of the constituency, including Syston, in the days after the floods, to talk with them, and with Syston’s flood wardens, and all of our thoughts are with those affected, and my thanks go to all those who helped out.

While some flooding following such heavy rainfall over a short period sadly cannot be entirely prevented, I have already spoken to the Floods Minister about local impacts and what more can be done to reduce or manage future risks; have raised in Parliament the need for support for our councils and communities following the flooding, as well as asking about what assessment the Government has made of any link between increased development and increased flood risk; and have raised with the Minister the need for us to look again, as a country, at how flood risk and flood defence is managed, and which organisations are responsible for it to bring greater clarity to responsibilities.

As readers of the STN will be aware, the responsibilities are split between multiple organisations, and landowners alongside a brook, and who is responsible for what can often be unclear – for example although STC help during floods, they have no formal powers or responsibilities for flood defences etc, aside from those they along with other landowners along the Brook in Syston have to maintain/ keep their sections clear, so I believe greater national clarity to reflect the current challenges is needed.

Alongside this, I have also been in touch with the Environment Agency and Leicestershire County Council to discuss the immediate response, and what more can be done to help people affected, before we also seek to better understand the long-term causes and response needed to try to reduce future risk where possible, for example at a local level through keeping drains, gullies, and brooks clear of debris. As well as highlighting the need for Councillors to be robust in rejecting development applications where there is increased flood risk, I have also called on the Environment Agency, as a first step, to agree to undertake an initial engineering/ hydrological assessment of whether measures like the defences that help protect Melton Mowbray could be technically feasible, and potentially affordable, for Syston, and Sileby. Doing what we can, together, to help reduce flood risk to Syston remains a priority for me, and although there are no instant solutions, I will keep Stn readers updated.

Syston Flood Wardens

Not just for floods

Just over 24 hours after the recent flooding in Syston, the flood wardens were back in action—this time, assisting Leicestershire Police with the search for a missing elderly woman on January 7th.

Our team quickly mobilised and began checking key areas across Syston. Within two hours, we were informed that she had been located.

Close call

(this was written back in December 2024)

Even at 2am, you can count on your flood wardens to be ready to spring into action, no matter the hour. This is exactly what we were up to while most of Syston was sleeping soundly, just days before Christmas.

Unless you follow us on Facebook, you may not know that Syston came alarmingly close to flooding again. On December 19th, heavy rain in Leicestershire caused the brook level to rise quickly. Thanks to the gauge installed by the Environment Agency earlier in the year, we were able to

closely monitor the situation. But as the brook continued to rise, we knew this was going to be an eventful, sleepless night.

At 2am, the brook reached a critical level, prompting us to activate our response. While the water rose close to the point it had breached in October (0.80 meters), this time the situation was different. Although the gauge continued to rise, the brook barely overflowed. We quickly notified residents (apologies if we woke you!) to give them time to move vehicles. Thankfully, the water never reached the pavement on the park-side of Brookside and didn’t come up through the drains. The highest reading on the gauge was 0.89 meters. The work the Environment Agency did to clean up the brook made a significant difference. Compared to the previous flood event in October, when it took less water to cause serious flooding, this time it only resulted in a small puddle on Brookside that didn’t even make it halfway across the road, and a puddle outside the Dog and Gun.

By 5am, the water level had started to drop, and we stood down. By the time most people were waking up, the threat had passed, and they likely had no idea how close we came to another flood that night.

Phone number changes

In the near future, the four individual phone numbers currently listed for the flood wardens in the Green Pages will be consolidated into a single contact number. This new number will provide a streamlined and efficient way to reach your flood wardens at any time. The updated contact information will be published in the next issue of Syston Town News, and a leaflet will be distributed to the areas of Syston most prone to flooding.

Syston Flood Wardens (SFW) Update

I had hoped to start this update by celebrating the fact that we passed the anniversary of the January 2024 floods without experiencing a repeat incident. Unfortunately, nature had other plans. Please note that some parts of this update were written in December, before the January 2025 flooding, so the tone between sections may vary slightly.

6th January 2025 (written 08/01/25)

There’s not much more I can say, given how many people have been affected once again. For some, this was their first experience with flooding, while for others it was their second, third, or more.

I offer my heartfelt sympathies to both residents and businesses that were flooded. I also want to apologise to anyone who tried to get in touch with us but didn’t receive a timely response. One of our flood wardens received over 90 calls and messages by the end of Monday.

On January 11th, the Sileby Flood Wardens shared a post on Facebook

expressing that they felt they had let their community down. Honestly, we feel the same. We feel we’ve let Syston and its community down. It’s hard not to feel like we could have done more or tried harder. The flood wardens were awake before dawn, with one of our flood wardens awake for an exhausting 31 hours.

So, what happened?

From the night of January 5th to the early hours of January 6th, heavy rain fell throughout the night, compounded by a frozen layer, already saturated ground, and snow. This resulted in the water levels in the brook rising slowly but steadily, though not as quickly as on December 19th.

By 5am, we began mobilising. When we arrived at Brookside, the brook had already burst its bank outside the Working Men’s Club and was 50% across the road. A large puddle had also formed outside the Dog and Gun. We immediately began notifying residents to move their vehicles. Within 15 to 30 minutes, we were already soaked through.

On College Road and University Close, one team of flood wardens attempted to wake residents as the water from the brook slowly started to come up through the drains on the street. The cold temperatures and snow only made matters worse as the puddles grew and began to flood homes.

Other flood wardens were assisting residents on Brookfield Avenue, while others worked to arrange sandbag collections and deliveries.

At the time of writing, it's still early days. As a team, we will reflect on both our successes and shortcomings in order to learn and improve for the next time we face such a challenge. We are committed to doing better and supporting our community in every way we can.

Green Councillors Report

We were deeply distressed to see our area, once again, ravaged by flooding. Last year the Lead Flood Authority and the Environment Agency began a review into the causes of the repeated floods. We desperately need these answers now, if we are to know how best to protect our communities. As your Borough councillors, we have been doing all we can over the past year. We take very seriously the mandate that we were given when elected and despite the challenges we are determined to use our position to continue to fight for better on your behalf.

Letters have been written to hold the various agencies to account, including Leicestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Flooding, local MP’s, Environment Agency, Severn Trent Water, Local Flood Authority and the Government's Parliamentary Floods Minister.

Continues on page 22

is published by CURZON GRAPHICS

55 Goodes Lane, Syston, Leicester, LE7 2JL

Tel/Fax: 0116 269 3221

(Mon - Fri. 9.00am - 5.00pm)

email: fiona@systontownnews.co.uk or deanna@systontownnews.co.uk www.systontownnews.co.uk has copyright and no part whatsoever may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers.

The views expressed are the views of individual contributors and does not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.

Inclusion of an advertisement in the Syston Town News does not constitute any endorsement of a product or service

THE GREAT LITTLE PAPER

Can You Spare Half an Hour a Month?

Volunteers Required To Deliver in the Following Areas SWIFT CLOSE SWALLOW DRIVE PARK LANE

HAREBELL CLOSE

FINAL COPY DATE FOR MARCH 2025 ISSUE IS: Tuesday 11th February

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

green pages

ADULT SOCIAL CARE

Quinn Care UK Ltd

We provide tailored care and support to adults with special educational needs & disabilities. CQC registered. Contact Brioney on 0794 440 0072

AERIALS

Image Aerials, Syston

Local, friendly service, competitive rates, repairs, alterations & TV tuning. Free quotes. Tel: 0116 260 3481 Mob: 0797 020 2125.

BATHROOM AND TILING

Souter Bathrooms Ltd

Tel: Darren 0116 260 4105 or Mob: 0776 668 5901

BOOKKEEPING

Bodycot Bookkeeping

Mob: 0782 541 9426

email: laura@bodycotbookkeeping.co.uk web: bodycotbookkeeping.co.uk

CARPETS

Costcutter Carpets

Tel/Fax: 0116 264 0745

email: costcuttercarpets@tiscali.co.uk

CHARITY GROUPS

Age Concern Syston

The Methodist Church Centre, High Street, Syston LE7 1GP. Tel: 0116 260 1476.

Help and Advice Centre open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 12.30pm.

Syston & District Volunteer Centre 18 School Street, Syston. Office open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm. Tel: 0116 260 7888.

CHILD CARE GROUPS

In B Tweenies

A parent, baby and toddler group for parents with children who have been on a neo natal unit. The group meets on Tuesdays from 10.00am until 12 noon at Queniborough Dance Co. 109 Broad Street, LE7 1GJ. Telephone Lindsay on 07847 264 382. www.prembabies.co.uk

Make & Play (Mondays and Fridays)

Syston Methodist Church, 10.00am until 11.00am both days term time only. £2 for the first child and £1 for subsequent children. For more information about the group contact: Samantha at samanthahowarth1990@hotmail.co.uk or Make & Play - Syston.

Tots at 10

Held every Tuesday term time only at St Peter & St Paul’s Church Hall, 10.00am until 11.15am.

£2 per adult (includes child’s entrance). For more information about the group please either see our Facebook page (Tots at 10) contact: Totsat10@gmail.com

Children with Special Needs/Happy Smiles

Sandra and Amy run a voluntary play group at Elizabeth Park Thurmaston. Thursday mornings 9.30 -11.30pm, closed 2nd Thursday of each month, all children welcome 0-5 years. We charge £1 per child and they receive drinks and snacks.

Also the adults can sit and natter over a cup of coffee or tea. Telephone Sandra 0798 321 6372.

CHILDREN’S CLUB

Children's Bible Discovery Club

Mondays 3.45 to 4.45pm (term time only)

CHURCH GROUPS

Children's Bible Discovery Club cont’d Children's Bible Discovery Club, five to 10 yrs. It’s free to attend and you can come straight from school and enjoy crafts, songs, games and stories all with a Biblical theme. Parents are welcome to stay with younger children.

Takes place at the Broadway Gospel Hall, Broadway, Syston, Leicester LE7 1GA. For further information please email: contact@broadwaygospelhall.org.uk or check the website: broadwaygospelhall.org.uk

Broadway Gospel Hall Activities

Alternate Wednesdays 2.30pm Ladies meeting. Come and share Christian Fellowship, you will receive a warm welcome. Transport is available.

All meetings take place at the Broadway Gospel Hall, Broadway, Syston, Leicester LE7 1GA. For further information please email:contact@broadwaygospelhall.org.uk or check the website: broadwaygospelhall.org.uk

CHURCHES IN SYSTON

Broadway Gospel Hall, Broadway, Syston LE7 1GA

Sunday 4.30pm Gospel meeting. Everyone is welcome. www.broadwaygospelhall.org.uk e: contact@broadwaysgospelhall.org.uk

Divine Infant of Prague Syston, 63 Broad Street

Mass 6.00 pm Saturday 11.00 am Sunday www.diopsyston.com

Syston Methodist Church, High Street Sunday Service 10.30am Holy Communion Service, every second and fourth Tuesday in the month, at 10am.

Contact: Rev. Kim Alexander 0116 267 3960.

The Meeting Place @ The Hub Room Hire contact 0772 411 3494.

St Peter and St Paul CoE, Upper Church Street. Syston services are every Sunday Eucharist at 10.30am and Wednesday morning at 9.30pm https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/ 5257/get-in-touch/ Contact: Rev. Ros Harper, Team Vicar 0785 157 3236. Day Off - Mondays. CLEANING SERVICES

Done & Dusted

Quality Counts: Domestic and Commercial Cleans, all cleans catered for. Tel: 0116 260 2828 Mob: 0788 754 2884 www.done-n-dusted.com

Leicester Carpet Cleaners

Carpets, Rugs & Soft Furnishing Cleaned. Competitive rates. Call or email Rob on 0116 260 0686 or 0800 610 1891. email: mistergroup@hotmail.com

COMPUTER SERVICES

Think Digital Project

Age UK are running this project offering FREE 1:1 support with smartphones, tablets, iPads, laptops and desktops. Whether you need support by phone or online; want to be kept informed about physical IT Help Groups when they restart, or just don’t know where to begin –give the Project a call on 0116 223 7371 or email us on thinkdigital@ageukleics. org.uk and we will do our very best to help.

CONSERVATORY ROOF CLEANER

Clean Start

Well Established, Professional Conservatory Cleaner. Fully Insured and DBS Checked.

Contact Wayne Mob: 0797 750 5453 or email: cleanstart200864@yahoo.com

CRAFTS

North Leicestershire Beaders

Meet twice a month. £5. Call Anna for details. Tel: 0797 687 2444. ambromley@gmail.com

Syston & District U3A Craft Groups Parchment group - meets on the third Wednesday of the month in the Syston Community Centre, School Street, 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

Kevins Domestic Appliances Sales & Repairs Washing Machines, Dryers, Dishwashers and Cookers etc. Tel: 0116 269 7168 Mob: 0771 160 4297.

DRIVING SCHOOLS

Wheel Pass

Mob: 0795 121 5161. Find us on Facebook Lessons to Suit Your Timetable ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES

Byrite Electrical Ltd 1286 Melton Road, Syston Tel: 0116 260 2299. www.byriteelectricals.com

ELECTRICIANS

Letts Electrical Services

NICEIC registered Tel: 0116 259 7137 Mob: 0786 651 6286. All Electrical Work Undertaken. M A Skinner Electrical Services Syston Based, reliable, no job too small. Mob: 0799 098 1297.

FLOWER AND GARDEN GROUPS

Allotment Society

We meet on the first Thursday of the month at Syston Social Club 7.30pm. For more details contact Syston Town Council on 0116 260 7150.

Birstall Flower Club

Meet on the fourth Wednesday in Birstall Village Hall at 7.15pm. (not July and December). Visitors welcome, £5. Contact either Sylvia: 0116 267 4206 or Carol McManus 0116 267 1437. Brooksby Gardening Club

Meets on the third Wednesday from September to May 7.30pm, Queniborough Village Hall, Rearsby Rd., Queniborough. If you have not visited us previously but this new time suits you we will welcome your visit.

For further information Josie on 0116 260 1478 or Madeleine on 0116 260 5539. Melton Mowbray and District Flower Club

Meet on third Monday in each month at Asfordy Parish Hall, 24 Main st. Asfordby. LE14 3SA. 6.45 for 7.15pm start. (Not January). Demonstrations and talks. Visitors welcome, £5. Tel: 01664 812 636.

FINANCIAL ADVISORS

Furnley House Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs) 340 Melton Road, Leicester, LE4 7SL Tel: 0116 269 6311. www.furnleyhouse.co.uk FUNCTIONS & EVENT

Syston R.F.C.

Tel: 0116 260 1223/260 7719. email: info@systonrfc.co.uk

GARAGES

Queniborough County Garage

Tel: 0116 260 0081/260 2288.

GAS SERVICING

Gas-Servwell

Tel: 0116 236 7923 Mob: 0786 073 5066. Unigas Heating Services

Tel: 01664 434 742.

GUIDING

IN SYSTON

Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Senior Section & Trefoil

Syston District of Guiding caters for girls from age 5 onwards.

Rainbows age 5 - 7: Brownies age 7 - 10: Guides age 10 - 14: Seniors age 14 - 25: Trefoil 25 +

We welcome volunteers to join our unit leaders too. To join or go on our waiting lists please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/ register

GUTTER CLEANING

Clean Start

Internal gutter cleaning using the latest vacuum technology. Fully insured and DBS checked. Contact Wayne Mob: 0797 750 5453 or email: cleanstart200864@yahoo.com

DJK Guttering

All types of gutters cleaned, repaired and moss removal.

Tel: 0116 298 6404 Mob: 07470 204060. email: djk03@hotmail.co.uk

HAIRDRESSING

Antehc Hair and Skin Studio Specialist in hair loss and anti-ageing. Mob: 07877 981 877.

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Indoor Bowls

Syston Community Centre Wednesdays 1.45pm to 3.45pm £1.20 per week. For more details contact C. Palmer on 0750 610 9549. Menopause café – ‘M’ Café @ The Pharmacie Arms

We meet n the second Wednesday of the month in the upstairs room and we get between 8-15 ladies down each month for a chat and a free cuppa.

Over the Hill Walking Club

This club is for singles in the 40 plus age range. We have organised walks in Leicestershire and surrounding counties every Sunday and some Wednesday evenings in the Summer. To find out more contact Dave Gooder on 0116 285 6271. or visit our website www.overthehillwalking.org.uk.

Syston M.A.D.S (Mental Health, Anxiety & Depression Support) Group

We are a friendly bunch who want to help support people with Mental Health or people who are lonely.

We meet every Wednesday morning from 10am till 12pm at the Syston Brookside WMC. £1 Donation each week. For any enquiries please contact us by Mob: 0777 469 5160 Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm. email: MADSgroup@yahoo.com

Syston Young at Heart Group

We are a friendly group which caters for the elderly and housebound of Syston, meeting every Thursday at the Community Centre from 10.00am to 1.45pm. Transport can be provided, places now available. Please phone Age Concern on 0116 260 1476.

HEALTH FOODS

The Body Store

Qualified to give free advice 13 Town Square, Syston LE7 1GZ Tel: 0116 269 4348.

HISTORY GROUPS

Barkby Local History Group

We meet irregularly for trips out and talks by invited speakers. For more information contact Sandra Moore 0116 236 3739. sandraemoore@sky.com

Syston Local History Group

Meet on the third Monday of the month at 7.30pm, in The Hub, Methodist Church Centre, High Street. Visitors £2 per meeting. For further information contact Clive Iliffe 0116 260 9081.

KITCHENS & BEDROOMS

LFI Kitchens & Bedrooms Mob: 0771 570 8809.

Swift Fitted Furniture Ltd.

Manufacturers of fitted Kitchens, Bedrooms and Home Offices. Contact: 0116 246 0686.

LANGUAGE TUITION

Leicestershire Languages Tutor (Spanish & French) call 07840 543 893 web: leicestershireLanguagesTutor.co.uk email: mariel.bthomas@gmail.com

LEGAL SERVICES

HPLC

Tel: 0116 260 8990 Mob: 0750 149 5503 email: heather@hplcconveyancing.co.uk

MORTGAGE ADVISORS

A & A Mortgages Ltd (Annu) 10a High Street, Syston Tel: 0116 269 8008. Your local independent Mortgage Advisors.

Furnley House

Independent Mortgage Advice 340 Melton Road, Leicester, LE4 7SL Tel: 0116 269 6311. www.furnleyhouse.co.uk

MUSIC GROUPS

Acoustic nights at QMCL Club 43A Main Street, Queniborough. Alternate Mondays from 7.00pm. All levels and listeners always welcome. Free entry.

Ratcliffe Chorale

A non-audition choir that sings a wide variety of music. We meet at Syston Methodist Church, High Street, LE7 1GP (term time only) Monday evenings 7pm to 8.45pm. For more information please see the Ratcliffe Chorale website: ratcliffechorale.org.uk

Singing for Fun East Midlands Meets during term time on Thursdays 2.15pm to 4.15pm at Elizabeth Centre, Thurmaston. For more information or to register contact Caroline: info@carolinesharpe.com 0776 215 4900. www.singingforfunem.com Syston Band

Every Monday at 7.30pm to practice, looking for a rehearsal room. New members of any standard welcome. Contact via email on systonbandmail@yahoo.co.uk

Syston Swing Band

Rehearsals at Brookside Club every Tuesday from 7.30pm email

Systonswingband@outlook.com if interested in joining or booking the band. You will also find us on Facebook.

U3A Ukulele Group meets every Friday 2.00pm to 3.30pm at the Brookside Club, Syston. For more information contact Len Abraham on 0781 278 7238.

Ukulele Classes at Thurmaston Bowls Club, Elizabeth Park, every Wednesday afternoon 2.30pm to 4.30pm. £2 includes refreshments. All welcome from beginners to experienced. Contact Len on 0781 278 7238 for more information.

NURSERIES & PRE-SCHOOLS

St Peter and St Paul Pre-School School Lodge, Upper Church Street, Syston. Tel: 0116 269 8638.

OPTICIANS

Your Sight Opticians

1176 Melton Road, Syston. Opposite Aldi. We provide home visits for those who can’t get to us

Tel: 0116 260 7075.

PAINTING & DECORATING

Rob Toon Painter & Decorator

Tel: 0116 260 2856 Mob: 0798 177 1164.

PLASTERER

G M Plastering & Rendering

Contact Gary on Mob: 0779 158 3613 or email: kirkbyhammer@hotmail.co.uk

REFLEXOLOGY

Healing Touch Reflexology by Mariel call 07840 543 893. web: healingtouchreflexology.co.uk email: mariel.bthomas@gmail.com

ROOFING SPECIALIST

CJ Roofing Services Leics Ltd

Slating & Tiling Specialists (Syston) Tel : 0799 089 8977

Email: info@cj-roofing.co.uk

DJK Roofing & Guttering

Tel: 0116 298 6404 Mob: 07470 204060. email: djk03@hotmail.co.uk

All types of roof and guttering work. Leaks, Flat Roofs, Moss removal and Jet Washing. General property maintenance.

SCOUT GROUPS

Queniborough Scout Group

Queniborough Scout Hall, Syston Road, Queniborough.

Beavers: Thursday 6.30pm to 7.45pm Cubs: Wednesday 7.00pm to 8.30pm Scouts: Tuesday 7.30pm to 9.00pm. Contact: Clive (Group Chairman) 0116 269 3532.

Rearsby Scout Group

Beavers: Wednesday 6.00pm to 7.00pm Cubs: Wednesday 7.15 to 8.15pm Contact Paul Smith 0780 198 5020 or dc@charnwoodscouts.org.uk

Syston Scout Group

Syston Scout Hall, Oxford Street, Syston. Beavers 6-8yrs: Monday 6.30 to 7.30pm. Cubs 8-10yrs: Thursday 6.30 to 8.00pm. Scouts 10-14 yrs: Tuesday 7.30 to 9.00pm Explorer Scouts 14-18yrs : Friday 7.00 to 9.00pm Network 18-25yrs : Monday 7.45 to 9.45pm. Scout and Guide Band 9yrs +: Wednesday 7.00 to 9.00pm. For more information, please contact,

Chris Bodycot on 0116 326 6908 or visit www.systonscouts.org.uk/join

SKIP HIRE

Blue Skip Hire

Tel: 0116 269 3530 Mob: 0784 658 7321. web: www.blueskips.co.uk

SOCIAL GROUPS

Age Concern Syston

Wednesdays Coffee Morning 10.00 to 11.30am. A warm welcome awaits you at the Methodist Hall, High Street, Syston. Tel: 0116 260 1476.

East Goscote Friendship Club

We are a friendly group of over 50’s who meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month 2.00pm to 4.00pm at St Hilda’s Church Hall, Ling Dale, East Goscote. Everyone welcome. Contact: Marie Pole on 0116 260 2287

Hoby Bridge Club

Meet twice a month on Thursday evenings at 7.15pm. We welcome new members to join our friendly group. For further information please contact M. Mitchell on 0780 292 2582.

Ivydale Club Social Group

Every Wednesday 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Over 50’s Club meet at Thurmaston Community Centre, Silverdale Road, Thurmaston. Tel: 0756 115 6675 or 0333 011 2406.

Leicester Railway Society (Formed 1939)

Meets third Tuesday of the month. Start 7.30pm at the Braunstone Civic Centre, 209 Kingsway, Leicester LE3 2PP

Contact: Michael Chapman (Secretary) 0116 260 3336 or Brian Holland (Programme Organiser) 0116 236 8328. New Chapter Bereavement Support Group

Meet Monday afternoons 2.00pm to 4.00pm at Thurmaston Memorial Hall, 722 Melton Rd. Thurmaston. LE4 8ED. Come along and meet others living with loss. Meet new people who can offer companionship and understanding without judgement. For more information and an informal chat contact Lin on 0788 649 2240.

Poppies Memory Cafe

Meets at Syston Community Centre from 10.30am to 12noon on the first Tuesday of the month. Dementia Support Services Leicestershire. Contact: 0116 223 7363.

Rearsby & District YFC

Meetings every week on Thursdays at 8.00pm in Barkby Village Hall. Call Catriona on 0789 022 6035.

St Peter’s Court Club

Coffee morning every Thursday 10.00am until 11.00am. St Peter’s Court, Melton Road, Syston.

Syston Chess Club

Meets every Tuesday at the Syston & District Social Club, High Street, Syston at 7.30pm. We offer a friendly and comfortable environment and play chess at all levels. We enter local and national competitions. We will teach anyone who wishes to learn!

Syston & District Volunteer Centre

Hold their Community Lunch every third Tuesday in the month. Transport available, cost of lunch £15. All members welcome. Call our office to book your place. 0116 260 7888.

Syston Friendship Group

A meeting of friends with learning difficulties, our member’s ages range from 20 to 75. We meet weekly on most Thursday nights from 7.00pm to 9.00pm in the Syston Community Centre where we have a range of activities including crafts, bingo, games, Lego, general socialising etc. Minibus pickup is part of the service that our volunteers can provide. Contact Anne & Trevor Carter 0788 990 3907, email: trevhme@aol.com

Syston Games Club

Are you new to the area, want to make new friends or just keep your brain active? Come and join our friendly club at Syston Community Centre every Tuesday 2.00pm to 4.00pm to play Rummikub and other games. For more info contact Bev on 0116 319 8931 or Liz on 01509 816 541.

Syston Sign Club

‘Connecting hands, building bridges’ Meets every third Wednesday of the month from 6 pm at The Pharmacie Arms, Syston. For more information contact SystonSignClub@gmail.com

Facebook: Syston Sign Club

Syston Twinning Association

Syston is twinned with Deville les Rouen, Normandy. If you would like more details about joining us please contact our Chairperson, Fiona on 0116 269 3221.

The Thrummy Drummer

Dementia Social and Support Group is an informal and friendly group, meeting on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 10.30am to 12.30pm. Elizabeth Park centre, Thurmaston. LE4 8FN Thurmaston Ladies meet at Thurmaston RBL, Melton Rd, Thurmaston on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

For further information please contact Elsa on 0771 974 3411 or Eileen on 0745 560 4296.

U3A Syston Canasta Card Group meets every Monday (except bank holidays) from 2.00pm to 4.00pm in the Syston Community Centre, however, we are currently full, so if you wish to join please contact Jane Mercy on 0116 260 1117.

Wreake Valley Rotary Club

Meet every second and fourth Wednesday evenings at The British Legion, Front Street, Birstall 7.30pm. Visitors made most welcome.

SPORTS CLUBS

Fosse Company of Archers

Saturdays 1.00pm onwards, October to March at Wreake Valley Academy (indoors, gym building). April to September outdoors at Syston Rugby Club. New and experienced archers welcome. For more information visit www.fossecompanyofarchers.uk

Kobra Martial Arts

We have launched our senior and junior sessions for karate! Junior sessions take place from 5.15pm to 6.15pm every Monday and Thursday evenings. Senior sessions will take place from 6.30pm to 7.30pm every Monday and Thursday evenings. Senior age starts at 16 and juniors age starts six. These sessions take place at 12-10 Lower Church Street, Syston, LE7 1GX. If you’re interested in signing up, drop me a message or give me a call on 0795 101 2048 or

email:kobramartialarts@gmail.com

Riverside Utd Junior Football Club

We are always looking for new players to come and join our fantastic football club. We train kids from 4 years and upwards at Wreake Valley Academy in Syston. Please contact Paul Cassidy on 0750 744 2226 or visit: www.riversideutdjfc.com for further details.

Special Olympics Leicestershire and Rutland

Special Olympics Leicestershire and Rutland uses sport to empower children and adults with intellectual disabilities to enhance their health and wellbeing. Our Facebook page for more info is www. facebook.com/SoleicestershireRutland

St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club

Want to try bowls? St Margaret's (near Red Hill Circle) is a friendly local club which welcomes bowlers of any ability. Contact Carolyn or John on 0116 267 5947.

Syston Bowling Club

Provides opportunities for all to gain or develop skills, make friends and enjoy a year-round social programme in our clubhouse. Free coaching with equipment provided. For more details contact: Val Foreman on 0116 260 9635

Syston Kickboxing Club

Training on Tuesdays from 7.00pm to 8.00pm at Syston Community Centre. Suitable for all ages and abilities from beginners to experienced. Cost £3.50 for children and £4 for adults, pay as you go. Contact Brent Penniston on 01664 562 286 or email pennistonbrent@hotmail. com

Syston Mixed Hockey Club

We play our home games at Mountsorrel - Soar Valley Leisure Centre - 2.30 on Saturday afternoons. Away games could be any time on a Saturday and at various venues throughout Leicestershire. Lifts could be arranged from Syston. Age range of club members teens to 70's. Contact details - Patrick on 07977 448074 or Jo on 07786 333432. patrickoakman@outlook.com

Syston Northfields Lawn Tennis Club

Tennis for mixed membership. All levels, all ages. Coaching given. Monday and Wednesday, Senior Club Night, Tuesday, Junior Club Night. Syston Northfields Tennis Club, Northfields, off Melton Road. LE7 1HW. Contact Edd Whetton (Coach) on 07800 599 057 or email: edward.whetton@gmail.com for further information.

Syston RFC

The club runs sides from aged five to fifty years. The U6s to U17s play and train Sundays/Tuesdays/Wednesdays, September to April. We have over 300 members. The Senior Club 18-50yrs play Saturdays. We have five sides training Monday and Thursday from 7.00pm. All welcome. Contact the club 0116 260 1223 or www.systonrfc.co.uk. Syston Syclers

An enthusiastic group who meet at The Green, High St. Syston each week. For more details please contact Marie on 0789 697 5122 or email: Marie@systonsyclers.com or visit www. systonsyclers.com

Syston Town Cricket Club

The club has three senior teams and junior teams at all age groups from Kwik Cricket to Under 17 level. New players of all ages are always welcome and for general information about the club contact: Ivan Spibey on 07711 139 711. Practice nets for all age groups are available both winter and summer and further details can be obtained from Scott Cooper on 0792 950 2012. Syston Town Juniors FC

We cater for all ages, boys and girls 4 to 17 years. All coaches are DBS checked and hold FA qualifications. We train and play at two venues, Necton St, (Memorial Park) and Wreake Valley Academy, days and times vary dependant on age and time of year. For further information contact: secretary@systontownjnrs@yahoo.co.uk

We also run development centres for boys 4 to 6 years 9 to 11am and girls 5 to 9 years 9 to 10am on a Saturday morning at Wreake Academy on the 3g pitch.

Please contact:

Boys: Andyon 0796 624 8878. Girls: Daveon 0771 104 4768. Tae Kwon-Do

Four to six years Tigers, Tuesday 5.30pm to 6.15pm Juniors and Adults mixed classes Tuesday and Friday 6.30pm to 7.30pm. St Peter and St Paul’s Primary Academy, Upper Church St, Syston. Contact James Freer on 0771 895 3850. Thai-Tanium Boxing Club

Various classes for beginners, advanced, kids, juniors, ladies and adults. As well as 1:1 sessions please contact us on Facebook or Contact Jamie on 0797 365 6778. Now based at 760A Melton Rd, Thurmaston.

Wreake and Soar Valley Athletics Club

Running - Middle/long distance/sprints club for all the family with experienced qualified coaches, junior athletes from age seven. Adults from absolute beginners to existing runners looking to improve. Contact John on 0781 769 3777 email: wreakeandsoarvalleyac@gmail.com Web: www.wreakeandsoarvalleyathletics.club

Wreake Runners Running Club

Every Tuesday and Thursday 6.45pm, plus fortnightly track sessions. See website for details. 4 week trial available. Run@wreakerunners.co.uk www.wreakerunners.co.uk

Wreake Valley Tetsudo Club (Martial Arts)

Train on Monday evenings 6.30pm to 8pm at Syston Rugby Club. Contact John: 0797 624 1427. THEATRE GROUPS

Syston QT Theatre Group

A small friendly, local group, we meet every Tuesday (and Thursdays during rehearsal periods) at The Old Chapel in Chapel Street, Syston.

There are two main productions a year. We welcome those who enjoy acting, the technical side, props, stage management, costumes, etc.and we are always looking for new members. Visit our new website: www.qttheatregp.co.uk or email: qtsyston@gmail.com

TREES

Charnwood Tree Services

Tel: Freephone 0800 371 441. Unicorn Tree Care and Fencing For a FREE Quote contact Alan Tel: 0116 269 2039 Mob: 0778 359 6792.

WATER SPORTS CLUBS

Leicester Penguins Swimming Club

One of Leicestershire’s oldest competitive swimming clubs. If you are ready to transition to competitive swimming from the Learn to swim programme, please contact the club for a free trial session.For further information visit our website www.Leicesterpenguins.club

Wanlip Sailing Club

Small friendly local club. Learn to sail, just cruise or race. Families very welcome. Social sailing Saturdays, racing Sunday afternoons. For further information please contact Sue, daytime on 0116 210 2254. Neil, evenings on 0116 260 8049, or the clubhouse 0116 260 7864 at weekends to arrange a visit.

Clarity

WINDOW CLEANING

Windows, Doors, Facias, Conservatories and Guttering cleaned. To discover why people are switching cleaners, please contact us for a free friendly quote. M: 07533 991 561 www.really-clean.co.uk

Clean Start

Well Established, Professional Window Cleaner. Fully Insured and DBS Checked.

Contact Wayne on M: 07977 505 453 or email: cleanstart200864@yahoo.com

WOMENS INSTITUTES (W.I.)

Barkby and Beeby W.I.

Meets third Tuesday of the month. Barkby Village Hall, Beeby Rd, Barkby 7.30pm. Visitors Welcome. For more information contact 0116269 2756

Charnwood Wigs W.I.

Meets last Thursday of the month at 7.30pm. Beedles Lakes Golf Club, East Goscote. Visitors £4.00. For more details please ring Claire Cox on M: 0775 164 2141

New Barkby W.I.

Meets First Wednesday in the month 7.30pm. Syston Community Centre, School Street. Visitors always welcome. For more details contact President Mrs Shirley Franklin on 0116 260 8498.

Advertise your club/society or community event in our Green Pages and/or What’s on and we will add it here and on the webdiary too. Ring Fiona or Deanna on 0116 269 3221 or email fiona@systontownnews.co.uk deanna@systontownnews.co.uk

What’s On Diary for February

MARCH

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

Friday 7th March

10.30am

& March

BROADWAY GOSPEL HALL

Sunday 2nd February

4.30pm

All Age Service followed by a buffet tea at Broadway Gospel Hall, Broadway, Syston Leicester LE7 1GA

There will be activities for the children during the service, everyone is welcome. For further information please email contact@broadwaygospelhall.org.ukor check the website: broadwaygospelhall.org.uk

FILMS IN SYSTON

Monday 3rd February - What we did on our Holiday. Comedy starring Billy Connolly.

Monday 3rd March - Love Sarah. All good things come to those who bake starring Celia Imrie.

The family travel to the Highlands for a party where secrets unravel. A British Comedy.

Doors open at 1.30pm. Tickets are now available on the door at The Old Chapel, Chapel St. Syston.

EAST GOSCOTE VILLAGE HALL

Table Tennis

Tuesdays 10.00am. to 12.00 noon

£3 per person to include tea and coffee

Bingo

Last Thursday of the month

Doors open at 2.00pm.

From £3.00 per person which includes three games of bingo and tea or coffee. Tel for more information 0116 260 2202

COMMUNAL BINGO

Every Wednesday

2.00pm

Syston Conservative Club, High Street. Everyone Welcome.

SYSTON LOCAL

HISTORY GROUP

Monday 17th February

7.30pm

Members Evening with a slide show of Syston by Tim Garner.

The Hub, Methodist Church, High Street, Syston.

Visitors £2 per meeting

BIRSTALL FLOWER CLUB

Wednesday 26th February

7.15pm

Birstall Village Hall

Demonstrator: Marie Bradley

Title: Love is in the Air

Visitors: £7

Queries to: Sylvia 0116 267 4206 or Carol 0116 267 1437.

The Methodist Church, Syston. Everyone Welcome.

SYSTON SWING BAND

Saturday 15th March

Syston Swing Band

Will be Appearing at the Malt House Club, High Street, Syston.

Free entry all welcomed, bar until midnight. Doors Open 7.30pm

Did Anyone in Your Family Serve in the ‘Far East’ during WW2?

Later this year there will be an exhibition in Syston Parish Church to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, and we have chosen the weekend of the 16th and 17th August for the exhibition, as the anniversary of the end of the war in the Far East (officially called V.J. Day) falls on Friday 15th August. Because of this, we would like to feature some accounts of men who served their country fighting against Japanese forces in any part of the Far East, to honour the memory of those men’s sacrifices.

Did anyone in your family serve in any of the armed forces in the Far East during WW2? And would you be happy to share the story of their wartime service in honour of all the men who served out there? Even of those who survived, some did not return home for two years or more after the official end of the war.

Your relative need not have been a Syston man; my own father, (Victor Day) was not a Syston man, although he ended his life in Syston and some readers may recognise his name. Please join me in commemorating all our relatives who served in the Far East, whether they died out there or survived the war.

Accounts may be sent to Syston Town News, either by email: fiona@systontownnews.co.uk or post it to 55 Goodes Lane, Syston. Ideally, it should not be any longer than a single half page of A4 text please, although they could just consist of basic details, and that would be fine. A photo of your relative would be an extra bonus but is not essential.

Thank you.

Felicity Austin

Citizens Advice Charnwood Share Advice on Choosing a Car Insurance Policy

When choosing a policy, it is important to get quotes from several insurers and compare:

� what each policy covers and the exclusions and amount of any excess.

� any discounts offered

� the no claims bonus and how much the discounts are worth each year if you don't claim on your policy

� any policy restrictions, for example, only named drivers are covered

When asked you must give your insurer as much information as you can about yourself and your vehicle. They are likely to ask about:

� driving convictions

� accidents

� medical conditions which could affect your driving

This information will affect your premium and whether your insurer pays out on a claim.

An insurance policy should be in the main driver's name. An insurer can refuse to pay out if you take out insurance in your name because it's

cheaper, then let someone else, for example a younger driver, drive most of the time.

When asked you must tell your insurer at once about any change in your circumstances, such as a change of address or job.

If you buy a vehicle on finance it usually has to be insured in your name.

Most policies run for a year and your insurer doesn't have to send a renewal notice, although most do. When you take out or renew a policy you will get a cover note which is valid for up to 30 days while the policy documents are sent to you. It is an offence to drive without a policy or cover note.

Make sure you check out the terms and conditions when you sign up for insurance. With some companies you could be agreeing to have the policy automatically renewed after a year. This could include a cancellation fee if you cancel after the renewal.

The law says that you must normally have at least third party motor insurance if you drive or own a vehicle. You must also have insurance if you leave it parked on the street, on your driveway or in your garage.

The police can check on the spot if your vehicle is insured using the

Motor Insurance Database. If it isn’t they can seize it immediately, even if you then arrange insurance at the roadside. You’ll have to produce a certificate of insurance and pay charges to get your vehicle back. If you don’t, the police can dispose of your car 14 days later. If they sell it, you can claim money back from the sale.

More information, including:-

• Making a claim if you’re in an accident

• Being involved in a road accident abroad

• When the accident wasn’t your fault

• Making a claim if your car or its contents are stolen

• When you don’t need car insurance can be found onhttps://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ consumer/insurance/types-ofinsurance/vehicle-insurance/ or you can call our Local Enquiry line and speak to one of our Advisers. OurLocal Enquiry Line is 01509 649 605 and is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9.30am-3.00pm. More details about us can be found on our website https://www. charnwoodcab.org.uk/

Syston’s Only Dedicated Newspaper

THE QUEEN VICTORIA

Offering a Fabulous Range of Real Ales, Fine Wines, Premium Lagers, Gins and Spirits along with Fantastic Home Cooked Food.

We supported communities and flood wardens on the day of the flooding by liaising with Charnwood to get sandbags to those who couldn’t access them or whose supplies had been exhausted. Many areas were cut off meaning this help could not get to them. To try and prevent this from happening again, we have secured funding for flood equipment and storage that can be held and accessed by each village flood warden.

We have also been supporting residents to repair their homes, access help, find alternative accommodation and pushed for a speedy clean up. Special waste collections became available within the first few days. Charnwood Borough Council are calling on Government to extend the Grants Scheme which gave financial support to residents directly affected by flooding in 2023/24.

We are also writing to planners/ developers for all the new housing applications, to challenge the current drainage plans. It is our opinion that they are based on old data which is no longer accurate when we are having ‘once in a lifetime’ events, almost yearly. Any drainage plans must be built to cope with this new normal and extreme weather. We have also been asking that more can be done to ensure existing drainage ponds are working as they should and are properly maintained. We routinely report blocked drains, gulleys and watercourses to the councils and agencies responsible for their maintenance.

Volunteers, flood wardens and local support groups have been doing a fantastic job and we’d like to extend our sincerest thanks to them.

However the agencies with flooding responsibilities now need to tell us how they will keep people and homes safe. We will continue to speak up for you, and press for major action. Green Councillors

M. P. ALLAN FENCING

All types of fencing work undertaken.

For a quote please contact M: 07971 669 483

Riparian Ownership Responsibilities

As a riparian owner, you are responsible for:

Maintaining your section of watercourse. You must maintain the bed and banks of your section of a watercourse, including trees and shrubs growing on the banks, and clearing anything which could cause an obstruction large enough to increase flood risk. Do not put grass cuttings or garden waste into the channel or on the banks. You must obtain relevant permission for any planned work on or near your watercourse.

• Ordinary Watercourses – Consult with your Lead Local Flood Authority or Internal Drainage Board

• Main River – Consult with the Environment Agency Letting water flow naturally and not obstructing the flow of a watercourse to the detriment of your neighbours. You may be liable for damages if your actions or lack of maintenance results in flooding someone else’s land or property. Not affecting the quantity or quality of the flow in a watercourse. You cannot discharge water into a watercourse without prior agreement and permission from the relevant risk management authority.

Keeping structures clear from obstructions and debris. You must keep structures that you own or are responsible for, such as culverts, trash screens, weirs and mill gates, clear from obstructions and debris. Obtaining a licence to carry out any work that could temporarily or permanently change the level or flow of water and so be classed as an impoundment.

Complying with all byelaws relating to the watercourses in your area. Not allowing the watercourse to become polluted. Refrain from throwing wastewater, chemicals or anything which could cause pollution into or on the banks of a watercourse.

Protecting wildlife, not causing obstructions to migratory fish and preventing invasive species such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam or giant hogweed from spreading into the wild or onto neighbouring land.

Reporting incidents such as flooding, blockages which could cause flooding, pollution, unusual changes in flow, collapsed or badly damaged banks or any activity on or near a watercourse that does not have permission.

You can report incidents to the Environment Agency 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60. Reports can be made anonymously. The Environment Agency will attend incidents with a high risk of flood or environmental risk.

Keep Syston litter Free Buy It - Use It - Bin It

Be Part of the Solution NOT the Problem!

BADAS

In November the Birstall and District Art Society held another successful exhibition, with 36 members participating. The standards were very high, and it was great to see one of the newer members winning a prize in the category for portraits, figures and animals – John Widger for ‘Gyroflacon’. Shown left. The overall winner, taking home the Norman Simms Cup, was David Walmsley for ‘Made in Yorkshire’, shown below, in the landscape and gardens category.

David also took home the prize for still life, abstract, experimental flowers for his work ‘Coastal Confusion’.

The townscape, waterscape and coastal category was won by Jane Miller with ‘Severn Bridge, Worcester’.

The junior category was won by Krystin Spearey for ‘A Bouquet for Gran’. Each year, visitors vote for their best in show and this year this was ‘Red Sails Evening’ by Charlotte Stephenson. The Society would like to thank all that took part, helped with and attended the exhibition, in particular the judges Maxine Dodd, Amanda Jackson, Teresa Budworth and Ian Cox, who helped out at very short notice.

Looking forward to the first demonstration of the year, the Society welcomes back Stephen Coates with ‘Vision and Composition’

This will be held on Tuesday 11th February.

On 11th March, the demonstration will be a portrait in pastel by Caroline McFarlane, a first-time demonstrator for BADAS.

On 8th April Amanda Jackson will carry out an appraisal of members’ paintings. Non-members are welcome to attend demonstration evenings at a cost of £4 per head.

All are held at the Palmer Tompkinson Centre at Cedars Academy from 6.45pm to 9pm.

For up-to-date information and other details about the society, please visit the website: badas.uk

Syston Methodist Church News

The Methodist Church in Syston has recently opened a Warm Space. If you are feeling the cold, feeling isolated or just want some company for a couple of hours, come to the Meeting Place at the Hub on the corner of High St and Upper Church Street for a hot drink and biscuits. We are open each Thursday 9.30am to11.30am until Easter.

The church has a busy calendar of events and the Christmas period was no exception with the usual services including a well-attended carol service, Christingle, Christmas Eve holy communion and Christmas morning service. It was heart-warming to see so many faces, old and new.

Two major fundraising events also took place in December: our annual Christmas Fayre with the usual array of stalls. The cake stall and tombola being ever popular. Despite less people attending than hoped for, we still managed to raise just under £1,000.

The second event was the Christmas Door Wreath Festival where we had 20 wreaths entered from local businesses and individuals. Some were inspired creations such as the lunch club wreath using a frying pan as its base and hung by the handle. It was decorated with vegetables, herbs and small kitchen utensils amongst the greenery. Or the Christmas jumpers; miniature handknitted jumpers fixed to a heart shaped wreath. Some were comical such as the one from the hairdressers, complete with inflated gloves to represent reindeer antlers, others had a serious Christian message. All were greatly admired and helped to decorate the inside of the church and raise over £400. A huge thank you to everyone that participated in or visited either event.

Sunday worship takes place each Sunday at 10.30am and there is a holy communion service the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 10.00am. Don’t forget our regular coffee morning each Saturday 10.00am to12.00noon at the Meeting Place. We look forward to welcoming visitors at any time.

New Barkby WI

New Barkby’s vicePresident Dawn Haynes chaired the institute’s January meeting and wished everyone ‘A happy New Year’, then Jerusalem was sung, followed by a brief account of business matters.

December’s meeting became an impromptu social as the designated speaker was unable to attend.

The following week a Carol service was held at The Divine Infant of Prague Catholic Church, Syston, when members of different institutes attended and took part in the service, which was followed by welcoming refreshments, served by New Barkby members.

The speaker at the January meeting was Clair Andrews, from Barrow-uponsoar, who gave a demonstration on making book Angels.

Members were given parts of books (covers removed), and, despite the cold weather outside, put their hands and fingers to the task of folding pages and pages into various triangular shapes to make an Angel. After an hour or more of the activity, and with a glued-on ping pong ball for a head, the results were amazing - so many Angels in one room (all created from paper).

The vote of thanks was given by Dawn Haynes. The competition for an ornamental Angel was won by Lou

Chapman and the Raffle was won by Jean Brutnall.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 5th February at 7.30pm in the Syston Community Centre, when the Speaker will be Colin Ellis who will speak about The Seattle and Carlisle Railway.

Visitors are always welcome to attend.

Local Charity Launches Discounted Wills Promotion

Less than half of UK adults have a will*, this means that their estate (their property, financial and other assets) will be left to someone they haven’t chosen when they die.

To encourage residents of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to take action now to make or update a will, local charity Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is launching its much-awaited annual will writing promotion.

The successful scheme, which runs from Monday 13th January - Friday 28th February 2025 is supported by many local solicitors who have generously agreed to reduce their Will Writing charges for older people (55+) to only £40 + VAT for an updated or a single uncomplicated will for the duration of the promotion.

It’s important that a will is in place as it gives not only you, but your family

peace of mind for the future and can prevent the risk of significant problems when dealing with your estate. It’s also advised that you regularly review your will to ensure it is up to date.

Mr and Mrs Stokes commented “We used the scheme when getting our wills written because apart from the big savings in monetary terms, it was so very easy and efficient, with just one visit to the solicitors”

Don’t miss Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland’s straightforward, simple and affordable way to write or update your will. And whilst we understand that loved ones will come first, please consider leaving Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland a gift in your will.

Gifts in wills are a vital source of income for the charity and if you’re able to leave just 1% of an estate it can make such a big difference and help to secure the longer-term future of a vital local independent charity which has been supporting older people for over 70 years.

To request a will writing promotion pack, please contact enquiries@ageukleics.org.uk or call 0116 299 2233.

*The National Wills Report published in April 2023 by The National Will Register

Syston’s Only Dedicated Newspaper

30 years of working in your area, I would be pleased to give you to free advice and a free quotation

Across

1. A Phone Salesperson. (12)

4. A popular fluffy fairground treat made of sugar. (10)

6. The first Zodiac Sign of February. (8)

8. Neck wear made of Flowers. Mostly seen in and around Hawaii.(3)

9. You see this on the doorstep of a house or just inside the front door. (3)

11. A violet variety of quartz. It is the Birthstone of February. (8)

12. A day in February to celebrate love. (10)

13. Multiple female leopards. (12)

Down

1. A passageway through or under something, usually underground. (6)

2. A black candy, flavoured with the dried root of the plant of the same name. (US Spelling) (8)

3. Partners receive bunches of these flowers on 12A.(5)

5. Display proudly; act ostentatiously or pretentiously. (6)

6. A blanket knitted or crocheted in strips or squares; sometimes used as a shawl. (6)

7. Cause to be immersed; "The professor plunged his students into the study of the Italian text". (8)

11. A heavy block of iron or steel on which hot metals are shaped by hammering. (5)

10. A puzzle video game, most popular on the Game Boy in 1989 with 35 million sales. (6)

The winner of the Dec.24/Jan.25 Crossword is: R. Collins of Syston

The answers for our Dec.24/Jan.25 Crossword were:

Across:

1. Tinsel; 4. Trees; 6. Announcement; 9. Parties; 11. Geller; 13. Cushion; 15. Patio; 16. Fame; 17. Auditorium.

Down:

2. Scottish; 3. Lunge; 5. Sit; 6. Appreciate; 7. Meatloaf; 8. Niece; 10. Signpost; 12. Redeem; 14. Sepia.

Check

website

events,

for

Compiled by Deanna Johnson and sponsored by QT Theatre Group

St Peter and St Paul’s Church News

Christmas Tree Festival

It is seven years since we held a Christmas Tree Festival so we decided to run one again. We were so grateful to the many businesses, organisations, clubs, and individuals and particularly to St. Peter & St Paul’s Academy, where every class entered a tree!

We are particularly grateful to Les Harris & Son who lent us the boards on which to display the trees and Tesco, who not only entered a tree, pictured left, but made a most generous contribution to the Bottle Stall and to the café. The Friday evening with mulled wine was

a great success, Despite the warnings about Storm Darragh, Saturday saw a steady stream of visitors to enjoy the trees and also go to the Church Hall where there was a Café and stalls. It was a delight to hear the school choir

singing in the morning. Sunday afternoon was quieter but those who came enjoyed the spectacle.

The weekend rounded off with an Advent Carol Service.

Christmas Services

Christingle

This popular service saw the church full to capacity with a range of ages. Children had props helping them to participate in the telling of the Christmas story and songs were sung. The feeling was joyful and, when the candles were lit, magical.

Carol Service

The church was full with a congregation who heard the story of the Nativity with the familiar readings and Carols.

Midnight Mass

The first Communion service of

Christmas was well attended. Once again the Carols were sung with enthusiasm.

Christmas Day.

A brave few attended the 10.30am service of said Communion!

Joint Service

For the first weekend of the New Year, St Peter & St Paul’s Church combined with the St Hilda’s Church in East Goscote. Despite, once more, being challenged by the weather, a goodly number met together for a Communion Service followed by refreshments.

Churches Together

This year’s World Day of Prayer will be held at the Methodist Church, on High Street, Syston, with a service at 10.30am on Friday 7th March.

Poppy Appeal 2024 Update

The Local Royal British Legion (RBL) Branch has asked the Stn to let readers know how much has been raised locally for the appeal in 2024.

Total raised for Poppy Appeal from Syston residents was £9,423. This is made up the following activities: Street Collection £2,906, house to house collections £121, donations from Shops etc, £4,715, Wreaths £185, and school packs £1,496.

The Royal British Legion wish to thank everyone who helped to raise this amazing amount.

Opening Hours: Tuesday 4.00pm to 10.00pm Wednesday to Friday 12noon to 2.00pm and 4.00pm to 10.00pm Saturday 12noon to 10.00pm Sunday 12noon to 7.00pm A beautiful public house located in the beautiful Leicestershire Village of Keyham

Food Served: Wednesday to Saturday 12noon to 2.00pm

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 6.00pm to 8.30pm

Sunday 12noon to 3.00pm

Friday and Saturday - Steak & Wine Night from £40 per couple

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.

Book Now for Valentine's Day

For bookings and further information please contact Hannah on 0116 259 5571

Fundraising for Autism East Midlands

Katie and Ross are very excited and honoured to be participating in this iconic event. One of us is turning 60 next year, and the other is turning 30, and to do something for an amazing charity to celebrate seems very fitting!

We are so grateful for any sponsorship or support received, and will be training through the winter months with you all spurring us on. Katie and Ross would like to thank all those businesses that have already sponsored them.

Autism East Midlands is a charity that has an everyday impact for our family, as well as thousands of other individuals and families every single day.

The charity has a flagship specialist school in the heart of Nottingham where you will find our inspiration and begrudging training partner Alex! Also, we have been fortunate enough to

have had tours of the dedicated residential services and an innovative training facility to help autistic individuals live independently.

In short, Autism East Midlands provides invaluable support and expertise to ensure autistic individuals can feel heard, valued, in control, independent, respected, and included. We believe this is of critical importance and so whilst 26.2 miles may seem an awfully long way to run, we run with hope and optimism of a more just future for autistic individuals. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

If you can donate please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ katieandrossmarathon

Thank you so much again.

Katie and Ross

WHY ADVERTISE IN YOUR LOCAL PAPER?

Youarereadingthisadvertandyour potentialcustomerscouldbereadingittoo. By advertising in the Syston Town News you are getting your name in front of local people and supporting your community newspaper. For More Details Contact: Syston Town News T: 0116 269 3221 E: fiona@systontownnews.co.uk

New Beginnings for 2025

Like spring, there will be new shoots and beginnings at Church View Nursery Barkby in 2025.

You may already know the girls with the cafe have moved on and we wish them every success.

So we would like to introduce Bunz N Roses Ltd. Run by Sophie, you may remember Sophie serving you this summer always bright, happy and willing to help to make your visit that bit nicer.

There will be changes, firstly Sophie will be open every day that the nursery is open from Tuesday to Sunday. So no more disappointments if you have travelled a long way to visit us or are just calling in, there will be food and drinks for you.

Sophie will also be using locally sourced produce. Meats from Gamble and Hollis Limited, bread from Adkins Bakery and cakes from a lady in Syston who bakes gorgeous confectionery.

We have to get everything set up and certified, that means we are hoping to open on Saturday 1st February but we may have to delay.

There will be an update on Church View’s Facebook page.

Bob at Church View