Syston Town News February 2023

SKB’sToppersFeatureAcrosstheUK

Systonis very proudof it’s Knitting Banxy andrightly so.

2022saw anew topper almost everymonthandwithsomespecial bollardtopperstoo.Wedowonderif SKBeversleeps!

Therearealwayslotsofcomments aboutSKBbeinggivenrecognition forherworkandtowardstheendof 2022thishappenedfromtwo differentdirections.

Firstly,SKBdidatopperinOctober showingthecharactersfromGhosts theBBCprogramme.Asregular listenerstoRadioLeicesterwillknow, youreditorhasthegreatpleasureof beingthevoiceofSKBandspeaking onthebreakfastprogramme,Iwas abletoofferonbehalfofSKBthe toppertothecast.Thiswas welcomedbyLaurenceRickardwho co-writestheseriesandplaysRobin andheadlessHumphrey.However,it wasn’tagreedonthatdayhowthe topperwouldbegiventothecast.

Someweekslater,youreditor receivedacallfromSophiaatRadio

Leicestertosayshehadorganised VIPticketsformyself,SKBand herselftogotothescreeningofthe ChristmasepisodeofGhostsatthe BritishFilmIndustryonthe SouthbankinLondon.

Weweren’tquitesurewhattoexpect sowithamixtureofexcitementand nervousnesswemadeourwaydown toLondononaverycold,snowyand frostyday.Butweallhadafabulous time.

Youreditorhadthegreatpleasureof presentingthetoppertothecastin thetheatreafterthescreeningand beforeaQ&Asessionwiththefans intheaudience.AdyDaymanhostof theBreakfastshowplayedthe interviewsSophiawasabletoget withsomeofthecastafterthe screening.

Weallmeteachmemberofthecast andspokewiththemandtheywere allamazedbySKBsskillofcapturing thefeaturesofthecharacterinwool. SKBandItalkedabouthowfarshe hadcomefromthatveryfirsttopper in2019formothersday.

Itallbeganwithhercreatingangels andtreehugginghangingsbackin 2017,thencametheveryfirsttopper in2019.Sincethenherworkhas appearedinabook,Lockdown Toppers.Theyhavebeenseenin Nationalnewspapers,BBCNews

programmes,ITVCentralnews, Lorraine,andherbiggestfanshave alwaysbeenRadioLeicesterwhom bothSKBandIthankverymuchfor arrangingwhathastobethehighlight of2022.

YoumayalsohaveseenthatSKBs workappearedonCoronationStreet intheirChristmasSpecial.

Aswellasthesenational appearancesandrecognitionforour verytalentedmysteryknitter,her designsoftheTommyTopperhave appearedinover150placesinthe UKin2022alongwithacoupleoffull sizesoldiersandthe2022topper showingapairofbootsandahelmet. SKBisdefinitelyaninfluencerwhere postboxtoppersareconcernedand asalwayssheonlydoesthemto bringasmiletothepeopleofSyston. Whichshecertainlydoes!

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Areyoufedup

Dealingwithsolicitorswhochargeridiculously expensivefees,notkeepingyouupdated withyourmatters,beingfobbedoffwithjunior membersofstaff,lackofefficiencyandin generalanunacceptablelevelofclientcare?

exclusivelyoperatedbyKeeleyBentley,aSolicitorwithover11years experience.Keeleyhasstrovetosetherpracticeupinawaythatis extremelycosteffectiveforherclientsandavoidsallcommon complaintsclientsgenerallyhaveaboutsolicitors.Youwillonlyever dealwithKeeleyandsheiscontactable24/7,shouldyoudecide toinstructher.

Foranoobligation10minuteconsultation orquote,pleasecontactBentleyLaw&CoSolicitors

MatchDayMascot Experience

AlfieAngraveBoot,aged10ofBroad Street,Systonrecentlyhadan amazingexperiencewhenhewas chosenbyLeicesterCityFootballClub tobeamatchdaymascotfortheir homegameagainstNewcastleUnited onBoxingDay.

Ithasbeenatoughtimeforhim recentlygivenhisyoungage,ashe lostbothhisGrandmaandGrandad earlierthisyear,andpriortothishis GreatGrandma(whowas104when shesadlypassedaway),aswellashis specialUncle.

AsafamilyweknewChristmasthis

ContinuedfromFrontpage

AswellastoppersSKBand ourselvesraisedmoneyfortwolocal charitiesin2021withatopper calendarfor2022andhaveproduced anotheronefor2023.Wedohave someleftforthisyear,soifyouwould liketohavetheGhoststopperalong withsomeotherwonderfulcreations onyourwallduring2023,please contactourselvesat Stn andwecan arrangeforyoutobuyacopy.

Toadvertiseinthe SYSTONTOWNNEWS

Telephone01162693221

yearwouldinevitablybedifferent withouttheoneswelove,sowhen Alfiegotthenewsinvitinghimtobea mascotitwasperfecttiming,and althoughhewasalittlenervoushe wasveryexcited!

Heisapassionatefootballerhimself, playingforRiversideBuzzardsin SystonandtrainingwithChristian Fuchs’FoxAcademy,alongsidebeing ahugeLCFCfan!

HehadafantasticdayattheKing PowerStadium(escortedbyhisDad Antonywhowasjustasexcited) meetingFilbertFox,BrendanRogers andalltheplayersincludinghis favouriteJamesMaddisonasthe photographrightshows.

BelvoirDriveChristmasSparkle

Alfiehas showngreat resilience and courageto copeduring sucha difficulttime andasa familywe areallvery proudof him.

ByJill

Bagworth (Grandma knownas Bobar)

On26thNovember,BelvoirDrivehadtheir annuallightswitchonevent‘Christmas Sparkle’.Theyhaverunthiseventsince lockdowntobringjoy tolocalresidents whenChristmas lookedlikeitwouldbe cancelled. Theyhavebeen raisingmoneyfor charitysince2021. Thisyearthestreetpulledtogetherwithturkeyandstuffing cobs,abakesale,araffle,letterstoSantaandevenSanta himselfcametomeetthechildren. ThislittlecornerofSystonraised£1463forTheJericho SocietyandTheBrainTumourCharity.

BasedinRatcliffe-on-the-Wreake

Gi�VouchersAvailable

GiveaDifferentChristmasPresent Phone:07769603962

SYSTONPOSTOFFICE

14HighStreet,Syston Telephone:01162603765

WEAREOPENALLDAY

•CarTax

• BureaudeChange

TravelInsurance

• Passportcheckingservice

AllFinancialandSavingProducts

AlongwithallyourPostalneeds.

Monday-Friday8.30amto5.30pm Saturday9.00amto5.30pm

ShopOpen ForLottery•Cards

•StationeryandConfectionery

FREECollection andDelivery inthelocalarea.

Unit4QueniboroughInd.Est.,1489MeltonRoad,Queniborough,Leicester.LE73FP email:quenicountygarage@gmail.com

BosomFriends Leicestershire Celebrates35th Anniversary

ALeicestershiregroup,whichhelps ladiesaffectedbybreastcancer,is celebratingits35thanniversaryin2023. BosomFriendsisagroupofladieswho havehad,orarehaving,treatmentfor breastcancer.Thegroupwasformedin 1987bybreastcancerpatientsat GlenfieldHospitalwhowantedtogive ladiesthechancetotalktoeachother andtosharetheirfeelingsabouthowto copewiththeeffectsofbreastcancer. NursesatGlenfieldHospitalhelpedto setupthegroupandcontinuetosupport itbydisplayingflyersandproviding informationfornewmembers.

Thegrouphasbeenmeetingeversince andcontinuestoprovideafriendly environmentwheretheladiescanhave somefun,relaxandmakefriendswithin thesafetyoftheircommonbondtoone another.

Someofthemeetingsare‘Coffeeand Chat’whichprovidethechanceforthe groupmemberstotalkandgettoknow oneanother.Atothers,theymayhavea guestspeakerordemonstration.The groupsometimesarrangessocial activitiessuchasskittlesevenings,boat tripsandmealsout.

Manywomenandtheirfamilieshave beenhelpedoverthelast35years.

•Inthepast15yearsalone159different ladieshavecometomeetings.

•Oneladyhasbeen attendingthegroup regularlyfor31years, twoothersfor30 years.Theystillenjoy thefriendshipand supportwhichBosom Friendsprovides.

•Anotherladywho joinedthegroupthis yearsaid“Ijust wantedtosaythank youforyourmeeting lastweek.Ihadlots ofquestionswhenI came.Ifound chattingtothose aroundmevery helpful.Alotofmy fearswerecalmed.

It’sgreatwhatyoudo!”

Overtheyearsthegrouphave fundraisedtoenableittocontributeto charitiessuchasLOROSandtoprovide muchneededhospitalequipment.More recently,duringtheCovidpandemicthe groupdonatedmoneytopurchase comfortpacksforhospitalstaffandhave contributedtotheSecretGardenat GlenfieldHospital,wherepatientsand staffcanrelax.Hospitalgownsforthe BreastCareUnitatthehospitalhave alsobeenprovidedbyBosomFriends. Thegroupcelebratedtheir35thbirthday thisyearwithapubskittlesevening.The finaletotheir2022programmewasa FestiveEvening,attendedbyJanetTill, oneofthefoundingmembersofthe group.TheBosomFriendslookforward tosharingmanyfutureyearstogether. ThegroupmeetsonthelastThursdayof eachmonth(excludingDecember)from 7.30pmatSueYoungCancerSupport, HelenWebbHouse,35WestleighRoad, Leicester.LE30HH.Furtherdetails aboutthegroupcanbefoundontheir website:www. bosomfriendsleicestershire.com

Thephotoshowslongstanding membersofBosomFriends,andJanet TillafoundingmemberoftheGroup, cuttingacelebrationcakeatthegroup’s FestiveEveningon24thNovember 2022.

L-R:CynthiaSoden,WendyChapman, JanetTill,PaulineHughes

Syston’sOnlyDedicatedNewspaper

Edward ArgarMPfor Charnwood

Ihopethatreadersof theSystonTown Newshadahappy andpeaceful Christmas,andmyverybestwishes for2023.Aslifehasgotbackintoits normalrhythm,aftertheChristmas/ NewYearpause,sotoohasworkon somelocalissuesthatimpactdirectly onSyston.

AfewupdatesfromDecember-It wasabusymonthformeoutand aboutinSystonbeforeChristmas, whenIhadthepleasureofofficially openingtheStPeterandStPaul's ChurchChristmasCafe,andformally presentingachequefromthe NationalLotteryCommunityFundfor £10,000whichthevolunteerteam attheChurchandChurchHallhad securedforanewboilerandfor ceilinginsulationintheChurchHall. Thehallplaysahugelyimportantrole inSystontownlife,hostingmultiple communitygroups,socialevents, andotherfunctionsthathelpbring thecommunitytogethersoitwas greattobeabletocongratulatein persontheteam,particularlyJanet Kidner,who'dsecuredthefundingfor theseimprovementswhichmakea hugedifferencetothehall.

Iwasalsoabletopayavisitto WreakeValleyAcademybefore Christmastomeetwithstudents,get anupdateontheacademy'sprogress andplansforthefuturefromthe HeadteacherTimMarston,andto discussfundingforlocalschools. Onotherlocalmatters,Ihavealso takenupwithCrossCountryTrains mycampaigntotrytosecureSyston asanadditionalstopontheLeicester toMeltontrainservice.Atthe momenttheservicegoesdirectfrom LeicestertoMelton,andbeyond,but despitepassingthroughSyston station,itcurrentlydoesn'tstopthere. IhaveaskedCrossCountrytosetout anylegal,technicalorotherbarriers tothetrainsbeingabletomakethe additionalstopinSyston,toseeif thereisawaytheycanbeovercome andanadditionalstopadded.Sucha stopinSystonwouldhelpimprove thetown'slinkswithMeltonand beyond,andbeasignificant improvementtolocalpublictransport routes.IwillkeepSTNreaders updatedonanydevelopments. Asever,shouldyoufeelImaybe abletobeofanyassistancetoyou asSyston'slocalMP,pleasedofeel freetowritetomeat:RtHonEdward ArgarMP,HouseofCommons, LondonSW1A0AA,orbyemail to:edward.argar.mp@parliament.uk

Syston PoliceNews

BeatSurgery

Saturday25thFebruary2023 1.00to2.00pm.

TownSquare,Syston

Therewereanumberofburglaries aroundSystoninDecemberplease followthesetipstokeepyourhome secure:

Takingsimplemeasures,suchas lockingyourwindows,leavingindoor lightsonatimer,doubleor deadlockingyourdoors,andhaving exteriorlightsonsensors,can significantlyreduceyourchancesof beingburgled.Remembertouse sensoralarmsondownstairs windowsandpatiodoors.Donot leaveanythingwithinthegardenthat canbeusedtosmashglasstoa windowordoor.Ensureyouhave lockedyourgarageandshed includinganywindowstothese. Keepyourdoorkeysoutofsightbut easytoreachinanemergency. Installagoodqualityalarmand ensureyousetit.Makealistof valuableorsentimentalitemstaking photographsofthem.

BirstallandDistrict ArtSociety(BADAS)

On 14thFebruary wewelcome GrahamShortforourfirst‘demo evening’oftheyear.Grahamwill provideanillustratedtalkonthe subjectof‘MyLifeasaMicroArtist’. Youcanfindmoreinformationabout Grahamonhiswebsite:www. graham-short.com

OurMarchdemoeveningheldon 9th March willbeanappraisalof members’paintings.ArtistAmanda Jacksonwillconducta(kind)critique ofwork,providingafascinating insightaboutwhatworkswelland whatcouldbedonetoimprovea painting,fromthepointofviewof composition,techniqueandother factors.

On 11thApril,SallyannBrackett makesawelcomereturntous.Her subjectwillbeBritishwildlife,usinga ‘tissage’technique.

LocalartistLesleyBrookswill demonstratealandscapeinacrylic, theNorfolkBroadson 9thMay Ourdemoeveningsareheldatthe TaraPalmerTomkinsonCentreatthe CedarsAcademyBirstall.Theyare heldonthesecondTuesdayofthe month,startingpromptlyat7pm.The chargefornon-membersis£4. Thisyear,wearetriallinganew Wednesdayeveningmeetingfrom 6.30pmuntil8.30pmatWanlipHall. Thisisnotateachingclass,buta chancetogettogethertopaintor drawinyourownstyleandmedium atyourownpace.Sessionsareopen tomembersandthosewhoare consideringmembership,particularly thosethatareunabletocomealong toourdaytimesessions.Although mainlyintendedforadults,under-18s mayattendiftheyareaccompanied byaresponsibleadult.Thereisa chargeof£3persession,which includesrefreshments.Nobookingis required.

Syston’sOnlyDedicatedNewspaper

ItiswithdeepsadnessthatIhaveto putpentopapertoinformthe peopleofSystonthatwelostour localhero,onthe29thDecember 2022.

AbleSeamanMrDennisNorth,R.N. OrdreDeLaLegiond'Honneur whichwasreceivedin2019bythe FrenchEmbassyforhisinvolvement intheD-Daylandingsofthesecond WorldWar.

At18hewastooyoungtobe involvedinearlieraction,hewasthe HelmsmanonHMSVivaciousa minesweeper.Hisshipmade numerouscrossingofthechannel takingmenandmaterialstothe Frenchcoast,finallyescortingthe MulberryHarbour.

Hisshipwasthendispatchedtohelp inthereliefofAntwerp,thenmoved totheNorthSeachasingU-Boats. DennishaslefttwosonsDougieand Alanwhowerepresentathis investitureofhisLegiond'Honneur andGrandchildrentoomanyto mention.

Denniswasadevotedmemberof TheRoyalBritishLegioninSyston holdingmanyappointmentsoverthe years,andwasanactivememberin tryingtosavetheclub.

GodBlessYouSir.R.I.P.

ThanksMate,MonthlyBreakfast won'tbethesame. JohnCollis

SystonChristmas Fayre

OnFriday2ndDecember2022,the peopleofSystongatheredinthetown foraspotoflate-nightshoppinganda Christmasfair.Aftereverythingwe haveencounteredthepastfewyears, thisreallywasagreatturnoutwith everyonelaughingandsmilingand childrenhavingfunontherides.The smilesonthefacesofthechildrenas

smallcafewasincredibleandIwasso happytoseesomanypeopleof Syston,supportingasmallbusiness. Onvisitingthecommunitycentrethere wasthreeroomsfullofdifferentstalls andbusinessesaswellasrafflesand

Endingthefun filledandbusy eveningwas ashort firework displayon theCentral Park.On arrival,halfofthe

thelightslitupthetownat5pmwasa heart-warmingthingtosee.

Thelocalshopsandsmallbusinesses wereopenlateforeveryone.This includedvariousplaceslikePaper Moon,DelishandCharityShops.I wentforavisittoDelishandtheyhad accommodatedacoupleofstalls insidethisgorgeouslittlecafe.These stallsincludedbeautyproducts,health productsandvariousassortmentsof gifts.Thequeuefordrinksfromthis

tombola’swhicheveryonewasvery happytohaveagoon.Thisranged fromHandcraftedfoodandbeauty productstoArtandHandmade jewellery.Thesestallswerefilledwith gorgeousitemsandtherewasevena talentedyounggentlemanwhohad createdportraitsofartistslikeFreddie MercuryandDavidBowieontheir respectiveVinylRecordsusingan intricatesaw.Theamountofcareand detailthathadgoneintothiswas incredible.Therewerealso appearancesfromSyston’sU3A HappyUkuleleBandwhoperformed inthefoyeroftheCommunityCentre andLorosHospiceattheirstallinthe CommunityCentretoo.

CentralParkwascordonedoffand everyoneslowlygatheredontheother halfofthefieldtowatchthedisplay.It wasthespectacleofthenightwith faceshappyandbrightwhenthe fireworkswerelet offtothesong, ‘The Greatest Show’ from popular movie starring Hugh Jackman andZac Effron,‘The Greatest Showman’.Thedisplaywasshortand sweetbutseemedtoamazeeveryone attheendofthenightincluding myself.Thiswasanighttoremember foralotofpeopleandthecommunity certainlyneededitwithChristmasfast approaching.

DeannafromD.L.Photography

-weare CLEANINGSPECIALISTS traditionalPersianor Chinese, GabbehorKilim,weevenloveWiltonsandShaggyones!

SystonBand

PicturebyN.Dawson

GlobalPantry

Moreandmorepeople aretalkingaboutthe ChattyCafe scheme. Thisisagrowing nationalinitiativetochangeloneliness andisolationintocompanyandsharing socialtimewhenyougotoa participatingcafélocally.(Lookforthe teacuplogo).

ChattyCafésappealtoeveryoneofany ageorcircumstanceasit'sfreeandfor anyonewhodoesn'tseeenough peopleintheirday/week,whetheryou don'tspeaktopeoplefromonedayto

thenext,maybeworkfromhomeand needabreak,orneedarestfrom technologytoconnectwithhumans,or perhapsjustmissafriendlierworld. Bycombiningcosycaféswithahosting volunteer,atcertainregulartimes,this isawin-wininitiativeforpeoplewho simplyfancyachatandnatterwhen theygoouttoacafé-toknowthat someonewillbetheretogreetyouwith asmileandchat,itcanliftyourday.It's greatforsupportingyourlocal businessestoo.

InFebruary,theGlobalPantry's'Chatty CaféWednesday'basedatChurchview PlantNursery,Barkby,willresumeafter thewinterbreak.Sowhynotpopalong tothewarm,friendlycaféwhilstalso choosingyournewplantsorlooking aroundthevintageemporium.

AChattyCaféisagoodoptionfor mentalwellbeinginthesechallenging timesandsaveskeepingwarmat home.

ChattyCafésessionsherewillnow alsooffer:

GamesandQuizzesevery2nd

Wednesday

KnittingandCrochetevery4th

Wednesday

Aswellasalltheusualchatterevery week.Hosted10-12nooneach Wednesday.

Youarewelcometocomealongand sayhello.

Lookoutforthepostershownleft.

DearEditor,

TotheSystonRobinrobber

Mywifepassedawayin2019and eachChristmassincethenIhaveput awreathonhergraveinBarkby Roadcemetery.Shewasaloverof robinsandstartingwithoneRobin,I haveincreasedthenumbereach yearbutin2020someonestoleone ofthetworobins,lastyearthreewere onthewreathandtheysurvived,the samethreewentbackonagainthis yearbutagainsomeonehasbeena ‘RobinRobber’therearenowtwoon thewreath.

Itmaynotmeanalottothepersonor personsdoingthisbutIwouldliketo knowwhyyoutaketherobinsfrom mywife’swreath!

Inthemeantimeleavetherobinswell alone.

Ihavereportedthesetheftstothe council. Allbestfor2023.

J.A.Biggerstaff

Brickwork,Repoin�ng,Stonework, GardenWalls,Pa�os. ToFullExtensions,HouseRenova�on.

Contact: Mark07805928453

Email: markpjackson@hotmail.co.uk

Firstly,HappyNewYeartoyouall! You’llprobablybereadingthisin Februarybutit’sthefirstopportunity I’vehad,notonlytowishyou‘HNY’ butalsotosayahuge‘thankyou’to allthepeoplewhocamealongto supportourproductionofAlan Ayckbourn’s‘AbsentFriends’.

itbutalsohadasmall,almostnonspeakingpartinit,thelasttimeIwas onthestage,butalsoJanetShaw cametoseeit!Thatwasabitscary cosyouneverknowiftheplaywright isgoingtoappreciate,oureven enjoy,yourinterpretationoftheirplay LuckilyJanetlovedwhatwedidand itwashersuggestionthat‘Pretzels forDinner’wouldbeaperfectvehicle forourgroup.Soauditionswillbe takingplaceattheendofthismonth. Iampleasedtosaythatthethree newactorswhojoinedusforthelast playareallverykeento‘doitagain’ butIalsoneedacoupleofyounger actors,twofemalesoronemale,one female,inthe18to23agegroup. Doyoufancyhavingago?Pleaselet meknow,ideallybyemailorbytext messageto07702879006.

Imustacknowledge,atthispoint,the incredibleworkcarriedoutbyour MarcommsCommitteeMember,Kat Seddon,whokeptourprofilerightup thereonFaceBook!She,alongwith massivesupportfromJulesRichards, TomWestwood,JoGallagheranda littlebitfromme,ensuredthatthe messagegotthoughtomanypeople, henceourincreasedaudiences!

Oncerehearsalsstart,there’llbelots ofpostsand‘teasers’abouttheplay soIhopethatevenmoreofyouwill wanttocomealongtoTheOld Chapelforaneveningoffunand laughter.

Fourofthefiveperformanceswere almostsoldoutanditwaswonderful, notonlytoseelotsofnewfacesin thetheatrebutalsotohearsomany ofthemsaywhatawonderful eveningtheyhadhadandhowthey willcomebackforournext production!

TowardstheendofMaythisyear,we willbeperforming‘Pretzelsfor Dinner’byJanetShaw.Someofyou mightremember,backinNovember 2017,thatweperformedher wonderfulplay‘OneDayI’llFly Away’.TherearetworeasonswhyI rememberitsowell;firstly,Idirected

Ifanyonewouldlikefurther informationabouttheplayorthe group,pleasefeelfreetocontactme on07702879006,orcheckout www.qttheatregp.co.uk,oremail qtsyston@gmail.com.

JudeLatham–Director

Thepictureabove,courtesyofQT,shows thewholecastmakingthemselvescomfy onthesofa;backrow,l-r,TomWestwood (Paul),JulesRichards(John),Leigh White(Colin)Frontrow,l-r,KatSeddon (Diana),JoWestwood(Evelyn),Jo Gallagher(Marge)

GrowGiveLive GardenCafé

PharmacieArmsonWednesday23rd November.GrowGiveLivearea communitygroup,whoareworkingto createacommunitygardenin Syston,tobringpeopletogetherto enjoythewellbeingbenefitsof gardening.

TheGardenCaféisanopportunityto gettogethertodiscusstheproposals, tohelpgenerateideasforcommunity activitiesandevents,aswellasenjoy anatteroveradrinkandsome nibbles!

Ifyouwouldliketocomealongtothe nextCafé,therewillbeaverywarm welcome-pleasecheckour FaceBookpage'GrowGiveLive'for

NEWBARKBYWI

NewBarkbyW.I’sDecember meetingwasapartyfor Christmas,withaquiz, refreshments,foodandasing-a-longof seasonalsongs.

PresidentShirleyFranklinpresided overthateveningandalsotheJanuary meeting.‘Jerusalum’wassung, followedbybusinessmatters.Afterthat membersbracedthemselvesfromtheir seats,tolistentoatalk,withpower pointpresentation,byAdrianWalker who,withothervolunteersfromthe LorosCharity,undertooka192mile coasttocoastwalkfromSt.BeesHead toRobinHoodsBayinYorkshire,

treadinginthefootstepsofthelate AlfredWainwright.Thetrekpasses fromCumbriatoYorkshireandpassed throughmanytownsandvillagesduring the14dayjourney.Somedaysthere wasonlyaninemiledistancecovered, becauseoftheterrain,buthaving stayedoveratyouthhostelsorBedand Breakfastaccommodation,theendgoal wasachieved.

Photographsofthegroupweretakenat thebeginningofeachday’sjourney withhappysmilingfaces-beforethe nextstageoftheirmissioninthe differingweatherconditions. Allthisfromthecomfortofawarm meetingroomforW.I.members. ThevoteofthankswasgivenbyDawn

Haynes.Thecompetitionforawalking relateditemwaswonbyAngela MontaguewhobroughtalongaWalking stickwithbadgesofdifferentpLaces visited.Shealsowontheraffleprize. Thiseveningtherewasnotimefor refreshments,duetotheover-runof time,anoldenemy.

Thenextmeetingwillbeon Wednesday1stFebruary andthe subjectfortheeveningwillbe‘Medical DetectionDogs’atSystonCommunity Centrewitha7.30pmstart.Visitorsare alwaystobewelcomed.

AHappyNewYear,2023,toallreaders of SystonTownNews

GrowGiveLiveheldtheirfirst GardenCafésocialmeetupatthe

Wellwehavethewholeyeartolook forwardto.Mostofthewinterveghas nowbeenharvestedandthesurplus hasfounditswayintothefreezer. EveryyearIsayI’mgoingtoplan whatI’mgoingtogrowandwhereI’m goingtoputit:itnormallyallfalls apartinanembarrassinglyshort time!

Weallhaveanexcessofplantsand usuallymyfriendsontheallotments willwalkdownmypathsaying‘do youwantsomeofthesemate?'I’m usuallytoogreedytosaynoandthen think'whereamIgoingtoplant those?'-sowithinnotimeatallthe planninghasgoneoutthewindow. Weatherpermitting,thebroadbeans willgointhismonth,theyareusually thefirstthingstogointhegroundon myallotmentandIwillstartlotsof otherseedsoffonmywindowsillin ourspareroomathome.

It’saroundthistimeI’lltrytosortout thecompost.IusetheblackDalek typeplasticbins-Ifindtheywork wellandIthinkthecolourattractsthe heatwhichobviouslyhelpsthe compostingprocessplusthecone typeshapealsomeanstheycanbe liftedoffwhichmakesemptyingthem mucheasier.Compostisalwaysa mostusefulandvaluableasseton

theallotment.

Sproutingbrocwillalsobecoming soon,I’llkeepaneyeonitandtry andkeepthepigeonsoff…..Iloveit andthey’renothavingitlol!Ican neverresistthetemptationtoeat somerawwhileharvestingit,even Sidneymygrandsontriedsomeraw lastyear……..I’velearntthatifit doesn’tgetspatoutthenthat’sa success.

Let’shaveagreatyeargrowing. RichardThorpe15b

BirstallFlowerClubChristmasEvening

Onaverycold eveninginlate Novemberlast year80 membersand guestsarrived towatcha Christmas Floral Demonstration byNAFAS

NationalDemonstratorTonyBrown. Welcomingwarmmulledwineand mincepieswereservedandfreshand artificialwreathsmadebythe Committeewereavailabletobuy.

AsusualTony'sdisplayswereas flambuoyantashimself.Theaudience laughedthroughouttheeveningashe toldnumerousstorieswithatwinklein hiseyewhilstarranginghisimposing creations.

Thewidevarietyofflowersandfoliage and interesting containers allenhanced with Christmassy decorations madefora wonderful nighttolead usuptothe festive

season. Sadly,Tonyis retiringafter manyyears andour Secretary Sylviagave avoteof thanksand readapoem tohimwhich shecomposedto celebratehismanyyearsasa demonstrator.Hewillbegreatly missed.

OurnextDemonstrationisWednesday 22ndFebruaryatBirstallVillageHallat 7.15pmVisitors£5.Hopetoseeyou there.

Syston’sOnlyDedicatedNewspaper

SystoninBloom&Station Adopters

TogetherwithBhavnaChauhanournew Chairperson,wehaveachievedfunding fornewplantersattherailwaystation. WestartedinJuly,byachieving£1000 fromtheCharnwoodMembersGrants throughSimonBradshawandKen Pacey.Alexa,CommunityAmbassador forEMRsuggestedweappliedfor matchfundingtoenableustoreplace ourplanterswithAmberolones,similar totheonesalongthebrookrailings. Theseareveryexpensivebutaftera longslogofformfillingandjumping throughhoops,fundingfromEast MidlandsRailway(EMR)and CommunityRailNetwork(CRM)has beenapprovedwhichwillgiveusatotal of£4000.

Thenewplantershavebeenordered andareduetoarrivesoon.Hopefully,in timeforustofillthemwithSpring bedding.

Wewouldliketothankcouncillors

SimonBradshawandKenPacey,as wellasEMRandCRNinhelpingus raisethesemuchneededfunds.

AndyHunt,oneofournewmembers, hasupdatedourFacebookpageand websitecallingusSystonInBloom/ StationAdopterssoyoucanfollowour progressonthere.Forthosenotusing socialmediawewillalsokeepyou updatedthroughthe SystonTown News.

M.Bent.

DoYouKnowwhere YourStopTapis?

AsFebruarycanbeaverycoldmonth, it’sessentialtoknowwhereyourstoptap isifyouneedtoturn thewateroffinan emergency. However,latest research*from WaterSafe,theUK registerforapproved contractorsworking withdrinkingwater,indicatesthatnearly halfthenationdoesn’tknowwheretheir stoptapistoturnthewateroffatthe mains.

Of2,000peoplequestioned,only54per centknewthelocationoftheirstoptap, sometimesalsoknownasastopcockor stopvalve.Themostcommonplacesare underthekitchensink,inakitchen cupboard,inadownstairsbathroomor toilet,garage,utilityroom,cellarorunder thestairs.

JulieSpinks,DirectorofWaterSafe,said: “WaterSafeisapartneroftheMet Office’s‘WeatherReady’campaign,which encourageseveryonetothinkaboutwhat theycandotopreparefor,andcopewith, severeweather.Mynumberone recommendationisfindyourstoptap, checkit’sworkingandlabelit.Thiswill helpyoutoquicklyshutoffthewater supplyinanemergency,suchasaleak

orburstpipe.Notethatitshouldbe turnedclockwisetoturnoff.

“Pipescanfreezeandburstinverycold temperatures,particularlyifwehavea suddenfreezeandthaw.It’salso commonforwatertofreezeinhosepipes attachedtooutdoortaps,leadingtoice backingupintopipesandcrackingthem. “I’dalsoadviseeveryonetohavethe numberofaWaterSafe-approved plumberhandyforemergencies.Our surveyshowedonlyjustoveraquarterof peopledothis,”Julieadded.

WaterSafe’ssurveyalsorevealedthat,of thepeoplewhodoactivelypreparefor thewintermonths,themostcommon actionsarecheckingtheirboilerhasbeen serviced(37%),checkingwheretheirstop tapis(33%)anddrainingor disconnectingthehoseattachedto outdoortaps(31%).

Juliesaid:“Wintercanleadtocostly issuesforsomepeople,soI’d recommendbeingaspreparedasyou canbe–mostpeoplearen’t!Nearly three-quartersofrespondentstoldusthey don’tfixdrippingtaps,turnoffthewaterif they’regoingawayorleavetheheating onlowtohelppreventbursts.There’slots ofwinteradviceonourwebsiteat watersafe.org.uk/winter.”

WaterSafeisthenationalregisterof qualified,approvedcontractors, supportedbyallUKwatercompaniesand thedrinkingwaterregulators.Itwasset uptopromotecompetentplumbersand watercontractorsandhelpkeeptheUK’s drinkingwatersafeinhomesand businesses.

*Basedon2,000peoplelivingintheUKinSeptember2022

StPeterandStPaul’sChurchNews

Christmas Café

Itwasa pleasureto welcomeourlocalMP,MrEdward Argar,toopenthisevent,ourfirstbig fundraiserfortwoyearsowingtothe pandemic.Hewasalsoableto presentthechequefor£10,000we wereawardedfromtheNational LotteryCommunityFundtoprovidea newboilerforthechurchhall.

achoiceofthreedelicious,homemadesoups,withsomebread,small cakesandmincepies,plushot drinks.

MidnightMass

Theservice,whichbeganat11.30pm waswellsupportedanditwasajoy tosingthelastverseofOComeAll YeFaithfulbeginningYea,Lord,we greettheebornthishappymorning. RevdBiddySaundersledtheservice andSueEssexpreachedthe sermon.

ChurchChimes

SosorrytoinformresidentsofSyston thatoncemorethereareissueswith theclockchimes!Wewaitfor CumbriaClockstohaveanemployee intheareatoseeifhecanrectify this.

TowerLouvres

Edwardwasformallywelcomedon behalfofthechurchbyparishioner FelicityAustinwhopresentedhim witha copyof the second bookof Systonin the20th Century, whichwas published last summer. Bothhall andchurchhadstallsandactivities. Asusualthecakestall,runbygifted bakersAnnandJoanneKemp,inthe churchwasagreatattraction,along withsomehandcraftedgifts.Another stallpromotedtheChristingleservice andtheHotChocolateStationproved immenselypopular.Awelcomespace wasmadeinthecarpetedareafor theyoungerchildrentoenjoyLego bricksandbesidethiswasaninflated Snowmanfortaking‘selfies’!Aswell asthistherewasanexquisite beadednativityscene,createdbyour AssociateMinisterSueEssex,on displayintheladyChapel.Therewas alsoaMemoryTreewherepeople couldattachacardnamingsomeone theywishedtoberemembered duringtheChristmasseason.

Overinthehalltherewasan opportunitytobuyticketsfortheraffle wherethegrandselectionofprizes washeadedbya£100firstprize. Therewasalargecraftstallandtin andbottletombola,aprizeeverytime stallandsomebeautifullycreated Christmasdecorations.Alsointhe hallweretherefreshments;therewas

Itwasawonderfuloccasionandwell supportedbythecommunity, especiallyGambleandHollis,Tesco StoresandBistroOggi.Wewere delightedtofindthatover£1,300was raisedforthenextprojectwhichis therepairingofthe‘louvres’onthe churchtower.TheupkeepofSyston’s ancientchurchbuildingcertainly keepsparishionersbusywith fundraising!Ahugethanksgoestoall visitorsandthosewhoworkedso hardtomakethiseventso successful.

ChristmasChristingle Whata wonderful startto Christmasto fillthe churchfor the Christingle service. Everychild receiveda Christingle orange.The candles werelitand the Christingle songsungin celebration.Thepictureaboveshows JanetBullockwithhergrandchildren. Sadly,Janetdiedsuddenlyand unexpectedlyonTuesday3rd Januaryonlyninedaysafterthis photographwastaken. Itwasveryencouragingtoseeso manyfamiliestogetherforthis specialservice.

ThecollectionforTheChildren’s Societyraisedjustover£275

CarolService

AnhouraftertheChristingleservice thechurchwasfilledagainfora traditionalCarolServicearranged andledbyourAssociateMinister, SueEssex.Membersofthe congregationreadthebibleextracts tellingtheChristmasstoryandthe speciallyformedchoirsangacouple ofCarols.

Keepaneyeoutattheendof JanuaryorbeginningofFebruary whenworkonthelouvreswillbegin. Theworkmendoingthisjobare reportedlygoingtoabseilfromthe topofthetowertoworkoneach window!Astheoriginallouvreswere madefromoakthereplacement louvresmustalsobemadeofoak,as workonalistedbuilding,asthe churchis,mustbeliketolike.This,of course,addstothehighcostofthis repair.

Docomeandjoinusat10amona SundayMorningorWednesday morningat9.30forashorterservice. Forotherinformationonyourchurch pleaselookatAChurchNearYouin anysearchengine,enteryour postcodeandseewhatweareupto!

CaninePartners

Canyouhelpa puppytobecome anamazing assistancedog, totransformthe lifeofsomeone withdisabilities. WeatCanine Partnersare lookingfor dedicatedvolunteerswiththetime andenergytocare,socialiseand givebasictrainingtooneofour futureassistancedogs.

Caringfora puppyfrom eightweeksof age,youwill learnnewskills, makenew friends,andbe supportedevery stepoftheway -plusallthe puppies’food andvetbillswill becovered.

Pleaseseecaninepartners.org.uk/ get-involved/volunteering/puppyparents/formoreinformation.

OurpictureaboveshowsL-R:Edward ArgarMP,Janetkidner,Cllr.Simon Bradshaw,Rev’dJohnLeonard

Syston’sOnlyDedicatedNewspaper

ARIESMarch21-April19

Thingscalmdownalittleaftera whirlwindofeventssincetheNew Year.Soit'sagoodtimetoconcentrate ononeortwomattersofimportance, especiallyhouseholdadministration andanystudyrequirements.Young peopleneedyoururgenthelp,either ferryingthemfrom'atob'orlending themsomemuch-neededcash.

TAURUSApril20-May20

Circumstancescatchupwithyouabit andtakeyoubysurprise!Youknow thatyoushouldhavedoneyour homeworkandsoexpectedonething oranother.Still,there'snotimelikethe presenttoturnoveranewleafand starttogetontopofthings.Tidying andde-clutteringinthehomeand workplacedowonders!

GEMINIMay21-June20

Somethinginyourheadturnsonlikea 'lightbulb'!Yes,you'venowseenthe lightandyoucanstarttounravelone ortwoproblemsinlifethathavebeen weighingyoudownforquiteawhile. Thisgivesyouanewleaseoflifeand younowhavesomuchmoreenergyat yourdisposal.Someone,somewhere isthinkingofyou.

CANCERJune21-July22

Romanceiscertainlyhighonyour agendaandyouwillwanttogive otherssomeprioritynowinyourlife. Foreverythingelsecontinuesto movequitesmoothly,especially wheremoneyandworkare concerned.Sothisisacalmperiod andyoucanstarttofocusonmaking plansforthefuture-andputyour ownhappinessfirst.

February

LEOJuly23-August22

Anewwardrobeandmakeovergives youtheedgeinsocialsituations, whereyouglitteranddazzletoyour heart'scontent!Thischeersothersup tooandyousetquiteatrendasthey rushofftocopy.However,youhavea gooddealofsortingouttodointhe backgroundandyou'llberequiredto dashaboutandworkhard.

VIRGOAugust23-Sept22

It'stimetoputyourthinkingcapon

Virgobeingasyouhavealottodoand don'treallyknowwheretostart.Tryto dothemostimportanttasksfirst,such asthosethingsthatreallyimpact stronglyonyourlife.Askotherstohelp outandthey'llonlybetookeen.A romanticliaisonturnsintoareal adventure.

LIBRASept23-Oct22

Trytoputyourselffirstwhenitcomes toorganisingyourlife!Otherswillbe patientandfallintoline.Youhaveabig taskaheadofyouandadecisionto make.Giveyourselftimetothinkthings throughcarefullyandtheanswerswill justcomegradually.Youmanageto calmanargumentordisagreement betweenfriends.

SCORPIOOct23-Nov22

Thereisasaying,'Fortunefavours thebrave!'andthiswillhelpyou thisweektotakeafewchances thatwillmovelifeforwardforyou. Onlyyoucansteertheshipbeing asothersarejustsobusyand otherwisepreoccupied.Aromantic gesturecertainlygetsyouthinking andthatspecialsomeonewillbe mostkeen.

SAGITTARIUSNov23-Dec21

Ahappyeventsuchasabirthoran engagementreallycheersyouup andpreparesyoufortheyear ahead,withapositivemood.You havesomeadventurestoconsider andtostartplanningfor!Doing anythingoutdoorssuchas gardening,walkingorrunningisfun andjustsogoodforyourhealth.

CAPRICORNDec22-Jan19

Somethingnewisofferedtoyou,such asanewjoborresponsibility.This promisestobequitespecialandmost helpfultoyousotakeyourtimeto avoidturningdownagoodopportunity. Otherseyeyouwithenvyasyourlife takesonamostluckyupturnasyou moveintonewandgreenerpastures. Youdeserveit!

AQUARIUSJan20-Feb18

Youhearsomegossipanditismost fascinating!Trynottofallintothetrap ofspreadingrumoursbeingasitmay notbetotallytrue.Instead,keepthings toyourselfandyou'llbekeepingoutof lotsoftrouble,savingyourenergies formorepositiveandconstructive things.Someoneispleasedwithyour work.

PISCESFeb19-March20

Thisyeariscertainlylookingmuch brighterbutallthesignsdoindicate thattherearesomeconsiderable changesahead!Trytokeepyour coolasothersgatherround,keento takeupyourtimewhilstyoudo havesomeessentialthingstodo. Oneortwofolkarespeculating aboutyousoretainanairof mystery!

JeanneDouglasofferspsychicreadingsinPalmistry,Tarot,CrystalandPersonalAstrology. Hertelephonenumbersare01664562471or07931293855.

©1996

ispublishedby CURZONGRAPHICS

55GoodesLane,Syston, Leicester,LE72JL Tel/Fax:01162693221

(Mon-Fri.9.00am-5.00pm)

email: fiona@systontownnews.co.uk or avis@systontownnews.co.uk www.systontownnews.co.uk

hascopyrightandnopart whatsoevermaybereproduced withoutthepermissionof thepublishers.

Theviewsexpressedaretheviews ofindividualcontributorsanddoes notnecessarilyrepresentthe viewsofthepublisher.

Inclusionofanadvertisementin theSystonTownNewsdoesnot constituteanyendorsementof aproductorservice

THEGREATLITTLEPAPER

CanYouSparehalfanhouraMonth?

green pages

DIRECTORY

YourlocaldirectoryofBusinesses, Clubs,Societiesand OtherUsefulInformation.

USEFULTELEPHONENUMBERS

PostOffice,Syston. 01162603765

AgeConcernSyston. 01162601476

CRIMESTOPPERS. 0800555111

Parkinson'sUK. 08088000303 Roadline. 0800626363

Samaritans. 01162700007

SystonVolunteerCentre. 01162607888

Councils:

CharnwoodBoroughCouncil. 01509263151

Leics.CountyCouncil. 01162323232

SystonTownCouncil. 01162607150

Hospitals/Healthcare: GlenfieldHospital. 03003031573

LeicesterGeneral. 03003031573

LeicesterRoyalInfirmary. 03003031573

DirectDialtoPatientBedside. 09009061515

AccidentandEmergency: LeicesterRoyalInfirmary. 03003031573 NHSDirect. 111

SystonHealthCentre

TheJubileeMedicalPractice: 2950600

TheCountyPractice: 2950500

DistrictNurses&HealthVisitors: 03003007777

Chemists: Boots. 01162698218

Sunlit. 01162602695

EastGoscotePharmacy. 01162606734

AERIALS

ImageAerials,Syston

Local,friendlyservice,competitiverates, repairs,alterations&TVtuning.Free quotes. Tel:01162603481Mob:0797 0202125.

BABYMASSAGE

Savannah-RoseBabyMassage

Forbabiesaged0-1years,fivesession babymassagecourseheldona

Wednesday,9.30am-11amatBrookside Studio,Syston.

Youmustmakecontacttobookaplaceon 07769597804 oremail

Savannah.rosebabymassage@gmail.com

BAKERY

BarkbyBakehouseLtd

Mob:07513191428

email: info@barkbybakehouse.co.uk www.barkbybakehouse.co.uk

BATHROOMANDTILING

SouterBathroomsLtd

Tel:Darren01162604105or Mob:07766685901

CARPETS

CostcutterCarpets

Tel/Fax:01162640745

email:costcuttercarpets@tiscali.co.uk

CHARITYGROUPS

AgeConcernSyston

TheMethodistChurchCentre,High Street,SystonLE71GP. Tel:01162601476.

HelpandAdviceCentreopenMondayto Friday9.00amto12.30pm.

Syston&DistrictVolunteerCentre 18SchoolStreet,Syston.

OfficeopenMondaytoFriday9.00amto 5.00pm. Tel:01162607888.

CHILDCAREGROUPS

InBTweenies

FINALCOPYDATEFOR MARCH2023ISSUEIS:

Wednesday8thFebruary

GREENPAGES

Gogreenandadvertiseinthe STN GreenPagesDirectory.

Anentrycostsfromaslittleas£6per month,givingyouyourownheading, businessname,phonenumbers,email andwebsiteaddresses.

Extralinesareonly£1each.

Inadditionthedirectoryispublishedon ourwebsite:www.systontownnews.co.uk freeofcharge

Topromoteyourbusinessinthe STN telephone01162693221

oremailfiona@systontownnews.co.uk

Leisure:

SouthCharnwoodLeisureCentre 01162640057

SystonCommunityCentre. 01162607150

SystonLibrary. 01163053500

SystonNorthfieldsTennisClub. 01162605926

SystonRugbyFC. 01162601223

SystonTwinning. 01509813723

WreakeRunners. Daniel 07958400433

Police: SystonPolice. 101 Schools/Colleges: TheMertonPrimarySchool. 01162608150

RoundhillCommunityAcademy. 01162693896

SSPeter&PaulPrimaryAcademy. 01162607577

WreakeValleyAcademy. 01162641080

BiffaWasteIssues: BiffaTransferStation. 01162696492

Aparent,babyandtoddlergroupfor parentswithchildrenwhohavebeenona neonatalunit.Thegroupmeetson Tuesdaysfrom10.00amuntil12noonat QueniboroughDanceCo.109Broad Street,LE71GJ. TelephoneLindsayon 07847264382. www.prembabies.co.uk Make&Play(MondaysandFridays) SystonMethodistChurch,10.00amuntil 11.00ambothdays termtimeonly.£2for thefirstchildand£1forsubsequent children.Formoreinformationaboutthe groupcontact:Samanthaat samanthahowarth1990@hotmail.co.ukor Make&Play-Syston.

Totsat10

HeldeveryTuesday(termtimeonly)atSt Peter&StPaul’sChurchHall, 10.00amuntil11.15am.

£2peradult(includeschild’sentrance). Formoreinformationaboutthegroup pleaseeitherseeourFacebookpage (Totsat10)orcontact:Totsat10@gmail.com ChildrenwithSpecialNeeds/Happy Smiles

SandraandAmyrunavoluntary playgroupatElizabethParkThurmaston. Thursdaymornings9.30-11.30pm,closed 2ndThursdayofeachmonth,allchildren welcome0-5years.Wecharge£1per childandtheyreceivedrinksandsnacks. Alsotheadultscansitandnatterovera cupofcoffeeortea. TelephoneSandra 07983216372.

CHILDREN’SCLUB

Children'sBibleDiscoveryClub

Mondays3.45to4.45pm (termtimeonly)

Children'sBibleDiscoveryClub,fiveto10 yrs.It’sfreetoattendandyoucancome straightfromschoolandenjoycrafts, songs,gamesandstoriesallwitha Biblicaltheme.Parentsarewelcometo staywithyoungerchildren.

TakesplaceattheBroadwayGospelHall, Broadway,Syston,LeicesterLE71GA. Forfurtherinformationpleaseemail: contact@broadwaygospelhall.org.ukor checkthewebsite:broadwaygospelhall. org.uk

CHURCHGROUPS

BroadwayGospelHallActivities

Tuesdays6.00to7.00pm (termtimeonly) BibleEncounterfor11-16yearolds. Itsfreetoattend,enjoyaBible discussion,games,crafts.

AlternateWednesdays2.30pm Ladies meeting.

ComeandshareChristianFellowship, youwillreceiveawarmwelcome. Transportisavailable.

AllmeetingstakeplaceattheBroadway GospelHall,Broadway,Syston,Leicester LE71GA.Forfurtherinformationplease email:contact@broadwaygospelhall.org.uk orcheckthewebsite: broadwaygospelhall.org.uk

CHURCHESINSYSTON

SystonMethodistChurch,HighStreet

SundayService10.30am

Contact:Rev’dJ.DanielYovan 01162603296

StPeterandStPaulCoE,Upper ChurchStreet

SystonservicesareeverySunday

Eucharistat10amandWednesday morningat9.30pm https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/ 5257/get-in-touch/

Contact:RevBiddySaunders 07597921051

CLEANINGSERVICES

Done&Dusted

QualityCounts:Domesticand Commercial Cleans,allcleanscateredfor. Tel:01162602828Mob:07887542884 www.done-n-dusted.com

COMPUTERSERVICES

ThinkDigitalProject

AgeUKarerunningthisprojectoffering FREE1:1supportwithsmartphones, tablets,iPads,laptopsanddesktops. Whetheryouneedsupportbyphoneor online;wanttobekeptinformedabout physicalITHelpGroupswhentheyrestart,orjustdon’tknowwheretobegin–givetheProjectacallon 01162237371 oremailusonthinkdigital@ageukleics. org.ukandwewilldoourverybestto help.

CONSERVATORYROOFCLEANER

CleanStart

WellEstablished,Professional ConservatoryCleaner.FullyInsuredand DBSChecked.

ContactWayne Mob:07977505453 oremail:cleanstart200864@yahoo.com

CRAFTS

NorthLeicestershireBeaders Meettwiceamonth.£5.CallAnnafor details. Tel:07976872444 ambromley@gmail.com

Syston&DistrictU3ACraftGroups

Parchmentgroup- meetsonthethird

WednesdayofthemonthintheSyston CommunityCentre,SchoolStreet2.00pm to4.00pm.

DOMESTICAPPLIANCES

KevinsDomesticAppliances

Sales&RepairsWashingMachines, Dryers,DishwashersandCookersetc. Tel:01162697168Mob:07711604297

DRIVINGSCHOOLS

WheelPass

Mob:07951215161

FindusonFacebook

LessonstoSuitYourTimetable ELECTRICALSUPPLIES

ByriteElectricalLtd

1286MeltonRoad,Syston Tel:01162602299

www.byriteelectricals.com

ELECTRICIANS

LettsElectricalServices

NICEICregistered

Tel:01162597137Mob:07866516286 AllElectricalWorkUndertaken. MASkinnerElectricalServices

SystonBased,reliable,nojobtoosmall. Mob:07990981297

FENCING&GATES

FensitTimHendry

Mob:07867981427

FLOWERANDGARDENGROUPS

AllotmentSociety

WemeetonthefirstThursdayofthe monthatSystonSocialClub7.30pm.For moredetailscontact SystonTown Councilon01162607150.

BirstallFlowerClub

MeetonthefourthWednesdayinBirstall VillageHallat7.15pm.(notJulyand December).Visitorswelcome,£5.Contact either Sylvia:01162674206orCarol McManus01162671437.

BrooksbyGardeningClub

MeetsonthethirdWednesdayfrom SeptembertoMay,QueniboroughVillage Hall,7.30pm.Daytripsandaholidayare organisedinthesummer.Formoredetails contact Josieon01162601478or Madeleineon01162605539.

FINANCIALADVISORS

FurnleyHouse

IndependentFinancialAdvisors(IFAs) 340MeltonRoad,Leicester,LE47SL Tel:01162696311 www.furnleyhouse.co.uk

FUNCTIONS&EVENTS

SystonR.F.C.

Tel:01162601223/2607719 email:info@systonrfc.co.uk

GARAGES

QueniboroughCountyGarage

Tel:01162600081/2602288

GASSERVICING

Gas-Servwell

Tel:01162367923Mob:07860735066

UnigasHeatingServices

Tel:01664434742

GUIDINGINSYSTON

Rainbows,Brownies,Guides,Senior Section&Trefoil

SystonDistrictofGuidingcatersforgirls fromage5onwards.

Rainbowsage5-7:Browniesage7-10: Guidesage10-14:Seniorsage14-25: Trefoil25+

Wewelcomevolunteerstojoinourunit

leaderstoo.Tojoinorgoonourwaiting listspleasevisitwww.girlguiding.org.uk/ register

GUTTERCLEANING

Internalguttercleaningusingthelatest vacuumtechnology.Fullyinsuredand DBSchecked.ContactWayne Mob:0797 7505453 oremail: cleanstart200864@yahoo.com

HAIRDRESSING

AntehcHairandSkinStudio Specialistinhairlossandanti-ageing. Mob:07877981877

Tracy’satSyston

Tel:01162609582

HEALTHANDFITNESS

IndoorBowls

SystonCommunityCentre

Wednesdays1.45pmto3.45pm

£1.20perweek.Formoredetails contact Palmeron07506109549

OvertheHillWalkingClub

Thisclubisforsinglesinthe40plusage range.Wehaveorganisedwalksin Leicestershireandsurroundingcounties everySundayandsomeWednesday eveningsintheSummer.Tofindoutmore contactDaveGooderon01162856271 orvisitourwebsite www.overthehillwalking.org.uk.

PilatesClasses

Helpstrengthenyourcore,correctyour posture,lengthenandstrengthentightor weakmuscles.Relievestress,achesand pains.Pilatesclassestosuitallagesand abilitiesheldatStPeter&StPaul’s Academy,Tuesdays7pmto8pm.

ContactEmmaon07709470990 for moreinformationandtoreserveaplace. MfitPilatesandPersonalTuition.

SystonM.A.D.S(MentalHealth,Anxiety &DepressionSupport)Group Weareafriendlybunchwhowanttohelp supportpeoplewithMentalHealthor peoplewhoarelonely.

WemeeteveryWednesdaymorningfrom 10amtill12pmattheSystonBrookside WMC.NoagelimitsandtotallyFREE. (DonationsAppreciated)

Foranyenquiriespleasecontactusat MADSgroup@hotmail.com

SystonWellbeingGroup

Mondayevenings7.00pm

SystonMethodistChurch

Allverywelcome-awarmwelcome awaits.

ContactTinaon07465938146

Alldiscussionsconfidential(Self-help groupfordepressionandanxiety)

SystonYoungatHeartGroup

Weareafriendlygroupwhichcatersfor theelderlyandhouseboundofSyston, meetingeveryThursdayattheCommunity Centrefrom10.00amto1.45pm.

Transportcanbeprovided,placesnow available.Pleasephone JudyJordan 01162608528.

HEALTHFOODS

TheBodyStore

Qualifiedtogivefreeadvice

13TownSquare,SystonLE71GZ Tel:01162694348

HISTORYGROUPS

BarkbyLocalHistoryGroup

Wemeetirregularlyfortripsoutandtalks byinvitedspeakers.Formoreinformation contact SandraMoore01162363739. sandraemoore@sky.com

HISTORYGROUPScont’d

SystonLocalHistoryGroup

MeetonthethirdMondayofthemonthat 7.30pm,inTheHub,MethodistChurch Centre,HighStreet.Visitors£2per meeting.Forfurtherinformationcontact RayYoungon01162609663.

KITCHENS &BEDROOMS

LFIKitchens&Bedrooms

Mob:07715708809

SwiftFittedFurnitureLtd. ManufacturersoffittedKitchens, BedroomsandHomeOffices. Contact:01162460686

LANGUAGETUITION

LeicestershireLanguagesTutor (Spanish&French) call07840543893 web: leicestershireLanguagesTutor.co.uk email:mariel.bthomas@gmail.com

HPLC

LEGALSERVICES

Tel:01162608990Mob:07501495503 email:heather@hplcconveyancing.co.uk

LOCKSMITHS

JGLocksmithsLimited

Available24/7EmergencyService tel:01163400131mob:07846962825 email:graham@jglocksmiths.co.uk web:www.jglocksmiths.co.uk

MORTGAGEADVISORS

A&AMortgagesLtd (Annu) 10aHighStreet,Syston Tel:01162698008

YourlocalindependentMortgage Advisors.

FurnleyHouse

IndependentMortgageAdvice

340MeltonRoad,Leicester,LE47SL Tel:01162696311 www.furnleyhouse.co.uk

MUSICGROUPS

AcousticnightsatQMCLClub 43AMainStreet,Queniborough.Alternate Mondaysfrom7.00pm. Alllevelsandlistenersalwayswelcome. Freeentry.

SingingforFunEastMidlands MeetsduringtermtimeonThursdays 2.15pmto4.15pmatElizabethCentre, Thurmaston.Formoreinformationorto registercontactCaroline: info@carolinesharpe.com 07762154900. www.singingforfunem. com

SystonBand

Meetat‘TheHut’-nexttotheBowlsclub (CentralPark).EveryMondayat7.30pm topractice.Newmembersofany standardwelcome.Contactviaemailon systonbandmail@yahoo.co.uk

SystonSwingBand

RehearsalsatBrooksideClubevery Tuesdayfrom7.30pmemail

Systonswingband@outlook.com if interestedinjoiningorbookingtheband. YouwillalsofindusonFacebook.

U3AUkuleleGroup meetseveryFriday 2.00pmto3.30pmattheBrooksideClub, Syston.Formoreinformation contact LenAbrahamon07812787238.

UkuleleClasses atThurmastonBowls Club,ElizabethPark,everyWednesday afternoon2.30pmto4.30pm.£2includes refreshments.Allwelcomefrom beginnerstoexperienced. ContactLen on07812787238 formoreinformation.

UkuleleGroup

Meets7.30pmto9.30pmona

WednesdayeveningattheSystonand DistrictSocialClub,HighStreet,Syston. Formoredetails contactGrahamMolloy email:grahammolloy@gmail.com

Tel:07517764878

NATUREGROUPS

Rothley&BirstallBirdWatchingClub

MeetsecondTuesdayofthemonth, 7.30pmattheRothleyCentre,12 MountsorrelLane,Rothley.LE77PR (freecarparkingavailable).Membership £15p.a.Talksarefreetomembersbutif youjustwanttocomeandlisten,comeas avisitorforjust£3.Formore informationcontactJackWoottonon 07913129497.

NURSERIES&PRE-SCHOOLS

BroadStreetPlaygroup

CatholicChurchHall,63BroadStreet. Fundedplacesfor2,3and4yearolds. Mob:07702504113.

StPeterandStPaulPre-School SchoolLodge,UpperChurchStreet, Syston. Tel:01162698638

OPTICIANS

YourSightOpticians

1176MeltonRoad,Syston.OppositeAldi. Weprovidehomevisitsforthosewho can’tgettous

Tel:01162607075

PAINTING&DECORATING

JamieHeggs

Tel:01509812973Mob:07803845465 RobToonPainter&Decorator Tel:01162602856Mob:07981771164

PLASTERER

GMPlastering&Rendering

ContactGaryon Mob:07791583613 or email:kirkbyhammer@hotmail.co.uk

REFLEXOLOGY

HealingTouchReflexologybyMariel call07840543893 web:healingtouchreflexology.co.uk email:mariel.bthomas@gmail.com

ROOFINGSPECIALIST

DJKRoofCare

Tel:01162986404Mob:07470204060 email:djk03@hotmail.co.uk Alltypesofroofandgutteringwork. Leaks,FlatRoofs,MossremovalandJet Washing.Generalpropertymaintenance.

SCOUTGROUPS

QueniboroughScoutGroup

QueniboroughScoutHall,SystonRoad, Queniborough.

Beavers: Thursday6.30pmto7.45pm. Cubs: Wednesday7.00pmto8.30pm Scouts: Tuesday7.30pmto9.00pm. Contact:Clive(GroupChairman)0116 2693532.

RearsbyScoutGroup

Beavers: Wednesday6.00pmto7.00pm

Cubs: Wednesday7.15to8.15pm

ContactPaulSmith07801985020 or dc@charnwoodscouts.org.uk

SystonScoutGroup

SystonScoutHall,OxfordStreet,Syston. Beavers6-8yrs:Monday6.30to7.30pm. Cubs8-10yrs: Thursday6.30to8.00pm. Scouts10-14yrs: Tuesday7.30to9.00pm

ExplorerScouts14-18yrs:

Friday7.00to9.00pm

Network18-25yrs: Monday7.45to9.45pm.

ScoutandGuideBand9yrs+: Wednesday7.00to9.00pm.

Formoreinformation,pleasecontact, ChrisBodycoton01163266908 orvisit www.systonscouts.org.uk/join SKIPHIRE

BlueSkipHire

Tel:01162693530Mob:07846587321 web:www.blueskips.co.uk

SOCIALGROUPS

AgeConcernSyston

WednesdaysCoffeeMorning10.00to 11.30am.Awarmwelcomeawaitsyouat theMethodistHall,HighStreet,Syston. BadmintonClubSoarValley College

MeetTuesdays7.00pmto9.00pm,both juniorsandadults.Haveateaminthe localLeicestershireLeague,butneed newmembers.Formoredetailscontact: Kiranon07812780174 oremail:kizz_ mistry9@hotmail.com.

EastGoscoteFriendshipClub

Weareafriendlygroupofover50’swho meetonthesecondandfourth Wednesdayofeachmonth2.00pmto 4.00pmatStHilda’sChurchHall,Ling Dale,EastGoscote.Everyonewelcome. Contact:GillMortonon01162601977. FosseCompanyofArchers

Saturdays1.00pmonwards,Octoberto MarchatWreakeValleyAcademy (indoors,gymbuilding).Aprilto SeptemberoutdoorsatSystonRugby Club.Newandexperiencedarchers welcome.Formoreinformationvisit www.fossecompanyofarchers.uk LavenderClubSocialGroup

EveryWednesday1.30pmto4.00pm. Over50’sClubmeetatThurmaston CommunityCentre,SilverdaleRoad, Thurmaston. Tel:07561156675or0333 0112406.

LeicesterRailwaySociety(Formed 1939)

Meets3rdTuesdayofthemonth.Start 7.30pmattheBraunstoneCivicCentre, 209Kingsway,LeicesterLE32PP

Contact:MichaelChapman(Secretary) 01162603336orBrianHolland (ProgrammeOrganiser)01162368328 M&SSignClub(BritishSign Language)

Thursdays3.00pmto5.00pm.Justdrop intoM&SThurmastononBarkbyLane. NewChapterBereavementSupport Group

MeetMondayafternoons2.00pmto 4.00pmatThurmastonMemorialHall, 722MeltonRd.Thurmaston.LE48ED. Comealongandmeetotherslivingwith loss. Meetnewpeoplewhocanoffer companionshipandunderstanding withoutjudgement.Formoreinformation andan informalchat contactLinon0116 2693542.

PoppiesMemoryCafe

MeetsatSystonCommunityCentrefrom 10.30amto12noononthefirstTuesday ofthemonth.DementiaSupportServices Leicestershire. Contact:01162237363.

Syston’sOnlyDedicatedNewspaper

SOCIALGROUPSCont’d

Rearsby&DistrictYFC

MeetingseveryweekonThursdaysat 8.00pminBarkbyVillageHall. CallCatrionaon07890226035. StPeter’sCourtClub

CoffeemorningeveryThursday10.00am until11.00am.StPeter’sCourt,Melton Road,Syston.

SystonChessClub

MeetseveryTuesdayattheSyston& District SocialClub,HighStreet,Syston at7.30pm.Weofferafriendlyand comfortable environmentandplaychess atalllevels.Weenterlocalandnational competitions.Wewill teachanyonewho wishestolearn!

Syston&DistrictVolunteerCentre

HoldtheirCommunityLuncheverythird Tuesdayinthemonth.Transport available,costoflunch£10.Everyone welcome.Callourofficetobookyour spot. 01162607888

SystonFamilyActivityGroup

Meetseveryfortnightatdifferentlocations on aTuesdaynight,plusdaysoutand camps.Arranginganythinglikearchery, canoeing,climbing,biking,bushcraft, cookingetc.Fordetailspleasegetin touchwith Stuon07970034597

SystonFriendshipGroup

Ameetingoffriendswithlearning difficulties,ourmember’sagesrange from20to75.Wemeetweeklyonmost Thursdaynightsfrom7.00pmto9.00pm intheSystonCommunityCentrewhere wehavearangeofactivitiesincluding crafts,bingo,games, Lego,general socialisingetc.Minibuspickup ispartof theservicethatourvolunteerscan provide. ContactAnne&TrevorCarter 07889903907, email:trevhme@aol.com

SystonGamesClub

Areyounewtothearea,wanttomake newfriendsorjustkeepyourbrain active?Comeandjoinourfriendlyclubat SystonCommunityCentreeveryTuesday 2.00pmto4.00pmtoplayRummikuband othergames. FormoreinfocontactBev on01163198931orLizon01509816 541.

SystonTwinningAssociation SystonistwinnedwithDevillelesRouen, Normandy.Ifyouwouldlikemoredetails aboutjoininguspleasecontactour Chairperson, Fionaon01162609744.

SystonVeteransBreakfastClub meetsonthethirdMondayofthemonth atBrookeCafe,8Brookside,Syston. 9.00amto11.00am.

ThurmastonLadies meetatThurmaston RBL,MeltonRd,Thurmastononthe2nd Tuesdayofthemonth. Forfurtherinformationpleasecontact Elsaon07719743411 or Eileenon 07455604296.

ThurmastonSeniorCitizensPlaygroup TheOldSchoolinThurmastonevery Tuesdayafternoonfrom2.00pmuntil 4.00pm.Ifyouareretired,interestedand wouldlikeanymoredetailspleasering Paton0116 2694938 or Maureenon 01162611419.

U3ASystonCanastaCardGroup meetseveryMonday(exceptbank holidays)from2.00pmto4.00pminthe SystonCommunityCentre,beginners andexperiencedplayersmostwelcome. Formoredetailscontact TonyHillon

01664424905

WreakeValleyRotaryClub

Meeteverysecondandfourth WednesdayeveningsatTheBritish Legion,FrontStreet,Birstall7.30pm. Visitorsmademostwelcome.

SPORTSCLUBS

KobraMartialArts

Wehavelaunchedourseniorandjunior sessionsforkarate!Juniorsessionstake placefrom5.15pmto6.15pmevery MondayandThursdayevenings.Senior sessionswilltakeplacefrom6.30pmto 7.30pmeveryMondayandThursday evenings.Senioragestartsat16and juniorsagestartssix.Thesesessions takeplaceat12-10LowerChurchStreet, Syston,LE71GX.Ifyou’reinterestedin signingup,dropmeamessageorgive meacallon 07951012048 or email:kobramartialarts@gmail.com

RiversideUtdJuniorFootballClub

Wearealwayslookingfornewplayersto comeandjoinourfantasticfootballclub. Wetrainkidsfrom4yearsandupwards atWreakeValleyAcademyinSyston. Please contactPaulCassidyon0750 7442226or visit:www.riversideutdjfc. com forfurther details.

SpecialOlympicsLeicestershireand Rutland

SpecialOlympicsLeicestershireand Rutlandusessporttoempowerchildren andadultswithintellectualdisabilitiesto enhancetheirhealthandwellbeing.Our Facebookpageformoreinfois www.facebook.com/

SoleicestershireRutland

StMargaret'sCo-operativeBowlsClub Wanttotrybowls?StMargaret's(near RedHillCircle)isafriendlylocalclub whichwelcomesbowlersofanyability. ContactCarolynorJohnon0116267 5947

SystonBowlingClub

Providesopportunitiesforalltogainor developskills,makefriendsandenjoya year-roundsocialprogrammeinour clubhouse.Freecoachingwithequipment provided.Formoredetailscontact: Val Foremanon01162609635

SystonKickboxingClub

TrainingonTuesdaysfrom7.00pmto 8.00pmatSystonCommunityCentre. Suitableforallagesandabilitiesfrom beginnerstoexperienced.Cost£3.50for childrenand£4foradults,payasyougo. ContactBrentPennistonon01664562 286 oremailpennistonbrent@hotmail. com

SystonNorthfieldsLawnTennisClub Tennisformixedmembership.Alllevels, allages.Coachinggiven.Mondayand Wednesday,SeniorClubNight,Tuesday, JuniorClubNight.SystonNorthfields

TennisClub,Northfields,offMeltonRoad. LE71HW. ContactEddWhetton (Coach)on07800599057 oremail: edward.whetton@gmail.comforfurther information.

SystonRFC

Theclubrunssidesfromagedfivetofifty years.TheU6stoU17splayand trainSundays/Tuesdays/Wednesdays, SeptembertoApril.Wehaveover 300members.TheSeniorClub18-50yrs playSaturdays.Wehavefivesides trainingMondayandThursdayfrom 7.00pm.Allwelcome. Contacttheclub

01162601223 orwww.systonrfc.co.uk.

SystonSyclers

AnenthusiasticgroupwhomeetatThe Green,HighSt.Systoneachweek.For moredetailspleasecontact Marieon 07896975122 oremail: Marie@systonsyclers.com

orvisitwww.systonsyclers.com

SystonTownCricketClub

Theclubhasthreeseniorteamsand juniorteamsatallagegroupsfromKwik CrickettoUnder17level.Newplayersof allagesarealwayswelcomeandfor generalinformationabouttheclub contact: IvanSpibeyon07711139711. Practicenetsforallagegroupsare availablebothwinterandsummerand furtherdetailscanbeobtainedfrom Scott Cooperon07929502012.

SystonTownJuniorsF.C.

Wehavesidesinmostages,boysand girlsandarerecruitingplayersfornext session.Wehavequalifiedcoachesfor eachsideandwanttostrengthenthe teams.WetrainonMemorialPlaying Fields,NectonStreet,everySaturday from10.00am.Forfurtherinformation pleasecontact:

Secretary@systontownjuniorsfc.co.uk

SystonTownJuniorsF.C.Girls

FootballAcademy

Forgirlsofallagesandability,S.T.J.F.C. FREEgirlsfootballacademyMemorial PlayingFields,NectonStreet,Syston. LE78HFeverySaturdayduringfootball seasonfrom10.00amto11.30am. www.systontownjuniorsfc.co.uk

AllManagers/CoachesareDBSchecked andholdFAqualifications.Pleasecome alongonthedayorcontact: Samantha ChambersS.T.J.F.C.(Chairperson) Mob: 07776291355 or email:sam. chambers37@hotmail.com

TaeKwon-Do

FourtoeightyearsFriday6.00pmto 6.50pm

JuniorsandAdultsmixedclasses

Tuesday6.00pmto6.50pm,Sunday 4.00pmto5.00pm.StPeterandStPaul’s PrimaryAcademy,UpperChurchSt, Syston.Firstmonthfree.

Contact JamesFreeron07718953850. Thai-TaniumBoxingClub

Variousclassesforbeginners,advanced, kids,juniors,ladiesandadults.Aswellas 1:1sessionspleasecontactuson FacebookorContact Jamie-0797365 6778. Nowbasedat760AMeltonRd, Thurmaston.

WreakeandSoarValleyAthleticsClub

Running-Middle/longdistance/sprints clubforallthefamilywithexperienced qualifiedcoaches,juniorathletesfrom ageseven.Adultsfromabsolute beginnerstoexistingrunnerslookingto improve.ContactJohn 07817693777

email: wreakeandsoarvalleyac@gmail.com

Web:

www.wreakeandsoarvalleyathletics.club WreakeRunners

Contact: Daniel07958400433, email: run@wreakerunners.co.uk

Website:www.wreakerunners.co.uk TAXI

ApolloCars

Tel:01162607070

TELEVISION

GlenfieldTelevision

Tel:01162871762

THEATREGROUPS

SystonQTTheatreGroup

Asmallfriendly,localgroup,wemeet everyTuesday(andThursdaysduring rehearsalperiods)atTheOldChapelin ChapelStreet,Syston.Therearetwo mainproductionsayear.Wewelcome thosewhoenjoyacting, thetechnicalside, props,stagemanagement, costumes,etc., andwearealwayslookingfornew members.Visitournewwebsite: www. qttheatregp.co.ukoremail: qtsyston@gmail.com

TREES

CharnwoodTreeServices

Tel:Freephone0800371441

UnicornTreeCareandFencing

ForaFREEQuotecontactAlan

Tel:01162692039Mob:07783596792

WATERSPORTSCLUBS

LeicesterPenguinsSwimmingClub

Leicestershire’sNumberOneSwimming Club.TrainingatSouthCharnwood LeisureCentre.Theclubhas270 memberscompetingtoNationallevel. Areyou6-10yearoldsandcanswim morethan200metres,giveusacallon 07077401602 formoredetailsandto arrangeatrial.

RoundhillSubaquaClub

MeeteveryThursday,termtimeonly, 8.00pmto10.00pmeitherinthe swimming poolorclassroomfortheory, plusSocialclub. WeofferTry-Divesfor £15.00(whichonlycoversthecostof oxygenandpooluseasweareanon profitableclub)soyoucantrythe experienceandfindoutmoreabout diving.Forfurtherdetails contactCarole Gilbert,DivingOfficeron07968388377. WanlipSailingClub

Smallfriendlylocalclub.Learntosail,just cruiseorrace.Familiesverywelcome. Social sailingSaturdays,racingSunday afternoons. Forfurtherinformationplease contactSue,daytimeon01162102254. Neil,eveningson01162608049,orthe clubhouse01162607864 atweekends toarrangeavisit.

WINDOWCLEANING

Clarity

Windows,Doors,Facias,Conservatories andGutteringcleaned.Todiscoverwhy peopleareswitchingcleaners,please contactusforafreefriendlyquote. Mob:07533991561 www.really-clean. co.uk

CleanStart

WellEstablished,ProfessionalWindow Cleaner.FullyInsuredandDBSChecked. ContactWayneonM:07977505453 or email:cleanstart200864@yahoo.com

WOMENSINSTITUTES(W.I.)

BarkbyandBeebyW.I.

MeetsthirdTuesdayofthemonth.Barkby VillageHall,BeebyRd,Barkby7.30pm. VisitorsWelcome.Formoreinformation contact01162609274

CharnwoodWigsW.I.

MeetslastThursdayofthemonthat 7.30pm.BeedlesLakesGolfClub,East Goscote.Visitors£4.00.Formoredetails pleaseringPresidentSharonAstillon 07849888752.

NewBarkbyW.I.

MeetsFirstWednesdayinthemonth 7.30pm.SystonCommunityCentre,School Street.Visitorsalwayswelcome. Formoredetails contactPresidentMrs ShirleyFranklinon01162608498.

What’sOn Diaryfor February

COUNTYANDBOROUGH COUNCILLORSURGERIES

Allcouncilsurgeriesarebeingheld viaZoomonthefirstSaturdayofthe month,thelinktothemeetingwillbe publishedonFacebook,Twitterand theSystonTownCouncilwebsite. Ifyouhaveaconcernyoucanstillemail ortelephoneyourcountyorborough councillor.Theirdetailsareasfollows: CllrJamesPoland-Mobile:0776496 6677;email:cllr.james. poland@charnwood.gov.uk

CllrTomBarkley-Mobile:0773630 0220email:cllr.thomas. barkley@charnwood.gov.uk

CllrSueGerrard-Mobile:0792990 6042;email:cllr.sue. gerrard@charnwood.gov.uk

CllrKenPacey-Phone:01162607724 email:cllr.ken.pacey@charnwood.gov.uk CllrSimonBradshaw-Mobile:0770 1098828;email:cllr.simon. bradshaw@charnwood.gov.uk

BROADWAYGOSPELHALL

Sunday5thFebruary-4.30pm

AllAgeServicefollowedbyteaandcakes atBroadwayGospelHall,Broadway, SystonLeicesterLE71GA

Therewillbeactivitiesforthechildren duringtheservice,everyoneiswelcome. Forfurtherinformationpleaseemail contact@broadwaygospelhall.org.ukor checkthewebsitebroadwaygospelhall.org.uk

FILMSINSYSTON

Monday6thFebruaryDowntonAbbeyANewEra

Monday6thMarchFisherman’sFriends:Oneandall. Doorsopenat1.30pm.

TicketsarenowavailableattheCard ShopinSystonoronthedoor.

COMMUNALBINGO

EveryWednesday 2.00pm

SystonConservativeClub,HighStreet. EveryoneWelcome.

ROTHLEYANDBIRSTALL BIRDWATCHERS

Tuesday14thFebruary-7.30pm

‘ATouroftheNatureReservesofThe GambiaandSenegal’-CynthiaBaker.

Tuesday14thMarch-7.30pm

‘Greenland’-AndySmith

TheRothleyCentre,12,Mountsorrel Lane,RothleyLE77PR(freecarparking available)

Membership£15p.a.Talksfreeto

membersbutifyoujustwanttocomeand listen,comeasavisitorforjust£3.

Wednesday15thFebruary

10.00amfor10.30am.

VegetablesforAllSeasonswithMike Davey.

RugbyClubonBarkbyRoad, Queniborough.

Ifyouhavenotvisiteduspreviouslybut thisnewtimesuitsyouwewillwelcome yourvisit.

ForfurtherinformationphoneJosie0116 2601478orMadeleine01162605539.

TABLETOPSALE

Saturday18thFebruary

10.00amto1.00pm

TheMethodistChurchHall,HighStreet, Syston.

Haveyouhadasortoutovertheholidays orhaveunwantedChristmasgifts?

Whynothireatablefor£10andsellthem atourtabletopsale,makingyourself somecashandhelpingtoraisemoneyfor alocalcharity-AgeConcernSyston. Ifyouwouldliketobookatableplease emailinfo@ageconcernsyston.co.ukor telephone01162601476between 9.00amand12.30pmMondaytoFriday fordetails.

Welookforwardtoseeingyouthere.

SYSTONLOCALHISTORYGROUP

Monday20thFebruary

7.30pm

UpperBroughton,almostin Leicestershire.CatherineJones.

THEDOUBLEACOUNTRY MUSICCLUB

Friday24thFebruary- HaydenAllan

Friday31stMarch- DaveWilson

Friday28thApril- CarolannB

Doorsopen6.00pm.

Theartistsperformthreex45minute sets.Entryis£6.50onthedoor. HolwellInstitute(TheStute),41Welby Rd,AsfordbyHillLE143RDTel:01664 812080.Formoreinformationcontact JohnGallagheron07952267226.

STICKS&TONES

Saturday25thFebruary

2.00pmMatinee

6.00pmEvening

SystonScout&GuideBandpresentsan eveningoflightEntertainment,Comedy andGoodMusic.

HumphreyPerkinsSchool,CotesRoad, BarrowUponSoar,LeicestershireLE12 8JU

Tickets: Adults£7/Child£4,FamilyTicket £20(2adults&2Children).Group discountsavailable.

Toreservetickets: stsicksandtones.org. uk/ticketsortel:01163266908.Ticket agentisLesleySmith.

BROOKSBYGARDENINGCLUB

ALL PLUMBING

& HEATING

FutureEvents

Saturday18thMarch 10.00amto

2.00pm

AgeConcernSystonarehostingan EasterCraftFayre.

KathleenRoseSmall

CallMrDriver Tel:01162713334

ANYTIME

NowAirConditioned

Suppliers

ofGHD Products ••• Hairup Specialists ••• Technical ColourTeam

BookaStallbyemailingus info@ageconcernsyston.co.ukor telephone01162601476between 9.00amand12.30pmMondaytoFriday. (£10pertable)

TheMethodistChurchHall,HighStreet, Syston.

FROMCLASSICSTOJAZZ2023

Saturday1stApril

7.00pm

RachaelLawson,Clarinet/Saxophone StephenWaterhouse,Piano SystonMethodistChurch

Tickets£8includinglightrefreshments Telno01162609804/07594628961

InaidofLOROS

ToAdvertiseHere Telephone01162693221

ExamInvigilators RequiredatBradgate SecondarySchools

25thFebruary1931-11thNovember2022

Kathleenrememberedattending SundaySchoolfromtheageofsix inthePictureHouseinSystonand couldremembertheGospelHall beingbuiltandopened.

Nowopenforallyourdressmaking andsewingneeds

‘LadiesCoutureTailoring’ booknowavailable

Coursesnowrunning Coursebookingscanbemadeviathe websiteorpopintotheshop

18TheGreen, Syston. LE71HQ www.englishcouture.co.uk Tel: 01162606767

TheRoundhillAcademyandWreake ValleyAcademyarelookingfor peopletojoinourexistingExam InvigilationTeam,toworkonacasual basisthroughouttheacademicyear butparticularlyduringthebusy examinationperiodsthroughoutMay andJune.

Wewouldbekeentohearfrom peoplewhoarelookingforsome casualworkandwhoareflexible, reliableandpunctual.Therolewill involveassistinginallaspectsofthe dailyadministrationofexaminations andfulltrainingwillbeprovided, thoughpreviousexperiencewouldbe adistinctadvantage.

RELAXATIONSTRESSRELIEFACHES&PAINSSLEEPWELLBEING

AsateenagershetrustedtheLord asherSaviour,andthiswasthe startofafulllifeofactiveservicefor theLord.Bothwithinthehomeand throughvisiting,Kathleencaredfor elderlyandinfirm,encouraging believersandwitnessingherfaith throughherkindnesstoallshemet. Kathleenandherlatehusband Doug’shomewasopentofamily andfriends.Missionariesand speakerswouldcometostay, enjoyinghomecookedfoodand warmfellowship.

Kathleenhadaloveforchildren. TherearemanypeopleinSyston whorememberMrsSmall,their SundaySchoolteacher,with fondness.EachSundaytheywould bepackedintothemarooncolouredBedfordvananddrivenby Dougtothehall.Kathleenalso helpedatcamps,tripstothe seasideandinherlate70’sonce againhelpedwiththechildren’s workatthehall.

KathleenrantheWomen’smeeting formanyyears.Shewasagreat encourager,supportingoldand youngalikewithasmileandwarm comments.

naturally.Booktodaytoimprove: •Relaxation •StressRelief

•Wellbeing Call:07840543893

Email:mariel.bthomas@gmail.com

KathleenhadaheartforMissionary work,supportingdifferentprojects; knittingblankets,rollingbandages, andmostimportantlysupporting themthroughprayer.

WehereatBroadwayhavebeen blessedbyherwarm,caringand compassionatefellowship,and althoughherlosshasleftahuge gap,wearecomfortedbythe knowledgethatsheiswiththeLord andSaviour.

Friday2ndDecembersawthe BroadwayGospelHallfilledto capacity,asfamilyandfriendsfrom nearandfarcametopaytheir respectsandcelebratethelifeof KathleenRoseSmall(25th February1931-11thNovember 2022).

Syston&DistrictU3A ThoughtsandPlans

Autumnislongpastwhenwecould appreciateNature’scolourful patchworkandsoftsunlitdayswhich ledintowinter.Centuriesago,bodies andmindsenjoyedawell-deserved respitefromtoilandthehardshipof lifeduringthisperiod.Winterwasan opportunitytoreflectonwhatthe differentSeasonsandlifehad broughtandhowthoseeventswere overcome.

WinterSolstice,aPagancelebration oftheshortestdayon21stDecember hasalsopassedandChristmasis overtoo,alongwiththefrenetic hustle,bustleandstressitcanbring. Thislullbeforespringtimeisauseful phasetorefocusonourpersonal needs.Ifyouwishtotakethe opportunityWinteroffersandexplore somethingwhichcangiveaccessto analternativewaytodealwithlife’s challengesandchanges,become healthier,calmerandmorepeaceful withinyourself,orfeelinneedofre energising,SystonandDistrictu3a offeramonthly“Mindfulnessand Meditation”groupwhichhelpsyou exploreavarietyofwaystosupport emotional,mental,andphysical wellbeing.IfyoubelieveMeditationis aspecialtalentyouarewrong.Like anyothernewbehaviour/habit,

successandproficiencycomewith practice.Everyonebeginsthinking theycan’tmeditatebutIassureyouit ispossibleforeveryone.

Takeadvantageofstartingtheyear withanew,wellbalanced,calmer andawareyou.Joinusonthelast Wednesdaymorningofeachmonth atReasbyVillageHalltoenjoyone “Taster”sessionbeforejoiningSyston andDistrictu3a.

IfMindfulnessandMeditationdoesn’t appealtoyoutherearemanyother differentgroupactivitiesavailable.

SystonandDistrictu3aisn’ta Women’sorganisation,thereare manyMenwhofindgroupactivities whichinterestthemandthereare overthirtyfivecategoriestochoose fromstartingatAmericanHistory throughtoUkuleleandmany alphabetlettersinbetween.

MembershipofSystonandDistrict u3aisopentoallthosewhoarenot infulltimeworkandareinterestedin joining.Thereisnoagerestrictionor qualificationsrequiredtobecomea u3amemberandnorequirementto liveinSystoneither.Weaccept enquiriesirrespectiveofwhereyou liveprovidingyouareabletotravelto whereGroupsmeetthatyouare interestedin.Membershipcosts£15 peryearandprovidesaccesstoall groupswhichhaveavailability.There isalsoamonthlymeetingfor

membersatSystonCommunity Centrewithrefreshmentsanda fascinatingSpeaker.Ifyouwouldlike moreinformationcomealongonthe secondWednesdayofeachmonthat 10.00amandspeaktoa“Greeter” aboutbecomingaMember.Youcan alsovisitournewwebsite www.systonu3a.org.ukwhereyou cancontactGroupLeadersorsend simplysendanemailmessageto registerinterest,makeanenquiryor askaquestion.

JoinSystonandDistrictu3ato LEARN,LAUGH,LIVE!

Syston’sOnlyDedicatedNewspaper

WHYADVERTISE INYOURLOCALPAPER?

Youarereadingthisadvertand yourpotentialcustomerscouldbe readingittoo.

Byadvertisinginthe SystonTown News youaregettingyourname infrontoflocalpeopleand supportingyourcommunity newspaper.

ForMoreDetailsContact: SystonTownNews

T:01162693221

E:fiona@systontownnews.co.uk

Across

1.Largeshaggy-hairedbrownbison(7)

3.Coatwithoutsleeves(4)

5.With18aand7a,14thFebruary(5)

7.See5a(3)

8.Causingormeanttocauselaughter(5)

9.Walkthroughliquid(4)

12.Steepbankorhillside(4)

16.WaterfallinCanada(7)

18.See5a(10)

19.Findtheseoncardson14thFebruary(6)

20.Acollectionofcoordinatedsoundorsounds(5)

Down

1.Solublecubeofscentedmaterialtosoftenwater(8)

2.CapitalofCanada(6)

3.Gaveup(5)

4.Cancelsordischargesadebt(4)

5.BraziliandanceofAfricanorigin(5)

6.Onetwelfthofafoot(4)

10.Useupthewholesupply(8)

11.Erratic,intermittent(8)

13.Causetobelovedorliked(6)

14.Pricklyplant(6)

15.Largewinebottleforliquororwine(6)

17.Puzzle(4)

ThewinneroftheDec/JanCrosswordis: MrsDBrownofSyston

TheanswersforourDec/JanCrosswordwere:

Across:1.Christmas;6.No;7.Easel;8.Lights; 9.Cards;10.Year;13.Luna;14.Name;18.New; 19.Lah;21.Nativity;22.One;23.Tree;24.Garnet.

Down:1.Crescent;2.Rostrum;3.Silks;4.Molly; 5.Signal;6.Nuts;11.Rushmore;12.Baubles; 15.Entice;16.Awning;17.Player;20.Pair.

WritingThroughCovid -andBeyond

RobinPerry,aformersocialworker, teacher,careworkerandcareers adviserwhonowprovidesfreecareers advicebasedatSyston’sDelishcafe onthesecondThursdayofeachmonth between10.15amand12.15pm,has beenwritingandpublishingbooks throughouttheCovidpandemic-andis stilldoingit!

Itwasassimpleaswakingupone morninginlateMarchandknowing insidethatIhadtodoit.I’dalready writtenahandfulofthemaboutthe globalimpactsofCoronaviruswhen lockdownkickedin,sothatwasthe startofitall.Bymid-October2020I’d written60poems.

Ialsoknewtheyhadtobepublished andFeedAReadinRugbywerewilling todojustthat.Decembersawthe book,“AThingBornofDarkness”outin paperback.Sowasthatfinallyit?

Ithenfeltanaggingpromptingto continueandpulloutmyoldtravel journalfromlate1972into1973whenI hadcrossedtheSaharaDesert,West Africa,thedangerousC.A.Rand CongoZaire,intoEastAfricaandfinally thethenRhodesia.Itwasajourneyof manyunexpectedlife-threatening dangersandalsogreatlandscape beauty,butalsooneofadeepest challengetomywholelife’sfaithand functioning.Bymid-DecemberIhad typedupthejournal,‘AWinterinAfrica’

withaseriesofmapsshowingmyroute andphotosforeachcountry.Jobdonesoitseemed.Ohno,notthecase. As2021cameinthewritingand publishingdidn’tstopthrough lockdown.

Threebooksofbothshortandlengthy Celticpoemsrelatingtotheadventof earlyChristianityfromIreland,through ScotlandandintoNorthumberland followedandwhichincludedhistorical, wildlifeandstory-tellingpoems. Ithenfeltdriventodigoutabookof42 wildlifeandenvironmentalpoemsfirst publishedin2010.Iadded30more poemstothem,differentwildlifephotos and‘OutoftheWild’becameanother book.Butitdidn’tstopthere.ByApril 2021I’dsubmittedtwomostly humorousshortnovels,‘TheMany SagasandSayingsofHoraceBearand hisMerrieBears’and‘TalesofFinn,the Wanderer’whichislargelyareal-life accountofanunusualcatwho frequentedthevillageofQuornand beyond.

InthetwoyearssinceNovember2020, Ihavehad23bookspublishedwhich coverthefollowing:‘Throughthe Wilderness’-70poemsaboutmytime connectedwiththeSaharaDesert;‘For DistantLands’-poemswrittenabout AfricaandSouthAmerica;‘Throughthe IronCurtain’–fourpoemswrittenabout theriseandfallofCommunismandmy experienceofinterrogationthere;a bookof30mostlyfunnytalesand experiencescausedbymyown

dyspraxiacondition;‘Risingfromthe Flames’,poemswrittenaboutIreland; ‘FromtheHeartofEurope’-a collectionofover80poemswritten whileworkinginSlovakia;twofurther funnynovelsaboutHoraceBeartitled ‘WhoElsebutHorace?’and‘TheZany HistoryofHoraceandHisVagrant Bears’.

Tothishasbeenaddedtwobooksof haikupoemsandtwoofcontemporary poems,‘OpenDoorstoOpenHearts andHands’,anotherjournalabout travelsinEurope,‘TransitingEurope TransitingLife’.

Mylasttwopoetrybooksarea collectionofbirdandbutterflypoems withsomephotosandabookoflonger poems,‘HowLongisaPieceof Poetry?’.Mywritingisattributabletoa God-givengifttowrite,describeand communicate.

Currently,Iamworkingonacoauthoredbookof134wildlifephotos withafellowphotographertitled ‘AcrosstheWild’.Maybethistwentyfourthbookwillbethefinalone.Who knows?

25%ofallsalesproceedswillgotothe OpenHandsCompassionCentre underOneChurch’sauspicesin LeicesterandalsototheMukuruSlum ProjectinNairobi,Kenya.

Allbookscanbeviewedand purchasedbyaccessingthe FeedARead.comwebsite.

Syston ConservativeClub

59HighStreet,Syston

Whynotbookour LargeFunctionRoom

TheMaltHouseSuitefor WeddingReceptionsandParties

WeHaveTwoFullSized SnookerTablesintheClub

QuizNights:

Sunday12thFebruary

Sunday12thMarch

Bingoisplayedevery

Thursday9pmandSaturday

8.30pm-Wednesdayafternoon bingostarts2pmdoorsopen1pm

Wearealsonowthe headquartersoftheSystonand DistrictRoyalBritishLegion. Meetingswillbeheldonthethird Sundayofeachmonthat1pm

Saturday4thFebruary2023: 40snightintheMaltHouse 7pmtilllate.FeaturingHowlingWolf

SlimmingWorld

Helen9.30amand11.30am Mob:07949123898

Clive3.30pm,5.15pmand7pm Mob:07909837215

Agoodselectionof Beers, WinesandSpirits. FriendlyBarStaff

MembersChildrenallowedinthe Loungeuntil9pm (Underparentalcontrol)

NewMembershipisAvailable

Tel:01162605775

NewMembersAlways WelcomeAtTown C.C.

SystonTownCricketClubisstarting thebuilduptothenewseason ahead.Theclubprovidescricketfor playersofallagesandabilitieswith threeseniorteamsbeingfielded everyweektogetherwithjuniorsides atallagegroups,aswellastwo women’steamsandamid-week eveningleagueteam.Afterayear’s absencethe1stXIwillonceagain featureinthePremierDivisionofthe Leicestershire&RutlandCricket Leagueandthe2ndXIwillbein, whatisanticipatedtobe,avery competitiveDivision3East.The GranthamandMeltonCricket Associationhasundergonea reorganisationintojusttwodivisions andtheclub’sSundayXIwillface somestiffcompetitioninDivision1. Newplayers,youngandold,are alwayswelcomesoifyouare thinkingofjoiningpleasegiveChris Polearingon07595159650orwait untiloutdoorpracticestartsatthe groundinApril.

andintheclubroomprovideanew floorcoveringandnewchairs.

RogerPole

ThurmastonBowls Club

T:01162693221

MeltonMemorials

FineHeadstones&GravesideOrnamentations

Honouringthememoryofalovedonecan beadistressingtime,weendeavourtohelp youchooseasuitablememorialasalasting tributefromthebeginningofthechoosing processuntilcompletion.

Weworktoahighstandardandareaccredited membersoftheBritishRegisterOfAccredited MemorialMasons(BRAMM)

Weofferawiderangeofhandcraftedmemorial headstones,kerbsets,andvases.Inscriptionand regildservice,andallaspectsofmemorial maintenanceandrepair. Wealwaysaimtoprovideaquality,reliable,friendlyandcaringservice Appointmentsandhomevisitsareavailableonrequest info@melton-memorials.co.uk•www.melton-memorials.co.uk 01664852702•07982235564

TheSystonWomen’steam,the Sirens(pictured)aregoingfrom strengthtostrengthandwillbe enteringtwosoftballteamsinthe EastMidlandsWomen’sCricket Leaguein2023.Alsotheteamis enteringanindoorleagueon ThursdaynightsattheOrchardMead Academyduringthewintermonths. Thejuniorunder13s,15sand17s sidesarealreadypractisingindoors atSoarValleyCollegefrom6pmto 7pmonThursdaysandwilldosountil earlyApril.Thekwikcricketersand under11swillstarttheirpractice sessionsinAprilattheground.If thereareanyqueriesregardingjunior cricketDaveTebbuttwillbepleased tohelpifyougivehimaringon 07805706860.

Theclubisalwaystryingtoimprove itsfacilitiesandwiththeaidofagrant fromtheECBtheclubwill,beforethe startoftheseason,replacebothsets ofstepsleadinguptothepavilion,

Whatayear2022hasbeenfor ThurmastonBowlsClub.Despite beingthehottestsummerforyears, westillhadthebestgreenonthe circuit,thankstoourgreenkeepers. Wemetsomecrackingteamsplaying 41friendlies…won21andlost20… Thankstoallourcaptainsand players.

TheMondayteamcamesecondin theNWLeic’sTriplesLeaguewinning 12outof14gamesplayed,only missingoutonfirstplaceby11 points.

TheWednesdayteamcamefirstin theWymswoldLeagueandare promotedtothe1stdivisionin2023. Winning16outof18gamesplayed, welldoneteams.

Sadlywesaidgoodbyetotwolong timemembersSootieandRon. Happilywesaidhelloto15new members.

Weraised£650forAlzheimer Research….Thankyouall.

APrincebecameKing….The LionessesboughttheEuropeanCup home…But…mostimportantly…the LadiesBeattheGentsforthefirst timeineightyears.

Thankstoeveryoneforyoursupport throughouttheseason.But,nowit’s timetohandoverthepresidencyto DaveWinfieldfor2023.Iwishyouall thebestandcontinuedsuccessfor 2023season

LesleyMarshall

Ifyouwouldliketocomeandjoinus giveDaveacallon07729235155, “NewtoBowling”isjust£13