February / March 25

Braunstone Alert February / March 2025

Read the Braunstone Alert online…

No. 1 for news in Braunstone

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Community Stories…

Braunstone History Group - A timeline 2009 Braunstone History Group is one of three groups set up as part of the ‘Transformation Fund’ project for Braunstone.

2010 ‘Learning from the Past, Building for the Future’ exhibition held at the BRITE Centre.

Attendees include VIP’s, such as the Lord Mayor.

Regular meetings of the history group continue to take place at the BRITE Centre.

2011 Braunstone History Group invited to take part in the BBC’s ‘Reel History’ programmes and mind their marquee (installed in Humberstone Gate) for the weekend. Radio Leicester visit the BRITE Centre, for a live recording of their ‘History Live’ programme.

2012 Braunstone History Group invited by Leicester Parks Dept to put a History Exhibition display in the Braunstone Hall Stables Museum.

Parks Dept allow the group to extend Stables Museum displays further.

2013 Braunstone History Group donated two bibles by St Peters Church, previously owned by a Winstanley Family member (Mr Andrew Poore).

Mr Poore continues to support and visit the history group, donating many more items to the collection.

2025 Braunstone History Group merges with Braunstone Heritage Archive Group, continuing to be residents at the Stables Museum.

Find out more about Braunstone History Group Join ‘Braunstone History Group’ Facebook group.

Visit the History Group at Braunstone Hall Stables Museum (behind Winstanley House) on any Tues, 10am-12pm 0743388727 / geraldinesyrett@gmail.com

A painting of Eric!

Find out more about Preloved@45 Community Shop & Cafe…

How it started Preloved@45 Community Shop & Cafe is a nonprofit community shop in Braunstone, run by and for local people.

The need for a community shop in Braunstone was initially identified by local charity b inspired who, thanks to funding from Power to Change and the National Lottery, were able to make what was initially a pipe dream for the local community into a reality. What b inspired and Power to Change did was to provide us with the seed funding and support we needed to set up the shop, which eventually enabled us to become a community business in our own right!

During a consultation b inspired did with local residents, many people said they’d most like a community shop. The building that was previously b inspired’s Neighbourhood Support Base was transformed, making it suitable for use as a shop.

B inspired also provided training, helped to set up the business and fully supported us in getting started.

We opened in Aug 2021 and haven’t looked back since!

What we currently sell • Womens’, mens’, childrens’ clothes / accessories • Homeware • Furniture • Bric-a-brac • Electrical appliances Most items are preloved and donated by the community, for which we’re always grateful.

There’s also a cafe in the shop, selling hot and cold food; including sandwiches, jacket potatoes, sweet and savoury snacks.

How we give back to the community • Supporting volunteers development by providing relevant training • Employing local people • Supporting organisations e.g. foodbanks, schools, social services, by donating items to people in need Our motto is ‘if you need support and we have what you’re looking for you can have it’.

Geraldine sent in this picture she had painted of her dog Eric and we just had to include it!

Why not send a picture of your artwork to us and we may include it in the next edition!

Email: communications@b-inspired.org.uk

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Preloved@45 Community Shop & Cafe, 45 Wellinger Way, LE3 1RG Tel: 07908169918 Email: marian.prelovedat45@outlook.com

Visit the Oak Centre for a Warm Space and Pie Lunch…

In response to the increased cost of living, the Oak Centre has opened its doors to anyone who’d like to come along to a Warm Space and hot lunch. Every Mon, throughout the winter, a warm welcome is offered from 10am and at 12.30pm we serve a piping hot pukka pie with mash, veg and gravy.

In Oct 2023, we signed up with the Warm Welcome Campaign, who support over 4000 spaces around the country, with events run by the community, for the community. We’re now enjoying the 3rd winter where we’ve offered this hospitality. It’s all been made possible by the generosity, firstly of volunteers who give their time so freely, but also many others including: One Church covering the cost of hall hire and refreshments initially. However, this year we’ve had a grant from lottery funding to cover the costs.

Pukka Pies by the end of the season approx 1800 pies have been donated.

ASDA Community Champion regularly pops in with goodies to help out.

On arrival there’s tea, coffee, biscuits and fruit available to enjoy as much as you like, then people settle down to do a jigsaw, play darts, dominoes or just chat. We've also done flower arranging, Christmas card making and armchair exercises. But all that stops at 12.30pm when lunch is served!

Diane, one of our regulars said ‘It's absolutely brilliant! We enjoy a lovely nutritious meal, meet new people, everyone’s friendly and as it’s every week it gives us something to look forward to’.

The Oak Centre, Bendbow Rise, LE3 1QA Tel: 0116 326 0269 Email: admin@oakcentre.org.uk

A Christmas to remember for Braunstone…

Braunstone resident Andy Cooper organised a Christmas Day meal, providing 30 people, who would normally spend Christmas alone, with ‘fun, food and company’. The event happened at the Oak Centre and was aptly titled; ‘a Christmas to remember’.

In the run up to event, Andy contacted local people and community groups, as well as making a plea via social media, for gifts, monetary donations and volunteers.

Andy rallied together some of his friends, as well as local people, volunteers and community groups, to organise the dinner, which took place at the Oak Centre on Christmas Day. Along with the meal, free transport was provided and all of the guests left with a hamper, gifts and a money voucher. There was even a visit from the man himself, Santa!

This was a great act of kindness for the local community. We’re sure that all of the people who attended really appreciated it!

Find out about Braunstone Parkrun!

Braunstone Parkrun is a free weekly timed 5k event, which started in Sept 2010. Participants can run, jog, walk or volunteer.

Rob, a Sports Development Officer, initially set the Parkrun up because it hit several of the Council's targets for physical activity and wellbeing.

An increasing number of events happen in the UK and several countries overseas also have Parkrun events. It’s evolved from a 5k running time trial to a wider health and wellbeing movement, welcoming ages 4+ and all abilities. Usually, around 250 people take part each week.

If anyone would like to get involved, they can register for free at parkrun.org.uk/braunstone and just turn up on a Saturday morning.

We’re an amazing, friendly community, where everyone is made to feel welcome and most definitely have that 'family vibe'.

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Thank you from Braunstone Foodshare B inspired would like to thank all of the individuals and community groups who donated to Braunstone Foodshare’s Christmas Dinner Campaign, at the end of 2024. Donations included Christmas hampers, food and financial donations. These will help us to sustain the Foodshare and enable us to support people in Braunstone, throughout 2025.

We are extremely grateful for this. [Pics Pg 2] We received donations from many community groups, including: • Braunstone & Rowley Fields Police • Sure Care • St Phillip & St James Church Ratby & Groby • Creative in Time • Sunflowers Nursery • The Shine Centre at Winstanley School • East Midlands Railway • Friends of Braunstone Foodshare • Over 50’s Moving Together at the Curve Theatre • Stafford Leys Primary School • Welcome Break - Leicester Forest East • Mosaic • Premier Driving Academy • Fullhurst Community College • St Peters Church • First Bus Leicester • Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church • Imperial Avenue Infant School • Braunstone Community Primary School • Sytner Audi • Eviosys

Important notice about b inspired’s Men’s Group Please note, the timings for b inspired’s Men’s Group are changing.

Starting on 6 Feb, the Men’s Group will take place on Thursdays from 11am-1pm.

If you would like to attend, please get in touch with the Neighbourhood Support Team for information about specific sessions.

0116 279 5020 / support@b-inspired.org.uk

Thank you to Good Gym Leicester…

Over Christmas, b inspired were supported by volunteers from Good Gym Leicester. They visited us on two occasions and volunteered with two separate tasks. On one occasion, the volunteers came in and helped us put together pamper packs for people who use our services [Pics Pg 3]. They returned again the following week, to help deliver the Braunstone Alert.

Good Gym Leicester have supported b inspired for a few years and we’re always very grateful for their support!

If you’d like to find out about Good Gym, please visit www.goodgym.org/v3/areas/leicester.

An update from Blessed Sacrament…

At this time of year we focus on preparing for Easter. Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent, is on 5 Mar. During the 40 days of Lent, Christians are encouraged to fast or abstain from luxuries. More recently people abstain from social media, engaging in acts of charity and service to others, with increasing attendance at Mass and prayer.

Happening at Blessed Sacrament: Friday Pop-in Every Fri, 10-11.30am, Blessed Sacrament Church Hall. Items for sale and tea / coffee available.

An introduction to b inspired’s new Foodbank Coordinator Olivia Doyley recently joined b inspired’s Neighbourhood Support Team, as our new Foodbank Coordinator. Olivia will be taking over the running and development of the Foodshare and Pantry schemes. On starting her new role, Olivia said ‘I’m looking forward to working with and supporting the Braunstone community. I hope to get to know the people of Braunstone and help to build a positive and healthy lifestyle for all’.

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Drop-in and Drop-off Weds, 2-4pm, Blessed Sacrament Church Hall 12 Feb Talk by Will Cruddance, Catholic Aid Agency 18 Feb Midday Mass, fish & chip lunch 12 Mar Parishioner Theresa Alessandro speaks about her podcast 18 Mar Talk from b inspired about Foodbank & Befriending Services Details of Mass times and activities taking place are published in the church newsletter, posted on church website www.westleicestercatholic.org and outside on the church notice board.

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What’s Happening…

Doorstep Museums at the BRITE Centre…

At St Peters Church…

Free arts and crafts, creative play for 0-5’s, storytelling, animatronic bears, book displays and our Cabinet of Curiosities. Plus, the chance for you and your family to see Leicester Museums & Galleries famous 'Peppy the Polar Bear'!

Knit & Natter 3rd Thurs of every month, 2-3pm, 20 Feb & 20 Mar

18 & 19 Feb, 11am - 4pm BRITE Centre, Braunstone Avenue, LE3 1LE

Breakfast Cafe 1 Feb, 9.30am-12pm St Peters Church, Woodshawe Rise, LE3 1RH

At Trinity Methodist Church…

Trinity Lunch Club 1st / 3rd Thurs of the month 6 & 20 Feb, 6 & 20 Mar Warm 3 course meal, tea / coffee - £4.50 Book your place by the Tues before.

To book, tel Marilyn on 0116 289 2182.

Winter Special (hot meal & quiz) Sat 22 Feb, 7pm Tickets should be bought before the event.

Adults - £10, Children under 13 - £5 Trinity Methodist Church, Hallam Crescent East, LE3 2RD Learn interesting things you may not know about Leicester.

Each interactive session will feature a light touch discussion of a key period of history, for Leicester city.

BRITE Centre, Braunstone Avenue, LE3 1LE Tel: 0116 454 0280 Time: 12.30-2.30pm, Tuesdays 4 Feb Medieval 1066-1499 11 Feb Tudor 1500-1603 25 Feb Early Modern 1604-1829 4 Mar Early Victorian 1830-1860 11 Mar Late Victorian, Edwardian 1861-1910 18 Mar During the Wars 1911-1948 Tues 25 Mar Modern 1949-2020s

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Small Wonders Exciting creative play and storytelling sessions for young children (ages 0-4) and their families at Braunstone Childrens Centre as part of their Stay and Play sessions. Join them to play, explore, create and move, with the amazing Spark artists!

Free drop-in session for 0-4yr olds and their grown-ups.

Fri mornings, 9.30-11am Braunstone Childrens Centre, Gallards Hill, LE3 1QR

Mon What Pie Lunch Seniors Fitness Golden Gloves Playgroup Adults Ballet Dance 11+yrs Adult Dance Cubs 8-10yrs Tues Playgroup History Group Talk Time Knit & Natter Dance 3-5yrs Dance 5-11yrs Gaming 11-17yrs Rebounding Fitness Beavers 6-8yrs Scouts 11-14yrs Knit & Natter Job Shop Weds Free Football 8-12yrs Free Football 13-16yrs Youth Club 13-17yrs Adult Dance Class High Heels Class Gardening 3rd Weds Golden Gloves Slimming World Thurs Men’s Group Talk Time Walking Group Stay & Play Playgroup Lunch Club 1st & 3rd Thurs Knit & Natter Football 8-11yrs Street Dance 9-12yrs Football 12-15yrs Resist Beyond Fitness Fri Playgroup Guides Stay & Play Baby Group Pop-in Art Group Basketball 11-14yrs Football 5-14yrs Basketball 15-19yrs Football 16+yrs Karate Karate Sew ‘n’ So’s Seniors Fitness Golden Gloves Sat Braunstone Parkrun Children's Ballet Football 5-14yrs Girls Football 5-14yrs Street Dance 8-14yrs Children’s Chess Sun Dance 3-6yrs Dance 7-10yrs Dance 11+yrs Football 16+yrs Golden Gloves

When 10am 11am-12pm 6pm 9am 5.30pm 5-7pm 7.15-8.15pm 6.30-8pm

Where

9.15am 10am-12pm 10am-12pm 11am-1pm 5-6pm 5-7pm 6-8pm 7.45-8.45pm 5.30-6.30pm 7-8.30pm 12-3pm 1.30pm

Trinity Methodist Stable Block Sandyhurst

4-5pm 5-6pm 6-8pm 6-7pm 7-8pm 6pm 6pm 7.30-9.30pm

Oak Centre Trinity Methodist The Grove 2nd Leics Scout Hut

2nd Leics Scout Hut

0116 289 8177 0743388727 0116 279 5020 0116 279 5154 07876498592 0116 279 5154 07917457455 0116 473 7358

BRITE Centre

0116 454 0280

The Grove

0116 279 5154 The Grove BRITE Centre Oak Centre

11am-1pm 10.30am-12.30pm 10am 10-11.30am 9.15am 12pm 12-3pm 4-5pm 5-7pm 5-6pm 7-8pm

Contact re location St Peters Church The Grove Oak Centre Trinity Methodist BRITE Centre

9.15am 7.15pm 9.30-11.15am 1-3pm 10-11.30am 10am 4-5pm 4.30-6pm 5-6pm 6-7.30pm 6.15-7.15pm 7.30-8.30pm 11am 11.30am-12.30pm 6pm

Trinity Methodist

9am 9.30am 9-11am 11am-12pm 10am-12pm 2-4.30pm

Braunstone Park Trinity Methodist

9am 10am 11am 5.30-7pm 10am-1pm

Contact 0116 3260269 lynchclare@sky.com 0116 289 8177 0116 289 8080 07876498592 07538489967 0116 473 7358

The Grove

Family Hub Blessed Sacrament BRITE Centre The Grove

Oak Centre

07876498592 07783808591 0116 454 0280 lynchclare@sky.com 07710956987 0116 279 5020 07710956987 0116 289 8177 0116 289 2182 0116 454 0280 0116 279 5154 07876498592 0116 279 5154 07917457455 0116 289 8177 0116 289 8177 0116 454 3890 0116 285 8795 0116 454 0280 0116 2795154 07393285177 0116 279 5154 07855016775 07855016775 0116 326 0269 lynchclare@sky.com

Oak Centre

braunstone@parkrun.com 0116 289 8080 07393285177 07876498592 0116 326 0269

The Grove

07835612730

Oak Centre

0116 279 5154 lynchclare@sky.com

The Grove

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Do something for you…

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Braunstone Mental Health Cafe Tuesdays, 1-4pm Sundays, 4-7pm The Grove Community Hub, Cort Crescent, LE3 1QZ

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Keep Warm,

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Save Money

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Traders Corner

Alert Advertising Prices Business Card (5x9cm) £40+VAT Quarter Page (14.75x10.5cm) £105+VAT Half Page (21x14.5cm) £175+VAT

YOUR AD HERE Looking to advertise in the Braunstone Alert?

Please contact b inspired’s Neighbourhood Support Team…

0116 279 5020 communications@b-inspired.org.uk Deadline to advertise in the Apr / May edition

Full Page (21x29cm) £210+VAT

Mon 3 Mar

9. Kittens 5.Sundae

8.Sausage

4.Colour

7.Arabic

2.Leprechaun

6.Purple

1.Pancakes

3.Eros Across

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Answers

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