Cover: Braunstone RainbowGot a digital camera? Then you could be an Alert photographer. Just send us yourphotos and we’ll print our favourites. If your phone does camera art then send ussome samples. We might even put your work on our front page - instant fame!

Speed Sign

Alert Readers

Golden Years at Blessed Sacrament

Park Run

Our Tam

NMB ReportBraunstone Neighbourhood Management Board

meets every six weeks throughout the year. Theboard is made up of residents, councillors and serviceproviders who meet to discuss ways of dealing withissues that affect the area. The latest NeighbourhoodManagement Board (NMB) meeting discussed;Speed Reduction Braunstone Avenue - Theelectronic speed warning is in place. It was suggestedthat it needs to be relocated or to have a sign sayingit is there. Police may use mobile speed cameras onBraunstone Avenue.Bonfire - A successful and incident free event302 Bus Service - Thurmastone Bus is in voluntaryliquidation. First Bus now runs the 302 route, with verylittle difference to the service.Residents’ Network - Awards nominations close30th November. Garage Sale fundraising is goingwell. Group is holding an Xmas toy sale.Police News - Police are dealing with lots of leadthefts. Drain covers have also been stolen. Twohouses on Hand Avenue have been re-let after havingbeen stripped of metal. The National Association ofNeighbourhood Watch is campaigning for legalchanges to stop cash payments for scrap metal.There is an on-line petition which needs 100,000signatures. There has been a huge reduction in thenumber of ASBs in the area.Community First - This is a government initiative toprovide match funding for community improvementschemes. A community panel will be established aspart of the grant allocation process.Community Action Against Crime - StreetvibeYoung People’s Service has developed a project toresearch, identify and tackle crime issues related toyoung people. Local partner organisations arewelcome to participate. This will lead to a funding bidto the Community Action against Crime Fund.Neighbourhood Action Plan - One of the key areasof the action plan is Services for Older People.Following consultation with older residents, a CAB forthe over 60s will start in December. This is a pilotscheme to run initially for six months.Due to start soon, is another six-month pilot project.This will be a Befriending Scheme to be delivered bya paid worker and voluntary staff.Fundraising - Race Night at West End WorkingMen’s Club 25th November. Pub quiz at theShakespeare Inn 15 December. Christmas Fair StPeter Millennium Hall 16th December.

Network NewsHere we are in another new year and looking forward to whatit has in store for us. We had a lot of busy times in 2011 andno doubt we’ll see more of the same in 2012.We will continue with our regular network and committeemeetings and our regular input to the NeighbourhoodManagement Board.Last year we spent a lot of time fundraising for communityevents and became a formally constituted group to help thisprocess. This year we want to have more people involved inthe Resident’s Network Committee so we can become betterorganised and more effective in our work for Braunstone.If you want to come and be part of our Residents’ Networkcall 0116 223 2256 or drop into 45 Wellinger Way.

B-there!B-working’s new year resolution is simple - help even

more people into employment in 2012!Team Leader, Emma Shabtay-White said, “We had lots ofsuccesses last year. In Braunstone, we helped over 160people into work and in New Parks it was 112.”B-working’s qualified staff team, including four trainedPTLLS staff, continues to provide a range of supportincluding CV writing, job search, interview skills, confidencebuilding. Residents looking for work or training have accessto free services such as telephone, fax, post and internet.Emma told us, “We have a universal approach and work withany resident from 16 years up. We are driven by the needsof our clients. As well as helping you find work, we look atlearning and training that will make you more employable. Ifwe can’t find what you need, we will work with one of ourmany partner agencies to get the result you want.”The service works with a range of local and citywide partnersto find support, training, advice and job opportunities.B-working, on Gallards Hill, is open Monday - Thursday10.00 am - 5.00 pm and Friday 10.00 am - 4.30 pm. Drop inor phone 0116 225 2484.Emma finished by saying, “We want to help you helpyourself. Use us when you need us. If you’re looking for workcome and see us - we really are very good at what we do!”

Some of your b-working team

Tam TalksTam Ncube is one of the newest volunteers with

b-connected Neighbourhood Support Team. Wetalked to him about what he does and why he does it.He said “At first I didn’t know about NeighbourhoodSupport. I joined a Community Development course atb-working and there I heard about the team in WellingerWay.”At the end of the course Tam wanted to try somevoluntary work and spoke to Sian Needham at b-workingwho suggested a visit to the Wellinger Way office. Hesaid, “I am studying Housing, Communities andRegeneration at DMU and after I finished my course atb-working I wanted to build my cv and work profile. I metAli Gamble for an informal interview then started helpingout on the admin side.”Tam spends two mornings each week at theNeighbourhood Support Base and has helped withadmin for the ShoeString Fashion Show, women’straining course and the Braunstone Awards.He said, “When I finish at uni I want to continue to workwith the community. I enjoy being here very much. WhenI first started I was very reserved and shy, but now I havecome out of my shell. The other volunteers are verycheerful and helpful. They are also doing very usefulthings for Braunstone.”Tam is one of a growing team of local people who aregiving their time and skills in different ways to makeBraunstone even better. There are lots of opportunitiesto work as a volunteer. You can find out more at 45Wellinger Way or by ringing 0116 223 2256.

During 2012 you can get yourfree copy of the Braunstone

Alert at lots of outlets including;� B-working� BRITE Centre� Surestart� Leisure Centre� Local shops

Photo CornerThe Leicester People’s Photographic Gallery was

the brainchild of resident, Ian Davies. The gallerystarted as a Facebook group that attracted hundredsof photographers of all skills and experiences. Late lastyear the gallery became a real exhibition space in theOld Central Library in town and is still showcasing thework of the photographers. Anne Short told us, “There is a community exhibitionspace in the gallery and we are planning to create asmall photo exhibition to highlight the work of ourResident’s Network. Maybe later we can organise aBraunstone photo corner.”Eileen from the Resident's Network said, “The ideacame up at one of our meetings. We thought it was agreat idea to take our work into the city to show otherpeople the kind of things we do and how Braunstonebenefits from our work.”Watch this space and our Residents' NetworkFacebook page for more details.

A Very Happy New Year ToAll Our Readers!

� Working Men’s Clubs� Local Schools� GP Surgeries� Community Centres

� Police Station� Housing Offices� Churches

� New Dawn New Day� PDSA� Open Leaning Centre

NeighbourhoodSupport Base,

45 Wellinger Way

Clockwise NewsClockwise Credit Union just keeps going from strength to

strength. Having moved into new premises last year,Clockwise has extended its services to members and wantsto offer those services to even more people.Shelley Costello, Marketing & Communications Officer, toldus, “We’ve got a great new website that provides lots ofinformation on what we do; like basic share accounts, budgetaccounts to help manage bills, CASH ISA’s, affordable loansand much more.”The credit union has also established partnerships with Co-op

Electrical, CUNA Mutal and Stride Furniture to give youdiscounts and money off electrical goods, mortgageand life insurance and furniture.Shelley added “We are especially keen to helpchildren and young people to get the good moneymanagement habit. Our web-site has brilliant

interactive areas for under 11s with Professor Tick Tock (left)and a youth zone for young people.”Through the web-site you can manage your Clockwiseaccount and get the latest news. If you are not a memberalready you can join on line and become one of the 186million people world-wide who are credit union members.Shelley told us, “On 2nd January Clockwise celebrated its 20year anniversary which coincided with the the start of theInternational Year of Co-operatives launched by the UnitedNations.”Happy birthday from us and thanks for many years ofexcellent service.For your convenience there is a Clockwisebranch at

Braunstone Working, Gallards Hill, LE3 1QRTuesday 10:00 - 14:00

Wednesday 11:00 - 13:00You can contact us at 1 St Nicholas Place, Leicester or

Dumped Pump?Braunstone History Group sent us an interesting

snippet of local history concerning the BraunstoneVillage pump. The story, from 1955, reads;

“Mr. Arthur Lowe, aged 77, and Mr.E.S. Day, Village store-keeper,inspect the village pump, whichmay be sold for scrap if the Parishcouncil can find out who owns it.25 years ago, it was the village’sonly water supply. The pump wasused for drinking water. Water forwashing was drawn from a

nearby well, which has now been filled in.40 years ago the pump was used regularly. Eachresident in the village was issued with a key for 9d, sothe chain which locked the pump handle could beunfastened. This was to prevent outsiders using thevillagers’ precious water. When the water mains wereput in, the pump water was condemned as unfit to drink.Since then, the pump, once the centre of Braunstonelife, has become overgrown with weeds and grass. Arethe villagers concerned? “I’m afraid not” said Mr. Day,who has lived in the village all his life. “No one seemsto care whether it stays or goes.”Records show that the pump was often discussed atparish council meetings. The keys were issued to thevillagers in 1909. In 1920 there was concern that somepeople were not locking the pump and by 1921 severalparishioners refused to lock it up. The problem wasresolved by setting fixed hours for the locking of thepump, with the keys in the charge of Constable Gamble.However the pump continued to be the centre ofBraunstone life, so much so that a notice board waserected near it. This was for ‘posting Police and othernotices’ and was arranged by Major Richard Winstanley.Did you ever drink from the Braunstone pump? Do youknow what became of it? If you do or if you have anyother historic snippets, then please share them with theBraunstone History Group. So-lar, So Good!

Braunstone Housing has introduced solar panels to somelocal homes. The panels are useful, though there are a

lot of variables. Ellen Watts said, “They only work on southor southwest facing roofs. Then it depends on the pitch anddesign of the roof, obstacles and, of course, on the weather.You don’t make any income from the panels but on thesunniest days you will reduce your energy costs.”Ellen said they were not able to install as many panels as theywanted and added, “I was disappointed that some of ourtenants didn’t get panels this time. This was beyond ourcontrol but I am trying to negotiate another scheme this year.I hope we can get even more homes fitted with solar panels.”

Little ExplorersLittle Explorers crèche runs in term time, Monday to

Friday, from 9.45 -11.45 am and 1.00 - 3.00 pm. Wecan take children from 12 weeks to 5 years old.Costs are £3 per child, £5 for 2 children or £7 for 3 childrenfrom the same household. We provide healthy snacks anddrinks and have a fantastic outdoor play area. It is anopportunity for children to get ready for school, learn toshare, get messy and make friends.

Contact us at 27 Cantrell Road or 0116 282 6918

Park LifeOn Braunstone Park there is a house near the Cort

Crescent and Braunstone Avenue junction. Wewondered who lived there and what it’s like to live on thepark. Lizzie, from the A Team,went to investigate.The householder Bonnie told a very interesting story. “In1990 I was looking for a house. It had to be somewherespecial because my daughter, Emily was wheelchairbound and we needed plenty of room. While I wassearching, I got a call from Leicester City Council’sHousing Department. They said they had a vacanthouse, if I wanted to havea look.”Bonnie had a look and herhouse-hunting stoppedinstantly as she fell in lovewith the place on sight.“It turned out to be thisbeautiful house set inBraunstone Park. It has four bedrooms and two livingrooms so it had all the space we needed and it’s a greatplace to live. I love the peacefulness of the park andeveryone is so friendly. People walking on the parkalways wave and say ‘hello’, even if I don’t know them…it’s lovely!”Bonnie had four children but two of her girls diedtragically young. Son John and daughter Kate areparents themselves now and Bonnie has fourgrandchildren. She has also been fostering for fourteenyears, “This is a lovely family home for me and my threelong-term foster children. We’ve got lots of space tospread ourselves out and there’s enough room for whenmy grandchildren visit.”The family makes good use of the gardens, growing all

their own vegetablesand even keeping somelivestock. “We have fourchickens in the back.They were a bit slow tostart with but now allfour are laying andkeeping us supplied withfresh eggs. We also

have two dogs Nancy and Bella… apart from being familypets they protect our chickens from foxes”It seems that Bonnie and family are not the only oneswho like the park house. “We get visits from some of theducks that live on the park. They come to lay eggs in theback yard. We keep an eye on them until they hatch andwhen the ducklings are three weeks old we take themback to the pond. This is such a special place to me… Iwouldn’t want to live anywhere else!”

Garage GossResidents’ Network fundraising team asked us to say

a very big thank you to everyone who donated toysand gifts for the Christmas Garage Sale. Thanks to atremendous local response the team was able to raisemore money for community events in Braunstone.Joy said “Special thanks to a new Braunstone group,Mums Supporting Mums, who gave us a huge number ofnew toys for the sale. We raised nearly £250 on the day.”The Christmas Garage Sale was one special day inalmost a year of fundraising by selling donated goods.Through this the team raised nearly £2,500.Eileen told us, “We started with people giving us clothes,toys, bric-a-brac, books and other goods. We then sortthe donations and price them, put them on the rails andopen the doors to the public on Wednesday afternoons.”The main object is to keep building funds for communityevents but there are other benefits, as Lizzie explained,“People who give us goods are clearing space at home,then we sell it at low prices to people who need and wantthem. Anything we don’t sell is recycled even further, aswe pass a lot to Blessed Sacrament Friday Pop-in. Whatthey don’t sell at Blessed Sacrament is given to MIND.”Joy added, “A lot of clothes we don’t sell are still goodenough to pass on to a charity that sends clothes to needypeople in Africa, so our little sale helps a lot of people.”The team works hard to make things go well. “We do alot of work behind the scenes as we get lots of new stuffevery week. Then we have to sort, rack and priceeverything again. We have a pricing policy that meanseverybody gets a bargain and we reach our fundraisingtargets. We would like to open on another day so ifanyone has a few spare hours and want to help thecommunity, get in touch and we’ll show you the ropes.We have fun and are really doing something worthwhile.Come and see us at 2:30 pm on Wednesdays at theb-connected base at 45 Wellinger Way.”

New CafeThere’s a new place to eat in Braunstone, right next door

to the Hockley Farm Practice. Jo the manager of ‘AnApple a Day’ cafe told us, “We sell a rage of hot andcold food and drinks. You can take them away

or eat in. We are open weekdays from8.00 am 4.30 pm, except Thursdayswhen we close at 3.30. Why not comeand see what we have to offer. We’re right next

to the main entrance.”If you want to place an order for food call

Jo 07950 472 369

PETPetra

Green TriangleLocal volunteers, Tony, Janet and Marie Anne have discovered an accidental recycling connection. Tony, as we’ve

reported before, never uses a dust bin but recycles all his rubbish. Janet gathers up any bottles and cans she findson the street and disposes of them properly. Marie-Anne’s recycling method is to turn junk into useful things. The threemet through b-connected and are now co-operating to promote a cleaner, greener, creative Braunstone.Marie-Anne said, “I’m interested in sustainable crafts and make clothes, jewellery and other items from crisps packets,shopping and ring pulls from drink cans.”Tony was helping out at the Wellinger Rail Sale when he met Marie-Anne. He was amazed at some of the things shewas making from plastic bags. She had cup holders, wrist bands, slippers table mats. So he started collecting bags forher to re-use. When Janet heard that someone was recycling ring-pulls she said, “I’ve been clearing

drinks cans off the streets for years. Now before I bin them, I collect the ring pulls forMarie- Anne. I’ve got hundreds for her.”Marie-Anne is hoping to bring her creative skills to local schools to help childrendevelop their creativity, while Tony and Janet are carrying on their recycling activities.Keeping Braunstone clean and green is in everyone’s interested and it’s good tosee a creative way of recycling, that produces such useful and beautiful goods. Ifyou have any novel recycling ideas, then let us know on 0115 223 2256.

Bulk Collections/Orange Bag queries 0116 252 7002Report Dog Fouling 0116 252 7001Report Fly Tipping 0116 252 7001Report Graffiti 0116 225 3839

BRITE Centre Customer Desk 0116 252 7000

Useful Numbers!

After a slow start last year, I now getabout twelve people a day and ambusy through to seven in the evening.

The news about STOP! is spreading andpeople see it as a good, friendly service.

If it continues I’llhave to considerstarting anotherclinic at the BRITECentre.

I’ve got a wholerange of productsto help smokerskick the habit. Thelatest is a spray tokill the craving andit works within 60seconds.

The feedback I get from my clients is verypositive, I think this is because I can givethem the time and support they need. Soif one approach is not working for them,then we can try others until we get itright.

It’s sometimes more difficult for somepeople because of disability, illness orage. STOP! has no barriers and I will workaround the needs of the individual client.

My youngest client is 13 and my oldest is72. It doesn’t matter how long you havebeen a smoker, it’s never too late to gethelp to stop.

The products we use are clinically triedand tested so we know they work. I willhelp you find the right one orcombination to help you out of thehabit. Syd Mathias, STOP!

I’m 26 and have been smoking for 13years. I was not a heavy smoker butI did smoke a lot more when I was

out for a drink at the weekends. Acolleague had given up thanks to Syd’shelp, so I gave it a go.

Nine weeks into my course and I haven’thad a cigarette in that time. As ithappens, I’m drinking less as well!

The STOP! programme is great and Sydis just fantastic. The way he works, givingadvice and support, really gets the resultyou want. I’ve recommended Syd andSTOP! to a lot of my friends. Dan

I started smoking 48 years ago when Iwas about 14. I did it because my matesdid - it was the done thing. Everybody

smoked then.

I tried to stop hundreds of times but couldn’tmanage it.

Then I spoke to Syd at the BRITE Centre. Hehas all sorts of things to help but it was hiscaring manner that did it for me. Hesupported me and encouraged me, anddidn’t give me any pressure.

He is wonderful… he was with me everystep of the way. It only took 10 weeksand I’ll never smoke again!

Teresa

If you want to use STOP! thensee Syd at the BRITE CentreWednesdays 10 am - 5 pm

or call 0116 295 4141

Would you like to dramaticallyimprove the health & wellbeing of your family, friends

and neighbours?

Do you have two orthree hours to give permonth to volunteer inyour community to raise

awareness ofdiabetes, heartattacks andstrokes?

Or are you looking togain experience andlearn new skills inadmin, websitemanagement orsocial media toenable you to securea job in the future?

Call Karen Pickering on 07881 964 362 for morevolunteering opportunities, details and roles.

“We will providea free, independent,

impartial andconfidential service.If you are over sixty

and need advice,don’t hesitate to get

in touch!”Roz Burch, yourCAB worker

Spider GirlResident’s Geoff and Antonia told us their grand-daughter

Naomi kept unusual pets - tarantula spiders. She told us“Tarantulas will eat lots of things includingcrickets, meal worms, cockroaches and flies.Some of the bigger ones will eat frogs, smalllizards and mice. There are 900 differentspecies and we are always discovering more.Some are big (see Pet Pics) and some aresmall. They can live up trees, on the ground,under rocks and some even make burrows.One interesting fact is that there has never been arecorded case of death from a tarantula bite!”

cut out and keep

Riverside MeetingsRupa Chandarana, Community Projects Coordinator

for Riverside Housing, wants to get more peopleinvolved in the Braunstone Tenants Group.Rupa wrote, “The purpose of the meetings is to discusshousing and maintenance issues that residents areexperiencing.”The meetings provide a way for tenants to have theirsay but there is also a social aspect to them.Rupa added, “The tenants also talk about overallcommunity issues within Braunstone and discussorganising events and day trips.”The Braunstone Tenants Group meets on Thursdays,every six weeks. The meeting schedule for 2012 is;12th January, 23rd February, 5th April, 17th May,28th June, 9th August, 4th October, 1st November,13th DecemberAll meetings will take place at The BRITE Centre,Braunstone Avenue. Time: 10.00 am until 12.00 noon.Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.

Well Done Parkrun !Did you know that by the end of 2011 Braunstone parkrun

had staged over 60 runs on Braunstone Park. The runsare at 9.00 am every Saturday. The events have attracted anamazing total of 1500+ runners from 92 clubs. Between themthey have clocked up over 3,500 hours running on the park.Parkrun is a great use of a Braunstone facility, open for anyoneto take part and organised by dedicated volunteer staff.Congratulations and thanks to everyone involved.For more information contact braunstoneoffice@parkrun.com,check out the website www.parkrun.org.uk/braunstone orwww.facebook.com/braunstone.parkrun

It Pays to AdvertiseIt’s good to advertise in the Alert. We produce 2,500 copies

every two months and have 2,000 readers on line.Gardeners, handymen, florists and hairdressers haveadvertised with us and have gained new customers.If you want to advertise your business, service, communityevent or anything else, then get in touch. We can make youan ad of any size from a small back page notice to a fullpage colour, designed to suit your needs.The Alert is the most effective way to advertise anything inBraunstone and our costs are lower than commercial rates.

Full details 0116 223 2256anne.short@b-inspired.org.uk

paddy.mccullough@b-inspired.org.uk

Surestart ForumMalti Sokhi invited us to the first meeting of the Parents

Forum at Braunstone Surestart on Gallards Hill.Community Development Worker, Malti said, “I waspleasantly surprised when twelve people turned up… andthey are all very enthusiastic!”She told us the idea of the forum is to involve parents inmonitoring the quality of Surestart service and suggestingchanges and improvements where appropriate.We talked with some of the new forum members and foundthem eager to get going. One said, “We all use Surestartand want to help in anyway we can. We’d like to see theDads Group start up again, and we’d like some dads tojoin us on the forum.”The Dads Group would create opportunities for partner’sto have quality time bonding with their children. The forummembers said they would help.“We can be a good support network for other parents andcarers. We are willing to have a good discussion aboutanything… we can talk about how to set the world to rightsand find ways we can improve things and help others.”The forum will be a way of circulating information. “We canspread the word about Surestart service, tell people whatthey can get from Surestart and how it can benefit themand their families.”We were impressed with the positive attitude and lookforward to finding out how they get on. In the meantime, ifyou want to find out more about the forum and what it doesthen contact Malti. For information about joining the DadsGroup, volunteering to help, then Surestart.

60+ CABWe told you last time about a new service to provide advice

to the over 60s in Braunstone. Now we are able to giveyou fuller details of what it can do for you.

Drop in times Tuesdays 9.30 - 12.30Appointments Tuesday afternoons

Contact us on 0116 223 2251citizens.advice@b-inspired.org.uk

“I’m really excited to be working inBraunstone again. It’s great to be able toprovide a service for the over sixties thatmatches what they have asked for.I’m a Braunstone resident and am glad tohave this chance to work in the placewhere I live. I think this will help becauseI know the community and how thingstick. I also know the local councillors and

others personally - that should make it easier for me toget access to help and information.I think it helps that I know lots of people in Braunstone,though I must stress that the service I provide will be free,impartial, independent and strictly confidential. If you areover sixty and need advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch!”

Angie Wright from b-inspired said, “This pilot scheme followsa detailed consultation with over sixties in Braunstone andis solely for that age group. Anyone under sixty years oldwill be referred to other local services. However, if necessarythe worker will make an appointment with the Leicester CAB.This means that even though we can’t help people undersixty we can provide a good ‘gateway’ to the citywide service.We are pleased to have the service running as we hadidentified it as being needed. The happy co-incidence wasthat CAB was looking to work in Braunstone, so now wehave a strong mutual partnership delivering a valuableservice to our older residents.”

CAB worker, Roz Burch has run an independent advicecentre in Leeds and worked for CABs in Charnwood andCoalville. She has worked for Leicester CAB for four years.

One older resident told is, “It’s going to be great - older peopleneed it! Sometimes it’s hard to find out who can help you oryou’re struggling with a phone system that’s complicated andyou miss what it says. Now we’ll get the personal touch froma real person who will know how to help us.”

Anne Short said, “This is a very specific, much needed adviceservice. For six months we will have a dedicated worker fromCAB. We also have a small team of voluntary staff doing‘front of house’ work. We expect the drop-in to be verypopular and the appointments will be for a week ahead ”

COUNCILLORS’ INFOPhone: 0116 291 4993 Fax: 0116 229 8850

Email: anne.glover@leicester.gov.uk

Phone: 07890 564 696 Fax: 0116 229 8850Email: michael.cooke@leicester.gov.uk

Phone: 07890 564 709 Fax: 0116 229 8850Email: wayne.naylor@leicester.gov.uk

Step 2 ~ Cook the couscous as per

packet instructions, with water only, no

other ingredients, keep warm

Step 3 ~ Break the cauliflower into

florets the size of a small marble,

defrost the mixed vegetables if

necessary

Step 7b ~ Serve withthe couscous (and eat!)

Step 1 ~ Get the Ingredients10 mls vegetable oil.1 medium red pepper (slicedand de-seeded)½ vegetable stock cube1 tbsp curry powder½ tsp salt.80 gr cauliflower120 gr mixed vegetables(fresh or defrosted frozen)15 gr raisins (optional)1 tsp chutney50 gr couscous dry

Step 4 ~ Make up the stock cube with

100 ml of waterStep 5 ~ Heat the oil in a heavy based

saucepan and cook the pepper for 5minutes approximately

Step 6 ~ Stir in the stock, curry

powder, salt and vegetables and boil for

5 minutes approximate adding more

boiling water if necessary

Step 7 ~ Stir in the raisins and chutney

Seven Step CurryWe thought we’d get the New Year off to a

start with a healthy recipe. The tasty ideacomes from Weekly Weigh-In at the HockleyFarm Surgery.One of the Weigh-In group says she’s tried it andit was delicious! If you want to shed a pound ortwo and get some more healthy recipes, just dropinto the surgery on Mondays at 11.30 am. Theywill be glad to see you.

Cross-CuttingPark OdeResident, Brian Stone

(see Spotlight) wrotethis poem one day afterwalking through the parktowards Braunstone Hall.We liked so much we printedit along with this great photoof the hall in the 1920s. Areyou a bit of a poet? end ussome of your work and we’llstart a poetry corner.

Kerry SullivanTuesday 17th January – Inspection covers Gallards Hill,Webster Road, Wellinger Way. Starts 10.00am prompt outside No. 2 Gallards Hill .Tuesday 14th February – Inspection coversWilmore Crescent, Gunthorpe Crescent.Starts 10.00 am prompt outside No. 2Wilmore Crescent.

Melanie OsborneTuesday 4th January - Inspection coversOdam Close, Herle Avenue, Herle Walk,Main Street. Starts 10.00 am promptoutside No. 1 Odam Close.Wednesday 1st February - Inspectioncovers Woodshaw Rise, Cressida Place.Starts 10.00 am prompt outside No. 10Woodshaw Rise.

Jason AddisonWednesday 11th January - Inspection covers Mortimer way,Braunstone Lane, Mortimer Place, NarboroughRoad. Starts 10.00 am prompt Mortimer Wayopposite Audley EndWednesday 15th February - Inspection coversFosse Road South, Fullhurst Avenue. Starts 10.00am prompt corner of Fosse Road South andImperial Avenue and Braunstone Avenue

Sally FranklynWednesday 11th January - Inspection covers Winforde Road,

Worrall Road, Worrall Close. Starts 10.00 amprompt outside No. 1 Winforde RoadWednesday 15th February - Inspectioncovers Heyford Road, Avery Hill. Starts 10.00am prompt outside No. 2 1 Heyford Road.

Darlene AhmedWednesday 11th January - Inspectioncovers Gaddesby Avenue. Starts 10.00prompt corner of Imperial Ave and GaddesbyAvenue.Wednesday 8th February - Inspectioncovers Hamelin Road, Winstanley Drive.Starts 10.00 prompt Hamelin Road flats.

Estate InspectionsYour Estate Management Officers ( EMOs) have sentus these dates for their inspections in January andFebruary. They will be happy for you to join them andlet them know what problems there are in your area.

Police StorySgt. Cara Guest continues to build connections

with others who are working to improveBraunstone. She is a regular at the NeighbourhoodManagement Board and has met with b-inspired staffto discuss the needs of vulnerable older residents.At the meeting she said, “If wefeel that people are at risk wemight be able to help byreferring them to appropriateservices. We will be workingwith Neighbourhood SupportTeam and the Befriendingproject to strengthen thecommunity network. We willpost regular bulletins in theAlert.”For those who use social networks, the local unit aimsto set up a Braunstone Twitter. Leicestershire Policehave put Twitter to good use on many occasions,both to combat crime and to keep residents informed.Sgt. Guest told us about dog’s tale with a happy outcome. At the end of August last year a Braunstonewoman reported that her dog, a Staffordshire BullTerrier, had been stolen. A vigilant neighbour hadwritten down the registration number of a vehiclesuspected of being involved.This information led Leicestershire police toinvestigate a property in the West Midlands. Furtherenquiries established that a staffie dog had beengiven as a present to a woman living at anotheraddress in the West Midlands.Fortunately the dog owner had taken the precautionof having the pet micro-chipped. Police officerscontacted an animal welfare charity and borrowed amicrochip scanner. This ‘read’ the unique microchipcode and proved the dog was the one which hadbeen reported stolen.As a result the happy pet and equally happy ownerwere reunited. PC Mark Smith, from the BraunstonePark and Rowley Fields beat team, said: “The owneris absolutely delighted to get her dog back, which wasthe main objective of the investigation.”Due to concerns about school truancy, Sgt. Guestsaid, “We are working with Education WelfareOfficers and are carrying out Truancy Patrols in thearea.”“We would also remind residents to be aware of theftsfrom cars. Our Crime Prevention reminder is simple- make sure your car is locked and secure and makesure that you don’t leave on show valuable itemssuch as lap-top bags, sat navs or money.”

What’s OnMondays:10.00 am - 11.30 am 50+ Aqua Fit, Leisure Centre10.30 am - 12.00 pm Let’s Walk Braunstone, Stable Block, Braunstone Park11.30 am - 12.30 pm Healthy Eating Group Hockley Farm Health Centre2.00 pm - 4.00 pm Golden Years Group (Bingo!) Blessed Sacrament Church2.00 pm - 4.00 pm Indoor Bowling Trinity Church, Hallam Crescent6.00 pm - 9.00 pm Bingo, Cort Crescent Community CentreTuesday:10.00 am - 12.00 pm Braunstone History Group BRITE Centre - Library Braunstone Avenue2.30 pm Friendship Club,

Trinity Methodist ChurchWednesday:10.15 am - 11.15am Coffee and Chat at St Peters Church, Woodshawe Rise. Call Rev. Chris Burch, 0116 282 50342.30 pm - 3.30 pm Garage Sale - Nearly new & bric-a-brac

45 Wellinger Way3.00 pm - 5.00 pm Friendship Club Trinity Methodist Church Hallam Crescent3.30 pm - 6.00 pm Family Group, The Oak Centre6.00 pm - 8.00 pm 40+ Club, Oak Centre, Bendbow RiseThursday:12.00 pm - 3.00 pm Women of Wisdom (WoW) co-operative Contact Eileen 07769 315 18412.00 pm - 1.30 pm Lunch Club - Trinity Church Call Marilyn, 0116 289 21821.00 pm - 3.00 pm Knit & Natter, BRITE Centre Library3.30 pm - 6.00 pm Family Allotment, Rancliffe AllotmentsFriday:10.00 am - 12.00 pm Friday Pop-in, Snacks, nearly new sale, & bric-a-brac,Blessed Sacrament Church

Gooding Avenue10.00 am - 12.00 pm Art Club - Visitors Centre

The Stable Block, Braunstone Park10.00 am - 1.00 pm Sew ‘n’ So’s Needlecraft Group The Oak Centre, Bendbow Rise12.00 pm - 1.30 pm Bingo Cort Crescent Community Centre12.00 pm - 2.00 pm Mazzie Lunch Club, BRITE Centre

Call 07941 997 238 to book. £4 (£2 kids)SureStart volunteer Drop In, Gallards Hill

12.00 pm - 2.30 pm Mums Supporting Mums, BRITE Library6.00 pm - 9.00 pm Bingo Bonanza Cort Crescent Community Centre Last Friday monthSaturday:9.00 am ParkRun, Stable Block Braunstone Park (You need to register first at

www.parkrun.org.uk/braunstone)

In the SpotlightWe recently met Brian Stone

when we featured his dog inour Pets Pics. Brian tells us hemoved to Braunstone in 2006 andloves living here. He is a poet whohas had lots of his writingpublished. Brian describes himselfas a bibliophile - he loves booksand has collected thousands ofthem.What’s your idea of a good night out?I used to like going to the pub but I used to float home,I don’t go out anymore.A good night in?Curled up on the settee with my dear lady and a nicecup of tea.What Animal would you be?A Wolf because they are fantastic hunters.What is your pet hate?Pretentiousness, people who come across as false, Icannot stand it..What was the last book you read?A book called Shop Boy by John Burch Thomas, aboutVictorian times.What is your favourite film?Fairy Story with Peter O’Toole who plays Sir ArthurConan Doyle.What do you love about Braunstone?Green spaces, parks and the Highway Spinney.What words would people use to describe you?Approachable, Industrious, Enigmatic.What’s the furthest you have ever been?Vancouver, I was doing a PhD in American studies.What’s your ideal holiday? Holidaying in Venice I like the history and the culture.Who is your best friend?My good lady, Judith Davis WebbWhat’s your most attractive quality?Generosity. (Lend us a fiver then).....and your least?Stubbornness. (No chance of the fiver then!)Have you a claim to fame?Having my poems published fifteen times in ForwardPress, Peterborough.If we made a movie about your life, who would playyou?Robin Williams.(Or Daniel Day Lewis?)Do you have a wish for Braunstone?For it to continue to grow and expand and for people toalways be friendly to each other.How do you want to be remembered?For what I write.

DearMajorettes

Dear Alert,Re - Any Old Photos from Mandy, in yourNov/Dec issue. I would like to correct whoformed the Majorettes. In the first instance itwas Lil and Ben Denton, sadly deceased, whoformed the first group. They were assisted byPat Spencer and Shirley Russell. Later thegroup was to be taken over by Mr & MrsBassford who then introduced most of theinstruments. My only involvement was to ferrythem to their many bookings. As for photo’syou may be lucky if you contact Pat Spencer.

ThanksTony Russell

(Thanks for this Tony. Can Pat Spencer letus know if she has any photos of theMajorettes, one of our readers was in thegroups and would love to see the pictures.)

History Help!Dear Alert,The Braunstone History Group islooking for anything to do with theCoronation of Queen Elizabeth in1953.We want to know if you had astreet party or watched it on TV.If anyone has any photos ormemorabilia about the Coronationwe would love to see them.We are going to put on a smallexhibition in June so please bringanything along to show us at ourweekly meeting on a Tuesdaymorning in the BRITE Centrelibrary between 10.00 am and12.00.

Helen CatterwellBraunstone History Group

Alert On-line. If you have access to the internet then you can read all our editions of the Alert on-line. Just type the link intoyour web address bar to view our library of Alerts and other Braunstone focused publications that you might enjoy. Another way isto send us an email and we will re-mail the link to you. Then you can send the link to friends and family anywhere in the world, to letthem know what’s going on in Braunstone. http://issuu.com/b-alert/docs

St Peters Rail Exhibition

Let’s Walk Braunstone

Beautiful Braunstone

White Line Woman

Christmas Cheer!

Zzzzz!

Steamy Fence

Production team;Paddy McCullough, Anne Short, Ali Gamble

Ably assisted by the A-TeamWrite, or send pictures, to Braunstone Alert,

45 Wellinger Way, LE3 1RG.E-mail anne.short@b-inspired.org.uk

ali.gamble@b-inspired.org.ukpaddy.mccullough@b-inspired.org.uk

Printed by Joseph A. Ball (printers) Ltd.We make every effort to ensure that information

is accurate and up to date at the time of publication

GoldenYears

We’re a friendly groupof older people whomeet for fun andsocialising. We havebingo, raffles, bring &buy, table-top sale andwe organise our owntrips. Our venue iswheelchair friendly andyou can bring yourcarers if you want.

Mon 12.30 - 3.00 pm

Blessed SacramentHall, Gooding Avenue

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