Cover: Park Art. Got a digital camera? Then you could be an Alertphotographer. Just send us your photos and we’ll print our favourites. If yourphone does camera art then send us some samples. We might even putyour work on our front page - instant fame!

Grubbalicious

Happy Birthday!

Have you seen this man?

Look this way!

Readers Galore

Congratulations to new mum, Nicole Jarratt!

Harrison Allan was born on 20th April and

weighed in at 8lb 10 oz.

NMB ReportBraunstone Neighbourhood Management Board meets

every six weeks throughout the year. The latestmeeting discussed;Community First - The panel is set up and registered.Meetings to take place after NMB meetings.Park - A graffiti wall project is planned and the park teamwill try to deal with other unsightly graffiti. Play equipmentdamage has been reported to the appropriate team. Thepublic toilet is back in operation. Old bins are beingreplaced with more secure models. There will be additionalbins and all bins can be used for litter and dog waste.Thanks to the O2 Team that cleared the big spinney. TheCommunity Payback team will soon clear the spinneybehind the Grove.Residents Network Update - Braunstone Awards wasanother very successful event. Network volunteers areworking with b-connected on ‘Talk-time’ coffee and chatmorning for older residents at Bridges House and BowderHouse. Volunteers welcome so please spread the word.Police Update - The Unit have been dealing with Anti-social Behaviour in two areas in Braunstone. Following anarrest , a recent increase in burglaries has stopped.Only 8% of drivers had exceeded recommended speedlimits. This is a very positive result. The JAG has providedfunds for a CCTV in one area that has had ASB.Braunstone police are on Twitter. This can help in raisingawareness, reporting and tackling crime. Police have dealtwith some mini-motos on the park.LCC Budget - Over the next 3 years LCC has to makesavings of 28% - £70 million at least. Council Tax will riseby 3.49% and by rent by 7.1%. There will be cuts to thevoluntary sector, housing related support and bussubsidies. Library Minibus Service cuts are deferred forone year. Being kept are – Teenage Pregnancy co-ordinator, Youth Council, Libraries, Children’s Homes andthere will be an extra eight City Wardens for one year.Neighbourhood Action Plan -The Foundation aims toset aside funds to ensure that priority services aremaintained. Recently started is a 6 month pilot CABscheme and due to start is the over 60s BefriendingScheme.Fundraising - Last years target of £20,000 was exceededthanks to hard work of b-connected and local volunteers.The Foundation realised that this was a difficult processand has not set a target this year. Therefore the bonfire isnot happening and the carnival is smaller. However,fundraising will continue through the Residents’ Networkand staff.Housing - Bendbow Rise play equipment will be renovatedsoon. The Cladding programme is due to start. Householdsto be included will have a letter from the council. Residentswarned not to fall for high cost insulation scams.

Network NewsHere we are again with the latest from the Residents’

Network.Our garage sale at 45 Wellinger Way is stillgoing well. We welcome donations of good clean clothing,household items, bric-a-brac, books, records, toys, dvds…in fact anything in good condition that you don’t want anymore.The money we raise goes towards community events andactivities in Braunstone.We have set up an ebaypage to raise even moremoney. We don’t justwant your goods, we alsowelcome you - Rose,Helen and Kelly arevolunteers who havejoined us recently.Some of us have been helping at ‘Talk Time’ at BridgesHouse and Bowder House. This gives the residents afriendly social event to look forward to every couple ofweeks. Volunteers for these visits are very welcome.Braunstone FoodShare is another good project. St. Petersand b-connected are working together to distribute foodthat would go to waste. Nearly 200 people have joined sowe are very busy and extra hands are welcome. If youwant to volunteer just contact b-connected 0116 223 2256.Last but not least, we still have our contact withBraunstone Neighbourhood Management Board. This iswhere we work with b-inspired, our local councillors,police, housing and other service providers to get thingsdone for Braunstone.

Parkrun MilestoneBraunstone parkrun is one of more than 100 that

take place each week around the world. EverySaturday it brings many people to Braunstone Parkto take part in a 5k timed run. The runs are organisedby volunteers and are free, safe and easy. You canjoin in if you are a runner, a jogger or a walker andwhatever your ability.Parkrun has passed its 80th race but it was duringrace 76 that Amy Rodwell become the 10,000thperson to cross the Braunstone Parkrun finishing line.That’s a lot of people!If you want to help Parkrun reach the 20,000 mark justregister for free and join the others on the park at 9.00am Saturday mornings. To register or find out more;

www.parkrun.org.uk/braunstonebraunstoneoffice@parkrun.com

www.facebook.com/braunstone.parkrun

Helen’ s ReadyOne Braunstone resident who is ready for a challenge

is Helen Cupkovic. She was in the office talking aboutwhy she likes volunteering and we thought it would makea good read.She told us, “I’m a real Braunstone girl. I was born HelenBrookfield, on Hockley Farm Road in 1965. I went to

Queensmead School, thenBraunstone Hall School andWycliffe. I always liked meetingpeople and getting on with them.I’ve been with my husband,Anthony since I was eighteen. Hewas from Hand Avenue and wasalways outgoing and interested inpeople.”“I was volunteering at the OAK

Centre lunch club. That got me into other things. I startedhelping out in the Youth Wing , we both did a SignLanguage courses then I did First Aid and Food Hygiene.”When the New Deal for Communities came along Anthonygot into that and became one of the directors. “ He wason the BCA Board and stayed with them until just a coupleof years ago. I didn’t go for that - I don’t think there wouldhave been room for two directors in our house!”Helen focused on working at the OAK Centre Lunch Club.“I like that… the work was fun but what I enjoyed mostwas meeting and talking to other locals. You got to knowloads of people and felt you were doing something good.”After the club finished Helen spent a year helping at CourtCrescent Community Centre, but then found herself outof the loop. “I like to be out doing things but I was out ofthe habit and getting fed up. Anthony was involved withthe Residents’ Network and 45 Wellinger Way. But it wasthrough the Internet that I got started again. I saw theResident’s Facebook page and it was talking about theFoodShare. I asked if I could help and got a great big‘Yes’. So I started helping out on Monday evenings. ThenI joined the garage sale and met even more new people.”Helen said that being an active volunteer is good for her.“I love what I’m doing now… I feel like I’m really helpingother people again. There’s always something to do andeveryone has made me feel welcome. It makes my hubbyhappy to see me doing what I love.”Looking ahead, Helen said, “I want to carry on doing whatI’m doing and I love the challenge of trying somethingnew. So I’ve joined the WoW group and I’ve even helpedwith the Alert, by doing the corrections. I think morepeople should volunteer to help their community.”There are lots of volunteering opportunities all overBraunstone. For more information call 0116 223 2256

Hello/GoodbyeThe Hockley Farm Health and Social Care Centre

welcomes a new Practice Manager, Kate Hunter whofills the gap left by Lorraine Baker who retired recently.In her time Lorraine worked hard to improve patient accessto the practice and to the medical team. We wish her all thebest the future. We all look forward to working with Kate aspart of the Braunstone Neighbourhood Management Board.

A Good FriendChris Burch, sent us this article about the Venerable

Richard Atkinson and his connection with Braunstone.“Richard Atkinson was appointed Archdeacon of Leicesterin 2002, having been the vicar of a Sheffield council estateparish a bit like Braunstone. He had an OBE for setting upa Housing Association in South Yorkshire.By March 2003 the New Deal for Communities inBraunstone was struggling, and the Bishop of Leicesteroffered to see if he could help. He sent us Richard.From a failing organisation, the Braunstone Community

Association grew into one of thebest in the country – not becauseRichard did all the work, butbecause his gentle but firm stylegave others the space to maketheir full contribution.It was a tough ride, but he didn’tgive up until his three years wereover. By then the crime figureswere falling, the Six Streets wererefurbished, and the LeisureCentre, the Health Centre and theBRITE Centre were on their way.

Since then the BCA (now b-inspired) has gone fromstrength to strength. We needed Richard’s help then, butnow the Braunstone community is thriving without him. He’sbeen a good friend to Braunstone – and a good friend toSt Peter’s and myself too.Richard has been promoted as Bishop of Bedford and we’redelighted for him, but we’ll miss him. The BraunstoneFoundation gave a party for him on the 14th April. Hisconsecration as Bishop takes place in St Paul’s Cathedral,London on the 17th May.”

School FeteBraunstone Community Primary School will holding a

fund-raising fete on Saturday 23rd June, from 12.00noon - 2.00 pm. There will be lots of fun for all the familyincluding bar-b-que, raffles, games. Free entry.

FLABB at 50In 1962 Braunstone saw the opening of a new church,

that merged a city-based church with a local one. Pauland Marian Jones have been involved with the Friar Laneand Braunstone Baptist (FLABB) church since the start.Marian told us, “I used to go to the Braunstone BaptistSunday school when it was at the old community centreon Braunstone Avenue, and carried on being involvedwhen the new church opened.”Paul added, “The construction of an underpass causedthe loss of the Sunday School at Friar Lane and in 1961the Deacon proposed building a new church with theBraunstone Baptists. By 1962 we had the new building,with Reverend Tebbutt as the first minister. Marian andI met through the merger and have been together andpart of FLABB ever since.To celebrate 50 years in Braunstone, FLABB is holdinga weekend of exciting activities on Saturday 19th andSunday 20th of May. As well as family fun, stalls,entertainment and refreshments there will be a Flowerand Art Festival, an exhibition of memorabilia and history,and a model railway. Paul said, “We invite groups andlocal people to be part of Flower and Art Festival bycontributing flower arrangements or pictures depictingevents in our area over the past 50 years. If we get theright weather we will extend the exhibition onto the grassto encourage children and families to join in. We’re notjust a local church, we are part of Braunstone. We areopen to every one and do hope that our local communitycomes to share the weekend with us.”

History SpotWe have some snippets of history this time. First is

about Manor House, off Narborough Road. In fact,it was not called Manor House, but St. Mary’s Fields. At

the time of the paintingbelow, the house washome to the Bates family.The two children, a boyand a girl had a nanny,whose name was Mrs.Kettle, but they called her“Cup of Tea Kettle”. They

were a close family and the children were often seenplaying happily in the garden.The family owned the nearby St. Mary’s Mill which waspurchased by the Dunlop Rubber Company. A lot ofpeople from Braunstone Town were employed at the mill.It was here that Bella Wright worked as a young woman.In 1919, Bella was shot dead in what was to becomeknown as the Green Bicycle Mystery.For a time the house operated as an infant school and aschool for children with special needs. Nowadays ManorHouse is a Neighbourhood Centre offering many activitiesto the community.Helen Catterwell from the Braunstone History Group said,“We are always on the look out for photos, mementos andstories about local history. There is so much to know andwe love collecting the information. With the Jubileecoming up we are collecting material to do with theCoronation and anything related. If you have any itemswe could borrow or copy, please get in touch with us.”Helen added that the group meets every Tuesday at theBRITE Centre. “We’re there from ten o’clock if you wantto join and share your photos and memories. You couldalso see us at the ‘Talking History Live’ at the the BRITE.”

Bus ReprieveThe library minibus is a great service for older people.

Every month in Braunstone it takes isolated and lessmobile people to the BRITE Centre library.There, they have time to pick their books, talking booksor DVDs before the bus brings them home again. Awelcome bonus is that library staff provide them withrefreshments and snacks, so it is a real social event. Itwas a blow to everyone when they heard that theservice was to be axed.Since that announcement there has been a piece ofgood news and the library minibus has been given areprieve and is safe for the next year. Some of the usersexpressed their relief at the news. One told us “I am gladabout the decision and hope that we get to keep theservice as it is. I know that most of the other users andtheir families think the same. Also a city wide survey,with a 70% response, showed that users all overLeicester are happy with the service, I hope this meansit can continue well into the future.”

BBC at the BRITEBBC Radio Leicester’s ‘Talking History Live’ comes

to the BRITE Centre on Thursday 31st May.The theme is the Great British Story and it is a chancefor you to put your questions to our panel of localhistory experts. The event will be recorded for ‘TalkingHistory Live’ and the show’s presenter, Dave Andrews,will chair the discussion.You can also meet local history groups, experts andauthors. The programme runs from 6.30 - 8.30 pm,with recording starting at 7.30 pm. If you want to takepart, you will need to book your place.

Phone 0116 299 5476e-mail braunstone-library@leicester.gov.uk

Congratulations!Well done to the latest group to complete the SureStart

Volunteer Training. Community worker Malti Sokhisaid, “The learners did really well. The 10 week coursetaught them about Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety,and Safeguarding. It is successful because we tailor thecourse to suit the learners. Then we provide ongoingsupport and supervision. This training is available at allSouth-west Neighbourhood SureStart centres.”If you want to get involved and really make a differencethen just call into the Gallards Hill Children's Centre. Phone 0116 373 7150 or call Malti 07971 649 753

Click ChicksThe Click Chicks is a computer group for older

residents. Members were all a-flutter when theyheard they were getting six new laptops thanks to a grantfrom Riverside Housing.Organiser, Colin Roadknight said, “We applied to theRiverside Community fund to support theintergenerational work and were really pleased that ourbid was successful.”Group member Carolyn said, “It’s great working on newspeedy laptops… and we’ve got internet access so wecan do all sorts of stuff. At the minute I’m researching apossible connection between the Winstanleys ofBraunstone and a Henry Winstanley who built the firstEddystone Lighthouse.”The aim of the group is to help older residents learncomputing skills in an informal way. A main part ofintergenerational work is the support and advice from twoyoung volunteers Dylan and Jordan. Both really enjoyworking with Click Chicks.Jordan said, “Colin doesn’tshow anyone what to do, hehelps them find their ownway and we try to do thesame.”Dylan added, “It’s good helping people out and seeingthem learn more about computers and the Internet.Another member told us, “It’s lovely having Jordan andDylan around and we have had some others helping us.Sometime we get stuck or don’t know what to do on thecomputers, but like Colin, the lads don’t instruct us, theyjust help us to work things out for ourselves.”Carolyn added “We owe Riverside a big thank you.They’ve made our group very happy and the extracomputers mean even more people can join us. So if youwant to learn about computers in a very friendly and easysetting, come to Click Chicks.”You can find the group at Braunstone Grove, CortCrescent on Tuesdays from 12.30 am - just call in!

CAB UpdateOver the past couple of months the b-inspired team

have been around Braunstone promoting the Over60s Advice Service. This has been a good opportunityfor the team to meet more Braunstone residents and toget them involved in the good news gossip network. Lotsof people are telling their friends and neighbours aboutthe CAB to make sure that the over 60's get access tothe help and advice they need.The promotion seems to be working as the CAB recentlyhit the busiest period since the project started and morenew people are calling in.The Braunstone CAB opens as a drop-in on Tuesdaysfrom 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Tuesday afternoons are forappointments.Resident John Peel is an older resident who neededadvice. He told us, “The staff here are the best… I hada housing problem that was worrying me. I didn’t knowwhat to do and they fixed it for me.”Don’t forget if you can’t get to the advice office, then wecan see a family member, friend or carer on your behalf.You just have to sign a form giving us permission to dothis. Also, we can refer people under 60 to appropriateadvice at our main CAB offices.Look out for our leaflet with details of b-inspired servicesfor the over 60s, or just contact Alicia Koeberle

0116 223 2251

Goodbye & ThanksCAB worker Roz Burch had been with usfor several months at 45 Wellinger Way,providing advice to the over 60s.Now she has moved to the city centreCAB office. We thank her for getting theBraunstone Over 60s CAB off the groundand the help she gave to our olderresidents. Good luck Roz.

PET

Clean & GreenThe Walled Garden is probably one of Braunstone’s most beautiful spots. It’s important to the community that it is kept

beautiful, and that takes a lot of hard work. Two people who carry out that work are Dave and Jim, qualified gardenerson Leicester City Council’s Park team. They work all year round to keepour walled garden in tip top condition and recently they have had someextra help. Students from Fullhurst Community College have beenspending one day a week working with Dave and Jim. This is part of aneight week placement for students doing BTEC Horticulture and the youngteam’s work was much appreciated by their horticultural mentors.One young man, Jack, enjoyed the experience so much that he asked todo a two-week work placement in the garden. Jack said, “It’s good herebecause Jim and Dave treat me like an adult and not a kid.”

Due to these two weeks working in thegarden Jack has decided that he wantsto make a career in the field (pardon thepun) and hopes to do an apprenticeshipwith Leicester City Council.Dave and Jim told us that all the ladswere really committed to the job. “Onhis placement Jack came out in thefreezing weather. He never missed a

day and got into every job going. The garden looks really good now because of the hard work from Jack and fellow students.”When we called, the Fullhurst team was still hard at it and the garden was looking spectacular and by summer it shouldbe amazing. Well done to Jim and Dave for helping the students and we wish Jack every success for his future career.Thanks to all for helping to keep Braunstone beautiful!

Braunstone Community Carnival is backon Saturday 30th June.

new location ~ new look!New Venue

Fullhurst Community College, Imperial Avenue

Show Arenafrom 12 noon

Walking procession of local troupesDance performances,

Live bands, Brass Band Zumba demo

Sports FestA range of indoor and outdoor

activities ~ buy a wristband for £1and have sporty fun all day

Children’s Fun Fair & InflatablesCraft and food stalls

Cream Teas

Braunstone Community Carnivalwill be an alcohol free, family fun event.

Alcohol will not be on sale and may not be brought on site.Visitors may be subject to bag checks.

There is no on site parking, so please walk to the event or use local buses.

To book a Car Boot pitch For general enquiries contactRuth Sharp - 0116 2824326 Angie Wright - 0116 279 5007

Entry FeeChildren under 16 years ~ free

Adults ~ only 50p

Car Boot sale starts at 10.00 am ~entrance via Imperial Avenue gates

Carnival runs from 12 noon to 4.00 pmFosse Road North gates will open at 12 noon

BefriendingMany older people in Braunstone have said that

one of their main worries was about beingisolated. The Braunstone Over 60s BefriendingScheme was established to help prevent that isolation.Scheme co-ordinator, Jane Cawrey said, “I have spenta lot of time setting up the structures and getting thepaperwork publicity ready.Now I want to start lookingfor two types of people tojoin the scheme - those whoare isolated and want afriendly face and somecompany, and those whofeel they can help byproviding that company.”Because the scheme is to support vulnerable olderpeople, it needs to ensure that everyone involved isprotected. Jane said, “Our procedures are designedto protect the vulnerable, our volunteers will be trainedand CRB checked and may be asked for references.Additionally we will protect the befrienders by makingsure that they are fully supported and know where tocome for help. Protecting the volunteers is myresponsibility, so I will make sure that they are properlymatched with the people they might be visiting. I willdo a risk assessment to ensure the volunteers safety- I won’t send someone who is afraid of dogs to adoggie household!”Proper matching of befrienders with those in need isvery important. Jane added, “We will be matchingpeople with similar interests and outlooks. It’s moreabout compatible personalities than similar ages. Thereal issue is finding befrienders who accept that this isa commitment to being with an older person for aboutan hour a week.”Jane has advertised the scheme widely and hasposters and leaflets all over Braunstone. She added,“I enjoy working with volunteers and am convinced ofthe value of volunteering to the community. Outside ofmy work here I’m a CAB volunteer. Through thepublicity I have already signed up some volunteers andsome people who need help. It is easy to become partof the scheme and there won’t be any cost attached.I would like others in Braunstone to see what they cando for their own community - if you are interested orhave any questions then just give me a call.”

What’s OT?Jo Pickles and Michelle Bruwer, Occupational Therapy (OT)

students at Coventry University, spent ten weeks workingwith the Neighbourhood Support Team and got involved in

everything the team did. Weasked them to write somethingabout OT. This is what theysaid:“What do you enjoy doing?Meeting with friends for a cupof tea or a pint, cooking a mealfor your family, playing

football, dancing, or even knitting your grandchild a jumper?We take for granted doing these things. They are enjoyableand important to us and are what make us tick. Difficulty doingthese activities can disrupt our lives and bring misery, affectingour health and well being. This is where OT’s come in.They are health-care professionals who work alongsidedoctors, physiotherapists, nurses, social workers andpsychologists. They can work in hospitals, schools, people’shomes, private practice and are also employed by bigbusinesses such as Coca Cola.OT’s help people of all ages to identify their daily needs andaspirations. They provide advice about preventing injuries,illnesses or disabilities or how to cope with them. They canhelp with doing the simplest things, as well as getting the mostfrom life.In healthcare there is a slow change taking place, fromproviding hospital based care to supporting people in thecommunity. We have unique and diverse skills including beingcreative in helping you solve problems, having a specialistknowledge of occupations and being nosy! So OT’s are wellpositioned to provide community based care.As part of our OT degree program we have to do a placementevery year to get practical experience. These are usually inphysical or mental health settings. We were excited to do ourplacement at b-connected, to develop the scope for OT in acommunity development setting. Our university has only hada few placements of this kind, and as anticipated, there is aplace for OT.We were involved in helping individuals to be moreindependent and assisted in community schemes for them tobecome more sustainable. We worked alongside volunteersand shared our knowledge and expertise in the value ofoccupation and its importance to health and well-being.We have enjoyed the ten weeks immensely, learning moreabout ourselves, the Braunstone community and gaining adifferent perspective on OT and how it can help people in acommunity, live the lives they want to. We would like to thankthe Braunstone community for this!”Many thanks to Jo and Michelle and all our best wishes forthe future. Hope we see you back in Braunstone soon!

B-AlertOnce upon a time Braunstone Alert came out every

month and was delivered to almost every house.Those were the days when the production team could setdeadlines for articles to come in and there was still apush to get enough stories to fill the paper.All that changed five years ago when a reduced budgetmeant the end of the production team and left only a smallamount of money to produce any kind of magazine.That’s when the Neighbourhood Support Team steppedin and revived the Alert. We felt it could be a way ofspreading good news around the area, telling everydaysuccess stories and showcasing people doing greatthings in, with and for the Braunstone community.We had to cut production to once every two months andcould only afford to print half the copies. So there are notenough for every house and no doorstep deliveries.Now, instead of door to door deliveries, we focus onmaking the Alert available in public places acrossBraunstone. You will usually find the Alert in local shops,BRITE Centre, Police station, cafes, schools, GPpractices, health centre and local churches.With two months between editions, we have toconcentrate on telling you about what is going on now, oris about to happen. We rarely report on events that havehappened as that takes up valuable space.Another effect is that we have a greater demand fromreaders, organisations and local groups to get their bitinto the Alert. This means that as soon as one edition isfinished, space in the next edition is almost booked up.Effectively this means that to feature in the Alert you needto be planning way ahead. So as you read this, we areworking on the July/ August edition. If you want an advertor would like us to do a story, you need to contact us now!Despite this, we can say that it is always worth being inthe Alert. Our work as the Neighbourhood Support Teammeans we meet people and organisations all overBraunstone. Through these contacts we know that theAlert is the most regularly read publication in the area.Lots of people tell us that it’s a key source of informationabout what’s going on here. Local groups, services andsmall business say they benefit from appearing in theAlert - that’s why space is always at a premium.As well as numerous readers of the printed edition wehave a growing online readership. So if you have amessage you want to be noticed then contact us now.We are happy to include photos of your events and talkabout designing adverts for your organisation.

A very well deserved Alert Award goes to Alex Windramfor her seemingly tireless dedication to fundraising for

charity and helping otherpeople. The latest group tobenefit from Alex’s efforts arethe Studs FC.The team suffered a majorblow when thieves broke intotheir lock-up and stole £400worth of equipment.

Our Alex boosted their spirits,and their budget, with a chequefor £200. We hope Studs FC isable to replace all the stolen kitsoon.Well done to Alex for supportingthe team after this nastyincident… and shame on theheartless thieves who think it’sok to steal from localyoungsters.

Alert

It’s All Go!It’s all go at b-working - the service dedicated to help

you find employment and training. Manager, EmmaShabtay-White called in to tell us about it. She said “Ourstaff have just finished an estate-wide survey to let peopleknow what we have on offer, and to find out what theyneed. Although the survey is finished we will follow upwith some focus groups to discuss the results and togather more ideas about local needs.”As an incentive the survey team offered a prize draw tothose who took part. One local woman was very pleased.Marie Laffar said, “I won a £40 voucher… the first thing Ihave ever won! I find the staff at b-working all very friendly.They have helped me with my CV.”Emma also told us, “We’re working over Braunstone. Wehave a weekly Work Club, a weekly CV workshop, andDonna Yassin provides the standard b-working service atthe BRITE Centre.”This means it’s easier for residents to find help that willimprove their chances of finding employment. Emma saysthat the drive for success is important to the whole staffteam. “We were re-awarded the Matrix Standard for thequality services we provide, for the third time! To keepthat Standard we must maintain the high quality andcontinually try to reach more people and respond to theirneeds. That means getting out there… which is why wehave increased our profile across Braunstone and whywe keep asking people about what they want.”Emma says that to give the best service possible, b-working wants to keep on evaluating the work. “If we needto change to improve what we do, then we will change.We have a great staff team here and everyone is willingto listen to the view of current and potential users. If youwant to give us your views, ideas or opinions, just comeand see us.”

Shakey Shake-upLocal landmark the Shakespeare Inn has had a major

make-over. At the official launch of the new lookShakey, Lord Mayor Robert Wanpulled the first pint for celebritycustomer, Steve Walsh.The new managers, Gary andNatalie Houston said, “We aregoing all out to make theShakespeare a real Braunstonecommunity, family pub.”The overhaul includes creating a beautiful restaurant

area, new colour scheme andfurnishings, and a more open feelto the place.Eileen from the A Team attendedthe launch and said, “It’s great,the pub is really welcoming andmore family friendly. The openlog fires make it very cosy. It’snice to see so many people

using it. Gary and Natalie make everyone feel at homeand are already helping to promote our fundraising.”

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

Police StorySgt. Cara Guest sent us the latest news from

the Braunstone Policing Unit.Recently we had two priority areas – WebsterRoad and Winstanley Drive, that had seen anincrease in anti-social behaviour. The team is stilldealing with the issues.We had reported a recent increase in burglariesin one area of Braunstone. I am pleased to saythat following the arrest of a suspect forburglaries in Braunstone Town, the local spateof burglaries has stopped. More recently we havearrested four people for burglary andinvestigations are ongoing.In response to public concern about trafficspeeding, we continue to monitor the speed ofvehicles in a particular area. A recent surveyshowed that only 8% of drivers had exceededrecommended speed limits. This is a verypositive result.We have also been monitoring the use of mini-motos in the area. One was dealt with swiftly,following a report from a resident and we haveseized five others. If a mini-moto is being usedillegally we are entitled to confiscate and destroyit. Also we have reported a number of riders fortraffic offences.If you are into social networking you can followBraunstone police on Twitter @ LPRowleyfields.Police across the city are finding Twitter moreand more useful in raising awareness, reportingand tackling crime.On the fun side we have provided funding to helpbrighten Braunstone and engage young peoplein positive activities. Students from Fullhurstcommunity college have been working on agraffiti project at the Braunstone Park toiletblock. They have been supported by Fullhurststaff, Braunstone Grove, Parks staff and Amplefrom Aerosolicz. The students designed thesporting theme graffiti and over the Easterholidays they painted it on the toilet block.

Kerry SullivanWednesday 23rd May – Inspection coversHand Avenue. Starts 10.00 am, on the evenside of Hand Avenue and Hockley FarmRoad cornerWednesday 20th June – Inspection coversWoodshawe Rise. Starts 10.00 am, outsideNo. 1 Woodshaw Rise.

Melanie OsborneTuesday 15th May 2012 – Inspection coversBeaufort Road, Wyville Row, Caldecote Road.Starts 10.00 am, outside No. 2 Beaufort RoadTuesday 12th June 2012 – Inspection coversHallam Crescent East 68 to 198 and 89 to 193,Reynolds Place, Waltham Avenue, Hillary PlaceStarts 10.00 am, outside No. 68 Hallam Crescent East

Sally FranklynWednesday 16th May 2012 - Inspection coversBendbow Rise. Starts 10.00 am, outside No. 2Bendbow RiseWednesday 13th June 2012 - Inspection coversDidsbury Street. Starts 10.00 am, outside No. 2Pollard Road

Darlene Ahmed & Alex CadouxTuesday 8th May - Inspection covers Overpark Avenue, ErdyngtonRoad, Camville Road, Rose Farm Close.Starts 10.00 am, outside

No. 206 Overpark AvenueTuesday 26th June - Inspectioncovers Narborough Road. Starts10.00 am, corner of BraunstoneLane and Narborough RoadTuesday 3rd July - Inspection

covers Gooding Avenue,Gooding Close, FullhurstAvenue, Astley Close. Starts 10.00 am, outside No. 20 Astley Close

Estate InspectionsYour Estate Management Officers ( EMOs) have

sent us these dates for their inspections in Mayand June. They will be happy for you to join them andlet them know what problems there are in your area.

Jason AddisonWednesday 9th May – Inspection covers OdamClose and Braunstone Avenue. Starts 10.00am, on Odam CloseWednesday 13th June – Inspection coversNewfields Avenue and Peverel Road. Starts10.00 am, corner of New Fields Avenue andBraunstone Avenue.

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 - 11.15 am Coffee and Chat at St Peters Church, Woodshawe Rise. Call Rev. Chris Burch, 0116 292 33772.30 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 SpotlightBraunstone’s Fr. John Joe Maloney was born in

County Mayo in the West of Ireland. He came toEngland in 1964 and has lived in Braunstone now fortwenty two years. He is the priest for BlessedSacrament Church and is well known all overBraunstone by parishioners and non-parishionersalike. He is very proud ofthe services that thechurch and church hallprovides for residents.Most of this is based onthe work of BlessedSacrament’s teams ofdedicated volunteers.He told us that one reasonhe enjoys his time here isthat people in Braunstone are so friendly.What’s your idea of a good night out?I’d rather have a good day out trout fishingA good night in?Reading a good bookWhat animal would you be?I would be a salmon fishWhat is your pet hate?Going to the dentist!What was the last book you read?I love autobiographies, the latest was FrankieDetorri’sWhat is your favourite film?Gone with the WindWhat do you love about Braunstone?The good people hereWhat words would people use to describe youThat l see everybody as an equalWhat’s the furthest you have ever been ?SingaporeWhat’s your ideal holiday?Fishing for trout in Moy in lrlandWho is your best friend?A fellow priest called OwenWhat’s your most attractive quality?A love of the peopleHave you a claim to fame?A hole in one in golfIf we made a movie of your life who would playyou?Anthony HopkinsDo you have a wish for Braunstone?To respect each other and for caring in thecommunityHow do you want to be remembered?As having served the community

Dear Summer Fun!Dear Alert,Don’t miss St. Peter’s BraunstoneSummer Festival. This year our themeis ‘Celebrating Sport in Braunstone. Wewill have lots of fun activities includingsports quizzes, games, stalls and food.There will be community groups, acelebration service and a chance tohave a go at sports. The event runsfrom Friday 15th to Sunday 17th June.It’s always fun at our festival so comeand join us! For more information callChris or Roz on 0116 289 3377 or havea look at www.stpetersbraunstone.co.uk

RegardsChris Burch

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 linkinto your web address bar to view our library of Alerts and other Braunstone focused publications that you might enjoy.Another way is to send us an email and we will re-mail the link to you. Then you can send the link to friends and familyanywhere in the world, to let them know what’s going on in Braunstone. http://issuu.com/b-alert/docs

It’s a swan’s life

Lookalikes?

Where are they now?

Cleaning the Spinney!

Talk Time

Say ‘Cheese!’

Antonia’s Pets

Garage Sale

2 Westover RoadLeicester Forest EastLeicester LE3 3DT

0116 289 660824 Hour Service

PAUL PENDER AND SON

Stone Masonry ServicesCateringBuds Floral Designs

Independent Funeral Directors

p.penderandson@btconnect.com

Braunstone Town

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 b.alert@b-inspired.org.uk

Printed by Joseph A. Ball (printers) Ltd.We make every effort to ensure that information isaccurate and up to date at the time of publication

Chair AerobicsGentle Exercise while

sitting in a chair.Keeps your body and

brain active.It’s free and it’s fun!

OAK Centre,Bendbow Rise.

Thursdays11.30 am ~ 12.10 pm

qualified instructorFelicity Mason

Drop in or call

Making healthy choices easierTel: 0116 225 2836 Email: FAB@lcchs.nhs.uk

Website: www.leicestercity.nhs.uk/fab