Craft Fayre Aylestone Meadows Page 8

Aylestone Park Newsletter

Community Newsletter for the Residents’ of Aylestone Park - Issue 3 2017 AYLESTONE PARK POST OFFICE 182 Saffron Lane (corner of Shakespeare street)

Postal services including banking

Great offers on selected wine Beers at discounted prices Contents We have many great offers Pop in and see for yourself Local and National Politicians Page 2

Local Churches Page 2 Tel : 0116 283 4598

Local Activities Page 3

Editorial Page 4 The Ratae Co-operative Players Spotlight on Bill Shelton Page 5 St Marys Open Space Page 7 Autumn Aylestone Park Residents Group News War Memorial News Casting a spotlight on 147 Snooker Craft Fayre Aylestone Meadows Page 8

Leicester Velodrome Page 9 LCCC News Page 10 Sat 14th October Volunteer for Good 10am ʹ 3pm Universal Gym Page 11 at Leicestershire County Cricket Club Useful Contact numbers Grace Road, Leicester, LE2 8EB and Police Crime Prevention AntiSocial Behaviour Page 12 ** F R E E E N T R A N C E ** with plenty of free parking

cakes ʹ jewellery ʹ skin care ʹ photography ʹ watercolours Leave your comments and contributions in writing, at candles ʹ woodcraft ʹ Indian snack foods ʹ hair accessories

L& S News: 184 Cavendish Road craft gin ʹ greetings cards ʹ health & diet products ʹ knitwear Or email: [email protected] handmade chocolates - arts & crafts - bric-a-brac ʹ tombola Please contact either of the above for advertising + lots more! Advertising space is inexpensive.

Circulation 2750. Published quarterly - Prices on request DISCLAIMER The opinions and views in this Newsletter are Do not forget to like our facebook page @ those of the authors, and do not reflect in any https://www.facebook.com/aylestoneparkleicester way those of this Newsletter’s editorial team. Local Church Services JON ASHWORTH Member of Parliament for Leicester South Regular advice surgeries held in Constituency Office St Edwards Roman Catholic Church 655 Aylestone Road, Aylestone For appointments and to contact Jon about any local or Sunday Mass 9.30am national issue please get in touch...... Please check our notice board for other activities Address : Floor 10, 60 Charles Street and to confirm our services Leicester, LE1 1FB Tel: 0116 251 1927 email: [email protected] Web: www.jonashworth.org Church of the Nativity :Facebook.com/JonAshworth An Anglican/Methodist Partnership These are the people to contact if you have a problem: Richmond road/Cavendish road junction

Saffron Councillors Sundays 10:30am Morning Service Bill Shelton - Saffron Ward Tel: 0116 220 1350 Email: [email protected] Further details of all activities are available on the church noticeboard and on the website: Elly Cutkelvin - Saffron Ward Tel: 07891 232662 www.nativityleicester.org.uk Email [email protected] Enquiries for Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals Your local Labour Councillors hold surgeries at contact the churchwarden Patricia Ewen 0116 299 Saffron Sure Start Children’s Centre ,The Crossway 4732 LE2 6QW first Tuesday every month 1.30pm -2.30pm Aylestone Leisure Centre, 2 Knighton Lane East LE2 6LU Third Saturday of each month 10.00am -11.00am

Aylestone Councillors Adam Clarke - Aylestone Ward Tel: 07875 546508 PAUL PENDER & SON [email protected] Surgeries Lansdowne Centre 2nd Tuesday of each month Independent Funeral Directors 11.00am -12.00pm Gilmorton Community Rooms 4th Saturday of each month 11.00am -12.00pm Aylestone Hall Gardens Bowls Pavilion, Hall Lane Independent family run Funeral Directors 4th Friday of each month 2:00pm - 3:00pm committed to providing a professional, Nigel Porter Aylestone Ward Tel:0116 233 6150 and 07976 courteous and sympathetic service 348032. Email:[email protected] Surgeries Lansdowne Centre 2nd Saturday of each month We will assist you during a most difficult 11.00am - 12.00pm time with a highest degree of support, Gilmorton Community Rooms 2nd Saturday of each month sensitivity and dignity 12.30pm -1.30pm 24 hour service

2 Westover Road, Braunstone Town Leicester, LE3 3DT Tel: 0116 289 6608

Email: [email protected] www.paulpenderandson.co.uk

www.aylestoneparkleicester.org.uk Page 2 LOCAL ACTIVITIES MORE LOCAL ACTIVITIES Aylestone Leisure Centre has too many activ ities to mention, call in and pick up a leaflet. Fancy a swim then come along and Park Walks for 2017 afterwards sit and have a chat and cup of tea with the over 55’s September 20 - Alison's Acre, Glen Parva on a Monday or Thursday am. October 18 - Aylestone Meadows All walks commence at 10.00am Theatre Outings, London and Birmingham. Contact Bill Evitt 0116 Meet outside The Church of The Nativity, Cavendish Road. 247 8531. Knighton Lane Artists Group . Meet at The Studios, 68a Knighton Leicester C .H .A. Rambling Club Lane. Contact Deb Ward 07956 590284 Ann Burdett 0116 266 1741 will give you details of their walks, Thursday and Saturday mornings from 4 miles, many of them end 3 C’s (Coffee, Craft & Chat) most Saturdays 11am - 1pm @ up at a pub for lunch. www.chaleicester.org.uk Church Hall, Cavendish road. Families Welcome

Lancaster Community Choir. Thursday evenings 7.00pm till Thai Chi Classes - every Wednesday 11am til 12 noon, for all 8.30pm. The Lancaster School, Knighton. 0116 270 3176 ext 801. ages, abilities and gender. Helps with relaxation, muscle movement and balance @ Eyres Monsell Community Centre, Hillsborough Guided Walks & Tours by Accredited Leicestershire Tour road LE2 9RQ. Contact Sue on 07732 813256 or just turn up. Guide - Helen's Guided Walks - cover Aylestone Village history, Wigston Magna, Kilby Bridge, Tudor Leicester, The Newarke and Castle areas of Leicester contact 07908 557289 [email protected]

Railway Society meets on 3rd Tuesday of each month (not Dec) at The Cricketers, Grace Rd @ 7:30pm. New Event at Grace Road Contact Brian Holland 0116 236 8328 or Michael Chapman 07768 355733. Now that the cricket season is at an end, there are still things happening at Grace Road! Drama Group meets at the Church Hall, Cavendish Rd. New For example... the Autumn Crafts Fayre on Saturday 14th members required contact the Church for details of rehearsals, October is organised by ‘Friends of Grace Road’ - the Club's times and days. supporters' group. Running for youngsters 9.00am on a Sunday “Back in the 80s, we used to hold a similar craft market just morning around the Aylestone Recreation ground. before Christmas – and it was very popular,” said Friends' Chairman, Roy Bent. “We are probably best-known for Adult Runs serving hot drinks and home-made cakes at cricket matches Braunstone Park every Saturday at 9am but we also hold a range of other events. These include a Victoria Park every Saturday at 9am series of lunches over the winter months and the annual general knowledge quiz in November. We like to be busy!” The Tea club takes place at the Aylestone Leisure Centre Every Thursday 9:45-11:15am, ask at the desk where to find the group and join them for tea or coffee and a biscuit or two. ‘Friends of Grace Road’ was formed in 1971 and has since raised £1000s to help the cricket club. At the end of each Golf lessons at Whetstone Golf Course given by the club’s Pro, season they donate money (last year it was £12,000) that is Craig Shave who can help adults and children learn to play and spent on various projects around the Ground. improve their game 0116 286 1424 for more information. . “In 2016 the money was used to purchase ground keeping machinery and previously we have funded the refurbishment Call at the stadium Saffron Lane/MacCaulay Rd Athletics. of a Members’ viewing area and renovation of toilet entrance after 4.00pm and see Roy Cole who will give you information on coaching, training and racing, and use of the facilities,” added Roy. “Leicestershire County Cricket Club is stadium. Find out also about the Sunday morning Park Runs. not one of the wealthiest clubs in the country, so our fun draising is critical.” Scouts @ The Church of the Nativity young people aged 10-14 years are welcome at the Church Hall, The Autumn Craft Fayre takes place on Saturday 14th Cavendish Road on a Thursday evening at 6:30pm October at Grace Road between 10am and 3pm and entrance is free - AND the Friends' home-made cakes will be Cubs @The Church of the Nativity Girls and Boys aged 8 - 10 1/2 are welcome at the Church Hall, on sale too! Cavendish Road on a Thursday Evening 5:15pm to 6:45pm. For more information on this or any events, please call Mike Beavers @ The Church of the Nativity on 07907 892665, Girls and Boys aged 6 - 8 are welcome at the Church Hall, Cavendish Road on a Friday Evening 4:45pm to 6pm.

Imperial Dancing class is using the Church Hall in Cavendish Horticultural Judges Training Course Road, to teach young children to enjoy themselves by learning to Starts on Thursday September 14th @ 7:15pm dance . To contact for class information ring 07548 208 610 I.S.T.D Modern, Tap and Ballet. At the Eyres Monsell Community Centre Hillsborough road Singing Lessons with Laura; welcoming children and adults from beginner level to enter for grades or just for fun. LE2 9PQ Contact 07590 999 591 //email: [email protected] for more information for details contact Sue on 07732 813256

www.aylestoneparkleicester.org.uk Page 3 Editorial Thank you to those who have submitted articles to us for this newsletter, if you have ideas for future articles let us The Ratae Co-operative Players have them. A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens is being staged The weekend of the WW2 Bombing Remembrance held by The Ratae Co-operative Players from Wednesday in Cavendish Road was a success thanks to the efforts 15th November through to Saturday 18th November of Shaun, Chris, Paul and Pat. A lot of people visited the 2017. This is sure to be the ideal start to your Festive Church Hall on the Saturday, and on the Sunday the Season 2017! Vicar (Rev’d John McGinley) who took the service was very pleased at the community spirit of the area. The Ratae Co-operative Players are due to start their 68th Season. We are sure many of you have seen our It is over ten years since the A.P Residents Group was productions at our former venue on Knighton Fields founded, initially by the Rev’d Alistair Helm and in this Road East. We have now relocated, in recent years, to day and age it is good to see the interest is still there. The Leicester College of Performing Arts Theatre (Ann Oliver Dance School) near St Margaret's Bus Station I am trying to get a lunch club and coach trips running so Here we have many more facilities including a bar and our older members can get out for a chat with one raked seating. We also offer a Saturday Matinee for another. each production as we know many of Patrons do prefer that rather than travelling into town in the The front page gives details of the new venue for the evening. Post Office which is up and running. We also have a number of new shops opening up which goes to show A Christmas Carol is a very popular production so that you must all be supporting our local shops for this please book early to avoid disappointment. We look growth to happen. forward to seeing you in November. Ann Sturgess See our advert on page 11

L & S NEWS 184 Cavendish Road Tel 0116 283 2117 AYLESTONE & DISTRICT Open Mon-Sat 5.00am - 6.00pm CONSERVATIVE CLUB Sunday 5.00am-5.00pm 206 Saffron lane Tel: 0116 283 2594 We sell Newspapers, Magazines, Confectionery, Extends a warm welcome to all visitors Grocery & Frozen Goods, Fresh Fruit & Veg. Stationery. Large Selection of Greeting Cards. * Call in for pre-match refreshments We also deliver * Adults Bingo Tues 2-4pm All Welcome Newspapers & Magazines with NO DELIVERY CHARGE * Free Wi Fi and Sky * Function room available We also offer: NATIONAL LOTTERY, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 7pm - 11pm PAYPOINT SERVICE. WESTERN UNION MONEY Friday 7pm - Midnight COLLECT+ PARCEL SERVICE Sat 12 - 4pm & 7pm - Midnight Sun 12 - 3pm & 7pm - 11pm

24 Cavendish Road, Aylestone, Leicester LE2 7PG PC Upgrades & much more Tel: 0116 283 9900 Fax 0116 283 9911 Repair & Web based services .Web Design Email Data Mobile: 0797 1007471 recovery .Custom PC Builds. Password removal. e-mail: [email protected] Mon-Sat 9-5.00pm Sun 1.00pm-5.00pm Website www.allscrewed-up.co.uk Call Lee: 0795 5894709 or 0116 4312339 Mon - Thurs....6.15am to 4.30pm email: [email protected] Friday...... 6.15am to 4.00pm www.2kpixels.co.uk Saturday & Sunday ...... Closed

Page 4 Kool Kutz Krew Tuesday-Friday 9.15 - 17.00 CARPETS AND BEDS Saturday 9.00 - 15.00 110 Cavendish Road, Leicester Tel (0116) 2440108 100’s of room size remnants 4ft x 6ft to 36ft x 13ft ! We now have a new and experienced Stylist Over 2000 rugs to choose from at amazing prices ! Appointments available Bed and Mattress Offers Over 400 in stock for fast delivery ! 321 Aylestone Road We buy by the lorry load to sell at bargain prices ! Wood & Laminate Floors Tel: 0116 283 1330 Massive choice, fitting by our carpenters, or DIY !

Spotlight on Bill Shelton Wheelie Bins We asked Bill (one of our local councillors) what takes up his time during the day. We have recently been contacted by one of our readers Here is his response: concerning wheelie bins and business bins in the street. I have been a Labour City Councillor now for 18 years the They have just been fined £150 for not taking their bin off last 10 have been in Freemen/ Saffron Ward. the street. We would advise that wheelie and industrial bins should Two or three times a week I will rise at 6am to get to the gym be removed from the public pavement areas as soon as for 7am. is praticable. I was for 17 years a Union Officer for the National Union of They can and do cause obstruction for footpath users. Knitwear and Footwear.

I was first elected as a Councillor in 1999. My days consist of attending Licensing meetings and sometimes Employee appeals at City Hall. I am also a member of the Heritage and The Cricketers Culture Committee. 1 Grace Road, Leicester LE2 8AD During most days I get phone calls from constituents Telephone 0116 283 2026 concerning a number of problems including Housing, Anti Voted best pub of the year by Shire Magazine Social Behaviour and Litter. Most times I am able to resolve the problems over the phone but I do sometimes arrange to We serve traditional pub grub every day of the week visit constituents at their homes. in our restaurant. All our food is homemade I do hold surgeries on a monthly basis at the Aylestone Leisure Centre on the third Saturday of every month between Lunchtime Special 10 and 11am. Ward Committee meetings are also held 3 or 4 Main & Dessert for £5.95 times a year where constituents can hear what is happening Tuesday - Thursday within their Ward. 12 - 2pm I am always available to give advice and help by phone on From our set menu 01162201350 We offer a traditional Sunday Roast with a choice of roasts, served with fresh seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes & lashings of Gravy. Adults £6.95 Children £4.95 Vegetarian options are available

Function Room We have a function room available for all occasions and cater for up to 50 people. The room overlooks the Cricket ground. Real ALES: two real ales are available Telephone 0116 283 2026

Page 5 CHOICE CAFE & TAKEAWAY The only Choice for good food Vacuum Cleaner Services 266 Aylestone R oad Leicester 315 Aylestone Road, Aylestone Park 0116 319 2936 Leicester 0116 2833880

WHY NOT TRY OUR ALL DAY We sell all types: BREAKFASTS Dyson, Vax, ElVux,Hoover, Sebo, Numatic. inc. Tea/Coffee Bread and Butter/Toast Spares for Washing machines, Tumble Dryers,Electric Cookers

WE HAVE DELICIOUS HOME MADE PUDDINGS Service Engineer with 30 years experience DELICIOUS HOME MADE PIES Mon-Fri 9.00am - 5.00pm Sat 9.00am - 2.00pm TAKE AWAY DELIVERIES INCLUDING LUNCHES & BREAKFASTS FREE DELIVERIES OVER £10.00 City Warden

Worried about parents? Our City Warden is Noel Cazley Why not get us to deliver their meals for them @£4.50 Remember Street Wardens can deal with dumped rubbish, dog fouling, bins left in the We are open street, fly posting and other complaints. Sunday to Saturday If you need them please email : 7am until 3pm [email protected] or

0116 319 2936 telephone: 0116 454 1001

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OUR ADVERTISERS We need their support to produce this newsletter! Please don’t forget to support our local shops...... No support - no local shops.

Page 6 St Marys Open Space Things have been moving at a pace since planning approval was given for Westleigh Development Ltd to build houses on the northern section of the former allotment site at St Marys. The clearance works were all done under supervision of an ecologist and the area to the south has been retained in Council ownership and will be part of a well-designed area of The 14th Nativity Cub Open Space. The Open Space will be a mix of natural green space with and Scout Group mature trees retained along with relic pockets of grassland Our three groups meet at The Church of the Nativity, and small spinneys whilst other areas will be enhanced with Church Hall, Cavendish Road, Leicester. seeded areas to attract more pollinating insects, small mammals and amphibians. Beavers meet on Friday evenings 4:45pm to 6pm and is aimed at the 6 to 8 year olds. Access across the site will be improved in some areas to allow people to visit and enjoy the green space whilst other Cubs meet on Thursday evenings 5:15pm to 6:45pm and more ecologically sensitive areas will have restricted access is aimed at boys and girls aged 8 to 10 1/2. which will help to protect the wildlife. Plans for the site will be published on the Council website in the near future as Scouts meet on Thursday evenings from 6:30pm and is part of the Planning process. aimed at young people aged 10 to 14 years. Local residents have been a key part in helping to cut back vegetation and start to develop a nature area which will form Yours in Scouting part of the larger Open Space. The City Council has worked Skip (Scout Leader) with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) to organise Ivan conservation days with the Friends of St Marys to enable coppicing, meadow and scrub management to be completed.

Tel: 0116 223 9730 There is still a lot to do and TCV have organised a number of Email:[email protected] days over the next few months to get local people back involved with helping to create habitats for wildlife. If you would like to get involved please contact XXX or come along and join us on any of the days for as long as possible.

Dr Helen O’Brien CIEEM Leicester City Council

REV CANON PETER COYLE R.I.P. AYLESTONE LOSES A MUCH LOVED PRIEST. The small Catholic church, opposite the BP filling station on Aylestone Road, dedicated to St Edward the Confessor was full to overflowing on the evening of July 5th and and again at noon on 6th for the funeral services of Canon Peter, who had served the Aylestone community for almost 21 years. Peter was often seen around the village, in Aylestone Hall Gardens and along the canal tow path; he would stop and pass the time of day with folks he passed. Those with bottles or cans in their hands or Mums proudly pushing their little ones in their buggies, were all greeted with the same enthusiasm – Peter was the chap in the wheelchair, being pushed by his carer and often accompanied by his deacon. Peter, Margaret and John were usually seen together and so much so that they got the nick-name the “Aylestone Trinity” ! As a young man, he had a deep compassion and love for anyone in difficulty and an infectious personality that drew people to him. His own life is a catalogue of overcoming obstacles and illness. He had surgery that went wrong when still a church student at Valladolid in Spain. He was involved in an accident on the M1, going home to his family for his first Christmas break. Then, when serving as a priest on the missions in Livingstone, Zambia, he contracted Black Water Fever, a disease that would later lead to huge medical complications – two hip replacements, diabetes, ulceration and the amputation of one leg, stomach and kidney trouble. His illness was so severe that he was given “The Last Rites of the Church” on at least five occasions. He stubbornly refused to give in and for the past 20 years has managed to look after the parish of St Edward's, despite great difficulty. I'm expecting at any moment this computer of mine will break down at his touch from heaven, for Peter was the most modest of men and yet in him we have a wonderful example of raw courage. Peter was a Manchester boy and moved to this diocese due to a family move when his father won promotion. He remained an ardent Manchester United supporter and would insist on watching all their matches on T.V.. He would hurtle advice and abuse to the referee and members of the opposing team whom he felt had done HIS team a wrong: the only trouble was that his words were in Spanish and we couldn't understand exactly what he was saying but the tone and volume of his voice echoed displeasure ! His rooms were scattered with Man U souvenirs – including a note from the great Sir Alex himself.

It is always a humbling experience to be in the presence of a person like Canon Peter. In these days when so many are falling away from our Churches and faith communities and the stifling selfishness and secularism that threatens to overtake and destroy us if we are not careful, we see Peter as a shining light of goodness that brings hope and points the way for a better future.

Page 7 AYLESTONE PARK RESIDENTS GROUP Secretary’s Report By Christopher Garner Thank You We would like to thank the people and organisations that had made the Weekend of Remembrance such a success. It was to remember the six civilians killed in Cavendish and Saffron Hill Road during the Second World War. This was Leicester’s first air raid by the German Air Force or Luftwaffe on 21st August 1940. The War Memorial has now been fixed to the wall of the Church of the Nativity on Cavendish Road. Leicester Local Plan This is an attempt by the City Council to meet the needs of its citizens for homes, jobs and leisure for the next 15 years. Further details are available online at https://consultations.leicester.gov.uk. Information is also available at libraries, the customer service centre in Granby Street and at the Town Hall. Consultation ends on 31st October 2017. Annual General Meeting will be held from 7.30pm on Thursday 5th October in the Church Hall of the Church of the Nativity on the corner of Cavendish and Richmond Road. Come and discuss matters affecting you or your neighbours in Aylestone Park. Monthly Meetings They are held on the first Thursday of each month except January in the Church Hall of the Church of the Nativity on the corner of Cavendish and Richmond Road. The entrance is the side door on Cavendish Road and the Church Hall is the door immediately to your left. The meetings start at 7.30pm. We have a speaker for the next few meetings:- 5th October Scouts/AGM 2nd November Canal and River Trust 7th December Open Forum If you require any further information, please e-mail: [email protected] or text/phone Chris on 07514416698

We look forward to meeting you.

Aylestone Meadows- an oasis of green in the heart of the city We are very lucky, as residents of the Aylestone Park area, to proximity of the canal, ancient bridges and the old lockkeepers have the Meadows on our doorstep. We can step off the busy cottage, now a tearooms. I have noticed an increase in the Aylestone Road and be in an oasis of nature and calm within a amount of litter and debris in the area in recent years though- it few minutes. It is an ideal place for walking, running, cycling, is important that we all respect the character of this place and paddling in the water in summer, nature watching, picnics and look after it and report any concerns. There is an Aylestone playing ball games. My children like to explore the wooded Meadows Appreciation Society which has an excellent areas and pretend they are searching for fairies or goblins. Facebook group to discuss these issues. Wild places such as Hanging out at Pebble beach and paddling in the water in the this are under threat with the ever increasing pressures to build summer is always fun and saying hello to the horses in the field on green space. Lets all appreciate what we have in our area and having a selfie with them! Walking along the boardwalks is and fight to continue to protect it always exciting. Going down to the Meadows when it is partly flooded in the winter when it rains is also an experience- we ROB STACEY sometimes ride our bikes through the water at these times. My Children’s school (Granby) uses the meadows to provide Casting a spotlight on 147 Snooker ‘Forest School’ outdoor learning for them at all times of the year. As an adult, I enjoy cycling through the Meadows rather 147 Snooker recently opened in a converted industrial building at 58, than along the road. Many people use it to walk their dogs and Percy road. simply to escape from the hustle and bustle of busy city life. So we thought we would give a quick round up of what this new club Having the Meadows adds something to the villagey character has to offer. of Aylestone and reminds you of a bygone age with the At £5 for a year’s membership the club offers excellent value and its doors are open every day between 10am and 11pm for Snooker and Pool, is fully licenced and also offers hot and cold food. Munchies So what does membership give you? Well they have: 5 full sized snooker tables fully kitted out with high quality cloths, new balls and cues. 3 brand new pool tables. A dedicated eating area, bar with seating and a lounge area with a Cafe & Take-away large screen television. 94, Grace Road, Leicester Personal and friendly customer service. Tel: 07583 598327 Snooker costs £7.50 per hour but you can grab a bargain by having 3 hours for the price of 2 (Monday to Thursday inclusive). Telephone orders welcome Pool costs £1 per game. Breakfasts, Hot & Cold cobs, hot & cold drinks On Saturday 10am til noon – Children 12 and under can play snooker Sandwiches, Baguettes, Burgers, Chips, Lunches, free although they must be accompanied by an adult. Salads, Snacks, All freshly prepared to order! Free WiFi in the club, one to one coaching and the opportunity to buy Open Monday to Friday 8am til 2:30pm your own cue add to the list. Saturday 8am til 12:30pm The club have pool and snooker teams playing in leagues and the club LOCAL DELIVERIES and OUTSIDE CATERING is also planning charity events for the future. So all in all plenty for the whole family under one roof.

Stephen and his team look forward to welcoming you.

www.aylestoneparkleicester.org.uk Page 8 LEICESTER VELODROME by John Hunt Leicester Velodrome was awkward, anachronistic and built in Manchester, and the National Championships open to the vagaries of the weather. But it was loved by moved to the North West. riders - many of whom started their track cycling Bryan Steel, who was part of Team GB’s Olympic sprint careers racing here and went on to Olympic glory. team at Athens in 2004 raced at Saffron Lane for about Built in 1968 to host the track events of the 1970 World 10 years “Leicester was really important to me,” he Championships, the 3100 seater venue was afterwards said. “[But] the big downfall from Saffron Lane was that run as part of the Saffron lane Sports Centre. it didn’t have a roof and when it rains you can’t ride a Its bumpy 333.33 metre concrete sruface was originally wooden track, it was as simple as that.” With the painted white, and when the floodlights were switched stadium open to the elements, the track expanded and on the track would shine brightly. contracted, causing gaps to appear on the surface. It proved too costly to maintain, was abandoned in 1999, and controversially demolished in 2008. Cycling historian Roger Lovell said the loss of the 1968 built stadium was a “crying shame” and believes the council could have used it as a community facility with a bit of investment. “Cylists from all over the world loved the atmosphere of Leicester, they loved competing here. It was the UK’s cycling capital,” he sid. “I share the anger and disappointment [that the stadium has gone], and with some imagination it could have remained here. It would have been a great central The investment was worth it as the British team enjoyed venue for all things cycling in Leicester.” a successful World Championships, despite the fact the Chris Boardman, who won gold at the Barcelona games team had almost no funding. Hugh Porter won the in 1992 said he spent many happy hours at Saffron professional pursuit title over 5000 metrres, Ian Hallam Lane but admits he can see both sides of the argument. won a Silver medal in the men’s amateur pursuit, and “It’s not always easy to balance everything your the incredible Beryl Burton won a bronze in the community wants from you,” he said. “But from a purely women’s pursuit. cylists point of view it’s a real shame we lost it.” The The World Championships returned in 1982, by which former Tour de France rider said the stadium “missed a time the track had a new, smoother wooden surface. It window” when it came to cycling’s popularity post was still a bit odd to ride, with steep bankings for its London 2012. “if it had managed to hang on for another size and an abrupt transition from banking to straight. decade it would have possibly celebrated as an historic But by then almost every keen club racer in the country structure,” he said. knew it, because of National Championship week. In its Leicester City Council razed the derelict velodrome to heyday, the Leicester venue was at the centre of British cycling and the scene of Olympic gold medallist Chris Boardmans first world record. Unfortunately, the English weather and a lack of investment took their toll on the 3100 seat outdoor track. It closed in 1999, and some are still bitter that such a magnet for cycling enthusiasts was allowed to slip out of the Midlands’ grasp. In many ways, Saffron Lane was a success story which will be hard to follow. For 20 years it was the National Velodrome and twice hosted the UCI World Championships in 1970 and 1982. Sadly the track has now gone being finally make way for development rather than making the track demolished in 2008. useable again. The authority said the cost of a new covered track was beyond its finances and because the So what went wrong? site had fallen to vandalism, graffiti, drug taking and The beginning of the end for Saffron Lane came in arson, it was safer to knock it down. 1994 when the country’s first indoor velodrome was

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LCCC News and Events The cricket season is coming to an end at questions to suit all ages and interests, will be held on Leicestershire County Cricket Club but there is still lots Friday, November 10 in the Charles Palmer Suite at the going on at the Fischer County Ground, Grace Road. Fischer County Ground, Grace Road. The Friends of Grace Road (FoGR) are still running Key details are as follows: events throughout the winter, including their inaugural - Teams of up to 4 people are welcome to participate Autumn Fayre in October. The details of this are on - Entry price is £20 per team, includes hot buffet pages 1 and 3. - Quiz Teams will include LCCC Players & Coaches, LCCC Staff, FoGR Volunteers, Leicestershire Cricket The FoGR will also be holding a series of winter Society & local sports clubs lunches in the Charles Palmer Suite at the Fischer - Spectators welcome to attend free of charge County Ground, Grace Road. The lunches start at - The Fox Bar opens from 6.30pm and the quiz starts at 12.30pm but the Fox Bar will be open at 12 noon if 7:15pm anyone wishes to enjoy a pre-lunch drink. - All proceeds to the Friends of Grace Road Dates of the lunches are as follows, with details of our If you wish to enter a team, please telephone 0116 283 Christmas Lunch to come in due course: 2128 or email via [email protected] • Friday 3rd November 2017 • Friday 2nd February 2018 • Friday 2nd March 2018 All lunches will cost £17.95 per person. You can secure a place at any of the lunches by calling 0116 283 2128 or by email to [email protected]

* The FoGR are holding the third edition of their annual quiz in November. Cropston Cricket Club have won the first two events – so the FoGR are looking for challengers! The exciting general knowledge quiz, with

Page 10 Volunteer 4 Good About the Opportunity

Leicester City Council Parks & Open Spaces Service are leading and working in partnership with independent volunteer groups, local authorities, charities and organisations across Leicester and Leicestershire to deliver two special volunteering days to encourage new volunteers aged 50+ to come forward and take part in environmentally themed projects.

Volunteers will then be invited to take part in regular follow up activities across the partnership as a whole and meet up with those they have made friends with.

If you are aged 50+ and love the great outdoors, conservation, horticulture or simply wish to get involved in regular volunteering please do sign up

For more information or to register to participate please visit https://consultations.leicester.gov.uk/communications/v4g

Universal Gym by J A J Richardson

The Universal Gym on Cyprus Road has been established for just a few years. The Gym's reputation has since grown and is known for holding several Strong Man events - which are open to the public - throughout the year. Likewise the gym's ground floor “Dungeon” room caters specifically for competitive Power-Lifters and can be privately rented for personal training sessions and gymnastic events.

Universal Gym is open every day of the week (7am – 9pm on weekdays and 9am – 3pm on weekends). With its own off-road car park the impact on residential parking has never been an issue since its opening. In fact it is reassuring to know that the gym is also the second home of Dhillon Security Services. The presence of which has already witnessed a reduction of crime and antisocial behaviour on Cyprus Road.

The Universal Gym owners Wayne, Jay and Harpz are always approachable (almost neighbourly) and are always happy to support the local community. This includes the new 'Hoodie Drop Box' project - whereby people can donate second hand hoodies/tops – which are then given out to the Local Homeless Community in Leicester. The Drop Box is located just inside the main door.

Being Universal the Gym is Unisex and caters for a broad range of weightlifting and aerobic exercise activities. The staff offer a wealth of knowledge between them and are happy to mentor both the experienced professional and novice with their personal training program. Likewise families and children are encouraged to visit the Universal Gym on its open days.

There are now several Gymnasiums operating in the Aylestone area. Membership fees and the facilities each gym offer are usually available online and/or via their own social media pages. However the best way to find out what is happening is to walk in and say “hello”. The most professional gyms are frequented by Gentle Giants, so always remember your manners and you will find all kind, considerate, and willing to help.

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Useful Contact Numbers Cut to keep in a safe place

Leicester City Council GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE POLICE The council can be contacted on 0116 454 1000 999 in an emergency, when life is in danger or a for general enquiries crime is being committed. 101 for non emergencies Other main departments: 0116 2222222 to contact our local police station Environment including Noise Nuisance 0116 454 1001 0800 555 111 to contact Crimestoppers Waste Management inc Bulky Waste 0116 454 1002 0800 789321 the Anti Terrorist hotline if you Parks & Green Spaces 0116 454 1003 have any doubts about any activities around your Social Care & Safeguarding 0116 454 1004 house or business or a disused factory. Council Tax & Business rates 0116 454 1005 Housing Benefits 0116 454 1006 Tenants Advice & repairs 0116 454 1007 ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR Housing options 0116 454 1008 Education & Schools 0116 454 1009 Employment services centre 0116 454 1010 Automated switchboard 0116 454 1011 Automated payments 0116 454 1012 Other contact numbers can be found at: www.leicester.gov.uk/contact-us

Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555

Gingerbread (supporting lone parents) 0808 802 0925 What is Antisocial Behaviour?

NSPCC 0808 800 5000 Antisocial behaviour is a wide range of unacceptable activities and includes things like vandalism, graffiti and SAFE (for anyone 16 or over in Leicester affected by or fly-posting, nuisance neighbours and intimidating at risk of domestic violence or abuse 0300 123 0918 groups taking over public spaces. Antisocial behaviour can ruin lives and create an environment where more Shelter 0808 800 4444 serious crime can take hold.

Citizens Advice 03444 111 444 Other examples include: People dealing and buying drugs on the street. Alzheimers Society 0300 222 1122 People dumping rubbish and abandoned cars. Begging and antisocial drinking. Mind info line 0300 123 3393 The misuse of fireworks. Reckless driving of mini-motorbikes. Missing People 116 000 How to Report Antisocial Behaviour National Debtline 0808 808 4000 If you want to report antisocial behaviour or a crime that AGE UK 0800 169 6565 is not an emergency, you should call Leicestershire Police or your council antisocial behaviour team. Stroke Association 0303 3033100 Remember, in an emergency, you should always Money Advice Service 0300 500 5000 call 999. An emergency is: when a crime is happening; Samaritans when someone suspected of a crime is nearby; or You can talk to the Samaritans for free on 116 123. when someone is injured, being threatened, or in Talk to them anytime you like, in your own way and off danger. the record - about whatever's getting to you. Alternatively, if you want to remain anonymous, you can pass on information about crimes to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, either on 0800 555 111 or via

www.crimestoppers-uk.org. ✄

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