Aylestone Park Newsletter

Community Newsletter for the Residents’ of Aylestone Park - Issue 2 2017

Vacuum Cleaner Services 315 Aylestone Road, Aylestone Park Leicester 0116 2833880

We sell all types: Dyson, Vax, ElVux,Hoover, Sebo, Numatic.

Spares for Washing machines, Contents Tumble Dryers,Electric Cookers Local and National Politicians Page 2 Service Engineer with 30 years experience Local Churches Page 2 Mon-Fri 9.00am - 5.00pm Sat 9.00am - 2.00pm Local Activities Page 3

Editorial Page 4 Swimming at Aylestone Leisure Centre

Lido and Power station Page 5

Rubbish in Aylestone Page 6

Dogs die in hot cars Page 7

Aylestone Park Residents Group News Wildlife War Memorial News Page 8

Gas Works Page 9

LCCC News Page 10

Allotments Page 11 Ivy - Friend or Foe

Useful Contact numbers and Police Crime Prevention Page 12

Leave your comments and contributions in writing, at L& S News: 184 Cavendish Road Or email: [email protected] Please contact either of the above for advertising 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 St Edwards Roman Catholic Church JON ASHWORTH 655 Aylestone Road, Aylestone Member of Parliament for Leicester South Sunday Mass 9.30am

Regular advice surgeries held in Constituency Please check our notice board for other activities and to confirm Office our services For information and appointments and to contact Jon about any local or national issue please get in touch Church of the Nativity An Anglican/Methodist Partnership Richmond Road/ Cavendish Road junction Address : Floor 10, 60 Charles Street Leicester, LE1 1FB Sundays 10.30am Morning Service Tel: 0116 251 1927 Further details of all activities are available on the church noticeboard email: [email protected] and on the website: Web: www.jonashworth.org www.nativityleicester.org.uk Enquiries for Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals contact the church These are the people to contact if you have a problem: warden Patricia Ewen 0116 299 4732 Saffron Councillors Emman’-EL Apostolic Church Bill Shelton - Saffron Ward Tel: 0116 220 1350 of Jesus Christ Email: [email protected] 560 Saffron Lane Elly Cutkelvin - Saffron Ward Tel: 07891 232662 Currently meet at Aylestone Leisure Centre Email [email protected] Sunday 10am - 2pm Wednesday 7:30pm to 10pm Friday 7:00 to 10:30pm Your local Labour Councillors hold surgeries at Saffron Sure Start Children’s Centre ,The Crossway Further details from Bishop Mark Anderson LE2 6QW first Tuesday every month 1.30pm -2.30pm 0116 283 8237 / 07568 155307 Aylestone Leisure Centre, 2 Knighton Lane East Email: [email protected] 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] We will assist you during a most difficult Surgeries Lansdowne Centre 2nd Saturday of each month 11.00am - 12.00pm time with a highest degree of support, Gilmorton Community Rooms 2nd Saturday of each sensitivity and dignity month 12.30pm -1.30pm 24 hour service City Warden 2 Westover Road, Braunstone Town Our City Wardens are Noel Cazley and Leicester, LE3 3DT Harvey Roberts (covers Aylestone). Tel: 0116 289 6608

Remember Street Wardens can deal with dumped rubbish, dog fouling, bins left in the street, fly posting and other complaints. Email: [email protected] If you need them please email : www.paulpenderandson.co.uk [email protected] or telephone: 0116 454 1001

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 or game of squash then come Park Walks for 2017 along and afterwards sit and have a chat and cup of tea with the June 21 - Bradgate Park over 55’s on a Monday or Thursday am. July 18 - Swithland Woods August 16 - Wistow Park Theatre Outings, London and Birmingham. Contact Bill Evitt 0116 September 20 - Alison's Acre, Glen Parva 247 8531. October 18 - Aylestone Meadows All walks commence at 10.00am Leicester C .H .A. Rambling Club Ann Burdett 0116 266 1741 will give you details of their walks, Meet outside The Church of The Nativity, Cavendish Road. Thursday and Saturday mornings from 4 miles, many of them end Knighton Lane Artists Group . Meet at The Studios, 68a Knighton up at a pub for lunch. www.chaleicester.org.uk Lane. Contact Deb Ward 07956 590284

Lancaster Community Choir. Thursday evenings 7.00pm till 8.30pm. The Lancaster School, Knighton. 0116 270 3176 ext 801.

Guided Walks & Tours by Accredited Leicestershire Tour Guide - Helen's Guided Walks - cover Aylestone Village history, Wigston Magna, Kilby Bridge, Todor Leicester, The Newarke and Castle areas of Leicester contact 07908 557289 [email protected]

Railway Society meets on 3rd Tuesdayof each month (not Dec) at The Cricketers, Grace Rd @ 7:30pm. Contact Brian Holland 0116 236 8328 or Michael Chapman 07768 355733.

Drama Group meets at the Church Hall, Cavendish Rd. New members required contact the Church for details of rehearsals, times and days.

Running for youngsters 9.00am on a Sunday morning around the Aylestone Recreation ground.

Adult Runs Braunstone Park every Saturday at 9am Victoria Park every Saturday at 9am

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. OUR ADVERTISERS Golf lessons at Whetstone Golf Course given by the club’s Pro, We need their support to produce Craig Shave who can help adults and children learn to play and improve their game 0116 286 1424 for more information. . this newsletter!

Athletics. Call at the stadium Saffron Lane/MacCaulay Rd Please don’t forget to support our entrance after 4.00pm and see Roy Cole who will give you local shops. information on coaching, training and racing, and use of the stadium. Find out also about the Sunday morning Park Runs. No support - no local shops.

Scouts @ The Church of the Nativity young people aged 10-14 years are welcome at the Church Hall, Cavendish Road on a Thursday evening at 6:30pm

Cubs @The Church of the Nativity AYLESTONE & DISTRICT Girls and Boys aged 8 - 10 1/2 are welcome at the Church Hall, Cavendish Road on a Thursday Evening 5:15pm to 6:45pm. CONSERVATIVE CLUB 206 Saffron lane Tel: 0116 283 2594 Beavers @ The Church of the Nativity Girls and Boys aged 6 - 8 are welcome at the Church Hall, Extends a warm welcome to all visitors Cavendish Road on a Friday Evening 4:45pm to 6pm. * Call in for pre-match refreshments Imperial Dancing class is using the Church Hall in Cavendish * Adults Bingo Tues 2-4pm All Welcome Road, to teach young children to enjoy themselves by learning to * Free Wi Fi and Sky dance . To contact for class information ring 07548 208 610 * Function room available I.S.T.D Modern, Tap and Ballet.

Singing Lessons with Laura; welcoming children and adults from Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 7pm - 11pm beginner level to enter for grades or just for fun. Friday 7pm - Midnight Contact 07590 999 591 //email: [email protected] for Sat 12 - 4pm & 7pm - Midnight more information Sun 12 - 3pm & 7pm - 11pm

www.aylestoneparkleicester.org.uk Page 3 Swimming at Aylestone Leisure Centre Editorial by Rob Stacey A big thank-you goes to the ladies and gentlemen who deliver the newsletter, they are an invaluable part of the We have a fantastic facility on our doorstep in the Aylestone Park area. team. My thanks also to Tony for the hard work and I have used Aylestone Leisure Centre for swimming, alone and with my time he puts into the production of this newsletter. wife and children for a number of years. The Centre provides swimming lessons which my children have taken part in. However, it is also nice to go to the Community Splash session A thank-you also to the people that submit very good on a Saturday afternoon at 3.30. At this session, which is well attended, and thought provoking articles, please keep sending staff get all the floats, balls and boards out for families just to have fun them in. It isn’t always easy to get articles so we are with and to splash about at a reduced cost. It’s a great way to spend a happy to recieve ideas and articles to publish. Saturday afternoon and to have fun with the family. Sometimes, we just go and have a casual swim after the children finish school and it is great to have a facility where this can happen on our doorstep. Chris Garner and I have managed to get a plaque made and (to be) erected at the Church of the Nativity In the last year, I have also increasingly used the adult only swim in memory of the people who died in 1940. It was not sessions on a Wed lunchtime and Fri morning. Its good just to have some time to yourself and to possible to have a ‘blue plaque’ but we were advised to swim up and down for about half an hour and get approach the Church, who have been most receptive to fit. the idea. I have had the pleasure of meeting several Swimming is acknowledged as a great form of people who were in the Aylestone Park area when the exercise and in these times with so much concern about obesity levels in the population, swimming is bomb was dropped, one the ladies is 96 years of age. a great way to combat this and to get a buzz from the sense of achievement it gives you. Adults of all ages, sizes and The Post Office is now fully functioning at the Saffron ethnicities benefit from this. Supermarket with Ash learning new skills as he goes The staff are friendly and we often see people we know at the sessions. along. The first half of this year has seen so activity in I would urge people to use this local facility as often as you can. In this the business area with new shops, clubs and others era of council cutbacks, we need to use our local facilities to show the starting up or moving to newer premises. community wants them. As they say, use it or lose it! Ann Sturgess

L & S NEWS ANTHONY’S GUTTER AND WINDOW 184 Cavendish Road Tel 0116 283 2117 CLEANING SERVICE Open Mon-Sat 5.00am - 6.00pm Sunday 5.00am-5.00pm Call me on my mobile We sell Newspapers, Magazines, Confectionery, Grocery & Frozen Goods, Fresh Fruit & Veg. 0774 2281236 Stationery. Large Selection of Greeting Cards. CHEAP RATES We also deliver Newspapers & Magazines with NO DELIVERY CHARGE

We also offer: NATIONAL LOTTERY, PAYPOINT SERVICE. WESTERN UNION MONEY Experienced Cleaner for over 10 years COLLECT+ PARCEL SERVICE

Kool Kutz Krew Tuesday-Friday 9.15 - 17.00 Saturday 9.00 - 15.00 PC Upgrades & much more Repair & Web based services .Web Design Email Data We now have a new and experienced Stylist recovery .Custom PC Builds. Password removal. Appointments available Mon-Sat 9-5.00pm Sun 1.00pm-5.00pm Call Lee: 0795 5894709 or 0116 4312339 email: [email protected] 321 Aylestone Road www.2kpixels.co.uk Tel: 0116 283 1330

Page 4 CARPETS AND BEDS 24 Cavendish Road, Aylestone, 110 Cavendish Road, Leicester Leicester LE2 7PG Tel (0116) 2440108 Tel: 0116 283 9900 Fax 0116 283 9911 100’s of room size remnants 4ft x 6ft to 36ft x 13ft ! Mobile: 0797 1007471 Over 2000 rugs to choose from at amazing prices ! e-mail: [email protected] Bed and Mattress Offers Website www.allscrewed-up.co.uk Over 400 in stock for fast delivery ! Mon - Thurs....6.15am to 4.30pm We buy by the lorry load to sell at bargain prices ! Friday...... 6.15am to 4.00pm Wood & Laminate Floors Saturday & Sunday ...... Closed Massive choice, fitting by our carpenters, or DIY !

Power Station - John Hunt King Power Stadium is on the site of what used to be Leicester Power Station. Can anyone remember the exact year the cooling towers were demolished?

Lido - John Hunt In Leicester we had two privately owned lidos, Kenwood in The Cricketers Knighton and Leicester Lido on Humberstone Road behind 1 Grace Road, Leicester LE2 8AD the Trocadero cinema. But the canal and river in Leicester Telephone 0116 283 2026 were often used for swimming. Voted best pub of the year by Shire Magazine

We serve traditional pub grub every day of the week in our restaurant. All our food is homemade

Lunchtime Special Main & Dessert for £5.95 Tuesday - Thursday 12 - 2pm From our set menu We offer a traditional Sunday Roast with a choice of roasts, served with fresh seasonal One location was at St Marys Mill Lock, at the west end of the vegetables, roast potatoes & gasworks site, not far from where the railway line crosses the lashings of Gravy. Adults £6.95 river. Does anyone know when it was last used for swimming? 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 Eyres Monsell Horticultural Show Saturday September 9th 2017 266 Aylestone R oad Leicester at 0116 319 2936 The Community Centre WHY NOT TRY OUR ALL DAY Hillsborough Road LE2 9PQ BREAKFASTS inc. Tea/Coffee Bread This is an "open show" meaning anyone can enter and Butter/Toast their homemade/homegrown produce.

Staging of exhibits begins at 9 am until 10.50 am - WE HAVE DELICIOUS HOME MADE PUDDINGS entries only 25p per item. DELICIOUS HOME MADE PIES We have classes that children can enter and they are free. TAKE AWAY DELIVERIES INCLUDING LUNCHES & BREAKFASTS FREE DELIVERIES OVER £10.00 There will also be a Raffle, Refreshments and an Auction of produce - this will be conducted by Ady Dayman from Radio Leicester.

Worried about parents? Auction starts at approx 3pm or as near to that time Why not get us to deliver their as we can make it. meals for them @£4.50 Show open to the public at 1.30pm We are open Schedules can be collected from the Community Sunday to Saturday Centre or posted out if required. 7am until 3pm 0116 319 2936 Further details can be given by contacting Sue on 07732813256

Dogs die in Hot Cars

The image on the picture is a recreation of a real life incident in which a couple who had been shopping returned to find their dog had died.

Nobody ever thinks it’s going to happen to them or their much loved pet, yet every year many people still gamble with their dog’s life and every summer dogs die in hot cars.

Many people still believe that it’s ok to leave a dog in a car on a warm day if the windows are left open or they are parked in the shade.

The truth is it’s still very dangerous and while not every dog left in this situation will die, at the very least, they are likely to experience distress, discomfort and anxiety.

Just put yourself in their place and ask yourself how you’d feel about being trapped in a hot car and just how unpleasant and frightening it would be. What is heatstroke? If dogs are too hot and are unable to reduce their body temperature by panting, they will develop heatstroke which can kill. Some types of dog are even more prone to heatstroke, like very old or young dogs, dogs with thick, heavy coats or dogs with very short, flat faces – like pugs and bulldog types. Dogs with certain diseases or on some types If you see a dog in a car on a hot day of medication are also more prone to heatstroke.

Signs of heatstroke Establish the dog’s health/condition. Is the dog panting heavily? What is the dog doing – are they panting or drooling? Is the dog drooling excessively? Does the dog appear lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated? If the dog is displaying ANY signs of heatstroke Is the dog collapsed or vomiting? If you see a dog in a hot car displaying any signs of heatstroke, dial 999 immediately as the dog could soon lose consciousness and experience internal organ failure. dial 999 immediately.

Page 6 The 14th Nativity Cub and Scout Group Our three groups meet at The Church of the Nativity, Church Hall, Cavendish Road, Leicester.

Beavers meet on Friday evenings 4:45pm to 6pm and is aimed at the 6 to 8 year olds.

Cubs meet on Thursday evenings 5:15pm to 6:45pm and is aimed at boys and girls aged 8 to 10 1/2.

Scouts meet on Thursday evenings from 6:30pm and is aimed at young people aged 10 to 14 years.

Yours in Scouting Skip (Scout Leader) Ivan

Tel: 0116 223 9730 Email:[email protected]

RUBBISH IN AYLESTONE by J A J Richardson Despite the best efforts of Local Litter Pickers (thank you) former Park Wardens faced a daily battle of rubbish removal and the Leicester City Council's hired team of Street – one which they could not win. And let's not forget those Sweepers (thank you) there has been a steady increase in considerate Dog Walkers who pick up their dog's mess, only the amount of Rubbish in Aylestone. to deposit it seconds later in a plastic bag - often in a hedge!!

Litter may take many shapes and forms. From the retail Ultimately any accumulation of human (and dog) waste receipt litter-bug to all those empty fast food packages attracts unwanted disease-carrying pests including: rats, mice everywhere. From industrial building waste to the more and a steady flow of flies. Plastic bags, paper and general organized forms of fly-tipping. To the often over-flowing dog rubbish may also enter and block land-drains causing waste bins on the Aylestone Meadows and all those unexpected flooding. Not only is rubbish unsightly, but the recycling-bags ripped open by magpies and foxes in the costs involved in removing the litter someone else dropped Aylestone area on Monday evening and Tuesday morning. has literally reached tipping-point.

Indeed, in recent times it has become almost the vogue to Rubbish is the largest form of urban pollution after the motor place unwanted items, such as baby carriers, fridge freezers, vehicle. The residual remains of which ultimately end up in washing machines, and practically anything else out into the the local network of river systems and canals. The effects of road – in the hope that a scrap merchant may come along which shall remain for years to come. Ultimately destroying and collect it. Moreover the local Scrap/Waste Collectors local wildlife, water quality and the general well-being of actually do the local community a real service in their day to people in the local Aylestone area. day rounds; often collecting unwanted items sooner than a phone call to the local authorities. Wherever possible please aim to pick up any litter outside your home, to promote the local scrap / recycling collection For example, the volume of barbecue and picnic waste services, and report all other waste management matters accumulated during the summer months on the Aylestone (domestic and industrial) to Environmental Health. Meadows reached landfill proportions in 2016 – whereby the

Page 7 AYLESTONE PARK RESIDENTS GROUP WILDLIFE in AYLESTONE PARK NEWS by J A J Richardson by Christopher Garner, Secretary People do not need to look too far to observe the many signs of Wildlife in Aylestone Park. Tree Charter At a recent meeting it was agreed to support the Tree The Saffron Brook has always been a magnet for all thing “Nature” Charter. It recognises the importance that trees have related in the neighbourhood. Looking further a-field however (via the not only to human life but to all life upon earth. Trees google earth map) we soon discover that Aylestone Park boasts a rich tapestry of habitat for its already established wild-plants, insects and are the lungs of the planet. animals. From the abandoned allotments on Aylestone Road (we'll come Climate Change does not distinguish between race, back to those later), to the grassy meadows by the leisure centre on religion or gender. It is hoped by protecting, promoting Knighton Lane East. From the tree-lined Saffron Lane and Aylestone and even planting more trees singularly, in woodlands Recreational Ground, to the many overgrown factories and thousands of private back-gardens in the area. Local Naturalists sit in a suburban- or forests, we are at least trying to improve this oasis forest and oasis of wildlife. of life for future generations rather than what we have inherited. Aylestone Park has also witnessed the re-arrival of several formerly- extinct species of bird (and mammal) across its skyline in recent years. This includes regular sightings of Common Buzzards and Red Kites Our Annual General Meeting will be held from 7.30pm soaring high above the River Soar in the daytime. Migratory Osprey on Thursday 5th October in the Church Hall of the have also been twitched and Otters are slowly returning to our local Church of the Nativity on the corner of Cavendish and waterways. All of which are positive signs that Wildlife is slowly regaining Richmond Road. its rightful territory within the local landscape. Come and discuss matters affecting you or your The number of invasive species of animals and plants occupying the neighbours in Aylestone Park. Aylestone Park area in recent years are as equally spectacular, if not sometimes misunderstood. From rogue reports of Himalayan Balsam Monthly Meetings and Japanese Knotweed, to the often more excited sightings of Muntjac Deer (from Vietnam), Harlequin Ladybirds (from China), and Signal They are held on the first Thursday of each month Crayfish (from America) whose introduction happens to coincide with the except January in the Church Hall of the Church of return of our Otters! the Nativity on the corner of Cavendish and Richmond Road. The entrance is the side door on Cavendish In truth, many of the most invasive species of wildlife in Aylestone Park are now already accepted as “locals”. This includes all the Butterfly Road and the Church Hall is the door immediately to Bushes (Buddleja davidii) on the walls, the Bindweed (Calystegia your left. The meetings start at 7.30pm. sepium) with its brilliant white trumpets on the fences, and even the We have a speaker for the next few meetings:- humble Collard Dove who only more recently arrived in the UK during 6th July Healthwatch the 1950s. All of which were once considered “alien visitors” within the local wildlife neighbourhood. 3rd August History of Bottles 7th September Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital This brings us round to the idea of ecological opportunity, growth 5th October Scouts/AGM potential and the protection of existing Wildlife in Aylestone Park. 2nd November Open Forum Foremost we should question those who attempt to destroy established areas of natural habitat in the name of corruption and greed; whilst If you require any further information, please e-mail: championing those who seek to maintain and enhance wildlife [email protected] or text/phone Chris on opportunities in the local area for future generations. Simply put, the 07514416698 Property Developers wish to cover the Abandoned Allotments on We look forward to meeting you. Aylestone Road in concrete!!!

Cavendish Road War Memorial

On 21st August 1940, a lone aircraft from the German Air Munchies Force or Luftwaffe dropped its bombs along Cavendish Road killing 6 civilians, 3 from Saffron Hill Road and 3 from Cavendish Road The Aylestone Park Residents’ Group wish to remember the dead. We have permission to install a War Memorial on the Cafe & Take-away wall outside of the Church of the Nativity on Cavendish Road. 94, Grace Road, Leicester An Exhibition will be held from 11am to 1pm in the Church Tel: 07583 598327 Hall of the Church of the Nativity on Saturday 19th August, Telephone orders welcome which is free of charge. There will be old German maps and Breakfasts, Hot & Cold cobs, hot & cold drinks photographs showing the effects of the bombing. Sandwiches, Baguettes, Burgers, Chips, Lunches, A Service of Dedication will be held from 10.30am on Sunday 20th August at the Church of the Nativity. Salads, Snacks, All freshly prepared to order! They shall not be forgotten Open Monday to Friday 8am til 2:30pm For Further information, please see our website: Saturday 8am til 12:30pm www.aylestoneparkleicester.org.uk and click “war memorial”, LOCAL DELIVERIES and OUTSIDE CATERING e-mail Ann Sturgess at [email protected] or telephone/text Christopher Garner on 07514416698.

www.aylestoneparkleicester.org.uk Page 8 Gasworks ——- John Hunt

Due to the increasing widespread use of natural (North Sea) gas in this country over the past years, there has been a steady decline in the manufacture of traditional coal gas with the result that many of the gasworks, and the rail systems which served them, have become redundant. Leicester is no exception. Coal gas was first produced at Leicester in 1821 by the Leicester Gas Company, a private undertaking, at the Belgrave Gate works some three quarters of a mile north of the centre of the town. The site had been chosen because it was situated alongside the recently opened Leicester Canal; an extension of the Grand Union Canal, upon which coal was transported. Two gas holders were erected at the works and by 1822 the streets of Leicester were lit by gas lamps. Two narrow boats, purchased by the gas company in 1867, were employed in coal carrying, but the absence of a direct rail link forced the company to seek more land for an additional works. Eventually, in 1875, a site of 32 acres was purchased, one and three quarter miles south-west of the town centre, which was bordered on one side by the MR Burton branch, on another side by the Grand Union Canal, and on the third by the main Leicester to Rugby road, now the A426. In addition there was plenty of adjacent land on which to expand if need be. The new Aylestone Road works commenced production in 1878 and was almost immediately bought by the Leicester Corporation. Direct transportation of coal by rail was one of the factors involved in setting up the new works at Aylestone Road but the steam locomotive did not appear on the scene until 1885. The chemical works opened in 1886 and in 1887 the rail system was completed. Extensions and alterations to the network took place in later years. A third gasholder was built in 1888 to augment the existing No.1 and No.2 gasholders, built in 1878 and 1884 respectively. Another element joined the scene in 1894 when an electricity generating plant was built, within the gasworks site, to supply the centre of the town. Rail connections were laid to the boiler house. The whole now came under the aegis of the Gas & Electric Lighting Committee. Generation of electricity ceased in 1928, after the new power station, on the opposite side of the Leicester to Burton branch, had been commissioned. Further gas holders were constructed in 1902, 1930 and 1966, the latter on the site of the now demolished chemical works. In addition to the locomotive shed there was a fully equipped fitting shop which dealt with all repairs, including retubing and major overhauls. Two locos were in steam daily, one to shunt the sidings alongside the main line and the retort houses, while the other performed duties around the works and coke yards. Derailments to both locomotives and wagons were part of the routine but a more dangerous and spectacular happening took place during the late 1920's in thick fog. A train descending the bank from the sidings collided head on with another train charging up the bank. Although the wagons ended up all over the place and the two locomotives were derailed there was no serious damage to the locomotives or their crews! A steam crane from the main line company was called in to put matters right. On 1st May 1949 the Leicester Gas Department was taken over by the nationalised East Midlands Gas Board. Gas production ceased in May 1969, but the plant continued to be maintained for a further twelve months for use as standby if required. Demolition of the retort houses and the older gas holders commenced in the summer of 1972 but the site is still used, and will continue to be used, for compression of North Sea gas for onward transmission to surrounding districts, and as far away as Northampton. The story behind the preservation of MARS II (one of the works locomotives) is worthy of further comment. Following the cessation of rail traffic in 1968 she was left to stand forlorn in the works yard, and remained there for the next year and a half, although her fate had already been decreed. Shortly after her withdrawal someone in authority at Emgas had approached the President of the Leicester Railway Society enquiring if the Society would accept the locomotive for preservation. At the same time the Director of Leicester Museums was approaching someone else in authority at Emgas offering to preserve the locomotive! As everyone who has had a hand in the preservation of a locomotive knows, the whole exercise is fraught with difficulties, not least the acquisition of a suitable site to house the beast. As Leicester Museums already had a temporary (but full) railway museum, and a permanent one in course of planning, a compromise solution was evolved. MARS II would become one of the exhibits in the projected East Midlands Museum of Technology at Abbey Meadows, Leicester, and the LRS would be responsible for its restoration and maintenance. It was, at this stage, envisaged that MARS 11 would be a working exhibit on a short stretch of track. So far so good, but the Museum had nowhere to keep the locomotive as the building planned for the storage and restoration of exhibits had not then been commenced. MARS II was duly moved from the gasworks to Abbey Meadows on 2nd February 1970, where it once again stood out in the open gathering rust. From there, the locomotive eventually found its way to Snibston Ind Park where it rests, unserviceable.

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LCCC News and Events The ICC Women’s World Cup brings international superstars London One-Day Cup with big-hitters Mark Pettini, Cameron to Grace Road during the next few weeks. Delport and Mark Cosgrove all in great form. Leicester is playing host to a total of nine matches, including two warm-up fixtures, with England taking on Pakistan on Tuesday, June 27. They will be joined by New Zealand star Luke Ronchi, who is currently playing in the ICC Champions Trophy. Seven of the eight teams will be playing at Grace Road, so it’s There are lots of positives to take into the shortest format of a great chance to be entertained by the best cricketers from the game. We have seven highly entertaining matches in 2017 across the globe. including six floodlit fixtures and a fantastic Saturday afternoon fixture against Yorkshire Vikings: The full list of games are as follows: Warm-up: West Indies v Pakistan – Tuesday, June 20, The full list of fixtures is as follows: 10.30am star Foxes v Steelbacks – Friday July 21, 6.30pm start Warm-up: Australia v Pakistan – Thursday, June 22, 10.30am Foxes v Birmingham Bears – Tuesday, July 25, 6.30pm start start Foxes v Durham Jets – Friday, July 28, 6.30pm start Pakistan v South Africa – Sunday, June 25, 10.30am start Foxes v Notts Outlaws – Wednesday, August 2, 6.30pm start England v Pakistan – Tuesday, June 27, 10.30am start Foxes v Lancashire Lightning – Friday, August 4, 6.30pm start South Africa v West Indies – Sunday, July 2, 10.30am start Foxes v Yorkshire Vikings – Saturday, August 12, 2.30pm start Pakistan v Australia – Wednesday, July 5, 10.30am start Foxes v Derbyshire Falcons – Thursday, August 17, 6.30pm South Africa v India – Saturday, July 8, 10.30am start start West Indies v Pakistan – Tuesday, July 11, 10.30am start Pakistan v Sri Lanka – Saturday, July 15, 10.30am start Leicestershire are offering some great value ticket packages for 2017. Our adult ticket 3-game bundle is only £30 and our A family ticket for each game costs just £24, while adult tickets Family Ticket 3-game bundle, which admits 2 adults and up to are available for £10 and under 16s for £2. To buy tickets, 3 under 16s, is just £48! please call 0116 283 2128. To book a 3-game bundle package please call us on 0116 283 * It’s Summer’s Biggest Hit! We’d love you to join us at the 2128. Fischer County Ground this summer for the NatWest T20 Blast, which arrives at the Fischer County Ground in July! * Please note that all 6.30pm starts in NatWest T20 Blast are The Foxes played some outstanding cricket in the Royal played under floodlights at the Fischer County Ground.

Page 10 Local Allotments Ivy – Friend or Foe By J A J Richardson by Mark Ingle We are never far from a local Allotment. There are at least five Allotment spaces within a single mile (1.6kmradius)of St Andrew’s I love living in Aylestone Park for over 20 years, and my Church in Aylestone. What started as a means of putting fresh house has a garden that backs onto the Grand Union food on the table during World War II, has been re-developed into Canal/Aylestone Meadows. The proliferation of ivy in the a hobby, recreational pastime, and means of putting fresh (often Aylestone Meadows and other wild areas seems to me a organic) food directly back onto the table. relatively new thing. With increasing food (and fuel) costs it makes perfect sense for local people to start growing their own produce. There have been instances where ivy has appeared to take Unfortunately, over the past few decades the number of active over and eventually kill off a number of largish trees in the allotment sites within the local area has declined. Conversely, the number of people wishing to rent an allotment plot now outweighs adjoining garden, and more recently I was concerned to see the number of allotment plots available. that ivy appeared to be taking over on some of the trees that All of the Allotments within the Aylestone area are privately line the Great Central Way near Aylestone Village; so I wrote managed by a group, society or committee on behalf of their to the city council. landlords at the Leicester City Council. A lucky handful of renters then tend and manage small portions of land individually. The I had the response below which I thought may be of interest costs of which can be as little as £10-15 a year (plus a deposit on to other readers of the newsletter. There are other points of a gate key). view which you can find out by doing internet searches; I will Collectively a sense of community is shared by the majority of “allotmenteurs”- who are often happy to help new members settle- continue to stop ivy growing up trees in my garden, but am in with advice and hands-on digging. Annual General Meetings, reassured that if ivy growth is being monitored in the Social Gatherings and Open Days, are popular with most Aylestone Meadows, there hopefully won’t come a time when Allotment Societies today and are a great way for perspective plot the lovely trees that line the Great Central Way are no longer holders to introduce themselves to the local Committee of there! Members. Active allotments always display a vast variation in design, plot Dear Mr Ingle layout, and the types of crops being grown by people. Moreover Allotments are semi-natural places which offer refuge to an abundance of Wildlife within an otherwise urban setting. Regular Thank you for your email and enquiry concerning the growth visitors to Allotments within the Aylestone area may include of ivy on some of the trees on the Great Central Way. The Badgers, Foxes, Frogs and Toads, Robins, Song Thrushes, and City Council's Nature Conservation Team have these lots and lots of Wood Pigeons. comments that explain the reasons for us managing our trees As more and more green spaces within the Aylestone area are re- in this way in this area. developed into concrete spaces, habitat and the local environment declines. For this reason is important to support your local Ivy is a good plant for wildlife as it provides nectar for insects, Allotment to help preserve what is left now for the future. berries in winter and shelter. This particularly benefits the Holly blue caterpillar which feeds on the flower buds, pollinators such as butterflies, bumblebees and hoverflies that drink the nectar and birds such as blackbirds and thrushes that eat the berries.

The glossy, ever-green leaves provide cover all year round and so are very important for insects, but also for birds to build their nests or roost where the ivy is well-established and for bats to roost as well. These areas also provide valuable corridors for the bats and birds to feed along and which help to connect to other areas that are suitable for wildlife.

The Great Central Way is especially important to wildlife as it provides a corridor that links up with some of our important nature reserves such as Aylestone Meadows and the River Soar and Canal network.

The City Council Parks and Trees & Woodlands work very closely to monitor the trees and their health. Where it is necessary to check a trees health, then small areas of ivy are removed to enable the equipment to be used and where necessary some works are done to control ivy growth. This is not done as standard practice, but only where it is deemed necessary to protect the tree.

Below is a link to information provided by the Woodland Trust who manage many woods and trees across the Country https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/trees-woods- and-wildlife/plants-and-fungi/woodland-wildflowers/ivy/

Paul Dilkes, Local Area Manager, Braunstone Park

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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 IN THE RARE EVENT OF Housing options 0116 454 1008 a firearms or weapons attack 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 RUN to a place of safety. This is a far better option than to surrender or negotiate. If there’s nowhere NSPCC 0808 800 5000 to go, then...

SAFE (for anyone 16 or over in Leicester affected by or HIDE. It’s better to hide than to confront. at risk of domestic violence or abuse 0300 123 0918 Remember to turn your phone to silent and turn off vibrate. Barricade yourself in if you can. Then Shelter 0808 800 4444 finally and only when it is safe to do so......

Citizens Advice 03444 111 444 TELL the police by calling 999

Alzheimers Society 0300 222 1122 At the moment, the issue of terrorist attacks is regularly in the news. But it’s been on our agenda for much Mind info line 0300 123 3393 longer. The police and security service have been working Missing People 116 000 constantly to foil terrorist attacks for years, not months. But we are not complacent about keeping you safe. National Debtline 0808 808 4000 Due to events in the UK and abroad, people are understandably concerned about a firearms or weapons AGE UK 0800 169 6565 attack. These attacks are very rare but in the event of such an attack, it helps to be prepared. Stroke Association 0303 3033100 Remember, attacks of this nature are still very rare in the UK. Money Advice Service 0300 500 5000 So Stay Safe, and just remember the words: Samaritans You can talk to the Samaritans for free on 116 123. Talk to them anytime you like, in your own way and off RUN. HIDE. TELL. the record - about whatever's getting to you. To watch the Stay Safe film, visit

www.npcc.police.uk/staysafe ✄

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