See centre pages
SAFF Get the lowdown on The SAFF Keep it Local Advertise HERE! Any profits go back into The SAFF Reg. Charity no. 1090197
Safta’s 1950’S SPECIAL
12
Friendly Friday Goes Large!
20 ril
for all ages, Community News and Local Events.
The
Ap
Training opportunities
Ma rc h
-
Loads of info on.......
Issue 9
Ben & Dave How we met (seriously)
Find out what’s on at Saffron Sure Start
3 Safta’s Awards do 1950’s style
Saffron Neighbourhood Management AGM 6
4
Editor The Saff is now finding new ways to keep in touch with you so join us on: facebook look for “ Saffron mag”, Call Kellie on mob: 07784233997 Cover pic: Taken At the Safta’s 1950’s Event, see article on page 4.
5
Office: 0116 224 9790
email: kelliebugby@ yahoo.co.uk Post: Unit 9, Linwood Workshops, Linwood Lane,Leicester, LE2 6QJ
Mobile Phone-beware local Police update
2012 projects Citizens Eye
7
Your local Councillors update
9 Friendly Friday Goes Large!
8
10
There is always so much to do on the Saff. So many projects, and ways you can get involved in your community and so many dedicated friendly people. To me the Saff is a great place to live and work and I feel privileged every day that I can do that. I have been involved in community work since I turned 16 and have seen many changes on the estate and I’m sure many more to come. There are so many opportunities, some are featured in this issue of The Saff so take advantage and get involved. Work has now started on the Saffron Summer fete 2012 and I encourage anyone who would like to get involved in the planning of the event or volunteering opportunities on the day to get in contact with me our theme for this year will be Aspire 2012 (Olympic). Take advantage of Saffron arts free art courses starting in Saffron & Eyres Monsell we have art, craft, textiles, creative writing and digital photography. Call me for more details. We have been working in partnership with engage multimedia for several years now and look forward to their event on Friday 9th March at the Linwood Centre. This is a great opportunity for you to come along for advice & guidance on work, business & self-employment so check out the centre spread for more details. Engage are also working in partnership on a project called new Horizons which is advertised on the back page. As you can see from our front-page picture we recently attended the 1950’s SAFTA’s. It’s always great to see so many local people being rewarded for their time and commitment to the community read more . Thank you as always for taking the time to read The Saff and please get in touch with any comments or suggestions.
Keep it local advertise here in The SAFF Magazine
Magazine Section Advertising Space Front cover Banner
Price Per issue £80
Full page A5 colour
£150
1/2 page full colour
£80
1/4 page full page
£50
Traders page
£30
The Saff is a bimonthly community magazine with a print run of 3000 which are delivered to all houses, shops, businesses and community centres across the Saffron area. We need your help! Support us by advertising in the magazine and telling us your stories. All profits will go back into the charity and continue to bringing The Saff to your door.
Design by Beckie Sanderson Engage Multimedia
Conditions of acceptance: Although every effort has been made to meet advertisers’ wishes, Saffron Arts Forum, does not accept responsibility for inaccuracies in advertisements or consequences arising. No responsibility is accepted for the loss or damage to copy, or error in printing. It is the responsibility of the advertiser to confirm and comply with the Trade Descriptions Act 1968, Sex Discrimination 1975 and Business Advertisement Disclosure Act 1977. All advertisements are accepted in good faith. Placing an order and advertising with Saffron Arts Forum, will signify confirmation and acceptance of the above mentioned responsibilities and conditions. The opinions expressed by the advertisers and in any articles, are not necessarily those of Saffron Arts Forum. The inclusion of any advertisement, group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply recommendation of its aims, products, services or policies. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. Saffron Arts Forum reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and advertisements submitted for publication. None of the articles contained in this magazine are to be reproduced in anyway without first obtaining written consent from Saffron Arts Forum.
What’s On In your local area
Saffron Acres Project
14
12 Community News & MP Jon Ashworth
Ben
& Dave
Kingfisher Christmas Bonanza
16
The Great Central Train Ride
Pink Lizard Youth Projects
13
History Prisoners of War on the Saff
15
18 New Horizons
17
20
How We Met (Seriously) Illustrated by David Bacon
Job Opportunities
Are you Female and over 18?
Contact Naomi Wood Party and Recruitment Organiser
07972 575338 Party Bookings also taken
The SAFF went along to the 1950’s themed awards night at Saffron Lane Working Men’s Club on Friday 10th February organised by Saffron Community Enterprise LTD. It’s always good to see local residents receiving recognition for their dedication to the community. Organiser Karen Pickering said “We did a 1950’s theme for the event which we will replicate on our stall at the fete this year. Local pub singer, Martin Reeves who is a regular at the Saffron Working Men’s Club was hired to grace the event with his tracks from the 50’s, which were a joy to listen to. We feel it is important to recognise the time and energy that all volunteers give to improve the Saffron area and the community spirit.” Eyres Monsell and Freemen Ward Committees funded the Safta’s where a total of 55 nominations were put forward this year. We would urge all organisations to get involved next year and nominate your volunteers. One of the nominees was local resident Karl Craig-West who was nominated by Beckie Sanderson from Engage Multimedia for offering free help & support to their Friendly Friday networking events by giving advice on business start ups and self employment for local people. “I really enjoyed the evening, it was actually quite emotional, after all the years I’ve volunteered my time it’s the first time I have been publicly recognised, I could say it was an epic event, and I enjoyed it a lot.” Deb Harris who was a founding member of the Safta’s 10yrs ago and continues to be a key part of the project, handed out the Safta’s awards dressed as a pink lady from Grease said she looks forward to delivering the event again next year.
4
Saffron Sure Start
Come and use the excellent facilities
for children and families St Christophers, The Crossway, just off The Fairway Activities with Premier Sport focusing on fun and fitness for all
Stay and Plays for parents and children aged 0 to 5
Sessions specifically for new born babies and up to 12 months
Young Parents group For young mums and dads and expectant teenagers
Breast feeding Support Group with peer support volunteers
Fit & Active Bodies and Be Active Courses (with crèche available)
Antenatal and postnatal clinics
Parent craft classes for expectant parents
Book and Toy Library Baby Clothes Swap available any time during opening hours
Healthy Start Vitamins available
Help and advice with giving up smoking
Training courses and volunteering opportunities for parents
Call 0116 222 1810
for more information or to ask to be sent our latest activity leaflet 5
Saffron Neighbourhood Management Board Join us for our AGM Chair Terry Rogers
at 11.00 on Wed 2nd May at Linwood Community Centre
update from our Themed representatives communiTY fooD BanK: We are working in partnership with Adult Education representative Elizabeth Botmeh and Priten Pancholi from Community Services to set up a local Food Bank for the Saffron area. finance uPDaTe: We hope to be able to continue with our small grants scheme & will be seeking funds to continue supporting local projects in the future. aTTenDance ProJecT: Carol Blackburn reported that the Great Central Railway trip on the 19th January was very successful. The Lord Mayor, Deputy City Mayor, Chief Constable, Alan Birchenhall OBE, Ward Councillors and many others greeted the children who enjoyed the train journey. LocaL crime: PC Archer reported that crime figures were generally down across the neighbourhood. There is a new PCSO in training for the area. Community Safety- Louise Cox reported that she was doing security checks on homes in the neighbourhood and working with young people issuing personal attack alarms. Some very positive work was taking place. DomeSTic VioLence: Louise Cox reported that training will be available soon for ‘Community Champions’ to help in the support & awareness of DV. HouSing: reports that e-on can do 200 more sets of solar panels but after that no further referrals will be made.
“
agm Wednesday
2nd May 11.00 am Open to the community come and join us at Linwood Centre, Linwood Lane
We would like to extend a huge thank you to our Neighbourhood Development worker Dave Budd who will sadly be leaving the Neighbourhood Management Board in March. His work in the Saffron Community has been exceptional for many years, he will be sadly missed by everyone. We wish him all the best in his retirement. Kellie Bugby
“
6
Dave Budd
For more information please contact: Kellie Bugby, Saffron Neighbourhood Management Linwood Centre, Linwood Lane, LE2 6QN. 0116 2249790 / 07784233997 kelliebugby@yahoo.co.uk or join us on Facebook.com/the.saff.mag
If you
your
mobile phone
beware
The SAFF Mag asks your Local Police Unit to update us in each issue with relevant information for the Saffron Estate.
Sgt Darren Little
In this issue Sgt Darren Little would like to highlight crimes relating to Mobile Phone thefts. Most young people these days have a mobile phone. They are great for keeping in touch, playing music, and accessing the Internet. Unfortunately, they are the top targets for robbers. Robbery is theft, which is accompanied by violence or the threat of violence. It is very distressing for the victim. A lot of victims in Leicester are teenagers. You can reduce the chances of this happening to you by: • Only using them in busy, well lit areas – not in dark places or alleyways and subways; • Keeping an eye on those around you. If you are in any doubt, stop using your device and zip it in an inside pocket or bag; • Don’t leave your device on a table – it can easily be taken if you are distracted; • Record the model number and IMEI number – dial *# 0 6 # to read this. You can record this free of charge on the property recording website www.immobilise.com So if your phone is stolen, there is an increased chance the police will be able to return it to you; • Check if there are any tracking apps (such as icloud or Mobile Me) that you can use with your device, and if so, activate them. Again, this could help police find your device and the people responsible for taking it. We also know that a lot of mobile phone robberies are carried out by teenagers, many of them are of school age. Don’t be tempted to do this – the police and the courts take robbery very seriously For more crime prevention advice, see: http://support.leics. police.uk/crime-prevention.
Local Crime figures update from PC. 335. Archer
PC Paul Archer
I would just like to re-emphasise what Sgt Little said, the main thing is to be careful when using your phone in a public place. Don’t use it unless you really have to and if you do, then be fully aware of who is around you. Also remember it is only mobile phone, if approached and threatened and you fear for your safety give it up, this is better than being assaulted.
Saffron crime figures
1/11/11 to 18/1/12
1/12/10 to 18/1/2011
Burglary dwelling
4
4
Burglary commercial
2
Robberies
2
Theft from cars
3
Damage to cars
8
12
Criminal damage
4
12
ASB
7
27
The SAFF asked for the figures for the same period last years as you can see reported crime has significantly reduced on Saffron in comparison to last year’s figures in particular criminal and vehicle damage as well as a dramatic fall in anti social behaviour.
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YOUR LOCAL COUNCiLLOR UPDATE
Councillor Elly Cutkelvin
Kingfisher Christmas Event We are very pleased to say that the Kingfisher Christmas event was an amazing success! We were very pleased to welcome our Cities Football Ambassador, Alan Birchinall, who joined Jon Ashworth MP and local resident May Jones in opening the event. We plan to hold another event this year, building on the success of last years and opening it up to the whole of the Saff. If you attended the event, we would really appreciate your feedback, and we would warmly welcome anyone who wants to get involved in future events (please contact Elly on 07891 232 662) With a mix of activities for all age groups, it was fantastic to open up the Kingfisher Youth Centre to local residents and showcase their facilities. We would like to thank everyone involved in making it such a huge success. Saffron Fete Work has already started on this year’s Saffron Fete. As a fantastic event which really showcases the Saff to the rest of the City, we are looking for as many people as possible to be involved (please contact Kellie on 07784 233 997) Aylestone Rec Football Development Both of us have been involved in ongoing discussions about making sure local residents feel they have access to the new football development on Aylestone recreational ground, and we are very pleased that the Saffron Young People’s Project (SYPP) has been invited to join the management board. We believe this is key to ensure the pitch is made accessible for the local community. Our next Community Meeting on Wednesday 14th March at 6pm will be held in the Community Room beside the new football pitch (the pavilion) and will be a great opportunity for residents of all ages to come and take a look around and see how this facility might benefit them. Saffron young People’s Project (SyPP) Councillor Elly Cutkelvin is very pleased to have been invited to work closely with the SYPP and to help them in any way she can to continue to provide support, advice and activities for young people on the Estate. SYPP started 18 years ago with a vision to help tackle issues young people living in Saffron face. Tic Toc Park Following on from last year we expect the new piece of play equipment for Tic Toc park to be installed any day now and we are still talking with both residents and the Council as to how we can make further improvements despite the cuts in Council funding. Linwood Centre We joined local residents at the Linwood Centre for their annual Christmas Lunch. As usual the event didn’t disappoint; beautiful decorations, fantastic food and pupils from Marriott Primary School on hand to sing some classic carols. We are looking forward to upcoming events there this year. We continue to help local residents one a variety of issues and would ask you to contact us if you think we can help you in any way. If you wish to talk to us about anything that is concerning you please do not hesitate to contact either of us. Bill: 0116 2201350, bill.shelton@leicester.gov.uk elly: 07891 232662, elly.cutkelvin@leicester.gov.uk 8
Councillor Bill Shelton
COUNCiLLOR SURGERiES
Linwood centre, 1st Thursday of each month 4.30-5.30pm aylestone Leisure centre, 2nd Saturday of each month 10.00-11.00am aylestone Library, 3rd Monday of each month 5.30-6.30pm Saffron resource centre, 4th Saturday of each month 10.00-11.00am.
F R E E M E N COMMUNiTy MEETiNGS aylestone recreation ground football Pavilion. Wednesday 14th March 6.00pm All residents are welcome and we will be discussing issues of importance to the area. The meeting also has a small budget which community groups or organisations can apply to. For further information about the community meeting contact: heather.kent@leicester.gov.uk or call Heather on tel 0116 2298816
O
n Tuesday 17th January Phoenix Square Film & Digital Media Centre saw the opening of the Community Media Centre 2012, a project run by John Coster, editor of Citizens’ Eye Community News Agency. The day showcased the journey of Citizens’ Eye through big events like the Special Olympics 2009 and looked forward to events throughout 2012 linked to the Olympic and Paralympics. John Coster said,“ The Community Media Centre will revolve around monthly events based on the Olympic and Paralympic values such as: friendship, respect, excellence, courage, determination, equality and inspiration. I hope that local communities, such as the Saff, use it to promote any local events. Some people are unaware that the Olympics used to include things like art, writing and poetry – so it doesn’t have to be just about sport. If local events support those values we’d love to hear about them.”
“
The 2012 Games are a great opportunity for Leicester.The app links Leicester with all that’s happening in and around the Olympics and Paralympics. Councillor Palmer.
”
The event also hosted the launch of the One Leicester 2012 phone application by Deputy City Mayor, Councillor Rory Palmer. Councillor Palmer, said: “The 2012 Games are a great opportunity for Leicester.The app links Leicester with all that’s happening in and around the Olympics and Paralympics.” There were over eighty-five people attending representing voluntary organisations; charities; local authority services and community media, including SAFF magazine editor, Kellie Bugby.
“
Some People are unaware that the Olympics used to include things like art, writing and poetry - so it does doesn’t have to be just about sport.
Word from the editor: It is always great to be invited along to events hosted by Citizens Eye it is clear that their values and aims are to benefit local communities and local people throughout Leicester. I am looking forward to working on projects in the Saffron area which also link into the Olympic theme. I feel all communities need to get involved and celebrate what positive work is going on in their area and their city.
Simon Parker
”
Check out Leicester’s community events and news through the Citizens Eye website
www.citizenseye.org
9
engage | training | desig
We can do it with you, for you, o
| WHAT’S ON |
| GUEST SPEAKERS |
We have experts and guest speakers lined up to give talks on a range of subjects including; Self employment, Business Start Up & Development, Social Enterprise, Multimedia, Marketing, Branding and Writing Funding Bids. This event is FREE, book your tickets at http://friendlyfridaygoeslarge. eventbrite.co.uk/ Parking available
businesses social
enterprise voluntary & community
networking
Refreshments, Stalls Information & Advice, Arts & Crafts, Fun Activities, Guest Speakers, Workshops, Community & Business Networking
enterprise
self
employed
learning
& work
busines
developm
Friendly Friday
| COMMUNITY | BUSIN enterprise
club
training
multimedia
voluntar commu
health & wellbeing
We are proudly supported by local agencies, community organisations and businesses.
| www.engage-multimedia.co.uk |
gn | consultancy |
f
d
ss
ment
training
or we can show you how to do it!
arts & crafts enterprise
club
| BUSINESS SURGERY |
marketing
advice multimedia workshops
ys Goes Large!
NESS | NETWORKING | ry & 10 - 2, 9th March unity Linwood Community Centre Linwood Lane Leicester LE2 6QJ
Come along and speak to our panel of experts for advice on business start up and development, self employment, tax, accounts and marketing.
| TASTER WORKSHOPS |
Email Marketing Social Media & blogging Digital Photography
For more information or to book a place Call Beckie on:
0116 2249790 or 07900002530.
Saffron Neighbourhood
Management Board
engage multimedia
|| twitter: @engagemmltd | facebook: engage multimedia ltd |
What’s Community Events & Activities
10 week Art Courses Art, Craft, Textiles Photography and Creative Writing Contact Kellie at Saffron Arts 07784233997 kelliebugby@yahoo.co.uk Friendly Friday Goes Large 9th March 10-2 at Linwood Community Centre, Linwood Lane Community and Business Networking Event, for more info contact Beckie on 07900002530 or email beckie@engage-multimedia.co.uk or see www.engage-multimedia.co.uk Public Ward Community Meeting Wednesday 14th March at 6pm At the new football pavilion on Aylestone Recreation ground opposite Aylestone Leisure Centre. Saffron Neighbourhood Management Board Annual General Meeting Wednesday 2nd May 11.00am At the Linwood Centre, open to local residents. The Chillout Group Every Wednesday 9.45am - 11.45am, for local women in Saffron and Eyres Monsell. Creche available. The Samworth Enterprise Academy, Trenant Rd. Activities include glass painting, crocheting, knitting, and much more. Call Sally and Dionne on: 0770204 7773 or email: healthy-lifestyle@hotmail.co.uk Linwood Centre FREE themed Coffee mornings 3rd Thurs of the month 11am -11.30 15th May - Fair Trade 19th April - Budget on a low income 17th May - Cake Decorating Just turn up at the Linwood Centre in the morning enjoy a tea, coffee and biscuits
Study Support Sessions Southfields Library Porkpie Day: Wednesday 4.00 – 6.45 Cost: Free Study/Homework help available to children from the age of 6 – 16. Go-Online Computer Course Day: Tuesday 10.00 – 11.00 or 11.00 – 12.00 & Wednesday 2.00 – 3.00 or 3.00 – 4.00 Adult Learners Week 12 – 18 May CV Workshop Monday 14th May 10.30 – 12.00 Cost: Free Uploading images from your digital camera: Tuesday 15th May 2.00 – 3.30 Cost: Free Bring in your Digital Camera (plus lead/s) to the library, Cost: Free, For all the above booking is essential, so please contact Southfields Library on: 299 5480 to get booked on to the course. Card Making Workshop Date: Friday 17th May 10.00 – 11.00 Cost: Free. Come along and try out your creative skills For more information on Library activities call direct on 0116 22995480 Or contact Jit Dhanji Senior Library Assistant Tel: 0116 221 2792 Goldhill Easter Playscheme At Goldhill from Mon 2nd April – Wed 4th 12pm till 3pm daily Easter Egg hunt Thurs 5th Apr 1.30pm - 3.30pm Playscheme Wed 11th - Fri 13th April 12pm - 3pm
n
Resident
u p d at e This years Saffron Summer Fete will be held at Aylestone Recreation Ground off Whittier Road on Saturday 11th August from 11am – 4pm We will be travelling through the estate with our annual carnival parade again leaving from Goldhill Adventure Playground at 11am. Our theme this year will be “Aspire 2012” to link in with the Olympic theme. If you would like to be involved in the planning, volunteering, to book a stall or you want any further information then contact Kellie on 07784233997 or email: kelliebugby@yahoo.co.uk
Community News The SAFF meets new community organiserS Loren & RACHAEL The SAFF met up with Loren Burton & Rachael Duncan the areas new trainee community organisers. Both are local to the area and successfully applied for the position recently. They were given an interview and sent on 3 days of intense training. The post is funded for 1 yr through the charity ‘Locality’ who help people set up locally owned and led organisations and support existing organisations to work effectively in communities. The project has a 5 year plan and they hope to seek funds to continue their work after the first year has ended.
group of local resident activists that can use the information to improve your community. What do you think of the role so far? It feels like more than a job. We go out meet fantastic local people, there’s a great feeling of community spirit here and the people are great. It’s nice to come home and feel like you’ve done something worthwhile, so for us it is the best job in the world. “Every community is a place of possibilities.” If anyone wants to talk to us then please get in touch Loren on 07854406449 or email: loren.burton@corganisers.org.uk Rachael on 07854406189 or email: rachael.burton@corganisers.org.uk
What is your role? We are here to listen to people it’s that simple. We have no other agenda. Our job is to collect your thoughts, concerns or issues with the area you live, through door knocking and talking to people, in the hope that the information we collect can be used to help improve your community the way you want. What will happen to the information? All information and personal details will not be given to anyone, but the ideas, issues or concerns will be recorded and eventually we want to set up a holding
Jon Ashworth Member of Parliament for Leicester South Jon is now holding regular advice surgeries at the Saffron Resource Centre on Saffron Lane These are held on the 4th Saturday of every month from 11am to 12.30pm If you want an appointment at the Saffron Resource Centre, or an appointment at the City Centre office, please contact Jon: 60 Charles Street, LE1 1FB
For appointments and to contact Jon about any local or national issue please get in touch…..
Tel: 0116 251 1927
Email: jon.ashworth.mp@parliament.uk Twitter: @jonashworth
Get
outside get gardening and get healthy!
Saffron Acres
is expanding, get involved this summer
our Spring & Summer projects will include: • • • • •
wATCH THIS
S PAC E
Healthy eating Gardening Foraging Creating energy efficiency with bike generators & our own solar panels Construction of an outdoor cooking area as well as working on our orchard
oject
Sa
A
Pr
Saffron Acres project is the allotment on the corner of Copinger & Whittier rd
ffron
If you want to be involved or want to find out more about what we do then please contact Sarah. cres
Contact: 0116 283 7212 Email: sarahbentham@yahoo.co.uk
PRISONERS OF WAR
Towards the end of the war there were also Prisoners of War working on the roads around the Saff: “My brother and I, we used to talk to them. Bruno and Wolfgang. I can see them now. They were only young lads. We used to talk to them because they weren’t allowed to do anything. They weren’t allowed to go on any buses. They couldn’t do any shopping. If they wanted anything from the shops you used to have to go and get if they had any money. Like there used to be a lovely cake shop on Southfields drive… if we’d got a shilling, we used to go for a slap up between us, a couple of cakes and things, and if they had some money they used to send us in and get them.” “The local people weren’t really bothered, they were working class and we were working class. They’d been put in the war. The chap in charge of the prisoners of war, he was a ganger in the building trade, Irish. He got put in charge of them because they wouldn’t tackle him. I remember one day when I was a little lad, the German had thrown his pick down on the floor, they were doing a road crossing there and it was a hot summer’s day and I was going down the shops for my Mum and he threw his pick down, and he came down and I can remember him pointing his finger at him to shut up, and he did, it frightened the living daylights out of me”
Sitzendorf, April 28th 1948 Dear Mrs. And Mr Ball, First of all we wish to thank you for your nice letter and the parcel. You can’t imagine how much we enjoyed all those things we had to miss such a long time and they meant therefore double the value for us. Once more our best thanks! We hope to requite it one day, even that what you have done for our son. Very often we have said that it is a luck for him to be in England and not somewhere else and we have written to him to stay in England as long as possible, for over here he has nothing. It is badly to write in such a manner, but no one can close the eyes in fact of such things. On the other side, sons, who returned home, have made reproaches to their parents, as they have not written them the truth. You can’t get sufficient food over here. I enclose a little picture of our village. We have a nice weather over here and the tree stands in full blossom. That’s the nicest season now. Later on we have too much dust. From Hans we haven’t heard quite a long time. Do you know the reason? Now I will close my letter. Thanking you once more for everything, we remain with the kindest regards.
16
At the end of the war there were street parties and bonfires “with Hitler on the top” and more bonfires to celebrate VJ Day in August 1945. It took a lot longer before some of the local men serving in the forces came home. His Father was in the Far East: “He was there for 6 yrs, and I didn’t know what he looked like or anything. I remember Dad coming home. We’d had letters saying he was coming home on the troop ship, but my sister, she didn’t know him at all. She was in the next door garden when Dad came around and she wouldn’t go near him ‘she didn’t know him they’d never met” “Then of course things got better, he took us out and had a great time. He’d got a job because he worked for the Electricity Board, and I remember that they had extra coal, you got extra coal if you’d been out East to keep you warm, because it was so cold. He studied a bit at home, to better himself, he got a better job which meant we were better off.” It was several years before all the Prisoners of War returned to their own countries, but conditions were often much better for them in Britain, as this letter from the parents of one POW suggests.
The Great Central Train Ride
F
or the past 3 yrs Carol Blackburn and the Police Support group have organised rewards to encourage good school attendance. 600 children with the best attendance records from local junior schools, Marriott, Samworth, Granby, Overdale, Sir Thomas More, Montrose, Eyres Monsell, Holy Cross, Rolleston, and Knighton Fields were given the opportunity to ride on a Steam Train along the Great Central Railway on the 19th January. Carol Blackburn said, “It was a wonderful day. The weather was good and the train was exceptional. The children felt like they were on the Hogwarts Express from Harry Potter. We were all kept entertained by a clown who told jokes, did tricks and modelled balloons throughout the day he was magnificent. The children all enjoyed themselves, and were so well behaved. We invited Alan Birchenall from LCFC to meet and greet the kids and the day was opened by the Lord Mayor.
It was great to see the Deputy City Mayor, local Councillors and Chief Inspector Simon Cole also attend to meet the young achievers.” “The school attendance project is an important initiative, led by Carole Blackburn and local volunteers who do a great job making the arrangements each year.The Eyres Monsell and Freemen councillors have supported the project with local funding and we hope to see the scheme continue.The Great Central train ride was clearly very popular with the children and it is good to see high attendance and good behaviour recognised in this way.” Rory Palmer DEPUTY CITY MAYOR The project was funded by all 4 Ward Committees, the Saffron Neighbourhood Board and the Joint Action Group, to highlight the importance of good school attendance. Research suggests that children who attend school regularly are at less risk of getting involved in anti-social behaviour or crime.
17
CHRiSTMAS BONANZA AT
THE KiNGFiSHER O
ver a cup of tea resident May Jones and Cllr Cutkelvin wanted to arrange something special for the residents around Neston Gardens. After the recent bad publicity about the Saff they wanted to show the true community spirit that exists here. Community worker Dave Budd, centre staff & volunteers started to organise an event that the area could be proud of.
They successfully applied for funding from, The Near Neighbours organisation, the Freemen Ward Committee, the Joint Action Group and Saffron Neighbourhood Management Board. Local business Morrisons and Wilkinsons also offered to support this event. The evening was officially opened by, Alan Birchenall from LCFC, and our local MP John Ashworth and resident May Jones. I was invited along with my camera to capture the magic of community spirit, which in Saffron there is abundance of and this was clear to see. Southfields brass band, the local gospel choir, and young dancers, pulled in the crowds of people outside. There was a local child magician who wowed us all with his confidence and stage presence he was a joy to watch and very talented. Billy Bates bought along several fair rides and there was a whole host of stalls and fun activities for everyone to take part in. We also got to meet the big man himself in Santa’s grotto and each child received an early Christmas gift. Best of all, being so close to Christmas it was all for free. I would like to extend a huge thank you to those involved in this event it was a wonderful evening. I look forward to more events throughout the year and another Christmas spectacular for 2012. 18
CouRSES AVAILABLE ENRoL Now • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Aromatherapy Assertiveness Training Beauty Tips and Techniques Cake Decorating/Sugarcrafts Candy Bouquets Card Making Computing Successful CV writing Dancing (salsa, rock and roll, etc.) Dressmaking Flower Arranging Henna body painting (Mehndi) Indian Head Massage Introduction to Sewing Life Coaching Skills Pattern Cutting Reflexology Soft Furnishing Stress management Upholstery
If you would like a course that isn’t listed, Please let us know. Courses will run for 30 hours and are
FREE to those on a means tested benefit (JSA, ESA) Call Clare on
0116 224 2116 to find out more.
19
new
Do something different
with your days!
HORIZONS New Horizons is a creative project for young people not in education training or employment
Interactive Media photography and video
magazine production
On Tues & Weds
website design Star ting
2012 and job search skills APRIL At Linwood Workshops 10 Week course with Saffron Estate Level 1 Qualification in Interactive Media
Contact Kellie: 07784233997
kelliebugby@yahoo.co.uk
Engage Multimedia Ltd working in partnership with Saffron Arts Forum (Reg Charity), Funded as part of ESF NEET Program.
See website for more info www.engage-multimedia.co.uk