Eight boys from the Under 10’s kwik cricket section of Syston Town cricket club took part in the 6th Thrussington fun run to raise funds for their club. The event took place on Saturday 3rd March in Thrussington and the boys had to cover the three quarter mile circuit whilst negotiating monster hay bales and water crossings.

They all thoroughly enjoyed it and between them they raised over £200, of which Matthew Evans individually raised £61. He was awarded a £20 gift voucher to use at Talent Cricket in Loughborough to kit himself out for the coming season.

The kwik cricket section have a thriving group of children from age seven to ten years. If your child is interested in having a go at cricket, then come along to one of our training sessions on a Wednesday night. The outdoor training began on Wednesday 11th April from 6.00pm to 7.30pm at our Potters Lane ground. For further information visit our website www.systontowncc.com or contact Liam Tailby on 07989 561 373.

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Christmas Market
The Events Panel have already started to make plans to make this year’s Christmas Market even better than the last one. If you have any ideas to help achieve this then why not drop us a line here at the Town Council Offices.

Civic Reception
The current Chairman of the Town Council, Councillor Howard Midgley hosted a Civic Reception to recognise some of the people who have contributed to the Town over the last 12 months. The Mayor of Charnwood, Chairman of the County Council and our local MP Stephen Dorrell were all invited to have the opportunity to mix with those who attended. There was a Charity Raffle, proceeds from which are for the Town Council’s Chairman chosen charity Syston & District Volunteer Centre.

Syston in Bloom
Following last year’s superb result in the East Midlands in Bloom competition (Silver Gilt Award) the Town has entered the competition again. Apart from the competition the ‘Syston in Bloom Committee’ work very hard in conjunction with Town Council to gain a pretty and colourful Town for all to enjoy throughout the Summer.

Defibrillator
A potential life saving piece of equipment is to be fitted outside the Community Centre, School Street that could help people who are suffering a heart attack. A simple to use defibrillator has been purchased that is hopefully the start of a Town wide initiative for others to support further installations around the area. The one thing to appreciate is that persons of any age may need this, remember the desperate situation with a Bolton Wanderers footballer recently.

Dog Fouling/Anti Social Behaviour
With hopefully a long sunny summer please let us work together to keep Syston a clean, happy and vandal free Town.

Contacting Your Council
Syston Town Council currently has 20 Councillors

Merton Ward
Mr. Simon Bradshaw
Mr. Ken Pacey
Mr. Harold Screaton
Mr Paul Henr
Mr Ivan Spibey

New Barkby Ward
Mrs. Claire Dolan
Mr. Hanif Asmal
Mr. Howard Midgley
Mrs. Janet Midgley
Mr. Eric Vardy

St. Peter’s East Ward
Mr. Stephen Hampson
Mrs Susan Gerrard
Mrs. Rita Gray
Mrs. Maureen Pacey
Mr. Toby Griffiths

St. Peter’s West Ward
Mr. Tom Barkley
Mrs. Josie Branston
Mr. Mal Carnall
Mr. Nick Gee
Mr. Patrick Wright

All councillors can be contacted at
The Community Centre
School Street
Syston
Leicester LE7 1HN

Our email address is: mailbox@syston.co.uk
Tel: 0116 260 7150
Fax: 0116 269 6904

Allan Clarke                  Town Manager
Ursula Southan           Office Manager
Kay Liquorish          Office Coordinator

Council meetings for May, June and July are as follows:
01 May Development Meeting
08 May Amenities Meeting
15 May Resources Meeting
22 May Annual Town Meeting 7.00pm start
22 May Annual meeting of the Town Council 7.30pm start
29 May Development Meeting

12 June Amenities Meeting
19 June Resources Meeting
26 June Full Council

03 July Development Meeting
10 July Amenities Meeting
17 July Resources Meeting
24 July Full Council

All committee and full Council meetings take place in the Community Centre in School Street on Tuesday evenings and all residents are welcome to attend.

Taurus (20 April – 20 May):
As a relationship matter reaches a satisfactory conclusion, your happiness grows and you’re in the mood to ‘spread your wings a little’, to have a change of scene. Travel adventures will be fun, especially because they are shared with a loved one, lending a ‘romantic’ air. Careful planning ‘now’ helps you to build on firm foundations later.

Gemini (21 May – 20 June):
New practical developments give you the advantage over others, especially because you welcome them in. Yes, the changes do you good and inspire you to complete an outstanding work project, one that has been taking up too much time and energy! You’re starting to realise that this is your moment to shine. Your popularity soars.

Cancer (21 June – 21 July):
You change your mind over some particularly important future plan, even though this unsettles you. The resulting mood, however, is one of euphoria and this further encourages you to pursue love and companionship! By putting your own needs first, you are uplifted and the dreary routine has to make way for you. So others move on.

Leo (22 July – 22 August):
Money comes and goes so quickly this month, as you earn, then spend it! However, your daily commitments certainly do demand this as well as projects at home, which require completion. So it may seem as if your hands are tied for the first half of the month. But happily, new friends invite you out and an admirer emerges.

Virgo (23 August – 22 September):
You wish that romance were more ‘straight-forward’ or at least easier to understand! A lighter daily routine certainly takes the pressure off and you get more time to yourself. A partner feels the need to travel, you won’t necessarily be happy but let them have the space that they really need. A new job promises rich rewards.

Libra (23 September – 22 October):
Financial sources come under the spotlight and a review is necessary. ‘Facing the truth’ of the matter may be difficult but can lead to an actual increase in funds, so do find the courage! It’ll be worth the effort and you’ll be pleased with the results. And though others are there to advise and ‘hold your hand’, a new attitude holds the key.

Scorpio (23 October – 21 November):
You reach a personal decision and this will now free you up from endless worrying and wondering! This gives you a new lease of life and a loved one is simply wonderful too. Everything is running smoothly and your life seems to have finally gotten itself onto the right tracks. And a fantastic new friend is determined to help.

Sagittarius (22 November – 20 December):
Just as doors close on one or two long-term plans, a new relationship brings fun and laughter into your life, making the world of difference! Work is rather pleasurable too, involving exciting travel and social opportunities. Yes, life has changed dramatically over the last month or so, and for the better. Study is highly likely.

Capricorn (21 December – 19 January):
Changes to your social life, get you off the hook, giving you more time than usual to spend on other adventures. Your determined attitude certainly sees you going off ‘doing your own thing’ and you are more prepared to ‘go it alone’. This is refreshing in itself and will help re-charge your batteries. A new job is fun and enjoyable.

Aquarius (20 January – 17 February):
A work task is completed this month, giving you time to help close friends and relatives with their own responsibilities. They will certainly thank you for it! A new social opportunity involves romance, together you work out just how to fulfil your responsibilities, whilst getting to know each other better. Life is most certainly good.

Pisces (18 February – 19 March):
You realise that it’s time to leave behind one or two outworn attitudes and a few old goals besides. You knew that this time was coming and your positive attitude goes a long way to develop a new pathway for yourself. So you’ll not be complaining. For this, you realise, is a special time; life is relaxed and changes at home are pleasing.

Before that meeting Councillor Midgely has arranged to meet with Helen Myles, a detached youth worker, and students on 30th April in Central Park in order to listen to their concerns and ideas about the provision of facilities on the park.

Headhunters
By Jo Nesbo
Published by Vintage
£6.99 less £1
Roger Brown is a corporate headhunter, and he’s a master of his profession. But one career simply can’t support his luxurious lifestyle and his wife’s fledgling art gallery. At an art opening one night he meets Clas Greve, who is not only the perfect candidate for a major CEO job, but also, perhaps, the answer to his financial woes. Greve just so happens to mention that he owns a priceless Peter Paul Rubens painting that’s been lost since World War II and Roger Brown just so happens to dabble in art theft. But when he breaks into Greve’s apartment, he finds more than just the painting. And Clas Greve may turn out to be the worst thing that’s ever happened to Roger Brown.

Welcome to Rosie Hopkins’ Sweet Chocolate Dream
By Jenny Colgan
Published by Sphere
£6.99 less £1
Were you a sherbet lemon or chocolate lime fan? Penny chews or hard boiled sweeties, you do get more for your money that way? The jangle of your pocket money, the rustle of the pink and green striped paper bag, Rosie Hopkins thinks leaving her busy London life, and her boyfriend Gerard, to sort out her elderly Aunt Lilian’s sweetshop in a small country village is going to be dull. Boy, is she wrong. Lilian Hopkins has spent her life running Lipton’s sweetshop, through wartime and family feuds. As she struggles with the idea that it might finally be time to settle up, she also wrestles with the secret history hidden behind the jars of beautifully coloured sweets. Welcome to Rosie Hopkins’ Sweet shop of Dreams, a novel, with recipes.

The Boy in the Dress
By David Walliams
Published by Harper Collins
£6.99 less £1.00
It’s a first novel aimed at children of nine and upwards, about a 12-year-old boy called Dennis who lives with his obese, junk food-guzzling dad and 14-year-old brother. Their mother walked out two years earlier and Dennis consoles himself by watching a TV chat show called Trisha, think Oprah, and reading Vogue. Mind you, he’s also the best football player in the school and has a crush on Lisa James, ‘the most beautiful girl in the school’.
So he’s straight.
One day Lisa persuades Dennis to wear drag and make-up into school, with devastating consequences, although it all works out in the end. It’s a great and comic tale, Walliams is a natural wit and good with words.

Adjournment for Public
The manager of the Mind Shop had strong concerns regarding any potential restrictions of loading and unloading outside their shop. She stated that they legally have 20 minutes which they do not abuse and, if restrictions were imposed they could not operate their business. She has compiled a petition, engaging with other shopkeepers and members of the public and wants people to work alongside each other.
The biggest problem is with the bus stop being directly outside this property with passengers and bus drivers complaining when their van is unloading furniture.
A representative from Wreake Valley Flooring which is an independent family business said the petition was well supported and any restrictions could also cause failure of their business.
The Chairman asked for this issue to be put on the next agenda for the Development Committee.

The Reflection
The Chairman opened the meeting with a reflection.

There were seventeen councillors present, two apologies had been received.

Chairman’s announcements and Communications
The Chairman informed the council of his activities during the previous month when he had attended several meetings including the Wreake Valley Student Panel, see article on page 8 of the May issue.
He then reminded councillors about the Civic Reception and hoped that all those who can attend will do so.
The Town Manager reported that he had received correspondence and face to face engagement regarding traffic problems in the High Street.
Correspondence had been received concerning car park charges at the train station which in turn could cause problems with extra parking on the nearby streets. It was suggested that a letter be sent to Charnwood Borough Council to request correct parking cover for the car parks in Syston to ensure the two hour restrictions are upheld. As requested, this will be added to the Development Committee Agenda. A piece of play equipment had been damaged on Central Park and will cost £45 to replace, also more glass had been found on the Park Square. Councillor K Pacey said there was a need to look into the cover they are paying for regarding CCTV and to find out how often it is looked at. Also to request a monthly report from Charnwood that they used to receive.
The council were also informed that human excrement is being found outside the male public toilets on a regular basis.

Members’ questions for the Chairman
A question had been received from Councillor K Pacey requesting an update on the situation with the new cemetery acquisition. The chairman responded with the following update: The alternative land viewed had been rejected as unsuitable.

The landowner on one side of access to the Ridgemere confirmed that he would be interested in allowing the Town Council to purchase the land to improve the junction on Barkby Road with South Croxton providing Scottish Renewables formally relinquish their option to buy. The council are still awaiting a reply, the chairman said he would follow this up. The Town Manager, with approval, had contacted Highways at the county council and they provided a suitable design which has been forward to the land owner.

Police Report
PC Glen Freeman answered questions on the report circulated which showed a reduction in the number of crimes during February this year to that of the previous year of 17 crimes, he said that the report showed offences committed and for which they had evidence. Councillor R Gray thanked the police for the quick response to the attempted burglary the week before the meeting. There was a request for the speeding to be looked into around Wreake Valley College with more police presence and the possibility of a speed camera.

It was asked if there had been an increase in youths drinking in Syston due to the alcohol ban in Thurmaston and Birstall and, that it should be considered for areas of Syston. In the following discussion, Councillor N Gee said there was a lack of facilities for the youth in Syston and if there was a drinking ban in certain areas the problem would just move to a different part of the town. He also felt that there was a need for a visible police presence on the streets to control it. If this was not possible, the council may need to consider a Security Company during the summer evenings to monitor the parks.

Anti Social Behaviour in the Town
Inspector Southall sent his apologies and he would answer any specific questions on his return.
He had sent figures through which showed a 26% reduction, 287 less incidents than last year. A result of the introduction of the joint agency SENTINEL, database, with recording and encouraging people to report incidents so he was confident that the figures were real and reflected the general trends. Incidents have been recorded on SENTINEL and PS Stone has be talking to licensed premises in the town.

Meeting Dates
The meeting dates for April/May including town meeting and AGM were agreed. See the Spotlight article here on the website or see pages 22/23 of the May issue for details.

Review and Adoption financial regulations
These were agreed and the Town manager thanked Councillor T. Barkley for his help in this matter.

Borough and County Councillors Reports
Councillor D Houseman congratulated the Leicestershire County Council on their compromise in re-locating the re-cycling bins within the car park in Syston.
A free tree is available to plant for the Jubilee celebrations if applied for.
Applications to the Area Forum for community funding need to be submitted by 8th May 2012. He went on to thank Syston Town Council for sending a letter to the Melton and Oakham Waterway’s Society to support the future repair of the footpath between the footbridge and Lewin Bridge on the Fosse Way.
He then reported that Pukka Pies who make 60 million pies each year and employ 280 staff have experienced problems getting their deliveries on the Halfcroft. He said that improvements will be made in the near future.

Councillor S Hampson reported that there was a lot of Jubilee activity among the villages and hoped that Syston Town Council would do something for the event.
He then went on to talk about the Olympics being a big feature this summer and Jo Jackson from Loughborough will be competing in three events. The Olympic Torch will not be coming through Syston, see April issue or STN website for details of the route on 3rd July.
He then spoke about super fast broadband coming to Syston via the Leicestershire County Council plan to ensure that the entire County will have this by 2017. He asked people to link into the website to the council consultation.
The Big Society Grant Fund has put together a scheme with £300,000 to give away. It is vital to register the scheme and he will give help to any group who wants to put a bid in. He said that the correct presentation meant a higher chance of walking away with the prize.
In Health and Education he said that the County Council are continually trying to improve their good name in the Care Profession and the poor picture in the press is not reflected in our area.
He finished by saying the County Council would be sending loyal greetings to her Majesty the Queen for her 60 years service to the Country and Commonwealth.

Councillor T. Barkley reported on the Local Development Framework of Charnwood where 17,380 houses need to be built by 2028. There is a consultation to be held the second week of July. The 5,000 houses planned for Syston will have a major impact on the town and the final recommendations to Charnwood will be at the end of August. He suggested that this matter go onto the town agenda for discussion so that the deadline would not to missed. The important things to think  good news is that there has been no increase in council tax from CBC and a small reduction in the tax for Syston. There is a new visitors guide to Charnwood now available. He finished by saying  that he is now the lead member of finance at Charnwood Borough Council.

Councillor K Pacey reported that he has been to two meetings about the travelling communities and they are the worst panels he has had to work with to obtain a proper report.
He has had some training on the changes in planning laws and has attended two licensing planning meetings. One involved trading standards regarding underage drinkers and the other was alcohol being sold that was a foreign product and not what it was supposed to be.
He has worked closely with the Town Manager regarding CCTV on Deville Park and a letter has gone out from a Solicitor to Quadrant and we are now awaiting a reply.
He re-iterated D. Houseman’s thanks to the County Council for moving the bins within the car park. He finished by saying that an email had been received regarding zero waste strategy asking for comments from all Parish Councils.

Staffing, CCTV provision and correpondence
This item was moved to a confidential Item and so the public, including the press were asked to leave.

This March has been the first time I have seen trees of Magnolia Soulangiana with two weeks of beautiful flowers, then a frost on the night of 31st March turned the flowers brown. I do not have room in my garden for larger growing Magnolia’s, but I do grow two medium sized varieties, of these ‘Leonard Messel’ is the first to produce a lovely show of pink, star shaped flowers during March and early April and this escaped the frost. During April and May Magnolia ‘Suzan’ will produce a lovely display of light purple, tulip-shaped flowers. I prune both Magnolias as soon as they have finished flowering, by reducing the previous year’s growth by two thirds of its length.

I am very fond of Daphne’s and at one time had as many as thirty different ones in my garden. Some I found very miffy, they would grow and look well for a couple of years then suddenly die. Now when looking around my garden I find I have only sixteen evergreen varieties, but these are very reliable, some are over forty years old. There are a number of dwarf alpine forms, which I grow in alpine scree beds; others form low to medium sized shrubs. All that I grow, which flower during March, April and May have white, lavender, or pink flowers. One, Daphne laureola is the earliest to flower, but this has lime-green flowers and is the easiest to grow, it does however seed beneath other shrubs and can outgrow low growing shrubs. Most forms of Daphne have green foliage, but I grow three varieties of Daphne odora that have yellow edged foliage, of these ‘Rebecca’ is the most outstanding as during March and April its cluster of pale pink, fragrant flowers sit in the centre of a rosette of variegated leaves.

Lettuce ‘Lettony’, which I sowed during March, and planted into growbags that I keep in my cold greenhouse, which being a loose-headed lettuce, enables me to cut the outer leaves for many weeks. I sowed spring onion ‘Ishikuro’ in two-inch, 2.5cm cell trays, thinning them out to three plants per cell, these should be ready for Vi to eat by mid May. This year I am only growing five varieties of potatoes, all are grown in 25/50 litre black ex tree containers all of which have handles either side to enable me to move the early ones in and out of my cold greenhouse. During mid March, ‘Rocket’ was the first to be planted; ‘Arran Pilot’ followed this in late March. I was earthing up ‘Rocket by the first week in April.