Dead Mans Grip
By Peter James
Published by Pan
£7.99
Carly Mallory is driving; she’s tired and just a little distracted. She doesn’t see the boy on a bike until it’s too late. Three people caught up in a violent accident, one dead body lying cold in the morgue. Now, someone is taking revenge for the boy’s death. When the other drivers are found brutally murdered, Roy Grace and his team are called in to investigate; two gruesome deaths, with Carly clearly marked as the final target. Now, Grace must guard her from a killer blinded by revenge and psychotic rage. He wants to make her sorry, to make her pay, and he wont stop until the final splash of blood in the jigsaw has been spilled…

A Fathers Revenge
By Kitty Neale
Published by Avon
£7.99
A mother must fight to protect all she holds dear! A bad man can never come good! Thirteen years have passed since Kevin Dolby was sent to prison for robbery with violence. In the meantime, his ex wife Pearl Button has divorced him and remarried, determined to protect her son from knowing who his real father is. Then she hears two pieces of terrifying news – Kevin Dolby is up for parole and that her dear friend Bessie is gravely ill. Bessie has taken on Nora Dobbs, a young woman and she asks Pearl to take over her care when she dies. Pearl, thinking that Bessie will recover from her illness and live for many more years, agrees, but less than a week later, Bessie passes away. Pearl will now have to take over Nora’s care and plans to take her to Winchester. However, when Bessie’s will is read, she has left the shop and premises to Pearl, yet with a proviso. Pearl not only has to take over Nora’s care, she must do it in Battersea, moving into the shop and premises and living there for the rest of Nora’s natural life. Then, and only then, can she sell up. While Pearl is persuaded to move back to Battersea, Kevin is granted parole but desperate for money, approaches his parents. Once he gets what he wants Kevin intends to see his son, and nothing is going to stand in his way.

I Heart Vegas
By Lindsey Kelk
Published by Harper
£7.99
Angela Clark loves her life in New York. She a Brit who’s conquered the Big Apple. Unfortunately, she’s also a Brit who’s lost her job, and when, just a couple of weeks before Christmas, the immigration department gets wind of this, Angela needs to find a new job urgently, or a husband. She doesn’t think her boyfriend Alex will be keen. A girls’ weekend in Vegas with her best friend Jenny seems the perfect way to forget her troubles. From the minute they arrive Angela is swept up in a whirl of cocktails, outrageous outfits, late nights and brushes with the chapel of love. Rather than escaping trouble, Angela is up to her neck in it!. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas — right? With a bonus Angela’s Guide to Vegas – the ultimate city break guide!

The national charity The Community HeartBeat Trust is working closely with ambulance services across the country to increase the penetration of defibrillators into the community, including the Leicestershire area.

Over the past 10 years ambulance services have had increasing targets for delivery of service, including the eight minutes target for Category A calls. Whilst in cities and towns this is much easier to achieve, in rural communities this is a much harder prospect. As a result the Ambulance Service was innovative in looking for additional ways to reach these demanding targets and in early 2000, the first Community First Responder schemes were established. In 2012 there are now several hundred of such schemes around the country, typified by community volunteers who give their time to support the Ambulance service in some Category A calls.

However one area has still needs addressing, the Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Typically these are rapid onset events and, depending upon the figures you consider, the life expectancy of the patient decreases up to 23% per minute from the event. Time is therefore critical, and it was for this reason that many static sites for defibrillators have been established, in airports, train stations and shopping centres.

Community Public Access defibrillation (cPAD) has only become a reality for local communities in the past couple of years, as the technology and the guidelines from the governing agencies such as the UK resuscitation council (UKRC) have been amended. The need for training has been reduced for the latest compliant defibrillation equipment and although still desirable, is not necessary even for members of the public. cPAD schemes place an automatic or semi automatic defibrillator, a device used to treat Sudden Cardiac Arrest, in a convenient location in a vandal resistant box. The equipment can be accessed by anyone to assist a patient with a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). In an event, 999 must be called and the ambulance service will give the access code to the box to enable the defibrillator to be used, although the keycode is also kept by locally trained people as well, and in some cases are unlocked.

All ambulance services across the country support the provision of cPAD schemes. Many have active programmes already underway, or in their plans for 2012. Many are also using the CHT to help support their plans. In the Leicestershire area, CHT are working closely with East Midlands Ambulance to bring more community based defibrillators to East Midlands villages, currently having some 50 projects underway and many more nationwide.

With the central co-ordination and direction of such charities as the Community HeartBeat Trust, standardisation of approach, standardisation of equipment, training and equipment support and increased purchasing power, is available to the benefit of the local community. It also enables a central source of liaison with the Ambulance services, PCTs and Department of Health, as well as other charities and organisations involved in health in the community.

REMEMBER -YOU CANNOT HARM THE PATIENT! Only save their life. www.communityheartbeat.org.uk

For the third year running Wreake Valley College held its annual Wreake’s Got Talent competition on Thursday 15th December.

It has been going from strength to strength and this year we have staged two shows in contrast to one show last year.

This has lead to us raising over £450 for our designated charity ‘Rainbows’.

The shows have been a massive hit with both the students and the staff of the college. Acts included solo singers, groups, west end celebrities and stand up comedians. It was a wonderful example of the talent within our community.

The top 3 were:
First Leonie Petch and Millie Chamberlain,Year 9.
Second Grace Longland, Year 8 and
Third Tamsin Pegg, Year 7.

Well Done and thank you to Tesco for providing the prizes for this competition.

Look out for the Easter one!

The walks idea took its first steps in 2004 with a small group and by 2010 more than 2,000 people are now regular walkers. Last year the record was well and  truly smashed with a tremendous 2,301 people taking part.

One of those was Derek Fox from Sileby who attended over 80 per cent of walks during the year. In his early 70s, and a very keen walker, Derek says he enjoys all lengths and types of walks, and has met a number of new friends as a result.

Nita Pearson, Active Lifestyle Development Officer based at Charnwood Leisure Centre co-ordinates the walks and has  organised the programme for 2012.

Councillor David Snartt, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “The success of the guided walks has meant that we can now offer around 36 varied walks between now and April. Our thanks go to the team of volunteer walk leaders who go out of their way to encourage newcomers to walks, and work hard to promote walks in the area. Walking is a cheap and simple way for people of all abilities to get fitter or stay healthy. Best of all, you can make some great friends!”

For 2012, Nita has recruited two new volunteer walk leaders, Alison Riggall and Alan Mortimore. Alison is keen on walking for health, and for the first time we will be able to include monthly walks in Shepshed, her local town. Open to everyone at no cost, Alison has planned the routes so that many are wheelchair and buggy friendly and is hoping to welcome whole families on her outings.  Alan will also be offering lots of new walks and the 2012 programme also includes an introduction to Nordic Walking, geocaching, like a treasure hunt with GPS receivers, historical walks around Barrow upon Soar and a mystery walk around one of the most haunted locations in the county. All the walks are run by fully qualified and insured leaders, while most are free, some will require a small charge and booking is usually essential as numbers are limited to meet the insurance requirements.

Some dates for your dairy include:
Feb 3rd, Level two walk, four miles. Anstey.
7th February, Level three walk, seven miles. South Croxton.
15th February, Level two walk, three miles. Quorn.
16th February, Level three, five miles. Swithland Reservoir.
19th February, Level two walk, two miles Nordic Walking. Woodhouse Eaves.
21st February, Level one walk, two miles. Thurmaston.

For more information visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/walking or contact Nita Pearson on 01509 634 594.

How does Su Jok treatment work?
First of all Elizabeth’s clients receive a full consultation and full medical history to determine that the correct treatment is administered. Then the treatment consists of working on the corresponding reflex points on the hands and feet by using an acupuncture probe to find the acuh point. Once the points are found then small acupuncture needles are dropped into the areas and left in place for about 15 to 20 minutes. The client relaxes in a chair whilst the needles are in situ and then the needles are removed and disposed of. All the needles used are single use and I do have a no needle machine for those who have a phobia of needles. It is recommended to receive at least three treatments for a positive result.

Who Can Have Su Jok?
The answer is everyone, even children.
This therapy can relieve any pain related problems. It can relieve backpain, joint problems, nausea, infertility, migraine, anxiety, depression.

SU JOK Practitioners work with various methods of stimulation besides mechanical pressure, include:
1. Miniature magnets designed both to give both mechanical and
magnetic force stimulation;
2. Moxibustion which are used to stimulate heat in the needle and
therefore create more stimulation to specific points.
3. Massage rollers to stimulate the hands and feet.
4. Miniature hand needles

Each treatment lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
For more information type in SU JOK into your search engine for sites for this unique NEW therapy.

Elizabeth Jelley
MAR,BWYdip,SUJOKsmiletherapy www.yogawithlibby.co.uk for my timetable of classes.

As we all embrace a more integrated approach to health care, interest in acupuncture has increased from both the general public and medical profession and it is now one of the most popular forms of complementary medicine in the UK.

The British Acupuncture Council has carried out an independent survey of 3,000 people to discover what people already know about acupuncture and what myths surround this type of medicine. As a result of the survey, the British Acupuncture Council is creating a micro-website  www.introducingacupuncture.co.uk which aims to explain what acupuncture is, how it works, how it can help patients and how to find a credible practitioner. There will be videos to watch and answers to the questions people most frequently ask about acupuncture.

During Acupuncture Awareness Week, there will be articles and interviews in the national press and Clare Nasir, GMTV weather girl and TV presenter, will be talking about her experience of using acupuncture for fertility.

In the meantime, if you want to find out more, you can always take a look at the British Acupuncture Council main website, www.acupuncture.org.uk , where you will also be able to find details on that site of practitioners in your area.

Julie Devlin
Acupuncturist
Syston Health Centre

In addition to providing information to customers on how to stay healthy, Syston Library is also raising money for the British Heart Foundation’s ‘Red for Heart’ campaign by wearing red on Valentine’s Day. Customers can also donate 50p and try to guess the number of books in Syston Library’s Community Health and Wellbeing collection between 11th and 18th February to be in with a chance of winning a prize.

During half-term families are invited to take part in FREE Healthy Hearts and Minds events being run by the Charnwood Active Together Team at Syston Library. On Monday 13th February 2.00pm to 3.00pm there will be a family Nature Walk around Syston starting at the library and on Wednesday 15th February 2.00pm to 3.00pm there will be a Mini Tunes activity for younger children and their adults. Places are limited so booking in advance is necessary. Contact Syston Library on 0116 305 3500 for more details.

On Thursday 16th February between 10.30am and 12.30pm there will be a Mobile Diabetes Testing Unit in the Syston Library car park. Anyone wishing to be tested for diabetes is invited to come along and get tested. Throughout February there will be a chance to win a hamper full of healthy treats and pamper products. To be in with a chance of winning all you have to do is borrow a book from Syston Library’s Community Health and Wellbeing collection and enter your name into the prize draw at the help point.

Syston Library is one of a number of libraries in Leicestershire to be given a Community Health and Wellbeing collection. The Community Health and Wellbeing collection means that at Syston Library you will find:

An area of the library designated to health and wellbeing information, extra books and DVDs., links to healthy activities and local groups, health checks, staff trained to help you find health information, NHS choose and book service, Special events, feel-good fiction, FREE computer use. Libraries are FREE to join and FREE to use.
All the county’s libraries have a good range of health resources and information.
To find out more visit www.leics.gov.uk/healthandwellbeing

A parade through Syston Town was followed by a service at the War Memorial held on Sunday 13th November 2011. Wreaths of poppies were placed on the Cenotaph and two minutes silence was held at 11.00am to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave servicemen and women. The public turnout for this event was again tremendous.

Christmas Market
A Speciality Christmas Market was held on Saturday 3rd December 2011 on Central Park in Syston with over 30 showcasing stalls. The market was the perfect way for families to begin their Christmas celebrations. Festive food included roast chestnuts, hog roast, home-made pies, fishcakes and speciality beers. Alongside the many food stalls were unique handcrafted gifts, many made in the local area.

This year we had an entertainment programme throughout the day which was held on a professional stage. Wreake Valley College provided some very talented musicians and singers during the morning. The Finalists of Syston’s Got Talent performed on stage during the afternoon which proved to be a big success. It attracted many people and the standard of the talent was extremely high, which made the judge’s decision a difficult one. Tabatha Pegg was the overall winner and was presented with a cheque by our Celebrity guest from BBC Radio Leicester and East Midlands Today’s, Ady Dayman, and the main event sponsor Shirley Ruddick from Ruddick Recruitment.

The younger children enjoyed the fair rides together with visiting Santa and his elves in the Grotto. A huge crowd of people arrived for the Santa Parade in the late afternoon with Syston Brass Band and the Morris Dancers giving a display. This was followed by the switching on of the Christmas lights with a surprise firework finale.

Students from Wreake Valley College with the Radio DJ ‘Dave Shepherd

Lantern Parade
The popular family Lantern Parade was held on Friday 16th December 2011 and started from the Bowl’s Club. A procession of lanterns made by children from local schools moved through Central Park to the Sundial. A few carols were sung here with the accompaniment of Syston Band.

A festive walk began through the Town stopping at Metro Wines who donated soft drinks and mulled wine to all in the parade.

Further carols were sung in the Town Square along with Syston Band and the Village Bakery kindly opened to serve hot food and drinks which was welcomed by everyone. The children enjoyed themselves, the weather was kind and it was a great start to the festive season. The Syston Town News picture  here shows Santa with his elves, Councillor Howard Midgley, Chairman of Syston Town Council, some of the children and families who attended the Parade.

Syston Town Precept 2012/2013

The Council calculates its precept by preparing a detailed budget for the year. The Precept for last year was £393,000 compared to this year’s figure of £392,500.

The Town Council have worked very hard to prevent the Precept from increasing despite having to absorb the cost of maintaining the Public Toilets and other services passed down from other authorities.

The bottom line is that Syston Town Council is not increasing their part of the Council Tax for the second year on the trot.

Ducks in the Brook
First I would like to state that the Town Council has never arranged the removal of any ducks from the Brook. I am sure that most people like to see, visit and sometimes feed them when in town. I would like however, to ask everyone to be a little more conscientious of how and what you are feeding these ducks with. Regrettably there now seems to be a habit of just tipping whole loaves and bread slices into the brook. This attracts rats, makes the area look unsightly and ultimately can be interpreted as littering.

A Mallard with this year’s brood ready to jump near the Brookside

Contacting Your Council

Syston Town Council currently has 20 Councillors

Merton Ward
Mr. Simon Bradshaw
Mr. Ken Pacey
Mr. Harold Screaton
Mr Paul Henry
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 February, March and April are as follows:

7th February Development Meeting
14th February Amenities Meeting
21st February Resources Meeting
28th February Full Council
6th March Development Meeting
13th March Amenities Meeting
20th March Resources Meeting
27th March Full Council
3th April Development Meeting
10th April Amenities Meeting
17th April Resources Meeting
24th April 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):
Your wonderful practical approach to all things is paying dividends in so many ways.  This is also bringing you confidence as well as travel opportunities.  You also feel much more sociable and this brings enormous popularity this month.  A position of power is also on offer but also challenging.  A new romance certainly appeals.

Gemini (21 May – 20 June):
The daily grind changes beyond all recognition and this takes a little adjusting to.  You can’t get yourself motivated when it comes to domestic issues, whether family matters or simply working in the home environment.  Your focus is really on intellectual matters and study is likely.  A new job takes you to a new environment.

Cancer (21 June – 21 July):
No longer concerned about your financial position, you won’t need to push yourself at work at the moment.  This is a relief being as your motivation is rather ‘off key’.  Maybe you need a rest or even a short break!  Catching up with all your favourite people is likely to re-charge your batteries, bringing you a whole new outlook.

Leo (22 July – 22 August):
You reach an emotional decision or – to some extent – this is made for you!  But this should turn out really well being as a partner has a positive and upbeat attitude.  With romantic thoughts on their mind, they’re determined to take you with them, wherever this may be.  A new friendship is most promising, giving you strength.

Virgo (23 August – 22 September):
You’re not quite sure of your direction, which is most frustrating!  You so want to move forward and yet must wait for the winds of life to blow.  For ‘someone’ has altered the goalposts of long-term plans and this is unsettling.  Happily, money becomes much less of a concern.  Also, a rather nice romance comes into focus.

Libra (23 September – 22 October):
You’re feeling brighter and more confident of what the year ahead may bring!  Former worries on your mind start to dissolve and the only problem is feeling slightly disorientated.  You move on from old connections that have thoroughly outworn their purpose.  With more time on your hands, a new job and romance both get a look-in.

Scorpio (23 October – 21 November):
A relationship goes from strength to strength, bringing you the kind of comfort and companionship that you could ever dream of.  Most happily, your aims coincide and any travel and business plans are similar.  This sees you getting ideas off the ground and even working together.  Your home is a real haven and a new friend amuses you.

Sagittarius (22 November – 20 December):
You have reached the end of an era, with the full moon in your sign mid-month.  This closes many doors and – happily – opens others.  Where loved ones are concerned, you have few obligations, though you are also stumped to know quite what to do.  So give things time and a short break is indicated to pull you out of the ‘doldrums’.

Capricorn (21 December – 19 January):
It may be a quiet week with not a friend to be found – just when you could do with one!  For you could do with someone to discuss matters with, in the face of uncertainty as changes loom.  But, with an excellent financial outlook, you forge ahead anyway, stumbling across business-minded folk as you go and finding success.

Aquarius (20 January – 17 February):
You feel in a better mood all round, with the sun in your sign this month.  You also look and feel ‘your very best’!  You dream of getting away and having a holiday.  New plans regarding cash help you to get ahead and these will include romance and anything else ‘rewarding’ such as hobbies.  Work goes well and cash improves.

Pisces (18 February – 19 March):
Current changes hold much promise as new dreams are well within reach.  This really picks you up and brings a smile to your face!  As a work project comes to an end, you are most philosophical, and – happily – look forward to new adventures which your new-found freedom will bring.  Loved ones are amazed yet agree that you deserve it.