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BBC Radio Leicester presenter Herdle White set to retire after 50 years. Herdle White is the longest-serving African Caribbean radio DJ on the BBC. He is set to retire after presenting shows for BBC Radio Leicester for 50 years. White moved to Leicester in 1959 when he came over to the UK from Jamaica. He began work for BBC Radio Leicester doing a five minute Caribbean roundup, which has evolved into a popular fully fledged programme. Speaking on his latest show, White said: ‘My show has been going for the last 50 years, over 50 years, but all good things have to come to an end sometime. On Friday 26th May, I will be hanging up my microphone for the last time. It has been a great pleasure for me, over the years I have met so many nice people, important people, but as I mention, all good things must come to an end.’ ‘It’s a long time, it’s not something I will look forward to, but when the time comes, the time comes. I am going to miss a lot of people, miss playing all of your favourite tunes, it’s going to be a big hole in my life in a way. But times, you have to move on’. https://twitter.com/leigh984/status/1660310228431192064?s=46&t=ZmZogq1hfLjP9micLo7C-g Listeners can use #ThankYouHerdle on social media to share their memories of listening to the popular DJ over the years. Herdle’s last programme will air this Friday 7-10pm on BBC Radio Leicester and BBC Sounds.

More than 100 knives recovered, 91 education events held and 47 knife sweeps carried out – just some of our knife crime prevention work carried out last week as part of Op Sceptre. The week, which ran from Monday 15 May to Sunday 21 May, was part of the national campaign carried out by all 43 police forces and the British Transport Police to help tackle knife crime. Officers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland focused on providing education and engagement across communities to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime and how to prevent it. A total of 52 community engagements, including with sports clubs and retailers, were held across the week as well as 39 workshops in schools. In addition to this engagement work, people were reminded of our knife amnesty bins which are in place at police stations across the force area. The bins allow anybody to dispose of knives without the fear of being punished unless it is found to have been used for a criminal act. Since November 2022, a total of 332 knives have been placed in the bins. More than 100 of these were placed in the bins during the past week. A total of 47 knife sweeps were carried out across the force area by officers during the week checking areas for bladed weapons. Three knives were recovered during these sweeps. Knife arches were also placed in key locations during the week while officers also carried out visits to habitual knife carriers. The week also saw work carried out with Trading Standards to help crackdown on knives being sold to under 18s. A total of 22 shops were visited by a test purchaser who was under 18. Five of the shops failed the test purchase selling a knife to a person under 18. A total of four arrests in relation to knife-related offences were made during the week as part of the operation activity. Three knives were recovered as part of these arrests. Detective Superintendent Jim Hatton, from the force’s Violent and Complex Crime Unit, said: “In order to continue tackling knife crime, we need to continue working together to raise awareness of the extreme dangers of knife crime and how we can prevent it. “It was therefore great to see so much community engagement last week, including in our schools, and this is something we continue to develop all year round. “It is also great to see our knife amnesty bins being used and hundreds of knives, which could potentially end up being used as weapons, being taken off our streets. “Last week’s activity is also a reminder to all shopkeepers of their legal responsibility when it comes to not selling knives to underage people. Five of the 22 shops we tested broke the law. We will continue to carry out these test purchases. “I would like to thank all our partners who worked with us across the week to help educate and engage and to help keep our communities safe.” Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said: “Once again the efforts of the team have reaped just rewards with more deadly weapons taken off our streets before they can destroy lives. My hat goes off to everyone involved in delivering this week of action from the frontline officers at the sharp end of enforcement through to the prevention officers going into our schools and colleges to highlight the grim consequences of carrying knives. “Of course, this type of proactive activity goes on all year round, 24 hours a day. We have a wealth of resources including School Liaison Officers dedicated to reducing risk and ensuring school pupils are armed with the facts so they can make safer choices. The force also works relentlessly alongside its VRU partners to turn lives away from serious violence and build confidence within our communities. “We know it takes much more than handcuffs and warrants to prevent knife crime, this is why I have continued to invest in schemes which treat serious violence as a public health issue and tackle problems at source. We are proudly drawing upon a whole range of holistic and effective interventions to give our young people the futures they deserve, and these results will really strengthen that work.” More information on the Operation Sceptre activity from the week can be found on our force social media channels. The Live Safe website also offers advice and support for young people and for adults and carers on keeping yourselves, friends and family and our communities safe. The website can be found at Making our community a safe place to live - LiveSafe Leicestershire Police News 24/05/23

Leicester's biggest free family festival is set to bring alive the city’s waterways and parks once again next month with a fun-packed programme of activities for all ages. The annual Riverside Festival returns on June 3 and 4, spread over four areas – Bede Park, Castle Gardens, Western Boulevard, and the Mile Straight of the River Soar – featuring fun on and off the water. Bede Park will feature family activities including a funfair, the Book Bus, an array of stalls and street food and a fully-licensed bar. New for 2023 is the Riverside Sports Zone. Visitors can take part in pop-up activities from Leicester Riders, Leicester City in the Community and Leicester City Hockey Club among others. Those with a more adventurous streak can try their skills on a 26ft climbing wall. The acoustic stage returns to Bede Park, with a packed line-up of fantastic local musical talent. The Main Stage on the Piazza will host a weekend of eclectic sounds from some of Leicester’s most talented musicians, headlined on Saturday by Jersey Budd and on Sunday by The Heartland Roots Band. The full line-up includes: Saturday 3rd June HQ Showcase Eava FM Showcase Stevie Jones and The Wildfires Amber Saqladi Blues Irregulars Jersey Budd Sunday 4th June 2 Funky Arts Showcase The Deceivers Sing for Water Showcase Sorrell The Heartland Roots Western Boulevard will be transformed for the weekend into the hugely-popular arts and crafts market. Art on the River is back, with local artists displaying their unique pieces of work. Cyclists will be able to make use of a free, secure bike park, along with some Cyclone Works and Danny’s Extreme Mountain Bike Show. The River Soar will come alive with colourful kayaks, live demos and boat trips, including the fully-accessible boat Sunbeam II. Castle Gardens also hosts a fully-licensed bar and street food, as well as a programme of fun activities. Visitors can get crafty with yarn bombing and enjoy a fabulous outdoor theatre space to watch The Ugly Bugs puppet show. There will be a BrightSparks Arts in Health showcase, with live comedy, music, visual arts and dance. Arts organisation Opal22 is encouraging diverse families of Leicester to wear their finest cultural garments and will be offering families a free portrait and a digital print as part of the Casta event series. There will also be two new trails, showcasing artwork and items from the city’s heritage, to get visitors moving around the sites. The first We Are Leicester trail, called Up Your Street, focuses on the theme of unity and celebrates the city’s rich diversity. Five artists have collaborated with five local communities to create a piece of art together, with a second produced by the artists themselves. Artists and communities involved include Adam Kalifa and the Highfields community; Anton Levy Amoo and Rowletts Hill, Rebecca Harvey Hobbs and Eyres Monsell, Traci Howard and Braunstone Gate and Ali Carpenter. Visitors can follow the trail and look for hidden clues in each with an opportunity to win an art prize by visiting them all. The second trail, entitled Heritage Hotspots, showcases an archive of images giving a glimpse of the city’s past. The Leicester Museums and Galleries volunteering team will be displaying local highlights from Leicester City Council’s photographic archive, giving a unique opportunity to explore some of the rarely-seen images of the city and riverside from the past 70 years. A 1950s fire engine, from the Leicester Museums Technology Association, will also be featured. Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Riverside Festival is in many ways the start of the city’s summer programme of events, transforming the areas of Bede Park, the Mile Straight, Castle Gardens and Western Boulevard with a weekend of colourful, family-friendly activities. “Best of all, it is free to attend, and as a result has proved to be a very popular annual event bringing together the best of the city’s arts, crafts, music and activities for all ages.” Full details are available at the Visit Leicester website here.

Leicester's new Lord Mayor has been handed the chains of office at a ceremony in the city’s Town Hall. Cllr Dr Susan Barton, who has served as a city councillor since 2011, currently represents the Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields ward, having previously represented neighbouring Western Park. Leicester born and bred, she attended Hazel Primary School before going to Newarke Girls School, on the site of what is now Fullhurst Community College. Following a difficult childhood, which included at age 11 a whole term spent in an open-air school in Switzerland recuperating from a long-term illness, she left school at 15 but went on to educate herself by reading books during her breaks at a printing factory where she worked making labels for Dairylea cheese. Cllr Barton went on to gain GCSEs and A levels, a degree in history, a masters degree in computing, a PhD in social history and became a lecturer at Charles Keene College and Hinckley College, as well as writing and publishing 10 books ranging from local heritage to the history of working-class tourism and travel. She is currently an honorary visiting research fellow at the International Centre for Sports History and Culture at De Montfort University, and her main research interest is now the history of winter sport. Cllr Barton’s hobbies include dancing and local heritage. Her two grown-up children will accompany her in the role – her daughter, research scientist Dr Marie Weston, will take on the role of Lady Mayoress, while her son, videogame producer Max Barton, will be Consort. Cllr Barton said: “I’m looking forward to the role. It’s quite exciting but also slightly daunting – as well as going out to visit the wide range of community groups across the city, I’ll be acting as an ambassador representing the whole city.” Outgoing Lord Mayor, Cllr George Cole, will serve as Deputy Lord Mayor, with Cllr Manjula Sood taking on the role of High Bailiff. Cllr Barton is pictured with civic attendant Chris Rhodes (left) and outgoing Lord Mayor Cllr George Cole (right).

Midlands collaboration sees pressure sensor experts Druck help provide Hawk Racing with competitive edge ahead of Donington Superbikes showdown LEICESTER, U.K. – 17 May 2023 – A collaboration between two successful East Midlands firms, based in Groby (Druck) and Mallory Park (Hawk Racing), aims to deliver a best-ever season on the British Superbikes circuit for the local, family-run team. In the same week that the 2023 Bennetts British Superbike Championship will descend on Donington Park for its first of two local rounds, Druck, a Baker Hughes business, hosted the Hawk Racing team in a first-of-its-kind huddle to pinpoint how using its world-leading pressure sensor technology will translate to gains on the circuit. Mallory Park-based riders Josh Owens and Charlie Nesbitt joined senior engineers from Druck for the unique session on 16 May 2023. The insights shared will guide the Hawk team as they prepare for Round 3 of the series at Donington Park, which is the local race for the squad. “This is our 25th year in racing,” said Steve Hicken, owner of Hawk Racing, “making us the longest established team in British Superbikes – and we want this season to be one to remember. Adopting world-leading sensor technology from Druck, alongside our new Honda machinery and two talented riders, we believe we can make a big impact, and the collaboration is particularly special due to sharing the same regional base.” Druck is among Leicestershire’s foremost manufacturers, employing almost 700 people at its global headquarters in Groby, and a further 200 globally. “With a 50-year legacy in pressure measurement, we’re proud that our unrivalled pressure measurement technology is providing Hawk with a competitive advantage and helping them improve performance”, said Jonny MacGregor, Global Engineering Leader at Druck, who is also a GT (Gran Tourer) racing driver in the Britcar British Endurance Championship. “We’re one of the few companies worldwide manufacturing piezo-resistive high quality motorsport sensors from silicon wafers, into a finished product that can withstand the punishing environment of top tier motorsport. Our lightweight sensors provide accuracy and reliability and deliver race teams marginal gains, which on the circuit are critical. “We hope this collaboration of two regional firms at the forefront of this industry will deliver a best-ever season for Hawk Racing on the British Superbike circuit.” During the visit, the Hawk Racing team and other guests went behind-the-scenes at Druck’s UK production facility, where around 100 individual processes are completed as part of the assembly of a high-performance pressure sensor. The Druck sensors can perform at temperatures from -20 to 175 Degrees Celsius, and withstand the extreme vibration and shock associated with professional motorsport. Since 1990, Druck products have been successfully applied across the motorsport sector, with its products chosen by teams from all leading motorsport series. Druck is a global leader for pressure measurement supporting customers in more than 70 countries. Its technology is trusted by customers in critical applications across many industries including aerospace, automotive, semiconductor, oil and gas, power generation, meteorology and hydrology. About Baker Hughes: Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com. For more details on Donington race this weekend! https://www.donington-park.co.uk/2023/may/bennetts-british-superbike-championship

Dramatic footage released by the force shows the pursuit and arrest of a disqualified driver who failed to stop for police. On the evening of Wednesday 12 April, officers became aware of a white Ford Transit van travelling through the Wigston area displaying false registration plates. Shortly after, the van was intercepted by road policing officers in Welford Road before travelling into Wistow where it started to increase its speed and drive erratically. Officers activated their blue lights for the van to stop and it failed to so, therefore a police pursuit was authorised. Over the course of approximately 25 minutes, the van was pursued by the specially trained officers and was observed being driven dangerously. This included a number of times overtaking by crossing over solid white lines into oncoming traffic. The footage shows the car being tracked by colleagues from the National Police Air Service (NPAS) as it drove at high speed until it came to a stop in a cul-de-sac in the Thurnby Lodge area. Dramatic footage shows the pursuit and arrest of a disqualified driver who failed to stop for police. Their assistance from the air directed officers on the ground to the direction the men started to walk. Realising police were closing in, both men started to run and after a chase across gardens, one of the men James Ward, was arrested in an outbuilding. The second man was also arrested nearby and released on bail. He has been since been released with no further action. Following a police investigation, confident Ward was the driver, he was charged with: Driving a motor vehicle dangerously Using a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance Failing to stop Fraudulently use a registration mark/registration document Driving whilst disqualified Failing to provide specimen Criminal damage Possessing a controlled drug of Class B – Cannabis The 33-year-old of Ocean Road, Leicester pleaded guilty to all charges at Leicester Magistrates’ Court last month expect the failing to stop charge which was discontinued. He was sentenced to 22 months in prison at Leicester Crown Court on Friday (12 May). He was also disqualified from driving for six years and will be required to take an extended retest after this period. The criminal damage related to damage caused to a fence by Ward in his attempted escape while the drugs charge related to a quantity of cannabis found when officers searched his home. PC Sophie Hancock, who was the investigating officer, has spoken the joint efforts of all those involved in apprehending the suspects. She said: “The joint effort of all those involved in the arrest of Ward are an excellent example of operational policing and team work at its best. "While our road policing officers, who drive at the highest level of skill and precision, pursued the vehicle, our colleagues at NPAS used their knowledge and expertise to tracking the vehicle and with the assistance of local neighbourhood officers on the ground arrests were made. “The assistance of NPAS was also crucial in identifying which man was driving the vehicle as they were able to observe which side of the vehicle Ward left and track him up until his arrest placing him as the driver. “I must also mention my colleagues, PC Eliot Bates and PC Danielle Preston, whose assistance has been instrumental in getting this case to court.” PC Hancock added: “Ward chose to drive in a dangerous and irresponsible manner, often at speeds close to 100mph, along main routes across the county and city which were full with motorists at the time. It’s extremely fortunate that he did not collide with any vehicles or anyone crossing the road. “He has now been left with a string of driving convictions as well a period of time in prison for the sake of less than thirty minutes of reckless behaviour.” Leicestershire Police News

Children in Leicester on benefits-related free school meals won’t miss out over the half-term break, thanks to a holiday food programme that’s supported by Company Shop and Leicester-based Samworth Brothers. The city council has teamed up with the surplus retailer and the food manufacturer to provide eligible families with fruit, vegetables, milk, bread and store cupboard essentials to ensure children have some breakfast, lunch and dinner options over half-term. Families who are eligible for the scheme will have been directly contacted by their child’s school – and those wishing to take up the offer now have until Monday 15 May to register. Once they’ve registered and selected a timed ‘shopping’ slot, families will be able to collect their food from one of six pop-up community pantries that will be set up at sites across the city – including local schools, the Community Shop at Stocking Farm, a leisure centre and the King Power stadium. Each site will be open at specified times on one day between Wednesday 24 May and Sunday 28 May. Families will be able to select a good food hamper and additional items from the community pantry, choosing food that their child likes to eat up to a value of around £25. Deputy city mayor Cllr Sarah Russell, who leads the city council’s anti-poverty agenda, said: “The soaring cost of living means more and more people are being pushed to crisis point. “We don’t want to see families being forced to rely on initiatives like these pop-up pantries, but while there’s a need for this support, we’ll provide it. “Around 15,500 children and young people in Leicester are eligible for free school meals and it’s vital that they don’t miss out on a meal when the schools are closed, so I hope that our pop-up pantries will make life a little easier for many local families. “I’d like to thank the team at Samworth Brothers and Company Shop for helping us support thousands of young people and their families this half-term, and I’d also like to thank the volunteers who give up their time to help staff our six community pantries. “Eligible families who have been contacted by their child’s school should now make sure they register for the half-term scheme by Monday 15 May.” Leicester-based Samworth Brothers produce premium quality chilled and ambient foods – from sandwiches, meals and savoury pastries to salads, cooked meats and snacks – so are perfectly placed to provide the city council with the thousands of items required to provide a week’s worth of meals for thousands of children. Karen Holdsworth, Samworth Brothers Group Community Coordinator, said: “We’re very happy to be teaming up with the city council and Company Shop for a fifth time to make these much-needed pantries possible. “Samworth Brothers is, and has always been, very passionate about its role within our local communities and it’s wonderful that we can continue to support the council with this initiative. “However, they wouldn’t be possible at all without a great team effort – from those helping to source the products we give out, Biffa who are fantastic at helping us clear up and the many volunteers from within Samworth Brothers, Company Shop, the council, Biffa and A La Carte recruitment who come along to help.” The city council will fund the £150,000 scheme to help support the city’s most financially vulnerable families. The May half-term food scheme is offered to families who have children who: receive benefits-related free school meals are at full-time school (aged 4 to 16) live in Leicester (or attend a city school, if they live outside of Leicester) Anyone who thinks their child might be eligible for free school meals can find out more at leicester.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals Leicester City News 11/05/23

PCC secures over £740K to help reduce domestic abuse Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has secured £741,942.00 to support the work to stop repeated abuse of victims and vulnerable people. The funding, provided by the Home Office, will be invested in a service across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to work with the perpetrators of domestic violence and help them to change their behaviours. It will also be used to provide support to their victims. Welcoming the financial boost, Rupert Matthews said: “I’m clear that prevention of crime is vital. I’m equally clear that reducing domestic abuse and stalking is an absolute must. This money will help us to reduce the number of victims not just now, but in the future, while providing enhanced support for victims and those at risk.” Many domestic abusers are repeat offenders, with 83% of male offenders repeating their offences within a six-month period. This makes intervening to stop their pattern of behaviour essential in order to protect victims.

A man convicted of the murder of his partner has also been found guilty of multiple counts of rape and assault against two other women. Frank Farrell, 38, was found guilty in December 2021 of the murder of Smita Mistry following a trial. Farrell had killed Ms Mistry at her home before reporting to police that she had slipped in the bath. He was sentenced on 16 December 2021 to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 24 years. Court restrictions had been placed on reporting the conviction and sentencing at the time due to Farrell standing a separate trial, which was heard in April this year, charged with five counts of rape and five counts of assault. These charges relate to two other female victims who were identified and contacted during the murder investigation. Today (Thursday 11 May), Farrell was found guilty of all 10 charges. He is due to be sentenced for these offences on Monday 22 May. The murder trial held in December 2021 had heard how Farrell had attended Euston Street Police Station in Leicester just after 8pm on the evening of Tuesday 23 March 2021, where he made a call to police reporting concern for his partner Smita Mistry. He told officers that Ms Mistry, who was also known as Samita Saunders in the community, had fallen in the bath before he had left her home and that he now couldn’t get hold of her. Frank Farrell attended Euston Street Police Station where he made a call to police reporting concern for Smita Mistry Police attended the home of Ms Mistry in Gedge Way, Leicester, where entry was forced to the property. The body of 32-year-old Ms Mistry was sadly found on a bed inside the home. She had suffered from multiple injuries to her head, face and torso including blunt force injuries. A post-mortem examination determined that Ms Mistry had died from an internal abdominal haemorrhage which had been caused by inflicted blunt force trauma. A murder investigation was launched by East Midlands Special Operation Unit and following initial enquiries Farrell, of St Peters Road, Leicester, was arrested on suspicion of murder that evening. Farrell told officers that he had given Ms Mistry some Ibuprofen after she had fallen and that when he had left she was walking around. He said there had been an argument. The team carried out enquiries including extensive CCTV analysis and speaking to several witnesses. These enquiries showed that Farrell’s car had been parked near to Gedge Way from the evening of Sunday 21 March until the early hours of Tuesday 23 March. CCTV footage captured Frank Farrell’s movements in the area near Smita’s home On the evening of 21 March, Farrell was seen outside Ms Mistry’s home where she was heard to be telling him to leave. Farrell was reported to have been seen putting his hand on the door and forcing his way into the home. Farrell was then seen leaving the property at 3.09am on 23 March where he drove off in his car. CCTV footage shows Frank Farrell as he leaves Gedge Way, Leicester, during the early hours of 23 March 2021 He was then seen later that afternoon at around 4.30pm back at the property and looking through the letterbox. Following a full investigation, Farrell was charged on Friday 26 March 2021 with the murder of Ms Mistry. During the investigation, police identified and contacted the two female victims of the rape and assault offences. Both women bravely spoke to police about the offences which had been committed. One of the women described how Farrell had raped her and forced her to have sex multiple times. She reported that she had feared being assaulted if she refused. She also described being hit to the face by Farrell leaving her with a black eye and that he had also beaten her with wooden bed slats. The second woman again described Farrell raping her and demanding sex with her and fearing being beaten up if she refused. She described being assaulted by Farrell and that at one time, Farrell had forced dog faeces into her mouth. Farrell was charged with the rape and assault offences in September 2021. Detective Chief Inspector Nicole Main, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “These convictions demonstrate the alarming nature of Frank Farrell’s behaviour. It was important that he stood trial for all the violence he has perpetrated to achieve justice for the victims and their families. A dangerous man can no longer prey on vulnerable women within the community. “Smita was just 32-years-old when Farrell brutally murdered her in her own home before trying to cover his tracks by making a false report to police. He knew what he had done to Smita but his only concern was to protect himself. “My thoughts remain with Smita and with her family. “The conviction for murder followed an investigation which relied on people within the local community coming forward to us with information and I thank all of those who did assist us with our enquiries thereby helping us to gain justice for Smita. “While Farrell was in custody, our investigations led us to bringing the further charges against Farrell of rape and assault against two other women. “When approached by officers as part of the murder investigation, both bravely spoke out about the horrific attacks they had endured. Despite this meaning they had to relive an incredibly traumatic period of their lives, both women courageously worked with us to help secure the further convictions. I truly thank them for that and hope that today now helps them in some small way as they try to move forward in their lives. “Please know that if you are a victim of a sexual offence, it is never too late to speak to us. We will work with you, support you and we will help you.” “Finally, I would like to thank all the officers and staff who have been part of these investigations who have, as always, worked tirelessly and remained dedicated to getting answers for the victims involved and ensuring the right verdicts were reached.” If you are a victim of a sexual offence, you can report online at www.leics.police.uk or by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency. Support and advice can also be found here – Rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Leicestershire Police (leics.police.uk) Juniper Lodge provides a free and discreet service to anyone aged 18 years and over, male or female who has been subject to a sexual assault. The staff are trained professionals who can provide clear information and advice about your options, enabling you to make your own choices. This service is free and confidential and you do not have to commit to anything, you can visit or make contact for advice only. There is no pressure to report to the police but staff are able to help you with this if you request it. For more information, visit Who We Are – JL (juniperlodge.org.uk) Leicestershire Police News released dated 11th may 2023

Encouraging the LGBTQ+ community to find out more about fostering. A foster carer is encouraging other members of the LGBTQ+ community to come forward and find out more about the different fostering roles. Tristham is sharing his experiences about the fostering process which ultimately led him to look after an ‘amazing’ child who has come on leaps and bounds while in his care. His story is being shared by Leicestershire County Council as part of LGBTQ+ Fostering and Adoption Week (March 6-12). Tristham, who has fostered along with his partner, Mark, said: “The LGBTQ+ is a small but growing community and it needs to be shared that it’s accepted and encouraged for members to be foster carers. “We’re proud to say the child we have in our care is doing really well. The kid is amazing and a completely different person from when they first came to us.” Speaking about the application process, he added: “The lady I spoke to was easy to talk to, she asked lots about my experience and background. It was really simple and easy - I had no problems. I remember logging in online and sending my details through, and I got a call only a few days later! “I didn’t expect it to be as in-depth as it was! In the sense of, it’s about finding out everything about you, speaking to employers, having a DBS check, etc, but it was all fine! “I have a fostering background, my parents fostered from when I was 17, so I have knowledge of fostering already, whereas my other half doesn’t have that experience. “That’s why it’s great to be part of the foster carer groups, such as the locality groups that meet regularly, and the private Facebook groups for foster carers – they’re great places to share and find information. “For those thinking about fostering, I want to assure you, there’s nothing wrong with asking! Any information can be given to you to help support you in finding out more about fostering and if it would suit your lifestyle and experience. “I do think that there’s a misconception that when you foster it has to be a long-term placement. When I speak to other people, I feel like they don’t know there are more options available, people need to know about the different ways they can foster, from respite - giving carers or relatives a break - to parent and child, and much more!” With record numbers of looked-after children across the UK, and around 700 children and young people in Leicestershire alone, there’s never been a greater need for people to consider fostering. Councillor Deborah Taylor, cabinet member of children and families said: “ We encourage diversity and inclusion and want to make the pool of available parents as wide as possible for the many children in our care in Leicestershire. “We recognise the ever-increasing need for more of the LGBTQ+ community to explore both fostering and adoption and are particularly encouraging the community to find out more." - The county council’s fostering recruitment team will be popping their stall up at Fosse Park, during LGBTQ+ Fostering and Adoption Week, outside Holland and Barret, on Thursday 9 March, to talk to prospective foster carers, and are particularly encouraging those from the LGBTQ+ community to come and have a chat. For more information about becoming a foster carer, call Leicestershire County Council’s fostering recruitment team on 0116 305 0505, visit the Fostering Leicestershire website.

Residents at a care home in Quorn enjoyed a royal celebration fit for a king. Care UK’s Lonsdale Mews, on Farley Way, welcomed families and community friends to mark the King’s Coronation by hosting a special coronation-themed afternoon tea dance. Guests received the royal treatment, with live entertainment from Kieran Sutcliffe, a Britain’s Got Talent finalist, who performed songs from across the decades throughout the event – getting everyone in the party spirit. Celebrating in true British style, the team at Lonsdale Mews decorated the home’s garden with knitted coronation bunting and decorations hand made by residents during crafts sessions at the home. The care team also hosted their very own ‘royal crown-off’ competition, where residents showed off their carefully crafted crowns as they competed for the title of best crown. Families donned their expert judging hats and put their art inspecting skills to the test as they decided on a worthy winner for the best coronation-themed crown. Everyone was treated to a quintessentially British afternoon tea, complete with a classic Victoria sponge and scones with cream and jam, whipped up by the home’s head chef, and clinked their teacups in honour of King Charles. Toby Sturgess, Home Manager at Lonsdale Mews, said: “We loved welcoming relatives and community friends into the home to enjoy the royal treatment as we marked this historic occasion. “The King’s Coronation gave us the perfect opportunity to get together with loved ones and to toast to the new monarch. The coronation of the King is an event that is sure to be remembered for years to come, and here at Lonsdale Mews, we are proud to be a part of the royal festivities. “It was wonderful to have the Lonsdale Mews family all together for a regally good afternoon – judging by the smiles on everyone’s faces, it was a huge success!!” Lonsdale Mews offers full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite. The home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.

Three Leicestershire Building Societies Unite to Tackle Cost of Living Crises and Support Local Communities Hinckley & Rugby Building Society, Market Harborough Building Society and Melton Building Society, have joined forces to support local community projects across Leicestershire. The partnership aims to help the local community by working with different charities and organisations, donating money, and facilitating assistance and advice to those in need. This year, the three building societies have chosen to support The Bridge East Midlands, a homeless charity that provides accommodation and support services to homeless people in Leicestershire. The Building Societies have each donated £15,000 to The Bridge East Midlands to fund the hiring of a Housing Adviser who will offer advice and guidance to anyone that needs it. The Housing Adviser will be easily accessible to the community being based on the high streets of all three Building Society towns. The partnership between the Building Societies represents a shared goal to help get people on to the housing ladder and achieve their dream homes, but in this case, they are coming together to support those who are worried about the ability to pay their mortgage or are experiencing difficulties due to changed circumstances or the cost-of-living crises.The service will be free to access for all. On behalf of the three Societies: "We are delighted to be partnering to support The Bridge East Midlands. We believe that the work they do is important in providing support and accommodation to homeless people in Leicestershire. We hope that our donation and the expertise of the newly appointed Housing Adviser will make a real difference in the lives of those who need it the most." Anna Maudsley from The Bridge East Midlands, says: “We are delighted to have received this significant funding as it enables us to increase our service by another three days a week across the county for this year, offering specialist advice, information and guidance to prevent homelessness and supporting our mission to develop sustainable housing solutions for individuals and communities through partnership, empowerment and good practice which is an increasing priority during this cost of living crisis.” For free specialist housing advice and assistance with homelessness call The Bridge on 0800 038 5964.