Quantcast
Channel: Leicester Mercury Latest Stories Feed
Viewing all 9894 articles
Browse latest View live

Joy for Baba's devotees

0
0

Up to 7,000 people are expected at the opening of a temple in the city centre today.

The Shri Shirdi Sai Baba temple, at the grade II-listed Guild of Disabled building, in Colton Street, Leicester, is the second of its kind in the UK and follows the teachings of Sai Baba of Shirdi, a Hindu guru who lived from 1835 to 1914.

Worshippers from the organisation's temple in Wembley, London, have been preparing for the big day and expect many people from other Hindu temples around the Midlands to attend.

A temple management spokesman said: "Our organisation began in London in 2010 and this is our first venture in spreading Baba's message around the UK.

"The message is about treating everyone politely and humbly, helping the needy and having trust and patience.

"Part of our work will be sharing food with the poor and the hungry in Leicester. We have a kitchen here and people coming to the temple will also bring food to share.

"Word will spread fast."

One devotee who goes to the Wembley temple and who is staying in Leicester to help with the new temple's opening, said: "The building is awesome. We've had to put a lot of heat in to bring it alive but it's amazing for me to be here and be part of it.

"Because it's a building designated for worship we can feel free to say our prayers to our hearts' content."

Another visitor from London, helping with the final preparations yesterday, said: "It's a beautiful building and very spacious – it will be very good to see Leicester people able to enjoy themselves here.

"We are expecting thousands of people, brought by the teachings of Baba."

He said the temple offered a new twist on traditional Hinduism for followers of the faith.

He said: "I go to the London temple and I've also been involved with Baba and his teachings in India.

"In Hinduism there are hundreds of gods and teachings and it's like lots of schools teaching the same subject, but different teachers have slightly different messages. With Baba's teachings the focus is on patience."

The temple spokesman said: "Baba says trust and have patience and you will get results.

"A lot of people have experienced this working in their life and that's why they want to come."

The Guild of Disabled building, completed in 1909, is believed to have been the first building in Britain, and possibly the world, to be designed to be wheelchair-friendly.

Stuart Bailey, chairman of Leicester Civic Society, said: "It's always good to see new uses found for old buildings and I'm very pleased to hear the temple is opening. We look forward to them doing further work on the building – it needs cleaning up on the outside but they have done a lot."

Joy for Baba's  devotees


Teenage driver in six-mile police chase branded 'a menace' by judge

0
0

A dangerous driver involved in a six-mile police chase was branded a "menace" on the road and locked up for 10 months.

Sonny Brogan (18) was also banned from driving for three years.

He pleaded guilty to driving a Citroen Picasso dangerously and driving without a licence or insurance, on February 5.

Leicester Crown Court was told the vehicle was stolen and had false number plates.

Brogan claimed he had bought the vehicle for £500 and had no idea it was stolen.

Jonathan Eley, prosecuting, said the defendant was at the wheel of the vehicle and failed to stop when police pulled alongside, indicating for him to pull over, in Anstey Lane, Leicester.

The pursuit continued, at speeds of up to 70mph, through Ratby and Thurcaston towards Rothley.

He ignored at least two give way signs.

At one stage he joined the A6 and went across the central reservation, bursting a front tyre.

He then headed south on the northbound carriageway for a short distance, before joining another road.

He eventually pulled over and was arrested.

The court heard he had previous convictions for motoring offences and had not taken a driving test.

Louise McGhee, mitigating, said Brogan, formerly of the YMCA, in East Street, Leicester, had been saving up to take his test.

He had acquired the car hoping to drive it legally, Ms McGhee said.

Judge Robert Brown said: "Do you expect me to believe he bought this car?

"He hasn't got a job. No insurance company is going to offer him a contract.

"He's got complete contempt for the road traffic laws of this country."

Miss McGhee said: "He was previously working as a labourer.

"The Crown did not pursue a charge of him taking the car.

"He decided to give someone a lift and was unaware of the police until they pulled alongside.

"He panicked when he realised once again he'd been caught driving without a licence or insurance and took an immature decision to drive away.

"He eventually came to his senses and stopped.

"His parents are in court to support him. He has a partner and a five-month-old child."

Sentencing, Judge Brown said: "You're a menace to other road users.

"You have neither the skill or experience to drive a car in built-up areas.

"You've no respect for road traffic laws."

Teenage driver in  six-mile police chase branded  'a menace' by judge

Praise for Leicester Tigers' Slater ahead of Saints clash

0
0

When Tigers' director of rugby Richard Cockerill calls you a "Leicester mute", it is about as a big a compliment as you could ever wish to receive.

That blessing was given to lock-forward Ed Slater after eye-catching performances against Sale and Exeter.

The 24-year-old is quickly becoming one of the most improved players of the season.

And that form has earned him a starting shirt again for the trip to face Northampton today, keeping Graham Kitchener on the bench in the process.

An obvious threat in the line-out, Slater tackles for fun in the loose and the second of his two tries against Sale, at the start of the month, showed a turn of pace over 50 metres that no lock weighing more than 18 stones has the right to make.

With Louis Deacon out for the season with a shoulder injury, Slater is the ideal replacement, according to Cockerill.

"Ed is a really good professional and he wants to learn more about the game," said Cockerill.

"The one thing he does have, which you cannot coach, is grit and attitude.

"He is a tough lad and is a Leicester mute through and through – and that's a compliment!

"For me, Ed is a young Louis Deacon all over with his attitude to the game and the grunt and determination that he gives you.

"He was good at home to Sale and then stepped up again and made big strides at Exeter."

Slater's role will be crucial again at Franklin's Gardens in the engine room alongside Geoff Parling in what is expected to be a bruising encounter.

While Tigers have won the last six meetings between the sides, Cockerill believes their neighbours' recent four-game winning run shows they are fully equipped to have a shot at winning the title.

"Saints had been written off a few weeks ago but they are well in the mix now," said Cockerill. "They are a good side and one that can very much win the competition. With the local rivalry between us and all of the other things that will be in the melting pot, it should be a good game."

Praise for Leicester Tigers' Slater ahead of Saints clash

VIDEO: Tuneful twist to the Easter tale at Christ in the Centre in Leicester

0
0

People flocking to the city centre yesterday to watch the story of Jesus's crucifixion were surprised to see less suffering and more singing.

This year's Christ in the Centre saw a 40-strong cast, in brightly-coloured robes, give two performances of a play written by children's author Meg Harper.

The show ended with gospel singing instead of the agonising death of Christ on the cross.

Afterwards, many said they preferred the more child-friendly version, while others missed the more realistic drama from previous years.

Clive Watts, 43, of Leicester Forest East, said: "It was very different to previous years and not what I expected, but I think it told the story and told it well."

Jill Carr, 49, of Evington, said: "The question is whether it's missing its central message. The death of Jesus was always done in a shocking way and now it's Jesus in a bright red robe."

Another woman, who did not want to be named, said: "It was more child-friendly – my 13-year-old daughter didn't want to come because it profoundly affected her seeing the violence last year.

"But it's now a bit short and less gripping."

Tim and Jen Stratford, of Leicester city centre, were attending for the first time and enjoyed it. Jen said: "They made it so alive and compelling and I think it would appeal to everyone."

Tim said: "My feet are very cold, but I was impressed – it's great that they tell the story so clearly and well in the middle of the city centre like this and the number of people here is pretty good."

Sylvia Richardson, of Rothley, said: "It was brilliant. The lovely singing was fantastic. It's very nice to see Leicester celebrating a Christian festival."

Marion Seaman, 73, who lives near Market Harborough, said: "I loved the strong characters, especially Jesus and Judas – there was no namby-pamby acting."

Event trustee Jonathan Wheeler said about 6,000 people had attended the morning show and that the reaction had been good.

He said: "We were doing something different and it went really well.

"We had a good number of people and the initial reaction was very good."

The event cost about £43,000 to stage and the organisers were about £8,000 short at the beginning of this month.

Bucket collections took place during the event to raise funds to keep it going in future years.

Mr Wheeler said: "We have our collections during the event and there is also a form on the programme for people to send in donations.

"We are very near the finishing line for this year but we need to make it more of a year-round fund-raising thing."

• To buy pictures from the Christ in the Centre performance in Leicester city centre go to www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/buyaphoto

VIDEO: Tuneful twist to the Easter tale at Christ in the Centre in Leicester

Pizza Parlour in Leicester, receives gas bill of£24,500

0
0

A long, cold winter and rising fuel prices mean lots of big gas bills have been landing on doormats this month.

But spare a thought for Pizza Parlour in Belgrave Gate, Leicester, which has had a bill for about £24,500.

Owner Illesh Amlani arrived at work to find bills demanding back payments.

He said British Gas told him their staff had been misreading the meter at the shop since 1995 and now wanted him to re-pay the difference for the past five years.

"I couldn't believe it," he said. "This is a very small business and I can't be expected to pay for their mistake like this.

"I never gave them a single meter reading – it was always their people coming round and taking readings and they got it wrong.

"It's a six-digit meter but they only read the first four digits, so I was paying only about £30 to £60 a month."

When Illesh bought Pizza Parlour in 2005, the accounts from the previous owner showed the low cost of gas, but having never owned a restaurant before he had no way of knowing the building was getting such a discounted rate.

Illesh has already suffered the effects of British Gas now taking the correct readings, which has upset his previously sound business plan.

He said: "Now I'm paying more like £360 a month for the gas I'm using, and that's obviously a lot more than I ever expected to be spending on gas.

"I'm still negotiating the back payment, although we seemed to have reached a deadlock."

Since the initial demand for £24,500 in November, Illesh has managed to argue that as a "micro business" he was only liable for under-payments for the past three years under law.

That reduced the bill to £13,700, but Illesh still refused to pay. The company is asking him to pay £9,000 over two years but he is standing his ground.

He said: "I've offered them £50 a month extra until the £9,000 is cleared but they haven't accepted that."

A spokeswoman for British Gas said: "A discrepancy between the meter at Mr Amlani's property and the details held on the industry records mean we have under-billed his business for a number of years.

"We have recognised an error was made and under the Back Billing Code have only applied the correct charges for the past three years, as well as applying a goodwill gesture to further reduce his bill.

"It is important Mr Amlani pays for the gas he has actually used over the past few years, as otherwise these costs will have to be born by other customers."

Pizza Parlour  in   Leicester, receives gas bill of£24,500

Disabled girl in M1 crash drama in Leicestershire

0
0

A disabled teenage girl was suspended upside down in her wheelchair after the people carrier she was in overturned on the M1.

Firefighters fought to free the youngster and a woman driving the vehicle while a woman passenger managed to get out of the vehicle.

The silver Peugeot vehicle ended up on its roof on the southbound carriageway, a mile south of junction 20, the Lutterworth turn-off, close to the Misterton works area, just before 10am yesterday.

Two lanes of the motorway were closed to allow fire crews to carry out the rescue operation.

Long queues of bank holiday traffic built up, extending northwards of junction 20.

Incident commander, watch manager Karl Anderson, of Lutterworth fire station, said: "Two people were trapped inside the overturned vehicle.

"We used cutting equipment at the rear of the vehicle where the girl was trapped upside down in her wheelchair and on the driver's side to get the two casualties out.

"It was a challenging operation to get the young disabled girl free because she was still in the wheelchair in the rear of the vehicle upside down."

Throughout the incident, the girl's battery-powered wheelchair stood alongside the vehicle on the hard shoulder.

Firefighters from Lutterworth were aided by the technical rescue unit from Leicester's southern station and a crew from Rugby, in neighbouring Warwickshire.

The Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance also landed nearby, but was not needed to ferry any casualties to hospital.

The girl, the woman driver and another woman in the Peugeot were taken to hospital in two land ambulances.

The driver was placed on a board provided by the fire service for suspected spinal injuries as a precaution, said Mr Anderson.

He said: "It was a more labour- intensive rescue that required thought to avoid causing her any more injuries.

"The three women appeared to have suffered minor cuts and bruises and were transferred to hospital in two ambulances.

"The driver was put on a long board as a precaution.

"All the casualties were in shock.

"We were there for about an hour and we had to have two lane closures put in place because of the difficulties in removing the casualties – we needed extra space."

Two lanes of the motorway were reopened by about 11.45am.

The inside lane remained closed for some time afterwards while crash investigators examined the scene.

Disabled girl in M1 crash drama in Leicestershire

50 years ago Beatles made their low-key debut in Leicester

0
0
Half a century ago, four lads who shook the world caused a small tremor in Leicester. Tomorrow marks the golden anniversary of the Beatles' debut concert in Leicester. The Leicester Mercury's records show that, while some young girls queued all night for tickets for the show at De Montfort Hall, full-scale Beatlemania had not yet hit the East Midlands. The De Montfort Hall booking record for the show on March 31, 1963 does not even mention the Fab Four. Instead it merely records that Chris Montez – who had a number two hit with Let's Dance in 1962 – headlined the gig set up by promoter Arthur Kimbrell. Gabby Miller, promotions officer at the hall, said: "It seems that for their first show here the Beatles were just the support act. "The hand-written entry in the booking records we have does not even name them on the night." This apparent indifference to the lads from Liverpool is supported by the fact that the Leicester Mercury picture desk did not deem it significant enough to send a photographer. Our records of our photographic diary for that weekend show we managed to cover a Boys' Brigade annual inspection, the opening of a Scout hut and even a jazz event – but did not have anyone to get a shot of the Beatles. Mercury chief photographer Andy Baker said: "It is difficult to look back and assess why this decision was made. All we know is that the decision was made and the Mercury did not get any shots on the night of the Beatles. Perhaps they were just not that big at the time." But the young women of Leicester were more in tune with the times. Barbara Pavey was a 15-year-old Beatles fan from South Wigstonwho was given permission by her parents to queue for tickets. Barbara, now 65 and a grandmother, said: "I can remember queuing in the cold for hours and hours to get tickets to see the Beatles. "I was hooked on them from day one – the moment I heard Love Me Do, in October 1962. "It might not have been at the height of Beatlemania but me and my friends thought they were the best thing since sliced bread. "I can't remember any of the songs they played because you couldn't hear them anyway. "There were hundreds of young girls screaming at the top of their lungs and I was one of them." Barbara, who now lives in Wigston Magna, was so besotted with the Fab Four that she went on to become the secretary of the Leicestershire branch of the official Beatles fan club. When the Beatles returned to De Montfort Hall in December 1963, their popularity was on the increase. Ms Miller said: "When they appeared in March the police bill was just £9 and when they appeared in December the bill was £45. "That tells me that Beatlemania was in full swing and had arrived in Leicester." Mercury photographers had also learned their lesson and took pictures of virtually everything that moved. If you were at the Beatles debut gig and have photos, please get in touch with us at: newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

50 years ago Beatles made their low-key debut in Leicester

VIDEO: Grieving Claire's backing for smoke alarm test campaign

0
0

A mother who lost her fiancé in a ferocious flat fire has backed a campaign aimed at encouraging people to check their smoke alarms when they change the time on their clocks.

Claire Neale's partner, Darren Watson, was killed when a blaze broke out in their home in Victoria Street, Loughborough, in January.

Claire's daughter, 11-year-old Tegan-Louise Britt, managed to raise the alarm and dragged out her cousin and her mother, but could not wake Mr Watson.

Now, Claire and Tegan are backing the Fire Kills Campaign, which urges people to get into the habit of checking their smoke detectors whenever they put their clocks forward or back.

At 1am tomorrow, UK clocks will change to British summer time and go forward one hour.

Claire, 44, said: "It's so important people check their smoke alarms. It could be the difference between life and death.

"Ours weren't working when Darren died, but I can't think about whether it would have saved his life or not – it's too hard. The fire was so ferocious and we had so little time."

Tegan, who was 10 at the time, rescued a six-year-old cousin and ran back in for her mother, but could not wake Darren, 39.

He was pulled out by firefighters and taken to the Leicester Royal Infirmary's intensive care unit, where he died soon afterwards.

"Tegan's okay, but she still has bad days – although she's stopped having nightmares now," said Claire. "I'm so-so. I had a few weeks off work after the fire, but people still don't know what to say to me and I still think about him every day.

"We check our smoke alarms all the time now.

"I can't urge other people enough to do the same."

The fire service has released a hard-hitting video on YouTube, in which a young boy explores the burnt-out shell of his former home. He asks viewers to make a promise to check their alarms whenever they change their clocks.

Rob Taylor, community safety watch manager for Leicestershire, said home owners were four times as likely to die if they didn't have a working smoke detector. He is asking people to add the check to their list of household tasks.

He said: "A working smoke alarm is a proven life-saver and is absolutely essential to keep you and your family safe. The sad fact is that only half of all householders who own a smoke alarm say they test it on a regular basis.

"Last year, there were 30,709 accidental fires in the home across the country. Don't take the chance on your family's life. Promise to test your alarms this weekend, and let's make it a household habit."

VIDEO: Grieving Claire's backing for smoke alarm test campaign


VIDEO:School pupils win national film competition

0
0
School pupils have won a national short film competition encouraging young people to think about politics. Vote at 16, a three-minute film made by three Year 11 students at Leicester Grammar School, in Great Glen, was judged the best film in the secondary schools category of Light, Camera, Parliament! 2013. The competition, for secondary schools and primary schools, asked pupils: "If you could make one law, what would it be?" The team from Leicester Grammar School argued that people should be able to vote from the age of 16 so they could have a say on things that affect their lives. Young film-makers Harry Ashman, Jeremy Worsfold and Harvey Kingsley-Elton travelled to Westminster to pick up trophy before the House of Commons' Easter recess. Natalie Hunt, the school's external relations officer, said: "Well done boys! As well as having their film showed at Parliament, they also received a Lights, Camera, Parliament! trophy. "Each member of the team and Leicester Grammar School also received a film-making kit."

VIDEO: 'Sheer lunacy' as driver filmed on road with snow-covered windscreen

0
0

This shocking picture shows the "sheer lunacy" of a motorist who took to the road in a car almost completely covered in snow.

The footage was shot by Mark Saunders in Cambridge Road, between Cosby and Whetstone.

The 31-year-old, from Blaby, captured it on an in-car camera installed for insurance purposes after he was involved in a collision where fault was disputed.

He said: "I was amazed by what I saw coming toward me. It was sheer lunacy.

"On the tape you can hear me calling the driver a derogatory name because I could not believe what I had seen.

"The area they had cleared appeared to be the size of a small plate at best.

"The thick cover of snow around this tiny hole also remained on the roof and covered the entire rear of the car.

• The video timeline does not match the date in story as the video timer has not been reset.

"They had no visibility apart from a tiny hole they'd made in the snow or ice on the windscreen.

"You can only hope he or she got to wherever they were going without hurting someone."

The Leicester Mercury has shown the images – which were shot as Mr Saunders drove to work on Monday – to the AA and road safety charity Brake.

Luke Bosdet, spokesman for the AA, said: "There is absolutely no excuse. It is pure laziness and stupidity.

"It is difficult to even begin to imagine how they thought their car was safe to drive in this condition.

"The tragedy is, it is not the first case of its kind this winter.

"This driver does not have a clear view of the road and would be completely blind to what was on their left-hand side.

"If, for example, they hit and injured a cyclist, a judge would show no mercy. Frankly, there is simply no excuse for this driver not taking just five minutes to clear snow from his or her windscreen."

Ellen Booth, senior campaigns officer, at road safety campaign group Brake, said: "Being able to see the road ahead is one of the most basic requirements of safe driving, so driving with such limited visibility is highly dangerous.

"It is vital that drivers ensure they remove all snow from their vehicle before setting off, so they have full visibility and prevent snow falling off and causing a hazard to others when driving."

The Leicester Mercury has sent a still image of the car and the footage to Leicestershire Police.

A force spokeswoman said: "If this is genuine it could amount to dangerous driving – and worse if someone was injured."

VIDEO: 'Sheer lunacy' as driver filmed on road with snow-covered windscreen

Elderly man treated for smoke inhalation after fire at his home

0
0
An elderly man was treated for smoke inhalation when a fire severely damaged his home in Stoneleigh Way, Leicester. The fire in the semi-detached property broke out at about 2.30pm yesterday. Firefighters arrived at the house, in the Groby Road area of the city, to find it "well alight". Six firefighters using breathing apparatus helped tackle the blaze. The occupier of the property was treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation. The fire service said the blaze was believed to have been caused by a faulty electric heater. The property's ground floor was severely damaged by fire, and the the rest of the building suffered heat and smoke damage. Fire crews left the scene at about 5pm - but then returned in the evening for a re-inspection of the property.

Elderly man treated for smoke inhalation after fire at his home

UPDATED: M1 motorway blocked at Markfield

0
0
An overturned vehicle has blocked three lanes of the M1 motorway at Markfield. The accident happened on the southbound carriageway close to junction 22 at around 9.45am this morning. The Highways Agency said the road is expected to remain blocked until around 10.45am. A spokesperson warned motorists that queues were building between junction 23 and 22. UPDATE: Road was cleared at around 10.10am.

UPDATED: M1 motorway blocked at Markfield

Leicester City 0 Millwall 1: As it happened - 10-man City battle in vain

0
0

Leicester City make four changes from the side that lost at Derby nearly two weeks ago.

Sean St Ledger, who will join today's opponents Millwall on loan until the end of the regular season after the game, Richie Wellens, Andy King and Lloyd Dyer all made way.

Ritchie De Laet returns at right-back, Matty James steps back into midfield after missing the last seven games through injury, Jeff Schlupp is rewarded for his excellent substitute cameo at Pride Park with a starting slot on the left of midfield and Frenchman Anthony Knockaert takes up the opposite flank after missing the Derby game on compassionate grounds.

3 min: RED CARD Wes Morgan is sent off for bringing down Andy Keogh. Richard Chaplow's ball over the top sets Keogh away with Morgan in pursuit and they come together. Referee Stuart Attwell shows Morgan a straight red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity. That was the last thing City needed, not just for this game but Morgan will now serve a ban, and with St Ledger and Liam Moore out on loan City's defensive options are very slim. Paul Konchesky moves to centre-half, while Schlupp slips back to left-back.

5 min: Shane Lowry takes the free-kick from 25 yards out and tries to pick out the top corner but Kasper Schmeichel makes a great save.

11 min: City break after a mistake by Danny Shittu and Nugent has Knockaert and Chris Wood as options but he goes it alone and the chance is wasted.

13 min: Knockaert crosses to the far post and Wood's header beats the goalkeeper but with Matty James waiting to pounce, Lowry clears off the line. City have been the better side.

14 min: Jermaine Easter turns and shoots from 20 yards and it is heading for the bottom corner but Schmeichel makes another good save.

15 min: De Laet makes a typical break into the box and shoots, but Shittu scrambles it away. City are still the better side despite only having 10 men.

19 min: Nugent breaks down the right channel and flashes a shot past the far post.

23min: Konchesky makes a terrible mistake and Keogh is in on goal, but Schmeichel again comes to City's rescue as he saves with his legs.

29 min: Schmeichel again denies Keogh from close range after Adam Smith's cross to the far post picked out the striker.

32min: Millwall have the ball in the net through Rob Hulse but a late flag for offside cuts short their celebrations.

40 min: City are still holding their own and frustrating the visitors but the game has reached stalemate.

45 min: Half-time and City can be pleased with the way they have recovered following Morgan's early sending off.

H-T: City 0 Millwall 0

48 min: Danny Drinkwater shoots from long range and it is inches wide of the far post. A bright start to the second half.

55 min: Alan Dunne picks out Hulse at the far post with a deep cross but the Lions striker heads well wide. It was a good chance.

58 min: De Laet heads wide from a Knockaert corner. City are still pressing.

60 min: Hulse booked for a challenge on goalkeeper Schmeichel.

61 min: Wood heads Knockaert's deep free-kick back into the six-yard box but no-one is on the end of it.

64 min: Adam Smith shoots straight at Schmeichel.

68 min: Chaplow booked for a foul on De Laet.

70 min: Liam Trotter booked for a foul on Schlupp.

74 min: Schlupp and Dunne booked after an altercation. Millwall are being frustrated.

78 min: Trotter gets a touch on Knockaert's whipped-in free-kick and Forde has to make a fantastic save to keep the ball out. That's the closest City have come to a goal.

87 min: GOAL 0-1 A body blow for City as Millwall break and, after De Laet fails to deal with Chaplow on the touchline, he rolls the ball back for Dunne, who fires into the bottom corner.

90+5 min: City have succumbed to their second consecutive home defeat.

F-T: City 0 Millwall 1

Leicester City 0 Millwall 1: As it happened - 10-man  City  battle in vain

Firefighters tackle blaze at Sileby home

0
0
Firefighters tackled a blaze at a house in Seagrave Road, Sileby, this morning. Two crews from Loughborough and one from Syston station were called to the property at about 9.10am. A spokesperson for the fire service said: "We believe the cause to be due to an electrical light fitting catching a sheet of plastic." The property suffered some fire and heat damage. Nobody was injured in the blaze.

Firefighters tackle blaze at Sileby home

Morgan sent off as Leicester City battle in vain against Millwall

0
0

Leicester City battled manfully for virtually the entire 90 minutes with just 10 men but were undone by Alan Dunne's late strike at the King Power Stadium last night.

Wes Morgan was shown a straight red card after just three minutes, but City produced a spirited performance and deserved at least a point from this game.

However, their play-off hopes were dealt a massive blow when Dunne ghosted into the City box with four minutes left to grab the winner for Millwall.

After a run of one win from nine league games, City were clinging on to a top-six spot by the slenderest of margins, and desperately needed a win to get back on track, but it was a cruel night for Nigel Pearson's side.

After the run City have been on, the last thing they needed was an early setback, but they were reduced to 10 men when captain Morgan was dismissed very early on.

Andy Keogh was sent clear on goal by Richard Chaplow's pass and Morgan was in hot pursuit but, as they tangled, Keogh went down and the red card was virtually jumping out of referee Stuart Attwell's pocket as Morgan was deemed to have denied a certain scoring opportunity.

Despite this setback, there was no evidence of City's crisis of confidence as the 10 men took the game to the Lions and created some great opportunities, notably when Chris Wood's header was cleared off the line and Danny Shittu had to block Ritchie De Laet's strike.

At the other end, without their defensive rock, City were opened up on a number of occasions.

Millwall found Kasper Schmeichel in imperious form as he pulled off great saves to deny Lowry and Keogh twice from close range.

But this wasn't a rearguard action by City, who continued to press for that vital first goal and they came so close late on when Liam Trotter almost deflected Anthony Knockaert's free-kick into his own net but David Forde produced a great save.

However, Dunne's goal proved decisive and dealt City's play-off hopes another severe blow.

Morgan sent off as Leicester City battle in vain against Millwall


Rampant Tigers secure record win over sorry Saints

0
0
Northampton Saints 8 Leicester Tigers 36

Leicester Tigers put in an astonishing performance at Franklin's Gardens to earn a four-try bonus-point win over their bitter local rivals, Northampton.

The visiting supporters were in fantasy land by the final whistle as Tigers ran Saints ragged and encouraged hundreds of local fans to stream out of the ground long before the final whistle.

The 36-8 scoreline was the biggest ever win by Leicester at Franklin's Gardens in a competitive fixture.

Four tries in 33 second-half minutes from Niall Morris, Mat Tait and two from the sensational Manu Tuilagi saw Leicester return up the A6 with five points that gave them a seven-point buffer in second place in the Aviva Premiership table.

Captain Toby Flood had kicked four from four penalties in the first half to give Tigers a 12-3 lead at the break.

And when Tuilagi scored at the end of a long spell of pressure early in the second half, the visitors had a 14-point lead.

Saints fought back immediately and scored through Stephen Myler while Morris was in the sin-bin for a deliberate knock-on.

But Tigers turned on the afterburners and Tuilagi added a second on 62 minutes to give his side a 24-8 buffer. 

Saints were broken by this stage and, with the hosts out on their feet and their famed driving maul earning little reward, Tigers stuck the knife in.

With the game opening up, Morris ran in Leicester's third try on 71 minutes and, with Tigers sniffing a fourth try, Tait was one of a five-man overlap with four minutes left to complete the rout.

Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said it was his side's best performance of the season.

"We showed our class today. Across the board, everyone was top drawer," he said. "We came here thinking we could out-play them and we took our chnaces. Our set-piece and defence was very good too.

"We came here with the attitude to play and I thought the lads were outstanding."

Tribute to businessman who became artist, Shirley, 84

0
0

A businessman who returned to his first love of art on retirement has died, aged 84.

Shirley Joseph Copeland was the co-founder of Forum Publicity Services, established in January 1961.

The business began in Oxford Street, Leicester, in two rooms, before moving to its current home in London Road, as Forum Advertising and Marketing, in 1982.

Mr Copeland had a long association with the Leicester Mercury and other local and national press, covering all aspects of publicity and advertising.

Educated at Gateway Boy's Grammar School, he went to Leicester Art and Technical College before serving in Egypt with the RAF, as part of his national service.

He became a commercial artist and set up his own business with John Goodacre.

Following his retirement at the age of 59, he resumed his first love as an artist.

His family said his paintings can be found in places as far afield as Russia and eastern Europe. However, it was closer to home, at Bradgate Park, that he found the landscapes he loved to paint in water colours. His paintings are sold in the park's coffee shops and other outlets in Leicestershire.

Mr Copeland was a past president of Crown Hills Art Society and of Leicester Sketch Club.

His second wife, Margaret, whom he married in 1993, said: "Shirley put this wonderful talent to good use to support so many charities.

"He did a tremendous amount of work for Action for Children."

Mr Copeland died on March 22.

Tribute to businessman who became artist, Shirley, 84

Blasts from the past as civil war comes to castle

0
0

A regiment set up camp outside Leicester Castle at the weekend to recreate the city's civil war history.

Visitors explored the castle, which has been closed to the public since the early 1990s, and watched the recreation of a Stuart-era courtroom.

Outside, civilians and soldiers in period dress talked about life, food and weaponry during the 17th century conflict, while the nearby Magazine Gateway opened its doors for visitors to explore and find out more about tapestry and embroidery of the time.

Eleri and Rhiannon Kennedy, from Glen Parva, visited the castle with mum, Johanna.

Rhiannon, nine, said: "I was really interested when we were looking in the tents at the old types of pens they used.

"It was interesting to hear how they worked – some you would have had to dip into the ink for every letter, while others you could write a whole word."

Five-year-old Eleri said: "We have had a look round the castle, too, and had to climb two flights of stairs. My legs are a bit tired now."

The English Civil War, a series of conflicts from 1642 to 1651 between the Parliamentarians and Royalists, resulted in the execution of King Charles II and Oliver Cromwell becoming Lord Protector.

Both the Magazine and castle played a key role when Royalist forces stormed the city to capture it from its Parliamentarian defenders, in May 1645.

Cameron Savage, 13, from Barwell, visited the castle and Magazine with dad, Lee.

Lee, 40, said: "Cameron likes to take photographs, so that is what we have been doing most.

"It sounds silly because we have visited Castle Gardens so many times, but we did not know this building was actually Leicester Castle.

"It has been good to go in and have a look around."

As part of the open day, there were gun-firing displays and military drills by the Earl of Essex's Regiment of Foote, a reenactment group which is part of the English Civil War Society.

David Seale, from the group, said interest in history was on the increase due to television programmes about the past.

"People seem to be getting more interested," he said.

"Of course, most people are interested in the swords and the kids like to try on the armour."

Blasts from the past as civil war  comes to  castle

Thousands at opening of Hindu temple

0
0

Thousands of people queued for hours to visit a new Hindu temple.

The Shri Shirdi Sai Baba temple, at the grade II-listed former Guild of Disabled building, in Colton Street, Leicester, is the second of its kind in the UK and follows the teachings of Baba, a Hindu guru born in 1835.

Bhavisha Narotam, 24, from Evington, Leicester, visited with her cousins, who had travelled from London for the opening.

"It has been the most amazing experience," she said.

"It has been a really lovely day and made people remember how important it is to help others.

"When I got to see the Sai Baba statue it was very spiritual and seeing it made me feel very happy.

"It is very significant for me to have this temple in Leicester and I am sure the attendance and donations will really increase.

"People queued from 6am to get in and see the temple. But people do not mind waiting because it is a blessing."

Baba's teachings focus on patience.

Rita Jivanji, 32, from Rushey Mead, Leicester, was one of the volunteers helping to co-ordinate the day.

"It has all gone really well," she said.

"We are very happy to have this temple here and I'm very proud to be here for the opening.

"So many people have come today from all over because they want to see their Baba's temple.

"People are very excited because so many devotees wanted this temple here in Leicester."

Inside the temple a fire was set up in front of a statue of Baba, with offerings placed in the flames.

Families queued up to receive food.

Cousins Dhruvika Durcadas, nine, and Diya Hasmuklal, 10, from Melton Road, Leicester, went to the temple to pray.

Dhruvika said: "We were amazed when we saw inside the temple."

Diya said: "We really like it."

The organisation's first temple was opened in Wembley, London, in January 2010.

A member of the management team at the temple said he hoped the opening would spread the message of treating others with politeness and helping the needy, as well as having trust and patience.

The Guild of Disabled building, completed in 1909, is believed to have been the first building in Britain – and possibly the world – to have been designed to be wheelchair-friendly.

Thousands at opening of Hindu temple

Fire service HQ finally opens

0
0

The fire service's long-awaited £7 million headquarters are set to open tomorrow.

The building, beside the A46, near Birstall, will replace the fire authority's former HQ at Glenfield, which has been sold to Leicestershire County Council for about £1 million.

Construction started in 2011 and the site includes an administrative building, community room, gym, rest areas, kitchen, lecture room and training house.

The official unveiling of the new headquarters, by Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Jennifer, Lady Gretton. will take place on April 17.

The ceremony will also include a tree planting in honour of firefighter Bob Miller, who was killed in 2002 while searching a disused factory.

Chief Fire Officer Dave Webb said the plans to move headquarters had been around for a number of years.

"I arrived in 2002 and it's been a debate since then, with a number of possibilities being thrown in," he said.

"At one point we were due to move into Granby Halls, but that fell through.

"We've looked at several other options, too.

"In fact, there have been plans to move from Glenfield since the 1970s.

"There are cuttings from the Mercury talking to the son of a former chief who said 'the services had outgrown the current HQ and we'll be in the new HQ by the early 80s'.

"So no one can accuse us of rushing anything."

Staff at the Glenfield site gathered their belongings and moved out between Friday and Sunday, ready for the new start in Birstall on Tuesday.

Data coordinator Karen Klein was packing up her desk last week in preparation for the big move.

She said: "Moving to Birstall is very exciting. I like new challenges so there is definitely an air of excitement. I have worked here a long time so this will give me a chance to refocus and look at things in a different way.

"It will be quite emotional in a way. I grew up with this place because my mum worked here from 1976, so the Glenfield headquarters has been a part of my life. But I have no regrets. Life changes and moves on."

The upgrade is part of a £35 million scheme.

As well as the authority's administrative headquarters at Birstall, the site will also include a new fire station.

New stations are also being built at Castle Donington, Melton and Coalville, and refurbishments are taking place at Hinckley.

One aspect which will not feature at the new headquarters is the fire control system – the emergency switchboard for the county's service.

This is based at the fire service's southern station in Meridian.

Fire service HQ finally opens

Viewing all 9894 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images