Evington Echo

Evington Echo
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Discussions and conversations from Evington, a neighbourhood in Leicester in the United Kingdom.

Episodes

  1. 09/13/2025

    Leicester Communities Together Festival – Helen’s Report

    The Leicester Communities Together Festival on 13 September 2025 transformed Jubilee Square into a hub of advice, creativity and community spirit. Reporting for Soar Sound, Evington Echo editor Helen Pettman spoke with groups including Citizens Advice, Age UK, Leicester Libraries and Turning Point. The event highlighted support for carers, fostering, mental health and local services, while also celebrating arts and volunteering. Well attended and lively, the festival showed Leicester’s strength in collaboration and the importance of connecting residents with opportunities. On 13 September 2025, Jubilee Square came alive with the Leicester Communities Together Festival, an event designed to bring residents, community groups and services together in one shared space. The day was marked by music, activities for families and stalls offering advice and information on everything from housing and welfare to health, creativity and volunteering. As part of the coverage, Evington Echo editor Helen Pettman reported for Soar Sound, speaking with stallholders, volunteers and visitors. Her interviews highlighted the contribution of Citizens Advice, Leicester City Council’s Adult Social Care team, Age UK, Leicester Libraries, Turning Point and Focus Charity, alongside many others. Each group showcased the services they provide and explained how people can access support or get involved. The range of voices heard reflected the diversity of Leicester itself. Advice for carers, information about fostering, guidance on energy costs and debt, mental health support and creative opportunities all featured in the conversations. Many groups also stressed the value of meeting other organisations face-to-face, strengthening partnerships and working together to benefit local communities. The festival was well attended, lively and informative, with visitors enjoying both entertainment and practical guidance. For Evington residents, it offered a chance to connect with city-wide services as well as to see how local organisations play a part in supporting neighbourhood life. The organisers deserve credit for creating a day that was both useful and enjoyable, and which reflected Leicester’s commitment to collaboration and community spirit.

    1h 8m

  2. 12/12/2024

    Evington GP Meeting 10th December 2024

    A Public Meeting was held on Tuesday 10th December  at 7.00pm at Evington Village Hall LE5 6 DN This meeting was chaired by Cllr. Zuffar Haq (which invited residents to give their views about the changes taking place in Evington  – the closure of the Doctors Surgery on the Common, the closure of the Post Office and the closure of the Pharmacy.) Full meeting podcast: https://evingtonecho.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Evington-GP-Meeting-001.mp3 Present at the meeting were: Cllr Zuffar Haq (Chair)  He was representing many residents who had contacted him and were horrified at the 10 days notice to close the Surgery on the Common on Friday 13th December. Two representatives from MPs:  Shivani Raja MP and Shockat Adam MP. Two representatives from the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board. Rachna Vyas (Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Director  and Nil Sanganee Chief Medical Officer) About 100 residents, at least 50 were patients of the surgery on The Common.   The Meeting about the Closure of the Doctors’ Surgery on The Common   Cllr. Zuffar Haq opened the meeting by explaining about the loss of facilities in Evington Village and that no further movement had been made with the NHS about the Doctors surgery on the Common, since the meeting at Pilgrim Gardens on 4th December.  He said that Downing Drive and Willows were not creditable alternatives and that the Netherhall practice at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Centre involved residents in a 2- hour bus journey there and 2 hours back.  He went on to explain that the Centre Bus service was not fit for purpose and stops after 8.00pm. The Chair, Cllr. Zuffar Haq,  then asked for questions and comments from the floor. The first question asked about the centre being taken over by the community and whether anyone had looked at the Community Fund being approached to buy the property and upgrade it, or an alternative GP practice to take it on. The Chief Medical Officer (Nil Saganee)  explained that a consultation was started in March this year to hear all views after the landlord said the site would no longer be available after 31st December. (The consultation only elicited 84 responses, 51% against closure and 25% supporting it.  Dr Wood and son have stated that no date was given for closure.)  That no quick decision was made, and that a lot of work was done to look at alternatives for the 1,000 patients who use the practice.  He said that Dr. Wood can sell the building to whoever he likes, so the sale is different from the contract to run a GP surgery.  He said that it wasn’t viable to keep running the GP practice at the Common, and that much work had been done to mitigate the problems to patients.  He said the closest practice was 0.8 miles away, but there were others 1 and 2 miles away and that they could offer quick registrations.  The Chief Medical Officer then explained all the options that were available from the full team at the Netherhall practice.   As people joined the meeting late, they were asked to move to the front where there were extra chairs.   A member of the audience pointed out that there were more housing developments on the doorstep with more people needing doctors surgeries. They pointed out the difficulty of taking patients into already full practices, and described the problems that occur when practices are saturated. Cllr. Zuffar Haq  pointed out that in Leicester the average number of patients per doctors’ surgery is 2,000 but nationally it is  1,200.  He said that if a new practice was thriving in Evington, then it would help to make a  Pharmacy viable as well. Cllr. Haq said that Dr Wood had not given notice to the St. Elizabeth’s Medical Centre to vacate 10 The Common and that his preferred option would be to sell to another GP Surgery.  The information Retchna said she had was that the practice said they were selling the building on 31st December and needed ICB Board to give back their keys.  She said there were 14 practices within a 2-mile radius of Evington and reiterated the wider range of professionals available at St Elizabeth’s Medical Centre in Netherall.   According to Drs Wood, no dates were set.  Also a 2-mile radius is only any help for those with their own transport.   A member of the audience said that to get the best financial outcome the NHS needed also to take into account the costs of closure and moving elsewhere  involving an extra cost for the patients, which would add up.   Dr. Cheesman then spoke and said that with Dr. Wood retiring, he can’t afford to buy the practice out and didn’t wish to rent.  Therefore he will move to the Netherall practice.   Again it was pointed out that no formal notice had been given to Dr. Wood and Dr. Cheesman.  This has been down to Dr Cheesman and the ICB.   Cllr. Haq then asked about extending the time of this surgery to March 2025, giving patients more time to find another surgery.  Cllr. Haq then read out some emails he had received from Dr. Marcus Wood which stated that his father would like to sell to another practice and would consider a rental, but could not attend for alarm purposes.  Also no date was given by the landlords and no contracts to the ICB Board had been agreed.   Again Cllr Haq asked the ICB Board to consider a reprieve until the end of March and not ask people to find a new surgery 10 days before Christmas..   There was just one member in the audience that thought enough notice had been given in March.  However another member of the audience said that nothing had been said about the closure until the  2nd December 2024 email.   The Chief Executive officer reiterated that the change would not involve any discontinuation of service and that a complex analysis of all services had taken place.   Another question from the audience gave an example.  She said that in practice if she went to the multi-disciplinary team, say about her knee, that she wouldn’t get the referral to the multi-disciplinary team and specialists on that same day.   Another member of the audience said that the problem for the elderly is that they need physical access and poorly people don’t need long, difficult  bus rides.  Evington Village is well situated as a hub for services, so don’t take them away.    The Chief Medical Officer agreed that the bus rides were a problem.   Another member pointed out that having one GP in the surgery for people to come to was better than 1000s of people travelling somewhere else.  The location in Evington Village is good and convenient.   It was recognised that the ICB Board is constrained by bureaucracy, but the appeal was for them to reconsider when we are coming into Winter.   Cllr. Haq asked “Who is happy with the service?”.  Many hands went up.  He then asked who is happy who goes elsewhere?”  Only one or two hands went up.   There will be a drop-in session this Friday at the Doctors’ surgery to help any patients register with a new practice.  Repeat prescriptions can be arranged to go to your door.  The ICB Board will work with people’s issues, but were not prepared to consider an extension as a means of mitigation or any Plan B for patients registering at Queen Elizabeth’s Medical Centre.   Another patient at the surgery summed up by saying there had been many crossed wires, but that many people need face to face engagement.  Again it was pointed out that no formal notice had been given to Dr. Cheesman or Dr. Wood.   Many hands supported the idea to extend the surgery until the end of March.   At this point the meeting wished to discuss other issues.  The ICB Board representative left the meeting.   Cllr. Haq said he was going to raise the issue in full council and propose a vote of no confidence in the Integrated Care Board.   Post Office Issue   When the proposal to close the post office was made public, there was a proposal for the post office to move into a shop that Richard and Lynn Kent were running, but that didn’t work.  The Councillor asked if the licence could be sold, but the answer was ‘no’.  The problem was that the surgery was shutting.  Note the pharmacy and the post office are both in the same shop.   Police Issue   Theft is now a big issue and so residents need to stay vigilant and report anti-social behaviour to 111.  They need to lock up well and take car keys upstairs at night and look at upgrading their security.  It is a large business stealing cars.  Consider having a local what’s app. group for your street.  Take down number plates if you witness drug selling in the Arboretum Car Park, for example.   The LCC website will publicise the official ward meeting dates and the Police will attend these meetings.  Come along.  They happen every 3 months.   Linden Drive Planning application for a Children’s Care Home   A resident on Linden Drive said that he objected to this planning application because it leads to more anti-social behaviour and is a money-making enterprise as each child can have to pay £6,000 to £11,000.  (See BBC website)  Once one children’s home is in the area, then more follow. There is a meeting on 11th December for residents of Linden Drive to discuss this.

    1h 16m

  3. 12/04/2024

    Meeting to Discuss Closure of Evington GP Surgery on The Common

    A meeting was held this morning at Evington Home, Pilgrim Gardens to discuss the impact of the closure of Evington’s GP surgery on The Common. The decision has sparked concern about the impact on vulnerable people in Evington. Councillor Zuffar Haq called a meeting with residents, representatives of the NHS, Leicester City Council and other local politicians. The concerns raised included: Community Impact: Residents are concerned about the loss of essential services which will significantly affect elderly, disabled, or disadvantaged community members. The relocation of the GP surgery, pharmacy, and Post Office is seen by some as “sucking the heart out of the community”, potentially leading to reduced footfall affecting local businesses. This has led to sentiments of the village “closing down” as expressed by locals. Reasons for Closure: The St Elizabeth’s Medical Centre, which runs the surgery, cited that the owner of the building is looking to sell the site as the reason for the proposed move to their main site two miles away. They believe this relocation will allow them to improve the quality of care provided to all patients. Public and Local Government Response: There has been some engagement with local governance, where a resident attempted to seek help from Sir Peter Soulsby, the city mayor, but was referred to the local integrated care board (ICB) for further action, indicating limited local political influence over these commercial decisions. Rob Watson PUBLIC MEETING ABOUT THE PROPOSED CLOSURE OF DOCTORS SURGERY ON THE COMMON EVINGTON, LEICESTER. Wednesday 4th December 10.30am at Pilgrim Gardens, Grocot Road, Evington, Leicester LE5 6AL    Following many residents contacting Cllr. Zuffar Haq about this closure and the loss of the Pharmacy in Evington Village, Cllr. Haq decided to call a Public Meeting to listen to their concerns.    Present: Concerned users of the surgery.  This was done as well as possible without a full list of patients using the surgery.  People were contacted through word of mouth, email, what’s app. groups and some leafletting.  A representative group of about 20 users came to the meeting.   2 local councillors for Evington.  Cllr. Zuffar Haq (Chair) and Cllr. Deepak Bajaj 2 representatives from MPs Shivani Raja (Leicester East) and from MP Shockat Adam (Leicester South). 2 other councillors from Leicester City Council including Cllr. Sarah Russell, Deputy City Mayor for Social Care, Health and Community Safety. 2 representatives from Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board (ICB).  Rachna Vyas, Deputy Chief Executive ICB and Dr. Sulaxni Nainani GP Deputy Chief Medical Officer ICB 2 community reporters from the Evington Echo, Rob Watson and Helen Pettman ITV and BBC both sent two reporters After about 10 minutes of the start of the meeting there were between 30 and 40 people present.   Cllr. Haq asked residents to explain their concerns.   More than one resident explained that with this Surgery Branch closed, they would need to travel to Netherhall (St. Elizabeth’s Medical Centre) which would involve catching two buses and up to  a two hour journey each way, even though the direct route in a car would be two and a half miles.  The Downing Drive surgery is about 1 mile away, and one bus ride from Evington, but residents explained that they had previously applied for this surgery and were told they weren’t in the catchment area, or that the surgery was full.  About five residents explained the medical conditions they had which made the change difficult.  A show of hands confirmed that residents were very happy with the services they had received at The Common branch surgery.   Cllr. Zuffar Haq confirmed that he was there to represent the many elderly people who live in Evington, who were concerned about the loss of their surgery, many of whom live alone.  Other residents explained their concerns about getting repeat prescriptions and as a carer of a surgery user, getting on the bus with a wheelchair.   Residents also said  that there was only a few days notice of closure and that this didn’t give them enough time to find alternative doctors.  Without a doctor and a pharmacy in Evington Village they felt abandoned.   Rachna Vyas from the Integrated Care Board said that in March ’24, they received news that the building was to be sold.  In June ’24 they launched a consultation which notified all users that the surgery would be closed by the end of December.  This consultation was circulated extensively through email, text, notices in the surgery and to between 800 and 900 people.  The consultation finished in Oct. ’24, they said.  She said only 38 users had given a negative opinion about the closure.  She explained that the surgery was not fit for purpose with no fire escape.  She said many patients were going elsewhere.  Both ICB representatives went on to explain that the system was, in their opinion, changing for the better with ways to get repeat prescriptions without travelling, and teams of practitioners under one roof that could cater for the needs of patients more thoroughly and have longer opening times.  They appreciated that some patients in the room were struggling and would offer support so they could take advantage of new ways of working.  They would also look into patients being able to join nearer practices.  They emphasised the quality of expertise the teams could offer, assuring patients this was an improvement.  Practical support was offered to help patients register for a new doctor with more choice of appointment times.  They said they weren’t aware that the pharmacy in Evington Village had closed because they hadn’t received notification, but that there were 5 local pharmacies in the area.   Cllr. Sarah Russell said that if this room at Pilgrim Gardens could be made available, then users could be invited to come and discuss their concerns and be given the help and support they needed to make the best of alternatives on offer.   In response to this, the meeting and Chair made the following points:   (Cllr. Haq)  I have visited Dr. Wood (who has retired and owns the building) and he says he is not in any hurry to sell the building.  Therefore the building has not been sold.    This can be put in writing by tomorrow.   That this is a small branch service and compared with other small branch services in the City the building is in reasonable condition.  It has served patients well as a local doctors’ surgery for over 60 years.   That although the Integrated Care Board could not afford to buy the building, Zuffar knew two purchasers who would in order to continue a doctors’  surgery.   That Zuffar’s job as a councillor is to represent the views of his constituents and he felt obliged to do something to help elderly residents who felt lost and abandoned because of these changes.  He asked for an extension until March  ’25 at the surgery, giving users more time.    That this is the first and only public meeting about the closure of the surgery.    People at the meeting agreed that even if the surgery could stay open for 3 days a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, this would help.  The plea was for the Integrated Care Board to have more compassion and care for the frail and elderly.   Users said they had only been told of the closure recently as the decision was made last Friday, 29th November 2024.   This raised the issue of people’s expectation about what a consultation meant.  People didn’t think that by announcing a consultation in June, that the surgery would close.  If the decision to close was made in June, then this wasn’t a consultation.  (See other articles about consultations on this website).   There are other options.    If this surgery is closed, then we can fight not only for a new surgery in this area, but for the local services that we need.   After the meeting closed, the ITV and BBC reporters stayed on to film people and then walked to the Surgery to do further filming.   Helen Pettman

    1h 2m

  4. 04/21/2024

    Celebrating St George’s Day - A Day at the Festival in Leicester Soundwalk

    I went along to the St. George’s Day Festival to help as a volunteer for Soar Sound Radio.  This gave me the opportunity of practising interviewing people and using a microphone to listen to what they said.  Then I took up the offer to go around the festival recording the sounds that I heard.  I wish I had taken more photographs with my mobile to enhance this  sound walk recording.  However this was a create opportunity for me to take on the role of a roving reporter for Soar Sound, our local radio station. The festival this year took place around the Heritage area of Leicester around the Guildhall and Cathedral area.   People of all ages came together to visit the stalls and enjoy all the reenactments, music, good places to eat and so on.  My sound walk began in the courtyard of the Guildhall with a visit to the Maypole dancing area.  Moving on I came across a Scout band warming up their instruments, I listened for a while and then moved on to watch a Viking coin making workshop.   Here, visitors could see how the coin discs were cut and then stamped. I walked into the cathedral and interviewed the Verger, who was pleased to see the public enjoying visiting the Cathedral.  I walked past the tomb of Richard III, the ‘King in the Carpark’, and I still like to tell people that I was at his funeral. St George’s Day Festival was a great success and made history come alive with the stories actors told from the various re-enactment societies.

    25 min

  5. 11/12/2023

    Friends of Evington Remembrance and Peace Event 2023

    On Saturday 11th November 2023, residents and councillors from Evington gathered at the War Memorial at 11am to remember the sacrifice of both local people and people from across the world to defend the freedom and to bring about peace. This gathering was organised by Friends of Evington, who had purchased a new PA system and stand, so participants could hear what was said. Baljit Singh (Trustee of Friends of Evington) hosted this gathering, and he quoted from an engraving on an unknown grave in Kentucky U.S.A which said: “War is death.  Destruction follows in its wake.  War is misery, hunger and disease.  War is all of this and more.  So I ask you my friend, why still does man make war?” “Never again” should be our view of war!”  said Ned Newitt, President and Chair of the Leicester Secular Society.  He described the loss of life during the 1st World War from Spanish flu because the war effort had to go on in ammunition factories without social distancing and lockdown.  These people need to be remembered. Helen Pettman, Chair of Friends of Evington, described the local V.A.D (Voluntary Aided Detachment) hospital in Evington Park and the dedicated, selfless work of local volunteers during the first world war. After the talks, all participants were invited to go to the Cedars to share more discussion and refreshments. You can listen here to these talks in full. [See image gallery at evingtonecho.uk]

    23 min

  6. 03/08/2023

    Evington Sound walk with Alex Portlock

    A Sound Walk in Evington On a grey Thursday in February, what does Evington sound like ?  Rob Watson from Decentered Media helped Alex Portlock  make a recording as they wandered about Evington.  Cristian Stancu followed them with his camera. Click on the permalink above to hear the recording.  Enjoy this post and look at the photographs taken by Cristian Stancu. Evington Park is rather quiet this Thursday noon, only a few dog walkers are getting their share of nature in this suburb village. Alex can hear birds singing, she says it is as if to remind us that nature is still there despite the constant zoom of cars and a distant sound of a chainsaw. Searching for fauna sounds…after hearing a dog pant, Alex attempted to catch a noise coming from a squirrel. She didn’t have much luck, despite an eager outreach. The churchyard offers another natural hub, with trees and snowdrops. Even if you don’t know the name of the different species, or recognise the different bird chirps, the sights and sound are still agreeable.  “Evington appears rather green, for a village so close to the city,” said Alex.. Piggy’s Hollow is a more recluse part of Evington. Alex has to listen hard to hear nature’s sound.  « The distant sound of traffic is almost like the sound of the ocean when you stick a seashell to your ear, though less buccolic. » she said. Again, Alex is seeking sound from furry friends.   No answer was a stern reply. (From text sent by Alex Portlock)

    9 min

  7. 03/01/2023

    Evington Echo - Volunteering With Harkesh

    At the Evington Echo exhibition celebrating 300 editions, Harkesh explained how to get involved with supporting the Echo and the Friends of Evington.

    9 min

  8. 02/19/2023

    Evington Echo 300 Editions Exhibition

    The Evington Echo is celebrating its 300th edition with an exhibition of the full archive, taking place at the Documentary Media Centre in Leicester City Centre. Editor Helen Pettman shares her passion for the Echo and describes how the Echo came about and what the journey has been like sustaining a community magazine that is run by volunteers and supporters.

    14 min

  9. 10/13/2022

    Evington Moot 004 - The Seven Ps of Sustainability

    In the latest episode of the Evington Moot podcast, we met and discussed the seven Ps of sustainability. People, place, planet, purpose, practical, participative and self-policing. We asked how these principles of sustainability can guide both local and global awareness of our response to the climate crisis, and what we can learn from one another as practical steps we can take.

    59 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Discussions and conversations from Evington, a neighbourhood in Leicester in the United Kingdom.

Information

  • Creator
    Evington Echo
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Evington Echo
  • Show Website
    Evington Echo