Syston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Syston |
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 The Green, Syston |
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 Syston
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| Population | 12,804 (2011 Census) |
| OS grid reference | SK621118 |
| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | LEICESTER |
| Postcode district | LE7 |
| Dialling code | 0116 |
| Police | Leicestershire |
| Fire | Leicestershire |
| Ambulance | East Midlands |
| EU Parliament | East Midlands |
| UK Parliament |
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Syston (pronounced SY-stən) is a lively town in Leicestershire, England. It is located in the district of Charnwood. In 2011, about 12,804 people lived here.
Contents
Discovering Syston
Syston has been a home to people for over 1,000 years. Its name, Sitestone, was first written down in the Domesday Book. The ancient Roman road called the Fosse Way goes right through Syston. Today, many people who live in Syston travel to work in the nearby city of Leicester. Only the village of Thurmaston separates Syston from Leicester.
Historic Buildings and Landmarks
The most historic building in Syston is the impressive Church of St Peter and St Paul. It is built from pink granite and white limestone. The church has a tall tower with fancy decorations and battlements. Most of the church was built in the 1400s. You can still see parts from the 1200s and 1300s inside.
A local architect named Frederick Webster Ordish worked on the church in the late 1800s. He made many improvements and additions. Sadly, he died in an accident near the old Syston railway station.
Transport and Travel
The Midland Main Line railway track runs through Syston. Syston railway station has one platform. Local trains travel from Leicester to Lincoln, passing through Nottingham and Newark. This route is part of the Ivanhoe Line.
Sports and Local Businesses
Syston once had a motorcycle speedway and greyhound racing track. This was at the Syston Sports Stadium.
Syston is famous for a special type of fruit called the 'Syston white plum'. This yellow, oval-shaped plum has been grown here for over 100 years. It is a delicious dessert plum and ripens in September. You can even see it on the town's welcoming signs!
The headquarters of Pukka Pies is in Syston. This company makes many pies and is a big employer in the town. It provides jobs for about 250 people.
Natural Surroundings
The River Soar flows along the western edge of Syston. The A46 road also passes nearby. This road had big improvements in 2006 at the Hobby Horse roundabout. This roundabout is a well-known meeting spot on the Leicester Western Bypass.
Local News
Syston has two monthly newspapers for the community. They are called the Syston Town News and the Syston Directory.
People from Syston
Many interesting people have lived in Syston, including:
- Dave Bartram, a singer from the band Showaddywaddy.
- Mahalia Burkmar, a talented R'n'B artist.
- Actress Terri Dwyer.
- Megan Lowe, a Test cricketer.
- Rachel Parris, a comedian, musician, and presenter.
- Luke Thomas, a footballer.
- Fred Wilkinson, a speedway racer who competed for England.
Sister Cities
Syston has a special friendship with another town:
- Déville-lès-Rouen in Upper Normandy, France.
Local Groups and Clubs
- The Air Training Corps (ATC) is a youth group for young people aged 13 to 20. The local group, No 1181 Syston Squadron, is based at Wreake Valley Academy.
- The Syston Allotment Society helps people who have garden plots on Upper Church Street. They also work for the good of the whole community.
- Syston Sailing Club is located on Fosse Way. They offer courses for beginners to learn how to sail. They also have races and social sailing for members.
Images for kids
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Melton Road from the Brook Bridge.
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Church of St Peter and St Paul, Syston. The church is mostly from the 15th century.
See also
In Spanish: Syston para niños
