Rushcliffe Reports Winter 2014

WINTER 2014
Wrap up | Warm up | What’s up | Wise up
Improve your word
power
We know the power of words at Rushcliffe.
We deliver Rushcliffe Reports to 48,000
homes and over 2,000 businesses three
times a year. Have a word with us to
advertise in the next edition due out in
spring 2015.
Contact us at
[email protected]
01
Rushcliffe
Reports on CD
An audio version of
Rushcliffe Reports is
available for blind and
partially-sighted people.
Contact us to request a
copy of the latest edition by
emailing rushcliffereports@
rushcliffe.gov.uk or call
Nicky Mee on 0115 914 8555
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COUNCIL NEWS
Make a date to recycle
Do it differently – Do it online 02
ENVIRONMENT
03
BUSINESS
04
Let’s be social
We’re social and we follow good
netiquette too. Over 4,600 people
follow us on Twitter now and it’s
growing daily. We’ve got our finger on
the pulse, so follow us on Twitter
@rushcliffe. We tweet every day and
retweet stuff we think you might like
to know about. You can also like us
on facebook.com/Rushcliffe where
over 700 people are following our
news. And we’ve just started putting
photos on Pinterest – have a look at
www.pinterest.com/rushcliffe
Contents
3
4-5
Barton blooms – bravo!
6
Get the flags out7
It’s all about the small talk
New homes and new
opportunities in Cotgrave 8
9
COMMUNITY
Doggone it
Activities at Rushcliffe Country Park
Community First Responders
Best Bar None
Cannabis farm crackdown
Not a Blott on the landscape
05
CHRISTMAS
06
07
08
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
09
10
FOOD
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas Community Christmas Positive power of sport to tackle abuse
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13
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15
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17
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HOUSING
Getting all steamed up? 19
PLANNING
Planning permission or not?
Park considerately on bin day Plaudits for The Plough
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21
21
HEALTH
12 healthy days of Christmas
Major patient survey - a fantastic success 11
CULTURE
12
LEISURE
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15
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SPORT
Christmas crackers in Cropwell
Why don’t you…?
New Year - New You
Bed-bound to outward bound
Be a winner by being a loser!
Register for the Rushcliffe 10k
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25
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27
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YOUNG RUSHCLIFFE
YouNG - our Magnificent 7
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CRIME
Izzy got busy cracking cycle crime
31
VOLUNTEERING
Can you help Crossroads Care?
32
Look out for your new bin collection calendar on your grey bin
during the last two weeks of November.
Christmas is nearly here – a time when
people generate a lot more rubbish.
Please recycle what you can in your blue
bin and take your glass bottles and jars,
tetra pak cartons and old clothes to one
of our recycling sites.
In your blue bin, you can recycle paper
and cardboard, Christmas cards, wrapping
paper (but not the tinfoil sort) and boxes.
Flat-pack your cardboard if it’s too large
to fit in your bin. Pledge to recycle all your
plastic bottles #pledge4plastics, including
milk and soft drinks bottles, shower and
shampoo/conditioner bottles and household
cleaning and fabric conditioner bottles.
You can recycle yoghurt pots and margarine
and ice cream tubs too.
There are a few things we don’t need in the
blue bin – polystyrene causes problems at
the sorting plant, so please dispose of it in
your grey bin.
Place batteries in our battery bags (or a
clear sandwich bag) on top of any bin
any time.
COUNCIL NEWS
Make a date to recycle
01
Garden waste collections start again in
the New Year, after a short break over
Christmas. Leave your Christmas tree out
next to your green bin and we’ll take it, or
you can chop it up and put it in the bin.
Don’t forget your unwanted warm clothes,
blankets and toys will get a warm welcome
at The Friary in West Bridgford. They will
help the homeless and less fortunate beat
the cold this winter.
Newark Newark… it’s a wonderful town
Next April we’re looking to grow our
recycling service again by offering garden
waste collections to residents in and around
Farndon, in the Newark and Sherwood
area. This expansion helps ensure our
own rounds are working to full capacity. It
is a good example of how councils work
together to ensure resources are fully
utilised, and it also brings in extra income
to help cover the costs of delivering this
valuable service. We now collect over
34,000 garden waste bins from more than
28,500 residents, resulting in around 13,000
tonnes of garden waste being collected
each year. This waste is composted rather
than being sent to landfill, so it’s better for
the environment too.
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COUNCIL NEWS
01
Do it differently
If you’re regularly online to chat to friends, pay bills, and shop online,
then do your business with us online too at www.rushcliffe.gov.uk
People who need personal help can visit
our Rushcliffe Community Contact Centre
(RCCC) in West Bridgford and contact
points in some of the larger villages. Phone
us or pop in to the RCCC between 8am and
6pm Monday to Friday and visit in person on
Saturday from 9am to 1pm.
the internet at home. Why not comment
on planning applications online or make
requests for street cleaning. We’ve got no
plans to reduce our face-to-face help, but
sometimes residents prefer to carry out their
business online, and we can provide that
service too.
It’s an eye-opener just how much online
business people do with us, and what
you can currently do. 99% of enquiries
about bin collection days are made online
and 99% of people pay for garden waste
collections online. Three-quarters of people
report litter online and nearly 90% of dog
fouling reports come via the website. 99%
of enquiries for community halls and rooms
are made online.
Over the next year we’re improving our
website and increasing the number of
But we are looking to increase what you
can do online to give you better choice
and flexibility. Over 60% of people own
a Smartphone and the vast majority have
Bowled over and
making a bigger splash
Exciting news – we’ve listened to residents’ views and feedback on our leisure
plans and we’re going to make our new leisure development at the Rushcliffe
Arena site even better. In October, our Cabinet decided to make the bowling
rink and swimming pool even bigger.
Following extensive consultation over the summer and triggered by the population
growth expected in Rushcliffe in coming years, the proposed 4-lane bowling facility
will now be increased to 6 lanes and the learner pool will be extended.
Cllr Neil Clarke, Leader of the Council, said: “It’s vital to listen to residents when
planning a major facility – and we have done just that. Thank you to everyone who
gave us their opinions and we will continue to ask for views as required. Telling us
what you think really does make a difference to outcomes.”
4
things you can do online. Some things you
can look forward to include:
 Booking a pest control visit
Booking a special collection –
and getting rid of unwanted bulky items
Applying for backdated housing benefit
Changing your address online – this will
alert all Council departments
Applying for council tax reductions,
exemptions and discounts
Hopefully, applying for a taxi licence
You can already do so much online:
 Reporting antisocial behaviour
Making a new benefit claim
Bidding for homes to rent on our
Homesearch system
Checking your council tax and/or housing
CL Rushcliffe advert half Autumn FINAL ART.pdf
benefit
accounts for payments
Telling us your road needs gritting
Reporting potholes
Paying for a home alarm
1
COUNCIL NEWS
– Do it online
01
So, please do your business with us online
where you can - saving you money and
saving your precious time. Doing more
things online means you can get the very
latest information, our website is secure,
08/10/2014
09:37
easy
to use
and available when you want it.
C
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CM
MY
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5
ENVIRONMENT
02
Barton blooms – bravo!
Bravo to Barton-in-Fabis which won
a gold award for the small village of
the year in the East Midlands in Bloom
Awards. Villagers also received a
special judges’ award for the way the
village had incorporated World War I
commemorations.
Seven servicemen from Barton lost their
lives in World War 1. Villagers built up
information about the lives of these men
and this is displayed in the red phone
box. Seven trees have been planted on
Manor Road with a plaque explaining their
significance. A ‘Bloom’ volunteer put up
seven birdboxes to provide safe havens
for nesting birds around the village. Seven
primroses and groups of daffodils were
planted around the war memorial in the
churchyard and, on St George’s Day, the
local Brownies and Scouts laid a wreath of
spring flowers on the memorial, to honour
the fallen men. A poster commemorating
the outbreak of war, designed by young
resident Toby McLoughlin, takes pride of
place on the new art board in the village’s
bus shelter.
These awards are a wonderful accolade
for the village. Being involved in ‘Bloom’
competitions not only makes the area more
attractive, but increases civic pride and
community involvement too. Barton also won
a gold award for the best small village in the
2013 RHS Britain in Bloom competition.
Linger longer at Langar – Hotel of the Year
Congratulations to Langar Hall which
was named English Hotel of the Year in
Alastair Sawday’s popular review book,
Special Places to Stay, which features
more than 500 hotels.
The 12-room wedding venue, restaurant
and hotel was described by Sawday as
“an informal country house with a touch of
Bohemian flair”. The Hall dates from 1837
and is situated in Church Lane, Langar.
6
ENVIRONMENT
Get the flags out
02
Rushcliffe Country Park is one of the
very best in the UK – and that’s official.
The park, in Ruddington, is among nearly
1500 that have a prestigious Green Flag
Award. The Borough Council is very
proud that the Country Park has retained
its Green Flag for the past 8 years.
The national award, handed out by
environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy,
recognises and rewards the best parks and
green spaces. It’s a sign to visitors that the
park boasts the highest possible standards,
is beautifully maintained and has excellent
facilities. The award is testament to the
hard work and dedication of all the park’s
rangers and volunteers.
Sunday of the month, anyone who would
like to make new friends, or who is elderly,
can come and admire the view of the lake
from the comfort of the park’s education
room. They can meet and chat with the
other visitors while having tea and biscuits,
or meet some of the park’s volunteers and
talk about the work that they do. Linger by
the lake, then if the weather is fine, go for a
leisurely walk round the park. Dates for the
rest of this year – 5 and 19 November and
3 and 17 December. For more information,
call the ranger’s office on 0115 921 5865.
Another great Rushcliffe park received
a Green Flag too – well done to all who
volunteer and maintain the high standards
at Meadow Park in East Leake.
Lakeside’s perfect for pausing
Many people will be familiar with the tranquil
beauty of Rushcliffe Country Park. But, what
you may not know is that every first and third
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BUSINESS NEWS
Businesses responded when we
asked them to get in touch. If you’d
like to be featured in a future edition,
or to be in our quarterly business
newsletter, email
[email protected]
It’s all about the
small talk
03
Business is booming for Tiny Talkers Day
Nursery, who moved to bigger premises
at 9 Musters Road, West Bridgford,
in October. They look after around 50
children aged from 6 weeks to 5 years,
provide holiday care for children aged 5
to 12, as well as before- and after-school
care.
Owner, Sarah Bond, says: “The business
has been growing since we started
in 2011. I called it Tiny Talkers, as I
think it’s vital to develop language and
communications skills when children
are very young. I encourage children to
develop through natural and holistic play –
and we provide a home-from-home where
children learn, have fun and make friends.”
The nursery is open from 7.30am to 6pm,
Monday to Friday, and from 8.30am to
5.30pm weekdays for the holiday club.
More information at
www.tinytalkersdaynursery.co.uk or call
0115 981 4195 or email
[email protected]
8
Naomi’s a
bright spark
Make no bones about it, chiropractor
Naomi Mills, 28, from Edwalton is a
bright spark. She won the Notts County
Council-funded Spark Notts business idea
competition that set out to find business
innovators across the county. Naomi won
£18,000 worth of funding for business
support, including a new website, help
with accountancy and legal advice.
Naomi runs the Radcliffe Chiropractic
Clinic, based at 82 Grantham Road,
Radcliffe on Trent – www.rad-chiro.co.uk.
A qualified chiropractor, Naomi helps
customers with a range of muscle,
joint and nerve problems. Customers
range from people with sprains to those
with pregnancy pains, headaches and
migraines to back, neck and posture
problems. This is a private health service.
Before training as a chiropractor, Naomi
worked in marketing and this led to her
innovation – she set up
www.chiromarket.co.uk – a website with
marketing expertise for chiropractors.
Many people in the industry are selfemployed and have no marketing
experience. The website explains how
to network, how to write a news release,
how to use social media, and other vital
marketing skills for small businesses.
After much anticipation, we marked the start of the £100m project to
build over 450 new homes on the Hollygate Park site (former colliery
site) in Cotgrave in September.
Cllr Neil Clarke, Leader of Rushcliffe
Borough Council, said: “This is a massive
boost for Cotgrave and for Rushcliffe’s
economy, as well as providing new homes
and giving local people work and training.
It’s another way we are transforming
Cotgrave from a former pit village into an
even more desirable location to live and do
business.”
Graham Dobbs, head of Midlands North
for the Homes and Communities Agency
(HCA) said: “We’re really pleased that the
work and investment we have put in with
the Council, developers and local people
over many years is now coming to fruition.
As well as new homes for local people, we
will also boost job opportunities and local
economic growth.”
John Reddington, Managing Director for
David Wilson Homes East Midlands said:
“We’re immensely excited to be starting
work at Hollygate Park, which will offer our
very best new homes in a unique setting.”
Left to right are: John Reddington, Managing Director for David
Wilson Homes East Midlands, Stephen Ward, Land Director
Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands Division, John
Dillon, Managing Director of Barratt and David Wilson Homes
North Midlands, Cllr Neil Clarke, Leader of Rushcliffe Borough
Council.
BUSINESS NEWS
New homes and new
opportunities in Cotgrave
03
Senior representatives from all major partners: Rushcliffe
Borough Council, the HCA, Barratt Homes and David Wilson
Homes, Notts County Council, Metropolitan Housing Trust,
Cotgrave Town Council and the CITB.
John Dillon, Managing Director of Barratt
and David Wilson Homes North Midlands,
said: “Hollygate Park will be one of our
most prestigious developments and an
exceptional place for people to call their
home.”
Rushcliffe is only the second council in
the East Midlands to be awarded ‘Client
Based Status’ under the National Skills
Academy for Construction. This means that
developers and housebuilders will employ
and offer training opportunities to local
people when building new homes. Debbie
Johnson, from the Construction Industry
Training Board (CITB) said: “We’re delighted
to have awarded the Borough Council with
Client Based Status. We are working with
schools and colleges to raise aspirations of
young people and ensure skills for Cotgrave
and the industry.”
You can read more about one of our young
success stories on p30.
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COMMUNITY
04
Doggone it
Almost half of all homes have
pets. Around a quarter of homes
have dogs – that’s 9 million
dogs in the UK. We’ve had a lot
of success on social media of
reuniting stray dogs with their
owners. Follow us on twitter or
like us on Facebook.
This summer and autumn we’ve run
free popular microchipping events with
the Dogs Trust. Every dog owner will
have to microchip their pet from 2016
to cut the rise in strays. The chips will
be coded with owners’ details, and not
complying could mean a fine of up to
£500. More than 100,000 dogs are
dumped or lost each year, at a cost
of £57m to the taxpayer and welfare
charities. We hope the change in the
law will reunite owners with lost or
stolen pets and relieve some of the
burden on animal charities and councils.
Please keep your contact details on the
chip up to date, so we can contact you if
we find your dog.
Not everyone likes dogs and they can
be intimidating to children and adults.
Simply saying ‘it’s OK’ or ‘they are
very friendly’ whilst the dog is being a
nuisance to others is no consolation.
Dog owners should keep their dog(s)
under control in public places, and
ideally put them on a lead when other
people are about. Being a responsible
dog owner means picking up poop and
being aware others may not love your
dog as you do.
Can you help save time to save lives?
In an emergency, fast access to treatment
is vital. The first 60 minutes following a
severe injury, known as the golden hour,
is critical to favourable clinical outcomes.
The Saving Lives Helipad Appeal is raising
£3m to build a helipad at QMC. This will get
the most seriously-injured trauma patients
from across the East Midlands directly to the
Major Trauma Centre, where specialist teams
are available 24/7 to save lives.
They are asking local people for support and
to ‘Get Going for the Golden Hour’. The idea
is that you attempt something challenging or
give something up for 60 minutes and ask
10
people to sponsor you. To find out more, or
make a donation, please visit
www.nottinghamhospitalscharity.org.uk or
call 0115 962 7905.
Friends of Rushcliffe Country Park are
always looking for new volunteers. If you
have any spare time and would like to get
involved, call the rangers on 0115 921
5865 and they will pass on your details.
Try your skills at hedge-laying with expert
help from our volunteers. Hedge-laying
starts in November and continues every
Wednesday throughout the winter months.
Contact the Park Rangers on 0115 921
5865 for further details.
Pay less to heat
your home
If you heat your home using oil, you
can save money by joining Rural
Community Action Nottinghamshire
(RCAN) bulk oil scheme. Last year
they ordered 343,300 litres of oil for
their members who collectively saved
around £20,000.
To join or find out more, visit
www.rcan.org.uk or call Melanie on
01623 727600 for an application form.
If you already take advantage of this
scheme and can introduce five new
members, you can get free membership
for a year!
COMMUNITY
Activities at Rushcliffe
Country Park
04
Play away
in Kinoulton
Kinoulton has got new play equipment at
the school, thanks to a joint application to
the Big Lottery Fund by Kinoulton Parish
Council and Kinoulton Primary School.
There is new equipment for under-5s,
including toddler swings, an ‘Aladdin’s
Cave’ slide and a
‘Forest Giraffe’ climbing
frame. The play area is
open to all outside of
school hours.
The Wildlife Watch Group meets every
second Saturday of the month at the visitor
centre from 11am – 1pm. Are you 8 to 13
years old? Interested in nature exploration
and discovery, games and practical
activities with other young people? Contact
Laura (Group Leader) on 07545 131792
or Lynn (Notts Wildlife Trust) on 0115 958
8242. Younger children are welcome but
must be accompanied by an adult.
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COMMUNITY
Community First Responders
With community defibrillators popping up everywhere, we’re focussing on the rural
life-savers, who work entirely voluntarily – they are known as Community First
Responders (CFRs). CFRs give immediate life support and emergency medical
assistance in response to 999 calls to the ambulance service. They are trained to give
on-the-spot defibrillation and administer oxygen to patients.
04
The scheme is run by East Midlands
Ambulance Service (EMAS). CFRs receive
4-days training and will also be trained in
the nationally-accredited First Person on
Scene qualification.
CFR was set up to save lives in between
an emergency call being made and the
ambulance arriving at the scene. There
are many Responder dispatch points in
(and near) Rushcliffe including Syerston,
Hawksworth, Elston, Farndon, Fernwood,
Cotgrave, Ratcliffe, East Leake, Sutton
Bonington, Thrumpton and Clifton.
Rushcliffe is covered by 17 Responders,
plus another 22 who are dispatched from
Nottingham University campus and cover
part of this area. Responders are not on call
24/7 and don’t have set hours of coverage.
They are all volunteers that respond entirely
in their own time. Many have day jobs and
provide cover during the periods of greatest
need – at weekends and during the night.
There are many schemes covering
Rushcliffe. The Newark Fosse Way First
Responders provide cover for some
Rushcliffe villages along the A46/A52 and
also cover Newark and Sherwood areas,
providing a service to around 10,000
people. More at
www.respondersuk.org/newarkfosseway.
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The other large scheme covering the area is
the Vale First responders –
www.vale-first-responders.org.uk. Their
excellent website tells you much more
about the role of a CFR and how to join the
scheme.
There is a Village Emergency Telephone
System in Bradmore – a community scheme
to get help for emergencies, but only after
999 has been called. There’s also a small
CFR scheme in Sutton Bonington. In East
Leake the retained firefighters provide the
CFR service. Cotgrave have two people
within a St Johns scheme and there is also a
small scheme in Ruddington.
If you have time to give, and could help
save lives in rural areas, find out more at
www.emas.nhs.uk/get-involved/cfr. You may
also like to read the article on p10 about the
Saving Lives Helipad Appeal.
A new accreditation scheme was
launched in October to improve
standards in licensed premises. Pubs,
clubs and bars can sign up for the
Best Bar None scheme, funded for 3
years by the Notts Police and Crime
Commissioner (PCC) and Notts County
Council.
Nationally, where schemes are already
established, there has been a dramatic
reduction in antisocial behaviour and
alcohol-related violence, creating a safer
environment for all residents.
customers can get home safely. Accredited
venues can win a number of awards, such
as best village pub, best bar and best
sports club.
Venues that are interested in taking part
should contact our licensing service on
[email protected].
James Halfpenny (pictured below),
manager of the Poppy and Pint in Lady Bay,
has signed up to the scheme saying it will
reassure customers of the quality on offer,
as well as being a sign of a welcoming and
safe environment.
To be awarded a Best Bar None
accreditation, premises are visited by
trained assessors who look at standards,
as well as where the venue has gone the
extra mile to ensure customer safety. For
example, maybe they provide handbag
hooks under tables, CCTV, information
on the harm of excess drinking or ways
to stop drug use. They may also consult
neighbours over events, or ensure noise is
kept to a reasonable level. Pubs can also
provide information on taxis and buses so
COMMUNITY
Best Bar None
04
Absolutely CABulous
Our hackney carriages have received
a makeover – getting new logos on the
doors to make them recognisable as being
licensed by Rushcliffe. These taxis are
allowed to pick people up in Rushcliffe if
they are flagged down. We are reminding
people that if you choose to flag down a
private hire vehicle without pre-booking it,
the vehicle may not have valid insurance.
As Christmas is approaching, use
Rushcliffe licensed taxis when you go for
a night out – or pre-book your private hire
vehicle – to make sure you have a safe
night out.
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COMMUNITY
04
Healthwatch
Healthwatch Nottinghamshire is the ‘health
watchdog’ – someone you can gripe
to about your GP or sing the praises of
social services. They are independent
and listen to the good and the bad sides
of health and social care, and then work
with the organisations to see if things can
be improved. Get involved and share your
experiences of your doctors, dentists,
opticians, hospitals, social services,
nursing homes and ambulances.
Call 0115 963 5179 or
www.healthwatchnottinghamshire.co.uk
Cannabis farm
crackdown
Lose it and
get it back
We’ve bought a property registering
device and scanner with money we
received from the Notts PCC. The
Hermes device means we can register
your personal and cherished items on
to a national property database which
links to the police database. So, should
you lose anything or have it stolen, if it is
registered and then found, we can give it
back to you. We will be out and about with
it over the winter carrying out property
registering surgeries – look out for dates
and locations.
Notts Police are cracking down on illegal
cannabis farms. This issue tends to be
more prevalent in rented accommodation
across Notts. People are being asked to
look out for the tell-tale signs that cannabis
is being grown in a home, such as the
strong sickly smell, a lot of condensation,
blacked out windows, unsocial comings
and goings, a buzz from ventilation and a
lot of electric cabling. If you’re suspicious
about any property, call the Police on 101.
More details at www.nottinghamshire.
police.uk/advice
Night-time – delight-time
A night of action in West Bridgford town
centre takes place on Friday 12 December.
This is the third ‘night’ this year where we
work with the Police to make sure people feel
safe and do not cause a nuisance to others.
Staff will be checking on parking and the use
of any illegal substances, and making sure
people are behaving appropriately. It’s all
about creating a buzzing Bridgford.
14
Notts Wildlife Trust has secured over £1
million towards the ‘Not a Blott on the
landscape’ project – its most successful
fundraising campaign.
Rambling on
Rushcliffe Ramblers now have a series of
monthly short walks. They take place on
Sunday morning, are repeated Sunday
afternoon, and cover about 5 miles.
Rushcliffe Ramblers is the local branch
of The Ramblers, Britain’s walking charity.
They also organise some mid-week walks,
with distances from 4 to 12 miles. More at
www.rushclifferamblers.org
Pearls of wisdom
from Rushcliffe CVS
They can now buy and develop land at
Blott’s Pit, a former gravel extraction site
next to their Skylarks Nature Reserve at
Holme Pierrepont, so that it can continue
to be a haven for wildlife, and provide new
learning opportunities for local people.
Funding was secured from the Heritage
Lottery Fund, Environment Agency,
Lafarge Tarmac, Rushcliffe Borough
Council and local donations. 115 acres
of wetland nature reserve will be created
and improved, as well as investment in
new wheelchair-accessible paths, viewing
screens and visitor information. There will
be a three year programme of events,
activities and training, focused on schools,
young people and families exploring the
natural and human heritage of the nature
reserve and the wider Trent Valley.
COMMUNITY
Not a Blott
on the landscape
04
Rushcliffe Community and Voluntary
Service (RCVS) celebrated its pearl
anniversary on 28 October. RCVS is the
fount of knowledge about the voluntary
sector and volunteering in Rushcliffe – so
if you have time on your hands then get
in touch as they can probably gainfully
employ your talents. Some of the many
valuable services run by RCVS include the
voluntary transport scheme and Whatton
Prison visitor centre, as well as outreach
services to enable older people to live
at home independently. The next year
offers exciting and challenging times for
RCVS as they work towards merging with
similar CVSs in Gedling and Newark and
Sherwood.
More details about RCVS at
www.rushcliffecvs.org.uk or follow them
on Twitter @RushcliffeCVS
Delegates at the Rushcliffe Nature Conservation conference
looking at progress on the site.
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CHRISTMAS
05
It’s beginning to look
a lot like Christmas
As the nights draw in and temperatures
start to drop, many families are looking
forward to a dose of Yuletide warmth
and merriment.
We will be kick-starting seasonal
celebrations in West Bridgford by
switching on the town centre Christmas
lights on Saturday 29 November. The
fun starts at 9am on Central Avenue
and will include a festive market and
children’s fairground rides, as well as
lots of great offers and special events
at shops and cafes. We’ll be presenting
live music throughout the afternoon
with performances by local bands and
choirs, as well as classical duo Duette
(pictured below) who will be joining us on
the main stage at 3.30pm. The lights will
be switched on at 5pm by the Mayor of
Rushcliffe, and will be followed by a finale
firework show.
For more information visit
www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/christmas
Christmas tree
festival
West Bridgford Methodist Church is
holding its popular Christmas Tree Festival
over two weekends in December, when
the public are invited to see the colourful
display. The trees can be seen on
6 and 13 December (10am – 5pm),
7 December (12 noon – 2pm) and
14 December (12 noon – 5pm).
Refreshments and food will be available.
Any groups that would like to arrange a
visit during week commencing
8 December should contact
[email protected]
Candlelit
Christmas
concert
From 2pm – 6pm, on Saturday 6
December, Gordon Road, West Bridgford
will be hosting a festive Christmas Fayre,
with great gift ideas and lots of family
entertainment. Visit Santa and his magical
elves who will be on hand to take your
Christmas wishes. Local independent
traders will also be getting together to
show off their festive treats. There will
be children’s fairground rides, festive
entertainers and music throughout the
afternoon, culminating in the switching on
of the Christmas tree lights at 5.30pm.
16
A Village Ventures event takes place
on Tuesday 2 December at 7.30pm in
Kingston on Soar village hall. Richard
Durrant’s Christmas Concerts have a
magic all of their own with a repertoire
of music including early Christian, pagan
and folk traditions, as well as distinctive
Durrant originals. Expect a superb evening
of specially commissioned visuals, the
wonderful singing of special guest Amy
Kakoura, and lots of candles. Tickets from
Bob Metcalfe on 01509 670499, or from
any parish councillor.
Bingham Christmas Fair – 5 December on
the Market Place from 5pm - 8pm.There will
be stalls, rides for the children, carols and,
of course, Father Christmas in his Grotto.
Entertainment is provided by the Bingham
Musical Theatre Company performing a
‘Christmas Cracker’ of songs, Ladyluck Acapella
Octet and Newark Town Band. The switching on
of the Christmas tree lights is a must-see event.
East Leake Christmas lights switch-on –
Saturday 29 November 4.30pm onwards.
CHRISTMAS
Community Christmas
05
Wysall’s annual Christmas fair is being held on
Saturday 29 November from 10am - 2pm in the
Village Hall. There will be lots of gift ideas, food,
carols, tombola and more, and proceeds will go
to village hall funds. For more information, or to
book a stall, contact Gill Berridge on
07970 049114.
The hugely popular Nottingham Concert
Band are to perform at Bunny Parish Church
of St Mary’s on Sunday 14 December, and
will be presenting a concert of festive family
favourites, starting at 3pm. Tickets, at £7 and
£3 for accompanied under 16s, will include
refreshments. Proceeds from the event will go to
the Bunny Church General Fund.
Council opening times over Christmas
The Council’s Civic Centre is closed from 25 December to 1 January and open as usual
from 2 January onwards. The Rushcliffe Community Contact Centre in West Bridgford
Police Station on Rectory Road is open on 24 December (8 until 4) and as follows:
25 to 26 December
Closed
Saturday 27 December
9am – 1pm (for face-to-face customers) Open
29 December
Closed
30 to 31 December
9am – 5pm (phone and face-to-face)
Open
1 January Closed
2 January
(back to normal opening times) Open
There are no contact points open w/c 22 December – back to normal w/c 5 January.
For information on the opening times for the leisure centres, visit
www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/christmasopening
17
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
06
Positive power
of sport to
tackle
abuse
Pictured are: Alex Smit and Campese Ma’afu.
We’ve joined forces with Nottingham
Rugby Club and the White Ribbon
campaign to raise awareness of
abuse towards women. The campaign
encourages men to sign the pledge
“never to commit, excuse or remain
silent about violence against women.”
Please join us and sign the
pledge at
www.whiteribboncampaign.
co.uk/makepledge
Nottingham’s new rugby kit features the
white ribbon logo. There will be articles
in match programmes, banners around
the pitch and the players will promote the
initiative at local community events. The
Club will dedicate a match in early 2015
to the White Ribbon Campaign (date to be
finalised).
Brent Wilson, club captain, says: “We’re
proud to support this campaign. The
work being done is fantastic and very
worthwhile. We won’t stand by and
let domestic violence happen.
The whole squad are honoured
to have the White Ribbon on our
shirts and we hope it encourages
more people to show their
support.”
18
The Club and domestic abuse charities
Equation and Family Care will mentor young
people so they learn how sport, teamwork,
respect and a positive demonstration
of physical strength can help change
attitudes about this issue. The campaign
is also being backed by Gedling Borough
Council and the Notts Police and Crime
Commissioner, Paddy Tipping.
The Government is looking to introduce a
new crime of ‘domestic abuse’ – a pattern
of controlling and coercive behaviour, which
together constitute abuse. The Borough
Council, as a White Ribbon accredited
authority, has been working with the
Government and national campaign groups
on bringing this new law to fruition.
Affected by domestic abuse? Here are the
numbers you can call:
 Rushcliffe Council has its own dedicated
Domestic Abuse Worker (for women or
men): 0115 914 8287
 Women can contact the 24 hour helpline
on 0808 800 0340
 OR for men contact
www.mensadviceline.org.uk or
0808 801 0327
 Please always call the Police on 999 if
you are in danger (or 101 to report a nonemergency).
We pay towards a Notts County Councilrun scheme called the Handy Persons’
Adaptation Service. Older people can get
minor adaptations in their homes such
as grab-rails and stair rails, or they can
employ a handyperson for a few hours to
do jobs such as gardening or putting up
shelves. It’s for people aged 60 or over, or
for people who are disabled. The basic
charge is £15. Call Notts County Council
for more details on 0300 500 80 80.
As winter approaches and the
temperatures drop, you’re more likely to
notice condensation in your home. This
can lead to mould forming and this can
increase the risk of respiratory illnesses
and allergies. Here are a few hints to
reduce condensation:
 Close bathroom and kitchen doors to
stop steam escaping
Try not to hang wet washing on
radiators to dry
 Keep rooms well ventilated
 Try to keep your home warm, wellinsulated and draughtproof
Vent your tumble drier outside
 Keep a lid on saucepans
 When running a bath, put the cold water
in first
HOUSING
Helping people
to stay living in
their home
Getting all steamed up?
07
For more details, email
[email protected]
Disabled
facilities grants
We provide Disabled Facilities Grants
to enable people to live at home
independently. People have to be
assessed to qualify for funding, but if they
do, they can get help to pay for many
adaptations including help to get in and
out of the house, make it easier to bathe
and use the toilet, or to cook food and
make their home safer. Call Notts County
Council for more details on
0300 500 80 80.
First Contact
Rushcliffe funds a First Contact scheme
for older people. It’s a simple checklist
completed by staff who visit them and can
trigger all sorts of services and help which
older people may need. These include
benefits they may be entitled to, help with
security and adaptations, housing advice,
keeping warm, community transport
schemes, energy saving improvements
and more. It’s run by Rushcliffe CVS –
0115 969 9060 – and helps people stay
safe and independent.
19
PLANNING
Can we help you?
We get many calls at this time of year and
we always try to help – but...
08
Planning
permission or not?
We can’t help if:
 Someone is not maintaining their
property and it impacts on someone
else’s property (eg poor maintenance
of drains causing damp) – that is a
private matter.
A tree next door keeps dropping leaves
on your garden – again speak to your
neighbour.
 A garden is untidy. However, we may
step in if the garden and building is
dangerous, or attracting significant
vermin, or is so untidy it is seriously
detracting from the appearance of the
area.
Below we give you some examples of
where you may, or may not, need planning
permission.
 If it’s not a listed building, internal work,
such as replacing boilers and internal
insulation, doesn’t need planning
permission. However, make sure your
boiler is installed by a Gas Safe fitter
and that you meet the necessary
building regulations.
 E
xternal insulation is a big thing and
the rules have been relaxed a bit. But,
you still need to make sure the external
insulation is similar to how the house
looked before. A typical scenario would
be insulation with a rendered finish. So,
if you have a brick house then apply
external insulation with a rendered
finish, you need planning permission.
You will need Building Regulations
approval in any event, unless the person
carrying out the work can self-certify.
 If you live in a conservation area and
want to carry out work on trees, you
may need to tell us what you want to do.
The rules are quite stringent, so check
with us first.
20
New planning
website
Our new planning website went live
in October. The old Blueprint website
was becoming increasingly unreliable,
updating was taking too long and it
was sometimes hard to find planning
applications. We hope you find the new
site much more user-friendly. Look on our
website under ‘Planning and Building’.
PLANNING
Park considerately on bin day
Our planners work hard to create attractive
places where people want to live. This
sometimes means a conflict between the
needs of car users and large vehicles.
Occasionally on bin day, our lorries can’t
get to empty bins as people have parked
inconsiderately. It’s also important to make
sure emergency vehicles can still get down
the road. Your quick 5 minutes parking may
mean the whole street doesn’t get their bins
emptied.
On bin day – Do
 Park on your drive if you have one
 Place your bin near the edge of your
property or in a bin collection point
On bin day – Don’t
 Park close to corners of other roads/
junctions
 Park opposite another parked vehicle
or in a position that would create a pinch
point
Louise (pictured right) says: “We were
rated as a 3, which was satisfactory, but
by following the advice of the Council’s
environmental health officers, we were
recently upgraded to the top rating of 5.
We had to replace flooring in the kitchen
and replace old shelving both in the kitchen
and behind the bars – so both were easier
to keep clean. We also had to make sure
paperwork was up to standard.”
Check out ratings of food establishments in
Rushcliffe at ratings.food.gov.uk/search
FOOD
Plaudits for The Plough
Mother and daughter landladies, Margaret
and Louise Barker, of The Plough in
Keyworth, are delighted with their top-5
rating for food and drink served at the
pub. They have owned the pub since 2007.
08
09
The pub serves home-made food weekday
lunchtimes from 12 until 2pm. Pop in to the
pub on Selby Lane and sample the tasty
food.
21
HEALTH
12 healthy days
of Christmas
Combat the winter blues with our 12
healthy days of Christmas
1.Eat less sugar and fewer chocolates
2. Eat more fruit and veg
Walk, jog, run
We regularly publicise information on
social media about ways of getting fitter
– bike rides, runs and more. Let us know
about events such as a great bike ride or
physical challenge in (or near) Rushcliffe
and we’ll publicise it. It can be for a good
cause, or just for a good time.
10
3.Eat less salt – step away from
crisps and snacks
4.Reduce fat – think ‘lite’ – just put jam
on your toast and cut out butter
5.Move more – run up and down stairs
or get an exercise bike
6.Live longer – get your blood pressure,
cholesterol and blood sugar checked
7. Drink fewer fizzy and sugary drinks
8. Watch your alcohol levels
9. Make friends and feel better
10.Get out more – take an interest in your
local community
11.Give time to others and feel content
12.Learn – take up a new hobby or sign
up for a new class
Runs
 16 November – Stilton Stumble 10k or
24k at Cropwell Bishop
 29 November – Nottingham Dirty Dash
10k at Holme Pierrepont
 30 November – sponsored 3km Santa
Run in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Trust at
Rushcliffe Country Park starting at
10.30am. Registration £6 for adults and
£3 for children and includes a Santa suit.
 14 December – sponsored 2.5 mile
Santa Dash, in aid of Rainbows Hospice
for children and young people, at
Rushcliffe Country Park
 1
March 2015 – Rushcliffe 10k and fun
run, 10.30am Rushcliffe Country Park
(more on page 29)
Good food and not so good food.
22
See www.runbritain.com or
www.therunningbug.co.uk for more details
of local organised races. Visit your local
parkrun at Rushcliffe Country Park every
Saturday at 9am for a free timed 5k run.
HEALTH
Major patient survey –
a fantastic success
66,000 Rushcliffe residents were asked a range of questions about how GP and
community services should be prioritised to meet the growing needs of the
population. Around 14,000 surveys were returned – 22% of those sent out.
Several themes emerged from the survey.
People said they want better ways of
managing their own condition, quicker
access to their GP and would prefer
to always see the same GP for routine
appointments. People have suggested it
would be useful to see a GP for urgent
care needs on a Saturday. The survey also
revealed that people would like to see a
hospital specialist at a GP practice, rather
than at a hospital.
People said they would usually be able to
travel to a central location within Rushcliffe
to see a GP for urgent health care needs.
There was strong support for action to
improve the way health and social care is
joined up.
respond to the public to announce plans to
improve primary care services for people in
Rushcliffe, based on the full findings.
Dr Stephen Shortt, clinical lead for NHS
Rushcliffe CCG, said: “The response to this
survey has been characteristically fantastic.
We are committed to investing in general
practices to improve both the quality and
the range of local services, so that people
can remain as healthy as possible and
receive high quality care closer to their
homes. We will ensure that the ambitions
and preferences expressed are used to
work out and develop our priorities over the
next year.”
10
For more about the survey visit
www.rushcliffeccg.nhs.uk
The Clinical Commissioning Group
(CCG) hosted focus groups comprising
members of the public to look in detail
at what people said. They are now set to
Dr Stephen Shortt
23
CULTURE
Christmas crackers
11
in Cropwell
Want to move like
a ballet dancer, but
think it’s too late?
Lady Bay Ballet (LBB) has opened
its doors to adults of all ages and
abilities (one member is in her 90s).
The adult ballet classes are designed to
improve toning, flexibility and posture.
Classes are informal and motivating,
incorporating a mix of classical and
modern popular music.
Professional dance teacher Katie
Fazakerley trained from the age of eleven
in London at the Royal Ballet School and
the Royal Academy of Dance. Her classes
are every Wednesday between 8.30pm
and 9.30pm at the Poppy & Pint, in Lady
Bay. More information at
www.LadyBayballet.com
Reeling in Rushcliffe
The Nottingham Branch of the Royal
Scottish Country Dance Society has
arrived in West Bridgford. Scottish dance
classes started in September at the
Emmanuel School on Wilford Lane (NG2
7YF). New members are welcome. There
is no need to bring a partner and no
need to wear kilts either! People will be
dancing reels, jigs and Strathspeys to a
rich selection of Scottish music. Classes
run from September to May at 7.30pm on
Wednesdays. More details from
www.nottinghamrscds.org.uk
24
Join Professor Victor and Dr Albert on
Saturday 13 December at 7.30pm for
an evening of festive fun and see if
you can help them to pull a couple of
Christmas Crackers. An evening of song,
shenanigans, comedy, festive games and
a communal carol or two. Tickets, costing
£12 for adults (£10 for concessions)
including food, from Janice Towndrow,
Parish Clerk on 0115 989 4656 or
[email protected]
Astronomical!
Astronomy is becoming very popular.
Nottingham Astronomical Society now
has 99 members and meets on the first
Thursday of every month at the British
Geological Survey in Keyworth. The
Society has its own large telescope in an
observatory near Cotgrave and regularly
organises public events at village shows
in the summer and dark sites in the winter.
These events are very popular, with visitors
queueing at telescopes to look at the Moon,
planets and other interesting objects.
Society members range from outright
beginners to highly skilled experts who are
happy to pass on their knowledge to other
members and visitors. Further information
at www.nottinghamastro.org.uk.
Showing telescopes to visitors at BGS
Feel like curling up and staying inside now the
weather’s turned chillier? Well – why don’t you
see what’s happening locally and join in with
your community? Make new friends, get a new
hobby, go to a local concert or performance.
Banish the winter blues and support local
organisations. Here are a few ideas for you to
mull over...
CULTURE
Why don’t you…?
East Bridgford drama group will be performing JB Priestly’s comedy, ‘When We Are Married’
from 18 to 22 November at the Village Hall at 7.30pm – www.eastbridgford.org
Gotham’s Memorial Hall hosts line dancing classes, coffee mornings and arts and crafts
groups – more at www.gothamvillage.org.uk/calendar
11
On the first Saturday of every month Granby and Sutton host a coffee morning from 10
to 11:45am at the village hall – www.granbysutton.org.uk
The Radcliffe on Trent Male Voice Choir is holding a concert at St Mary’s Church, East
Leake Saturday 15 November at 7pm – www.east-leake.co.uk
Orston village hall hosts badminton every Tuesday from 7.30 to 8.30pm and their art group
meets every Thursday between 10 and 11am – www.orstonparish.co.uk
Upper Broughton village hall has yoga every Wednesday, a luncheon club on 14 November
and the garden group on 1 December – www.upperbroughton.org
There are U3A organisations throughout Rushcliffe, for the retired and semi-retired. They run
a multitude of activities to suit every taste and interest – www.nottsu3anetwork.org
For a more comprehensive list of what’s on around the Borough in the run-up to Christmas,
go to www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/christmas
Voices needed
A community group for older people
which meets regularly in Aslockton
Singing is good for you. If you like to
sing and want to join a choir, Ruddington
and District Choral Society is seeking
new members. Singing is relaxing, social
and uplifting. It helps you breathe more
effectively, meet new friends and builds
confidence. The choir meets on Monday
evenings at 7.15pm at St Peter’s Junior
School. More information on 0115 921 1451
or 0115 914 6783 or www.spanglefish.com/
ruddingtonanddistrictchoralsociety
25
LEISURE
Strokeability
12
Rushcliffe Arena teamed up with Notts
County Council to deliver a 12-week
Strokeability programme for people who
have had a stroke. Strokeability is an
excellent opportunity for stroke patients
to meet each other and enjoy exercises
together. The first hour is led by our
qualified Strokeability instructors and the
second hour is a different guest speaker
each week.
The success of the course is thanks
to the efforts and commitment from
instructors Krista Attewell and Balazs
Vincze (pictured below), both Parkwood
Community Leisure staff, who have been
promoting the classes and making sure
they are enjoyable and effective. Guest
speakers have helped people regain their
confidence. Customers have thoroughly
enjoyed the social interaction and have
significantly improved their mobility. The
programme has been very beneficial
to their stroke recovery and has helped
towards improving their quality of life.
New Year
New You
Indulged in too much Christmas excess?
We’ve got a great opportunity to get you
fit in the New Year:
Join as an Expressions gym member at
the leisure centres before 15 February
2015 and get either 2 months free on
all annual memberships, or for all direct
debit packages, no joining fee and free
programme reviews. Our instructors will be
thrilled to help you achieve your goals. If
you’re already a member, “bring a buddy”
and we’ll give them a free pass to enjoy
the facilities at their leisure. If they join as
a member, we’ll give you a month free on
your membership.
To take advantage please contact the
Parkwood leisure centre of your choice.
26
LEISURE
Bed-bound to
outward bound
Six years ago Andrew Trow, 38, was
diagnosed with primary sclerosing
cholangitis, an uncommon and incurable
condition affecting the bile duct and liver.
Having had to give up work in 2010, he was
placed on the liver transplant list in July
2013. Luckily, a match was found and in
February 2014 Andrew had the transplant
operation at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital,
Birmingham. Within a few days he was
allowed home.
Advised that a healthy diet and exercise
would speed up his recovery, Andrew
began walking and increased his distances
each time. After three months he was able
to swim at Bingham Leisure Centre. He
asked about membership options and the
GP referral scheme was recommended.
12
so supportive and welcoming – especially
Anna, Andrea and Sarah. They deserve
huge credit as a team.”
The staff at Bingham Leisure Centre
selected Andrew as gym member of the
month for his hard work, improvement and
positive outlook. He is still visiting the Queen
Elizabeth Hospital, for monthly check-ups,
but hopes to be able to return to work soon.
The GP referral scheme charges £2 per
session for the first 20 sessions. People can
then opt to continue on this basis for a while
or join at a discounted rate of £26.50 per
month on the direct debit scheme.
Under this scheme, Andrew completed
20 sessions in less than 4 weeks. He was
closely monitored by Andrea (the Centre’s
GP referral specialist fitness instructor) who
stepped up his routine each week. He also
tried pilates to improve his core strength
and now swims, goes to the gym and does
fitness classes 6 days a week.
Andrew said: “I am feeling fitter, younger
and healthier than I have in a long while.
It is all down to the help of the staff at
Bingham Leisure Centre who have been
27
LEISURE
12
Be a winner by being a loser!
Parkwood Community Leisure, in
partnership with Rushcliffe Borough
Council, wants five volunteers to embark on
a rewarding fitness lifestyle journey – the
5Fs – Firm up, Fix up, Fit, Fun and Fab – for
3 months.
Are you looking to lose weight, qualify
for the next Olympics or something in
between? If so, we’d like to hear from you.
In return, you’ll get 3 months free use of the
leisure centres as an Expressions member
including access to:
 5 leisure centres
 5 fitness studios
 4 swimming pools
Over 100 classes including studio spin,
Zumba and many more.
Send us 100 words and full contact details
telling us why you should be chosen, and
what you hope to achieve during the 3
months. Send details to Rachel Draper –
Fitness Manager, Rushcliffe Arena,
Rugby Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham,
NG2 7HY - 0115 981 4027.
Email:
[email protected]
We would like participants to give us regular
updates on how they are doing, the ups and
downs they experience and to help promote
the campaign. This is a great offer to
support people on their new lifestyle journey
to looking great!
The overall winner (after 3 months) will
receive one year’s free Expressions
membership, worth over £360.
Each participant will be assigned a qualified
fitness instructor who will help them
achieve their goals, provide advice, free
programmes and reviews to help get them
to get the maximum benefits.
Our leisure centres
Rushcliffe Leisure Centre – Boundary Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 5FF
0115 923 4921 | email [email protected]
Rushcliffe Arena – Rugby Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 7HY
0115 981 4027 | email [email protected]
Bingham Leisure Centre – The Banks, Bingham, Nottingham, NG13 8BL
01949 838 628 | email [email protected]
Keyworth Leisure Centre – Church Drive, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5FF
0115 937 5582 | email [email protected]
Cotgrave Leisure Centre – Woodview, Cotgrave, Nottingham, NG12 3PJ
0115 989 2916 | email [email protected]
East Leake Leisure Centre – Lantern Lane, East Leake, near Loughborough, LE12 6QN
01509 852 956 | email [email protected]
28
SPORT
Register for the
Rushcliffe
10k
Run ragged? Running round in circles?
De-stress and detox. Running makes you
tired but feel great. You feel energised. Get
rid of the post-Christmas blues. Register
for the Rushcliffe 10k and start your journey
to fitness. Visit www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/10k
in mid-December to register to take part in
our popular race. It takes place on Sunday
1 March starting at 10.30am, in Rushcliffe
Country Park. Please register early as
places were booked up last year weeks
before the closing date. We’ve got room
for around 800 runners. If you’re feeling
competitive, the best time for a man was
around 35 minutes and the best woman did
it in just under 40. So – a target to aim for!
Get your family involved and let them take
part in the 2k fun run as well.
Pictured are all the VIPs at the opening ceremony inc Deputy Mayor Cllr
Purdue-Horan – at the front with the sticks are Philip Short, Boots Hockey
Club President and Rt. Hon Kenneth Clarke QC MP.
Photo courtesy of Richard Johnson.
Pitching it
13
at the right level
Boots Hockey Club in Lady Bay has
received £149,000, from Sport England,
England Hockey and Notts County
Council, to lay a new pitch, replacing
the old one which was worn out. These
improvements will enable the club to
continue their recent growth, especially
through their junior academy, as well as
to provide an improved facility for other
community sports users. The club held an
open day to celebrate the good news and
the pitch staged two games involving the
England Masters teams who played the
Club’s first teams.
Funding for
coaches
There’s money available for club coaches
in Rushcliffe to gain new or extra
professional qualifications. You can get
funding towards a level 1, 2 or 3 coaching
qualification. We will pay up to half of the
course to a maximum of £200 per person
or £600 per club.
Visit www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/coaching for
further details and an application form.
29
YOUNG RUSHCLIFFE
14
Cotgrave development
is foundation for success
Our work developing the Cotgrave
pit site is already reaping rewards for
Cotgrave’s young people. Our agreement
with Barratts, who are building the new
homes, means there will be chances for
jobs and training for Cotgrave people.
Six young people who needed help
developing basic skills went on a preapprenticeship course at Central College
to make them more employable.
construction. He was supported by Central
College to get the mandatory CSCS card
needed to work in this field, and is now
employed by the Sirius Group on the Barratt
Homes development in Cotgrave. He’s
making great progress, has quickly settled
in and become a valuable member of the
team.
Charlie Brewster has got a job with Spencer
Construction and is now completing an
apprenticeship with Central College. He
says things are ‘going great’. Three people
attending the course have got part time
trade jobs. Nathan Griffiths now works for
Sharpes Coach Company in Nottingham.
Tom Wilkinson, 20, spent six weeks
developing his skills and learning about
Tom Wilkinson pictured (right) with Stephen Hayes, regional director,
Sirius Midlands Ltd.
YouNG – our Magnificent 7
The new YouNG group started work in
September. Our third group of seven
teenagers are blogging and tweeting
to connect young people, schools and
towns across Rushcliffe.
This autumn they were excited to learn
that they have received an award for the
‘health league of Rushcliffe superheroes’
project, which helps young people
decide where to go for NHS treatment
if they are ill. They are busy organising
a Christmas YouNG market which takes
place on Saturday 29 November in East
Leake to showcase young people’s
business skills and performing talent.
They are also working on a project to
stop people being bullied online, as well
as improving their skills, which will stand
30
them in good stead in the world of work –
writing, presenting, public speaking and
managing projects. Follow them at
www.youngnetworkgroup.org, Twitter
@YoungWeareYouNG or Facebook the
YouNGNetworkGroup.
The photo shows the YouNG group at a session being inspired by
Borough Council chief executive Allen Graham.
Izzy got busy
cracking cycle crime
CRIME
Has this come
from your garden?
Congratulations to Izzy Haslam, 10, who
won our crime prevention competition at
Edwalton School to design a bookmark
to raise awareness about bike theft in
Rushcliffe. The school took part in a bikecoding session as well.
Don’t be duped by
doorstep conmen
If someone knocks on your door and
offers you a deal which seems too good
to be true, then it probably is. Doorstep
conmen often come to a locality for a few
days, pick up casual work and then move
on when the work dries up. The work they
offer varies from tarmacking drives and
DIY jobs to landscaping and cutting trees
and hedges. We often have to clear up
after these conmen who illegally dump
garden waste and fly-tip on our land.
Our advice is very simple – if someone
knocks on your door and offers to do work
for you, say no. There are many horror
stories of people losing their life savings
after being conned on the doorstep. When
you try to complain, or get your money
back, the people are nowhere to be seen.
Always get quotes for work from reputable
tradespeople. Check out which traders are
approved with the Notts County Council
‘buy with confidence’ scheme at
www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/living/
business/tradingstandards/buy-withconfidence
Izzy and her mum Angela Rafferty, were
invited to the West Bridgford Police Station
where she received her prize – a bike
tracker and a D-Lock for her bike. She
says: “I think it’s horrible when people
steal bikes. I have marked mine with my
postcode with an invisible pen and I also
use a lock as well. I will now use my new
prizes to make sure my bike is safe at all
times.”
15
Izzy and her mum were treated to a tour
of the police station, seeing cells where
prisoners used to be kept. They also
looked at the bike store where 100s of
abandoned bikes from around Rushcliffe
and bikes involved in crime are housed
until they are reused by charities and the
Probation Service.
More details about bike theft and bike
safety: www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/bikesafety
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VOLUNTEERING
16
Can you help
Crossroads
Care?
Crossroads Care East Midlands is
currently looking for volunteers to aid their
staff with the care of vulnerable people
in Rushcliffe. Volunteers are a crucial part
of the charity – they help full-time staff
with their daily duties, as well as care for
members of the community.
The pressure placed on care staff can
take its toll physically and mentally, so an
extra pair of hands can drastically improve
the quality of care provided. Volunteering
is flexible, rewarding and you don’t need
any formal qualifications. All you need is a
positive and caring attitude.
To get involved, contact volunteer
coordinator Lisa Deane on 0115 962 8920
or email [email protected]
Rushcliffe
Borough Council
Volunteers
needed
Each year it costs the Lincolnshire and
Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance £1.8
million to provide this vital service and
they rely almost entirely on donations
of money, goods and time to keep the
helicopter operational.
The West Bridgford shop on Pavilion Road
has recently celebrated its 1st birthday
and is urgently in need of volunteers. All
the shops are run with volunteer support
meaning the money raised through sales
goes to support the helicopter. Working as
part of a friendly team, volunteers serve
customers, price stock and dress the
windows. No experience is necessary. The
charity asks that volunteers try to commit
to a minimum of one 3-hour shift a week.
Volunteering lets you meet new people,
can increase confidence, allow you to gain
work experience and gives something
back to the community. More details from
0115 941 2255 or email a.dickinson@
ambucopter.org.uk. Alternatively, visit the
shop and speak to one of the volunteers.
Rushcliffe Borough Council
Civic Centre
Pavilion Road
West Bridgford
Nottingham
NG2 5FE
Rushcliffe Community Contact Centre
Rectory Road
West Bridgford
Nottingham
NG2 6BN
T 0115 981 9911
F 0115 945 5882
[email protected]
Wwww.rushcliffe.gov.uk
By telelephone
Mon to Fri 8am to 6pm
In person
Mon to Fri 8am to 6pm
Sat 9am to 1pm
twitter.com/rushcliffe
www.facebook.com/rushcliffe
Rushcliffe Reports
is the newsletter
of Rushcliffe Borough Council.
It is distributed to every
home in the Borough.
Printed by AR Signs
www.pinterest.com/rushcliffe