Welcome ...
Welcome to this my 58th electronic news bulletin.
Its been another busy week in Parliament & the constituency, with the 2010 Nantwich Show attracting record numbers to our fantastic corner of the world.
Remember, you can always contact me directly if you have any questions for me.
You can forward the bulletin on to your friends and family, who can sign up themselves by clicking here for my website.
Best wishes,
Edward Timpson
Member of Parliament for Crewe & Nantwich
I have recently ...
- Visited the Nantwich Show, with my wife, meeting with stall owners, local residents & many visitors
- Given an interview to BBC Radio Stoke, at the Nantwich Show
- Visited Crewe & Nantwich Girls' FC, playing in Nantwich against CASL from the United States of America
- Met with Cheshire East Council regarding developement of South Cheshire College, in Crewe
- Held a Constituency Surgery in Crewe
- Spoke in the summer recess debate in Parliament; on topics from competitive sport & children in custody to radio digital switchover. view here
- Met with Chief Executive of Cheshire & Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation, in Crewe
- Met with Cheshire Neighbours Credit Union, in Crewe
- Visited 95 Squadron Air Training Corps, in Crewe
Photos & Video ...
You can view all my photos and video at edwardtimpsonmp.com
Crewe and Nantwich MP visits foster care team
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson visited the offices of Park Foster Care to meet the team and find out more about the organisation.
Mr Timpson grew up in a family which fostered more than 80 children and since becoming a Conservative MP has been active in promoting fostering issues in parliament. He is also the chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Adoption and Fostering.
Park Foster Care, based in Alvaston Business Park, is an OFSTED registered fostering agency set up in 2004. It aims to provide the best opportunities for children and young people to experience stability, security and a positive experience of family life and help foster carers fulfil their potential to become excellent carers.
Speaking after the meeting Mike Miltiadous, of Park Foster Care said: “We had a useful discussion about fostering and he was very interested in hearing about our practice experiences. ŠWe will watch with interest how the new coalition government will work with and support all fostering providers.”
Mr Timpson said:Š“ For a long time now I have had both a personal and national interest in fostering so it’s great to see what people are doing on the ground here in Crewe and Nantwich.”
© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
Nantwich Museum opens exhibition of town's famous faces
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
Nantwich Museum opens exhibition of town’s famous faces
AN EXHIBITION detailing the lives and work of Nantwich people has been opened at Nantwich Museum.
MP Edward Timpson officially opened the new exhibition, titled Nantwich People: Past and Present, at the Pillory Street museum last week.
It features the fascinating stories of more than 50 local people, illustrated with their portraits and, where appropriate, an object associated with them.
Nantwich Museum Trust Ltd chairman Robert Stones introduced Mr Timpson, who said the museum was ‘a wonderful facility’.
He added: “I’ve learned many things, not only about the individuals and personalities of Nantwich but also some of its history.”
One of the people featured in the exhibition is Paul Adlington, a member of staff at the Nantwich branch of Timpson’s, and who is illustrated by a Maggie Izzard portrait.
Fifteen of the local artist’s portraits are on display.
The exhibition also includes a short video and a file with detailed stories of the people who have been featured, a ‘Who Am I?’ quiz and an opportunity to submit ‘My Portrait’ and ‘My Story’.
The exhibition is free, and will run until October 16.
© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
MP on litter warpath
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
Crewe and Nantwich M Edward Timpson was in action again in the House of Commons last week.
Speaking to the Leader of the house, Sir George Young, Mr Timpson highlighted the problem of littering and the fact that it cost the country over £850m a year, including a shocking increase of over £100m in the last year alone.
Sir George agreed it needed tackling, saying “I hope all citizens will take their responsibilities seriously and avoid putting extra pressure on local authorities by increasing the sums they have to spend on clearing up litter.”
Mar Timpson raised the issue because many residents had expressed concern about the amount off litter on the streets.
“Littering may seem a trivial matter, but it’s something that affects people every day,” he said.
“Nothing infuriates me more than to see someone drop litter needlessly, whether it is on the street, in a park or out of a car window. There is no excuse.”
© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
Cycling event wheely good
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
Crewe Library has set the wheels in motion with a special cycling event.
In a weekend of cycling awareness, author and cycling enthusiast Chris Smith spoke about his epic ride to Beijing.
Ghostriders also provided a number of BMX bikes for people to try out, while there were also interactive bikes and various unusual bikes loaned by Supreme Cycles, including two penny farthings.
Mayor of Crewe, Jacquie Weatherill, Cllr Roy Cartlidge and MP Edward Timpson were keen promoters of the event.
Mr Timpson is a regular bike user and places great value on encouraging responsible cycling from an early age, recalling the popular ‘cycling proficiency’ courses from his school days, the equivalent of which today is Bike It and Bikeability.
To conclude the cycle celebration, Cllr Cartlidge presented Amy Lewis with her Supreme Cycles prize bike for her winning entry in the colouring and caption competition.
Amy said: “I am so very excited and grateful to everyone who judged my picture to be the best.
“Thank you very much for my wonderful surprise.”
© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
Pledge on children
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
Crewe and Nantwich Mp, Edward Timpson, recounted his childhood experiences at a meeting for looked-after children.
The MP chaired the first meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Looked After Children and Care Leavers since the election.
He talked of his parents fostering ove 80 children and said the group aimed to influence the Government to make sure that children get “the best opportunity, whatever their start in life.”
Mr Timpson said: “I’m determined that this group will be driven by the children in our care system and by those that have left but want the experience of those that follow to be better.
“I’m writing to all MPs to encourage them to contact their own constituents who have experience of the care system so they can learn first-hand what great work is done for children in care as well as where we must make more progress and improvements.”
Minister for Children from the Department for education Tim Loughton will attend the next meeting after the summer recess.
© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
Nantwich MP Timpson continues fight over local postal jobs
Nantwichnews
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson is keeping up the pressure to ensure workers at the local postal sorting office get a fair hearing.
The centre, on Weston Road, is due to close with services moved to Warrington, and some of the 600 workers are being bussed there already.
Mr Timpson, raising the matter during business questions in the House of Commons, said: “May we find time for a debate on the distribution of Royal Mail jobs, particularly when we have a melée of a debate about privatisation, so that the 600 workers for Crewe’s second largest employer get the attention that they deserve?”
The Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) has fought a long campaign to keep at least some jobs in Crewe.
Mr Timpson’s office secured a short-notice meeting with the Lib Dem Special Advisor at the Department of Business.
He added: “They have promised to go away and look again more closely at which of the two significant buildings is sold at the request of myself and the CWU.
“Let’s wait and see what they come back with.”
© 2010 Nantwichnews
Local MP concerned about littering
Crewe Blog
Local MP Edward Timpson was criticised in his first couple of years for not asking many questions in "The House" down in London Town. Not necessary true, but he's certainly been making himself heard in recent weeks. Speaking to the Leader of the House, Sir George Young, Mr Timpson highlighted the problem of littering and the fact that it cost the country over £850 million a year, including a shocking increase of over £100 million in the last year alone. Sir George agreed that even small efforts could help during tough economic times. He said: "I hope that all citizens will take their responsibilities seriously and avoid putting extra pressure on local authorities by increasing the sums that they have to spend on clearing up litter."
Mr Timpson said he had raised the issue because of feedback he had received from a recent leaflet. Many Crewe and Nantwich residents had expressed concerns about the amount of litter on the streets. He said: "Littering may seem a trivial matter, but it's something that affects people every day. Councils spend hundreds of millions keeping the streets clean, but if we all were a bit more thoughtful I'm sure we could reduce that burden. Nothing infuriates me more than to see someone drop litter needlessly, whether it is on the street, in a park or out of a car window. There is no excuse."
© 2010 Crewe Blog
Edward Timpson raises Crewe sorting office move in the House of Commons
Crewe Blog
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson is keeping up the political pressure to make sure workers at Crewe sorting office get a fair hearing. Mr Timpson raised the matter again during business questions in the House of Commons last week when he said: “So that areas already hard hit by the Labour party's broken promises on moving public sector jobs to the north do not suffer any more, may we find time for a debate on the distribution of Royal Mail jobs, particularly when we have a melée of a debate about privatisation, so that the 600 workers for Crewe's second largest employer get the attention that they deserve?”
The centre on Weston Road is due to close, with services moved to Warrington, and some workers are being bussed there already. But the Communication Workers’ Union, alongside Mr Timpson, have fought a long campaign to keep at least some jobs in Crewe. In response to Mr Timpson’s question the Leader of the House of Commons paid tribute the MP’s work saying: “I commend my hon. Friend's actions to protect local jobs and I have read his comment on ConservativeHome, which records his concern about the Crewe sorting office.”
Last Friday Mr Timpson’s office managed to secure a short-notice meeting with the Lid Dem Special Advisor at the Department of Business after Edward spoke to Vince Cable in person. Speaking afterwards Mr Timpson said: "They have promised to go away and look again more closely aat which of the two significant buildings is sold at the request of myself and the CWU. Let's wait and see what they come back with."
© 2010 Crewe Blog
MP supporting Royal British Legion
Crewe Blog
Local Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has continued his strong support for the Royal British Legion by attending the launch of the new Independent Inquest Advice (IIA) Service. The IIA, which is part funded by the Ministry of Defence, aims to provide high quality, timely and independent advice to bereaved families during the investigation into in-Service deaths. Two full-time lawyers, will guide families through the "complex and harrowing" investigation that follows a military death. The scheme was formed after consultation with bereaved families and the War Widows’ Association, and will now be trialed for two years.
Mr Timpson said he knew the grief and uncertainty that families faced and that he wanted to attend to learn how the new service could be of use to his constituents. This sentiment was echoed by Diana Barnes, widow of Corporal Jason Barnes, who died in Afghanistan in 2008, who said: "Military inquests are so complex, you don't really know what to expect. There's a lot of waiting around and not knowing.”
The MP joined members of bereaved families and senior service personnel at the launch in London last week. Chris Simpkins, director general of the Royal British Legion, said he wanted the scheme to help "bereaved armed forces families to understand, and feel better equipped to deal with, the whole investigation into their loved ones' deaths."
Speaking after the launch Mr Timpson said: “The whole country owes so much to our service men and women. But we must remember that every time a soldier dies in Iraq or Afghanistan that they leave behind a family who will spend years trying to come to terms with the loss. As an ex-barrister I know just how complicated the law can be, and I hope this scheme can help families understand and help them through the process.”
© 2010 Crewe Blog
Looked after children must get 'best opportunity'
ePolitix
Parliamentary researcher Gemma Anslow reports from the parliamentary group for Care Leavers and Looked After Children.
Former member of the children, schools and families committee, Edward Timpson (Con, Crewe and Nantwich) chaired the first meeting of the parliamentary group for Care Leavers and Looked After Children of the new Parliament.
In its only meeting before the summer recess, the group gathered to discuss strategy for the coming months. Deciding its "message to government", Timpson underlined that the sole purpose of the group must be to make sure that children have the "best opportunity, whatever their start in life".
In a wide ranging debate, former family lawyer Timpson said that he wanted to focus on mental health provision for those in care and how the pupil premium may affect looked after children.
He also said that the group must focus on the promotion and retention of social workers. Vice chairman the Earl of Listowel agreed, proposing that the group should study the very successful Teach First strategy, with the aim of expanding it to social work, youth work and residential social care.
Another major area of potential discussion was the educational attainment of children who have been looked after. The current target for such children to gain just one GSCE was described as "risible". The group agreed to look at areas of good practice in the community such as the Horizons Centre in Ealing, where the number of care leavers who have progressed to university has risen dramatically.
The overwhelming message from the attendees was that the group must be "proactive rather than reactive", spreading a positive message across government, not simply debating the failures of the care system. It was decided that one of the major aims will be to provide the government with an evidence base of good examples of best practice within the sector.
The Crewe MP closed the meeting by promising that children and young families minister Tim Loughton would be answering questions at the next meeting.
Timpson also pledged to get more MPs to visit residential and foster homes within their constituencies, "that is a much more powerful message than receiving a booklet".
© Dods Ltd 2010
Flower Power
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
A three-day flower festival in Barthomley came up smelling of roses when it attracted more than 1,500 visitors.
Portrait of a Village, held at St. Bertoline’s Church, was a celebration of village life and featured several magnificent floral displays.
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson opened proceedings on Friday, and was joined by Cheshire East Mayor Gordon Baxendale and his wife Felicity.
The festival was held as part of a major fundraising drive to implement significant restoration works to the 900-year-old church.
A spokesman said: “It went very well, we had three very successful days.
“People came from all over the place and I remember looking at the visitors book and seeing someone had come from as far as Gloucestershire.
“The idea was to celebrate the completion of the windows on the south side but also start the fundraising for the windows on the north side, which will be carried out next year.”
Along with the colourful displays there will be homemade refreshments available in the adjoining Village Hall and organ recitals will take place throughout the festival.
There will also be a local art exhibition, tombola, maypole dancing and a children’s quiz.
The spokesman added: “We don’t know how much was raised. We’ve got a rough idea of door money and cash raised from the tombola but there’s things like flower costs to take out.
“It may be a week or so before we know the total.”
© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
Crewe and Nantwich baking firm creates new jobs
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson was a special guest at New Primebake’s site at Crewe Hall Enterprise Park.
The bread-making firm, which employs people in Crewe and Nantwich, had recently announced that it was expanding its operation in the area, creating some 50 new jobs.
It already employs 250 people in Nantwich and 150 in Crewe and has a factory in Barton, North Lincolnshire.
Mr Timpson said: “I’m delighted New Primebake is going from strength to strength and hope others in industry will, increasingly, sit up and take notice of what we have to offer them here in our part of Cheshire.”
© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
Crewe life expectancy over 20 years lower than in parts of Knutsford - report reveals
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
LIFE expectancy for men in some areas of South Cheshire is over 20 years less than for those living in affluent parts of Knutsford.
A report released by Cheshire East Council and Central and Eastern Cheshire PCT has revealed that life expectancy for men in the Grosvenor ward in Crewe is just 60.4 years.
In parts of Knutsford men can expect to live to 81.
The report states: ‘Ward level estimates of healthy life expectancy at birth reveal huge inequalities across Cheshire East’.
It concludes ‘there is a clear link between a high healthy life expectancy and low deprivation’.
The matter has been highlighted in the House of Commons by Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson.
The Conservative MP told the House: “There are wards in Crewe and Nantwich where the life expectancy of men and women is still up to 10 years less than in neighbouring wards.”
He asked for a debate on the issue.
Sir George Young, leader of the House, thanked Mr Timpson for highlighting the ‘very wide discrepancies in life expectancy according to where people live and their socio-economic background, and which this Government want to reduce’.
He promised to raise the issue with the Secretary of State for Health.
Speaking afterwards Mr Timpson said:Š“The men and women working in our health service do a great job. But there’s little they can do when deprivation and poverty in one area means that people are living 20 years less than others just down the road.
“These inequalities are something we need to sort out.”
© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
Crewe and Nantwich MP adds a new string to his bow
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has paid a visit to a local archery club to have a look around and practice his shooting skills.
The Greenbank Company of Archers, who shoot in a field near Sandbach, were formed in 1985 and have members with a wide range of abilities, from complete beginners to regional competitors.
Mr Timpson visited during one of the club’s regular courses for beginners, which include all equipment and insurance.
Members of the club showed him round the site before revealing they had set a bow up for him to try it out himself on the main range.
The politician proved he has more than one string to his bow! “He shoots quite well actually!” remarked one member.
Speaking after the visit Mr Timpson said: “I’ve had a fantastic time here today, and I don’t think I did too badly with the bow.
“I don’t expect many people know that Crewe and Nantwich has its own archery club, so if you want to try your hand at something new, and meet new people why not go along?”
For more information about the club visit www.greenbankarchers.co.uk.
© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
MP Edward Timpson Highlights Gulf In Life Expectancy
Crewe and Nantwich Guardian
LOCAL MP Edward Timpson has highlighted the discrepancies in life expectancy across South Cheshire.
Speaking in the House of Commons, he said: “There are wards in Crewe and Nantwich where the life expectancy of men and women is still up to 10 years less than in neighbouring wards.”
A recent report, published by Cheshire East Council and the Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust, found that life expectancy for men in the Grosvenor ward in Crewe was 60.4 years, in contrast to parts of Knutsford where men can expect to live to 81.
The report said: “Ward level estimates of healthy life expectancy at birth reveal huge inequalities across Cheshire East.
“There is a clear link between a high healthy life expectancy and low deprivation.”
In response to Mr Timpson’s question, the leader of the House of Commons, Sir George Young, said: “My honorable friend has brought to the attention of the House a very important issue, namely the very wide discrepancies in life expectancy according to where people live and their socio-economic background, and which this Government want to reduce.”
He also promised to raise the issue with the Secretary of State for Health.
Speaking afterwards Mr Timpson said: “The men and women working in our health service do a great job.
“But there’s little they can do when deprivation and poverty in one area means that people are living 20 years less than others just down the road.
“These inequalities are something we need to sort out.”
© 2010 Newsquest Media Group
Primebake jobs boost
Crewe Blog
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson was a special guest at New Primebake’s site at Crewe Hall Enterprise Park. The bread-making firm, which employs people in both Crewe and Nantwich, had recently announced that it was expanding its operation in the area, creating some 50 new jobs. It already employs 250 people in Nantwich and 150 in Crewe and has a factory in Barton, North Lincolnshire. Two years ago the business opened a new premises in Crewe, but found that even that was not enough to deal with demand, so has committed to creating 50 new locally sourced jobs.
Mr Timpson said: “I’m delighted New Primebake is going from strength to strength and hope that others in industry will, increasingly, sit up and take notice of what we have to offer them here in our part of Cheshire.”
© 2010 Crewe Blog
5 ways to contact Edward Timpson
- By email: timpsone@parliament.uk
- On the web: edwardtimpsonmp.com
- By phone: 01270 501 725
- By post: 30 Victoria Street, Crewe CW1 2JE
- In person: Click here to see surgery times
No comments:
Post a Comment