Monday 9, July 2012
Welcome ...
Welcome to this my 125th news bulletin.
On the back of the successful Jobs Fair I held at the Crewe Alex football ground in May, that helped a significant number of local people find work, training and volunteering opportunities, I wanted to make sure all was continuing to be done in the Crewe & Nantwich area to get young people in particular into employment and training. That's why in the last week I have visited both the local Crewe Job Centre, to discuss the recently Government launched Youth Contract, as well as met staff and jobseekers at Cheshire Training Associates, a provider of the new Work Programme. I was encouraged by what I found.
In the last year over 1,000 local people have found jobs through the Work Programme in our area, assisted by the better targeted and more personalised support that the programme offers. This was reflected in the positive response frim the young jobseekers I met, who told me about the extensive and valued help they were receiving. So far nearly 100,000 people have been placed in jobs through the Work Programme, and early evidence suggests that the durability of each job is better than with past programmes such as the New Deal.
The Youth Contract, launched in April this year, commits an initial £1 billion to getting young people aged between 16 and 24 a job, apprenticeship or work experience placement. The difference between this and previous initiatives is that the Youth Contract gives local Job Centres the flexibility and freedom to design their approach at a local level, rather than through a top down rigid structure, ensuring that it has real impact and identity in Crewe & Nantwich. It was clear from my visit to the Job Centre in Crewe that a lot of thought is going in to how they can engage with local businesses in helping provide young people with jobs, skills and training opportunities.
Its a tough job market out there, but we should all be determined and relentless in our efforts to improve the lives of every young person living in Crewe & Nantwich by helping them earn and learn.
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Best wishes,
Edward Timpson
Member of Parliament for Crewe & Nantwich
I have recently...
- Visited Cheshire Training Associates in Crewe to see how they are helping people to get back into work
- Met with the Chair of the Youth Justice Board
- Visited St Mary’s Primary School on Dane Bank Avenue in recognition on their being awarded a “Governor Mark” and to talk to staff and pupils about life as an MP
- Called for a debate in Parliament on helping to protect local famers from supermarkets pushing down the value of their products. Read more here
- Attended the British Airline Pilots Association lobby of Parliament to hear about their Wake Up Westminster campaign at the request of a constituent
- Supported the Forces Community Military Covenant at the Royal British Legion's event in Parliament
- Discussed family policy with new think tank the Centre for the Modern Family
- Met with one of my constituents at the Cancer Research UK Parliametary lobby
- Helped raise awareness of the British Gas Share the Warmth campaign to help insulate vulnerable households
- Dropped into a briefing for MPs North-West on the Big Lottery Fund
- Asked a question in Parliament about cutting regulation in the farming industry. Read more here
- Backed the Arthritis Research UK ‘keep moving’ campaign
- Helped to launch this year's Summer Reading Challenge for which I will be presenting prizes at Nantwich Library in September
- Participated in the Parliamentary debate on reforming the UK adoption system. Read more here
Westminster Report
Read my most recent Westminster Report
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Photos & Video ...
Edward with Residents of Primrose House at the Sensory Garden Opening
You can still donate to this year's charity, Climb, click here
You can view all my photos and video at edwardtimpsonmp.com
Community News
One in Eleven Appeal
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust launched their 'One in Eleven' appeal to raise funds for a new neonatal unit at Leighton Hospital, Crewe.
Patrons of the appeal include Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs & Edward Timpson MP.
To find out more click here. To donate click here.
Do you have community news to share? Email me and it could be here too!
Hundreds turn out for Wybunbury Pie Wakes despite the rain
Nantwich News
Hundreds of people braved the rain to attend an historic annual event in a Nantwich village – the Wybunbury Pie Wakes.
Nantwichnews writer Claire Faulkner joined the throngs, and took part in a tradition which dates back 200 years.
“Like most people in the area, I’ve heard of the Wybunbury Pie Wakes, but never actually attended before. This year I decided to give it a go.
My pie had been baked following the strict competition recipe, and I headed out in the rain to join 199 other people who had entered the spirit of the event.
The tradition of the Fig Pie Wakes dates back 200 years and this popular family event is now used to raise funds to assist in the upkeep of Wybunbury Tower.
As barriers were put up and the road was closed, people of all ages started to gather on the bank to get the best possible view.
When I bought my entry and ingredients a few weeks ago at the Village Post Office I also asked for some pie making tips and advice.
I was told that the pie had to be round and contain figs and apple. Winning pies may be weighed and cut open after the competition to ensure that no cheating had taken place. The winner is the person whose pie goes the furthest and remains intact the most.
There are three categories in the competition, the under 10s, 10 – 16s, and over 16s.
Edward Timpson, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, rolled the first pie to officially start the competition.
As the crowd cheered each person on I watched from the side, trying to work out the best way to role a pie.
I was ushered to the front and then it was my turn. The atmosphere was full of fun and support - it felt like every eye in the village was on me!
It wasn’t so much of a roll, like the other competitors. It was more like a bounce and then complete pie disintegration.
I think I managed about 15 metres, which doesn’t sound too bad, but when the winners are announced my effort looks poor in comparison.
The winner of the Under 10s was Harry Leonard, whose pie rolled an amazing 104.1m.
In the category of 10 -16 years old the winner was Joe Wright with 100.7m. The over 16 category was won by Megan Bayley with 91.3m.
Well organised and with a great atmosphere, I would recommend anyone to take part next year.
The Wybunbury Fig Pie Wakes is a great family event with everyone of all ages taking part and the entire village having fun.
With a bit more practice and a few more cookery lessons, I think I’ll be ready next year!”
Elderly residents devastated after decision is taken to bulldoze their Crewe homes
Crewe Chronicle
DISTRAUGHT elderly residents say they have been devastated by Wulvern Housing’s decision to press ahead with plans to bulldoze their homes.
The social housing provider informed residents at Linden Court in Crewe last week they had no alternative but to close the sheltered complex and replace it with family houses.
Wulvern says it has explored all options to try and keep Linden Court open but it cannot afford the necessary improvements.
Partnerships director Rob Allen has promised that all residents, who range from their 60s to 90s, will be found suitable accommodation and will not be hurried out of their homes.
Brian and Win Lewis, who contacted the Chronicle two months ago when Wulvern first announced plans to close the complex, say they are gutted by the decision.
“It’s so sad we’ve got to go – and where we’re going to go we still don’t know yet,” said 74-year-old Win.
“All the residents are upset, especially at our time of life. We don’t know anything about the facts and figures they threw at us at the meeting, we haven’t got a clue. All we know is we’ve got to go. This has made some people ill.”
Win and husband Brian, 76, only moved into Linden Court 16 months ago.
“We would not have chosen Linden Court if we knew this was going to happen,” said Win.
She added the worst part about having to leave Linden was the break-up of the ‘family community’.
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson handed over a petition signed by hundreds of Crewe residents to Mr Allen.
“The work doesn’t stop here,” said Mr Timpson. “The priority has to continue to be the welfare and long term interests of each individual resident. I’ll continue to work closely with Wulvern, the residents, the council and all other interested parties to make sure the best possible outcome is reached for every resident.”
Wulvern has come under fire for the way it has handled the pending closure. The housing company was even mentioned in the House of Commons with Communities Secretary Eric Pickles saying elderly people should be treated with ‘enormous dignity’.
This week Wulvern director Rob Allen said it had been a difficult and complex issue including factors such as an ageing building, a sense of community and planning issues, and ‘if there was an easy solution to all this then Wulvern would have taken it’.
He added: “We thank all parties including the Chronicle, Edward Timpson MP and elected members for campaigning on behalf of the residents at Linden.”
Mr Allen said an ageing society poses one of the greatest housing challenges as most homes and communities have not been designed to meet peoples changing needs as they get older.
“Wulvern has listened,” he said. “We have fulfilled our promises to pause for reflection and consultation in order to explore further options.
“We understand how stressful moving home can be. Residents will be treated with dignity and respect; they will be offered a full package of support including financial compensation, for those tenants who have to relocate to another suitable Wulvern property.”
Nantwich town square hosts Jubilee beacon celebration
Nantwich News
Hundreds of Nantwich children, teachers and parents crammed into the town square to mark the start of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
They danced and sang to music, listened to speeches by dignitaries and watched as a special floral beacon was lit up.
Despite the damp conditions, the event was well attended and organisers hailed it a triumph for everyone involved.
Nantwich Mayor Cllr Graham Fenton, MP Edward Timpson and the Queen’s Cheshire representative Lord Lieutenant David Briggs were among those attending.
Children from eight primary schools in the town – including Weaver Primary, Stapeley Broad Lane, Pear Tree, Wyche, Highfields, Millfields, and St Anne’s – danced and waved Union Jack flags to brighten up the occasion.
And the only two “Elizabeths” among the children – Libby and Betty, pupils of Pear Tree - were chosen to help light the beacon.
Doug Butterill, of Nantwich in Bloom, and his wife Penny, a Nantwich Town councillor, were instrumental in organising the event.
Cllr Fenton said: “It’s fantastic to see. There’s been a real buzz in the town with the music and the children, a great atmosphere. There’s a real sense of the community coming together. I congratulate Doug and Penny for their hard work on this.”
Mr Timpson added: “It’s great to see children from seven or eight schools make the effort and joining in, creating a real buzz.
“I know having been to some of the schools in the last few months that they are really embracing the whole Jubilee event.
“It engenders a sense of togetherness, bringing the town together.
“On the back of the Olympic Torch, Crewe Alex winning at Wembley, Nantwich Town winning the Cheshire Cup, it’s a real filip for the region.”
Lord Lieutenant David Briggs said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people enjoying themselves and the enthusiasm there is for the Jubilee celebrations throughout the county.
“It has been quite extraordinary, and really shows the affection in which the Queen is held.”
Music at the event was provided by members of The Cat community radio station.
Nantwich in Bloom to unveil floral tribute for Queen’s Jubilee
Nantwich News
Nantwich in Bloom is to unveil a unique Flaming Floral Beacon as part of the town’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
The floral tribute will be placed in the bed behind the Cenotaph in Nantwich town square, said Nantwich in Bloom coordinator Doug Butterill.
The town starts the jubilee celebrations on Thursday May 31 at 10.30am when around 600 school children will come to see the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs light the Beacon for the first time.
He will be joined by the town’s MP Edward Timpson and new Town Mayor Cllr Graham Fenton.
The children, to be dressed in red,white and blue are coming from primary schools in and around Nantwich.
They will be waving their union flags, singing and dancing and set the spirit for the celebrations to come over the weekend.
On Sunday June 3, the town square will be hosting entertainment all afternoon after the morning parade to St Mary’s Church from the Civic Hall (10.30am) and the church service (10.45)am)
There will be lunch on the lawns in the square, punch and judy, face painting and balloon wyzzard. Live music will be provided by The Cat radio.
Both the Nantwich Young Voices and X Academy will perform live, there will be “Merrie Noyse” live Elizabethan music by Nantwich Museum, a rock ‘n roll fancy dress competition, shop dress competition and more.
All the fun starts at 1pm and is expected to run until about 5pm.
Following this the town Mayor will again light the beacon on Monday June 4 at 10.26amas agreed with the Queen’s Pageant Master in line with other beacons being lit up and down the country.
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
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