Crewe News: Welcome to this, my 172nd news bulletin...

Welcome to this, my 172nd news bulletin...
As you're reading this, no doubt you're getting your last minute preparations done for your own busy Christmas with family and friends.
I've been doing the same, and have also been witnessing first hand the amazingly generous spirit of some of our local people.

(Photo: Nantwich 'Santa Dash' 2016 - courtesy of Jonathan White)
Take Gateway Peugeot, in Crewe, for instance, where Alex, Keith and the team have been collecting toys for the needy children of Project Crewe. Or community champion, Graham Witter, who staged the annual Christmas lights show and raffle in Weston to support The Donna Louise Children's Hospice. Or, indeed, local groups and organisations such as YMCA Crewe, the Lighthouse Centre, Nantwich Foodbank, and All Together Churches, that have been active in reaching out to those in need.

(Photo: Edward Timpson MP meets Alex, Keith and the team at Gateway Peugeot, Crewe)
Our schools and community groups have also joined in the spirit of things, with Nantwich Primary Academy and Monks Coppenhall pupils, for example, singing carols and hosting Christmas fairs; Crewe Alexandra Ladies FC offering a gift wrapping service to shoppers at The Market; and dozens of local parents and children signing-up and taking part in the annual 'Santa Dash', in Nantwich - with the proceeds from all events going to charity.

(Photo: Edward Timpson MP sings carols with Nantwich Primary Academy pupils in Nantwich town square)
I have been fortunate enough to meet, thank some of the organisers, and join in with many of these great events. However, it is important to note they represent just a small selection of what will have been the many examples of local people, businesses, charities, churches, schools and others reaching out to help those in need.
The lasting thought I have from them all is: if we all took it upon ourselves this Christmas to perform one small act of kindness to another less fortunate than ourselves, we can show that we are all part of a very proud, strong, and compassionate community, at a time of year that should be about caring more than anything else.
So, if you have any inspirational stories, or want to highlight the good work of a local group or person over this festive period —or, at any other time— do drop me a line. I'd be delighted to hear all about them and let others know too.
Wishing you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

Edward Timpson MP
Member of Parliament for Crewe and Nantwich
Please remember, you can always contact me directly if you have any questions, or if there is anything I can do to assist you.

Cheshire East's 'Winter Neighbours' iniative

Winter weather can be fun for some, but sadly more people are at risk of illness and death during winter than at any other time of the year and may need extra help from us all. As the weather turns colder, please do spare a thought for your neighbours - they may not be willing to ask, but some may need your help, especially if they are elderly, disabled or have a chronic illness.

Cheshire East's 'Stay Warm', 'Stay Well' and 'Stay Safe' pages offer valuable information and advice this winter, and here are a few tips from their 'Winter Neighbour' initiative:

Check on elderly neighbours or relatives to make sure they are safe and well. A phone call or a knock at the door can make all the difference and can brighten their day - some people find being housebound very lonely.
Make sure they have enough food and medicines to prevent them having to go out in very cold or icy weather.
Give your telephone number to elderly neighbours so they can contact you for help if they are unwell or had a fall.
Is their house warm enough? Living rooms should be heated to 21°C and bedrooms to 18°C. Contact the Care & Repair team for information about emergency heating and repairs.
Keep drives and footpaths clear of snow and ice for your neighbours. Advice is available from Cheshire East Highways about clearing snow and ice.
Concerned about someone you think is sleeping rough in your community? Let the Housing Options team know on 0300 123 5017.

Be on the lookout, too, for signs that something might be wrong, such as:

Milk still out on the doorstep late in the day
Newspapers and post stuck in the letterbox
Curtains drawn during the day
Lights on during the day
A home in darkness when there should be someone at home
A dog barking all day or the cat scratching to be let in
Bins not put out on collection days

You can find more information about CE's initiative here.

Recently, I...

Marked #SmallBusinessSaturday with Etsy South Cheshire traders at Reaseheath College's 'Christmas Market'.
Visited Royal Mail's Crewe Delivery Office to speak with postmen and women and thank them for their hard work.
Sang carols with Nantwich Primary Academy pupils in Nantwich town square.
Joined food bank volunteers at their 'Neighbourhood Food Collection' event at Tesco, Crewe.
Was quized by Pear Tree Primary School pupils on their visit to the Houses of Parliament.
Presented certificates to my Christmas card competition winners, Westminster Nursery School.
Attended and supported Gateway Peugeot Crewe's annual NSPCC toy appeal.
Received a tour of the Crewe based, family-run haulage business, Chamberlain Transport.
Celebrated the achievements of St Thomas More Catholic High School pupils at their annual awards evening.
Met with Cheshire East care leavers to discuss the 'cost of being care-free'.
Held my regular advice surgeries in Crewe and in Nantwich.

Christmas card competition 2016

Very many thanks to all who entered my Christmas card competition this year, and special congratulations to the winners: Westminster Nursery School!

Cheshire Without Abuse

Grants available for businesses in Crewe and Nantwich

Travel Cheshire have asked me to spread the word about a number of grants available for local businesses to promote walking, cycling and public transport use.
These grants, which come from the Department of Transport’s Sustainable Travel Transition Year (STTY) initiative, aim to help businesses in Crewe and Nantwich ease pressure on workplace car parks and cut congestion, and could be used on a range of facilities or initiatives - such as installing secure bike shelters, lockers or showers, or subsidising bus travel for employees.

For more information, and for details of how to apply, visit the Travel Cheshire website at http://www.travelcheshire.co.uk/news/business_travel_grants/ or e-mail
ltp@cheshireeast.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 19 January 2017.

HS2 Information Event - Crewe, 5 January 2017

As part of the Government's consultations, High Speed Two Limited (HS2 Ltd) will be holding an information event at Crewe Alexandra Football Club's Carlsberg Lounge on Thursday 5th January, between 12pm-8pm.
To find out more details on the proposed route changes, property compensation, and assistance schemes, see www.gov.uk/hs2.

Crewe Community Network - January 2017 meet dates
Crewe Life:
Crewe Community Network is a new social group for active organisations and businesses in the local area that want to develop activities and services, connect to new partners, and stay ahead of the funding game - and, collectively, work towards creating a stronger Crewe.

Meeting dates, at Crewe Lifestyle Centre, are: 11 January and 25 January, between 10am-12pm & 5pm-7pm.

Vulnerable young people deserve more support - Edward Timpson MP for The Times 'Red Box'
The Times:
For most children, their family, friends and communities provide the network they need to grow up safe, happy and supported. However, I know from growing up in a family who fostered that for our most vulnerable children who are entrusted to the state’s care extra support and guidance is needed so they can benefit from what others take for granted

Volunteers help spruce up historic Monks Lane in Nantwich

Nantwich News:
Big-hearted volunteers from Nantwich Civic Society and Rotary Club recently joined forces to spruce up one of the town's most historic routes, Monks Lane.

Their efforts were in celebration of the relaying of the surface and drainage to Monks Lane by Cheshire East Council, and included the cleaning and repainting of bollards and lamp posts on the route.