An evening with Françoise Malby-Anthony

Jonathan White, Wistaston

An evening with Françoise Malby-Anthony talking about her new book, ‘An Elephant in My Kitchen: What the herd taught me about love, courage and survival’ took place on Tuesday 24th July 2018.

There was a welcome drink and refreshments at the Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge, followed by the talk to a capacity audience at Nantwich Methodist Church on Hospital Street. The ticket price also included a copy of the book.

‘An Elephant in My Kitchen: What the herd taught me about love, courage and survival’ tells the moving story of Françoise’s fight to protect a herd of elephants in South Africa.

Françoise Malby-Anthony was born in the South of France, brought up in Paris and has lived in South Africa since 1987. She founded the Thula Thula game reserve in 1998 with her late husband, the renowned conservationist and bestselling author Lawrence Anthony. When Lawrence died in 2012, Françoise took over the running of the reserve and is equally passionate about conservation. She was the driving force behind setting up a wildlife rehabilitation centre at the reserve to care for orphaned animals.

‘An Elephant in My Kitchen: What the herd taught me about love, courage and survival’ is available for sale at the Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge.

Denise Lawson from the Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge said, "It was a real pleasure meeting Françoise who is truly passionate about wildlife and conservation. Thank you to Andy from publisher Pan Macmillan who brought her to us as well as her lovely publicist Katie James. A huge thank you to all our lovely customers who never fail to support our bookshop.”

The next event at the Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge is An evening experiencing the joy of Rum with Ian Buxton, the author of ‘101 Rums To Try Before You Die’ on Friday 31st August 2018 (7pm). Tickets = £25 (includes Rum Tasting, Food and a copy of 101 Rums).

The Nantwich Show

Reporter J White

The Nantwich Show - http://nantwichshow.co.uk/ - took place at The Showground in Nantwich on Wednesday 25th July 2018.

On a 45 acre site the UK’s largest one day show contained over 450 trade stands; displays of cattle, horses, sheep, poultry, pigeons and dogs; ring displays and demonstrations; vintage cars, tractors, commercials and machinery; live music; a motorcycle stunt show and an afternoon parade in the Main Ring; plus there was public catering, licenced bars and children’s entertainment.

The event also included the International Cheese Awards – the largest cheese show in the world - showcasing over 5,500 entries of every type of cheese, with something to suit everyone’s taste. Celebrity chefs James Martin, Jonathan Harrison, Will Holland and Sean Wilson gave live cookery demonstrations throughout the day. Judging for the International Cheese Awards took place the day before the show and Belton Farm from Whitchurch, Shropshire were named Supreme Champion for their Coloured Cheshire.

The event took place in hot and dry weather and was enjoyed by several thousand people.

A fund-raising charity event

Reporter J white

A fund-raising charity event took place at the home of Margaret and Tony Woods at Minshull Hill Cottage in Minshull Vernon on the afternoon of Sunday 15th July 2018. There were stalls including a tombola, bric-a-brac, books, home bake and a grand raffle. Refreshments were also available.

Margaret and Tony chose to raise money for Claire House Children’s Hospice as last year their granddaughter – Millie – was dying from a DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) brain tumour. Millie’s parents nursed her at home and staff from the Hospice visited Millie to give her relaxation massages. When Millie passed away on 15th July 2017, aged 9 years old, staff visited again to take her finger prints to make silver charms of remembrance for her Mum and Dad. Therefore, on the anniversary of Millie’s death her family felt the need to pay back the Hospice for their considerable support and kindness.

The event raised the fantastic total of £1,100 with all proceeds going to Claire House Children’s Hospice, https://www.clairehouse.org.uk/

Summer Fair

Reporter Jonathan White

St Andrew’s Church on Bedford Street in Crewe held a ‘Summer Fair’ on Saturday 21st July 2018. There were numerous stalls and games in the church and church grounds. Light lunches were served and there was also a barbecue. Musical entertainment was provided by Pick & Mix (Fred Allman and Christopher White). Mayor of Crewe Councillor Brian Roberts was also in attendance. The event raised £515.22 which will all go towards the day-to-day running of St Andrew’s Church.

Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of St Andrew, Reverend Lynne Cullens said, “It’s been great to welcome the Town Mayor and the wider community into St Andrew’s today and to see so many people of all ages enjoying themselves. Huge thanks to Fred Allman for organising such a successful event and to everyone who took part.”

Weekly services at St Andrew's Church are: Sundays (Said Communion, 8am; Worship and Communion - coffee is served after this service - 9:30am; Evensong or Sung Eucharist, 4pm), Tuesdays (Open informal worship with coffee and cakes, 6:30pm), and Thursdays (Said Communion - coffee and cakes afterwards, 10am).

Saturday Café takes place every week 12noon to 1:30pm with soup, sandwiches & cakes in a relaxed atmosphere.

St Andrew’s Connected Communities Centre will launch on Saturday 8th September 11am-2pm - please save the date. If you would like to learn more about the work of St Andrew's Church, join the choir or volunteer for any of their community projects please contact Reverend Lynne Cullens on 01270 569000 or lynne.cullens@gmail.com

Free family event will commemorate the First World War

Cheshire East is to host a family day of activities, music and stories to commemorate the First World War.

The free event will be held in the historic grounds of Tatton Park’s Old Hall, Knutsford, on Sunday 26 August.

A Soldier’s Story: Tatton Park Remembers will include a range of hands-on activities to help uncover the past by tracing a local soldier and his individual wartime story using historical artefact handling, family history research, craft, creative writing and storytelling.

Visitors are being encouraged to bring a picnic to the Cheshire East Reflects family concert, which will feature the Staffordshire Military Wives’ Choir, Cheshire’s own Foden’s Band and Sacred Sounds, which tells the story of British India’s involvement in the First World War. There will also be readings and introductions from Archdeacon of Macclesfield Ian Bishop, Mayor of Cheshire East Councillor Lesley Smetham and Cheshire East Council leader Rachel Bailey.

Cllr Bailey said: “This will be a fantastic and also poignant day of events with lots of hands-on activities for families, gripping stories and inspirational music. We are really proud to be one of the few types of council in Britain to have organised a regular programme of commemorative events throughout the four-year period, to remember those who gave their lives.

“The work that has been done – along with events planned to mark the centenary of the end of the Great War in November – will help ensure that the stories and artefacts, which tell the story of the First World War in Cheshire East, are preserved for future generations.”

The commemorative event runs from 11am to 4pm, with the concert starting at 1pm. It is free but normal Tatton Park entry charges apply.

A Soldier’s Story is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and programmed by Tatton Park, which is run by Cheshire East Council on behalf of the National Trust.

The event is part of the council’s ‘Cheshire East Reflects’ four-year programme of remembrance of the sacrifice by the people of Cheshire East during the First World War.

This programme has seen participation from residents, community groups and arts organisations, as well as partners including the Imperial War Museum North. More than 25,000 people have attended events, participated in the Cheshire East Reflects programme or received a free schools workshop.

The final commemoration events, called ‘When the Light Goes Out’, will take place during Armistice weekend in November and will also be free to attend.

The first will be held in Crewe town centre on Saturday 10 November and will focus on the survivors of the war, which began in August 1914 and ended on 11 November 1918.

The second event will take place on Sunday 11 November, at Tatton Park, and will be based on the theme of ‘the fallen’. During a formal ceremony to mark the end of the First World War, a commemorative flame, which has been burning at Tatton Park since 2014, will be extinguished.

Cllr Bailey added: “Cheshire East Reflects has been a thought-provoking programme that has paid poignant tribute to the tremendous courage and sacrifice of Cheshire’s soldiers.

“I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the programme of activities so far and encourage people to attend these events as the centenary commemorations draw to a close.”

For more information, or to find out how you can take part, visit: www.cheshireeastreflects.com

Green Flags awarded to eight Cheshire East parks

Cheshire East Council’s parks are some of the very best in the UK – and that’s official!

The council has notched-up Green Flag awards for eight of its outstanding parks which is an important element of the council’s commitment to ‘quality of place’ for the region.

The awards are recognition of outstanding partnership working both with other local authorities and community groups.

A Green Flag community award recognises quality sites managed by voluntary and local community groups. Green Heritage site accreditation is judged on the treatment of the site’s historic features and the standard of conservation.

Tatton Park, in Knutsford, and Queens Park, in Crewe, also notched-up a Green Heritage Award each, with Tatton receiving both awards for the 15th year in a row.

These awards are only given to places that achieve a high standard in management and interpretation of a site with local or national historic importance.

Significant investment in our parks in recent years has led to the following parks being awarded Green Flag status: Bollington Recreation Ground; Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve; Congleton Park, Queens Park; Sandbach Park; Tatton Park; Tegg’s Nose Country Park; and The Moor, in Knutsford.

Councillor Don Stockton, who has responsibility of green infrastructure, at Cheshire East Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see such a range of locations being recognised. We are so proud to have eight wonderful green spaces across Cheshire East for our residents to experience.

“We encourage our residents to head outdoors, explore their local area and find even more unexpected green spaces they can enjoy.

“This is deserved recognition for a lot of hard work and dedication, not just from our own teams at Cheshire East but also the army of volunteers and community groups that make achievements like this possible.

“The Green Flag is an international standard and the only national award for parks, so this is great praise for Cheshire East to be recognised in this fine way. It was particularly satisfying that Tatton Park in Knutsford has been successful in obtaining the Green Heritage Award for a 15th time, this year.”

Councillor John Hammond, chairman of Cheshire East’s wholly-owned company Ansa, which provides parks services for five of the parks, said: “Green Flag is a prestigious parks’ award, which benchmarks the national standard for parks and green spaces across the UK, so naturally, I am delighted with this accolade.

“All of these parks look beautiful, especially at this time of year and I must thank all our friends groups and partners working alongside Ansa parks teams for their outstanding efforts and contributions in helping to make this happen. We do hope residents will take time to visit and support their local parks.”

The Green Flag award is given to authorities that deliver a parks service to an international standard. All parks are measured on how well they are maintained and how sustainable they are, along with their contributions to conservation and heritage and how they are marketed and efficiently managed.

New initiative to promote ‘safer parking’ near to schools

Designated ‘hotspot’ primary schools across Cheshire East are to benefit from a partnership initiative called ‘Safer Parking at the School Gates’.

Since 2010, official figures have revealed roadside accidents near to schools have increased by almost six per cent across England.

In Cheshire East, 32 road accidents occurred near schools in 2016/17 and during the following year, the figure fell to 27, although four were serious and one fatal.

To address this, civil enforcement officers from Cheshire East Council, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and Cheshire Constabulary have joined forces to tackle illegal, irresponsible and inconsiderate parking near schools and to promote road safety.

The first two schools to benefit from the initiative were Alderley Edge Community Primary and Gorsey Bank Primary in Wilmslow. 

These visits from the partners are designed to prevent children being injured or killed by vehicles at school drop-off and collection times.

Schools in areas deemed at a higher risk and which have drawn up their own travel to school policies are being additionally supported with the presence of enforcement officers, firefighters and the police at promotional events which feature the lollipop signs.

As part of the safety campaign, ‘Safer Parking at the School Gates’, there are a series of nine cut-out images of children with lollipop signs with key safety messages.

These will be deployed across the borough at those schools where unsafe parking and driving have been highlighted as a particular high risk – giving key safety messages to drivers outside schools. 

The message is also promoted within school to children in the hope that it informs and reminds parents to re-think their parking habits.

The messages include: ‘Think before you park’, ‘Thank you for driving carefully’; ‘No stopping here’; ‘Caution children’; ‘Slow down’; ‘Drive slowly’; ‘Don’t park on the yellow lines’; ‘Don’t park on the zig zags’ which are emblazed on the plastic signs.

Councillor Jos Saunders, cabinet member for children and families at Cheshire East Council, said: “One accident is one too many. We want to make sure all our school children are as safe as possible. This partnership initiative is designed to encourage motorists to think more about road safety and for parents and carers to park much more responsibly so that we can aim for accidents and deaths to be eliminated altogether across Cheshire East.

“This innovative approach is refreshing to see and I really like the nine lollipop signs, which all give a range of safety messages to the drivers. It’s a great idea and we hope it will help to make a real difference and help to keep our children safe now and in the years to come.”

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service road safety officer Andy Gray said: “Educating people about the dangers of parking near to schools is vital; by doing so we can help to change the attitudes and behaviour of motorist and create a safer environment for the children and road users around our schools.”

Councillor Margaret Simon, Cheshire Fire Authority’s road safety champion, said: “This excellent example of partnership working focusses on education rather than enforcement.  Areas around schools are very busy places at drop-off and pick-up times, it is very easy to lose focus on road safety and to park inconsiderately or dangerously. 

“We should all be doing everything we can to encourage safer parking near our schools to reduce the risk of accidents involving children.  This scheme will certainly attract attention and deliver a positive message. I look forward to it being rolled out across a wider area.”

Schools are also being encouraged to devise transport plans, which include physical ways to travel to school, for example, cycling or walking or using public transport as opposed to using a car. The schools will have access to funding to buy a set of lollipop signs.

Pupils at Cheshire East primary schools have a bright future

Primary pupils in Cheshire East have again achieved an impressive set of end of key stage results in 2018.

From the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage through to the end of Key Stage 2, schools across the borough have produced outcomes where 18 out of the 21 national indicators have improved in 2018 compared to last year. The other three indicators remained unchanged.

This year, one of the key achievements at the end of Key Stage Two was seen in the reading test, where 81 per cent of pupils attained the expected standard or higher – this is five percentage points above last year’s figure.

In writing, 80 per cent achieved the expected standard which was a four percentage point increase on the previous year.

One of the most important national indicators is the combined outcomes in reading, writing and maths at the end of Key Stage 2. In 2018, results showed 67 per cent of learners achieved the expected level or better compared with 64 per cent in the previous year. Provisional national data shows that our achievements are three percentage points above the figure for all schools in England for this indicator.

Councillor Jos Saunders, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for children and families, said: “I believe that primary national curriculum tests are a really challenging experience for every young leaner and I am delighted that the young people of Cheshire East have excelled in them.

“We already know we have many excellent schools achieving very high learner outcomes but, even so, the consistency of these results across all key stages is hugely impressive and pleasing.  I recognise the substantial work which has been undertaken over recent years to embed new primary assessment frameworks and this hard work is reflected in these very positive outcomes.

“I want to thank all family members, teachers and schools staff who have worked very hard to support our pupils and also the young people themselves, who are maintaining a high success rate in Cheshire East.”

Crewe Green Roundabout works enter final phase

The link road junction between Crewe Green Roundabout and Hungerford Road and Sydney Road will be reopened to motorists this Thursday afternoon.

Initially, the new roundabout layout will operate with a single lane of traffic to allow for construction works to continue safely. The pedestrian and cycle crossings points already installed will be in operation.

The third and final phase of the scheme will include the following main activities:

● Completion of construction work between the A534 and Crewe Road;

● Landscaping and planting will be carried out to the centre of the roundabout;

● Works will be completed on the maintenance layby and road signs;

● Modifications will be made to the existing traffic islands; and

● A crossing will be installed on the A534 Haslington bypass.

All lanes will open towards the end of phase three, with the roundabout expected to be fully open to traffic in November as planned.

More information can be found by visiting: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/crewegreenroundabout

Cheshire East to support Nantwich show

Cheshire East Council will once again be supporting rural life across the borough at one of the largest agricultural annual events of the year – and looks forward to the usual strong support from residents and visitors alike.

The Nantwich Show and International Cheese Awards will be held at Dorfold Park, Nantwich, on Wednesday 25 July. This year’s event has attracted more than 5,000 entries for the cheese awards.

In Cheshire East the rural economy represents 32 per cent of the borough’s £3.6 billion economy and provides work for more than 65,000 people.

Councillor Liz Wardlaw, Cheshire East Council deputy leader, said: “I’m pleased that Cheshire East continues to give support to these important and outstanding rural events. The Royal Cheshire County Show was once again a terrific success last month.

“We are extremely fortunate in Cheshire East to cover 450 square miles of beautiful countryside across the borough – the Nantwich Show is another fantastic opportunity to showcase what we have to offer.

“Cheshire East is a brilliant visitor destination and events like the Nantwich Show really help to encourage local people and visitors to spend time in and contribute to our rural economy.”

Each year, 16 million people visit Cheshire East, which last year generated an income of more than £895m.

The Nantwich Show and International Cheese Awards will open to the public on Wednesday 25 July when they will be able to see winning cheeses from more than 130 countries. Councillor Janet Clowes, cabinet member with responsibility for rural affairs will also be awarding the trophy for champion farmhouse Cheshire Cheese.

Free parking is available to the public for the show with gates opening at 8.30am. For further details about the show visit: www.nantwichshow.co.uk

Council to reach decision on disposal of public open space

Cheshire East Council is preparing to make its decision on the future of public open space in Knutsford.

Should the disposal proceed, it would facilitate access to a potential development site earmarked for housing, subject to planning.

The two parcels of land at Longridge are public open space and the council has undertaken a statutory process to advertise the proposal.

Part of the land is subject to a covenant restricting the use of the land.

Due consideration will be given to all representations made in response to the advertised intention to dispose of both parcels of land. These have been collated and a full report prepared for consideration by the relevant portfolio holder. In addition, further work has been undertaken in respect of the covenant.

In the event that a housing scheme goes ahead on neighbouring land, any public open space lost as a result of disposal for access to the development site would be replaced within the development site.

Cheshire East Council is undertaking a further period of public engagement to allow local people to comment on the recommended decision outlined in the portfolio holder’s report.

The period for comments will commence on 17 July and will run for 28 days. This will enable the local community to comment on the recommended decision and the council will consider all responses received.

All documents relating to this matter can be found via the council’s website via this link:

http://moderngov.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ecminutes/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=48369&Opt=0

Further comments on the proposal can be emailed to the council at: proposeddisposalofpublicopenspace@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Alternatively, people can write to the decision maker, Councillor Ainsley Arnold, portfolio holder for housing, planning and regeneration at: Cheshire East Council, Westfields, Middlewich Road, Sandbach CW11 1HZ.

Crewe Green Roundabout scheme approaches final phase

Construction of a new roundabout in Crewe – which will ease congestion and remove a traffic pinch-point – is nearing its second major milestone.

Works on Cheshire East Council’s £7m Crewe Green Roundabout scheme began in January this year and are now at their busiest stage, with construction of the new roundabout and link road junctions progressing on schedule.

Towards the end of this month, the scheme will enter its third and final phase and see the link between the roundabout and Hungerford Road and Sydney Road reopened to motorists.

The new roundabout layout will then be in operation, initially with a single lane of traffic to allow for works to continue. All lanes will open towards the end of phase three, with the roundabout fully open to traffic in November.

Councillor Glen Williams, Cheshire East Council deputy cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: “Closing the link between the roundabout and Hungerford Road and Sydney Road has allowed for the construction work to be completed much quicker than would otherwise have been possible and we thank residents and motorists for their patience.

“Regular users of Crewe Green Roundabout will have been able to see the scheme progressing at real pace over the last few weeks, with the site visibly changing on an almost daily basis.

“We look forward to entering into the final phase of the scheme and the new roundabout being fully operational in November.”

Funding for the scheme has come from the Local Growth Fund, the National Productivity Investment Fund and developer contributions.

The new road layout will see the existing roundabout become more oval shaped. Traffic lights will be removed and wider junctions created so that traffic can merge from different directions. Shared cycleways/footways, with crossing points for cyclists and pedestrians, will also be included in the scheme.

Over the past 12 weeks, construction works have included the installation of street lighting, kerbs and more than 470m of drainage, as well as new pedestrian crossings and footpaths and asphalt surfacing.

Off site, the Crewe Green Roundabout team has delivered educational activities to young people, including a workshop to first-year civil engineering students at Cheshire College – South and West, supported community events and raised funds in support of various charities.

The Crewe Green Roundabout scheme is part of a larger programme of investment to deliver growth in Cheshire East. It builds on earlier major highways schemes in Crewe, such as the £26.5m Crewe Green link road and the £7m Basford spine road, as well as improvements to the A500 at Junction 16.

In addition, funding has been obtained to work up proposals for the dualling of the A500 between Crewe and the M6, estimated to cost £57m. Advanced preparation works are also under way for the long-awaited Sydney Road Bridge improvement scheme, which will remove another traffic bottleneck and improve journeys to the north of Crewe.

Philip Cox, chief executive of Cheshire and Warrington LEP, said: “I am delighted to see the progress being made with the delivery of this scheme, which is expected to support the creation of jobs, commercial floor space and homes. 

“This is one of 12 transport projects Cheshire and Warrington LEP is supporting, with total grant funding of £58m towards the combined cost of £171m, which together will make a real difference across the region.”

For more information about the Crewe Green Roundabout scheme, visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/crewegreenroundabout

Council to ‘consider the implications’ of overnight back-pay appeal

Cheshire East Council is to ‘consider the implications’ of a Court of Appeal decision on ‘sleep-in’ payments for carers.

The ruling follows a successful appeal by disabilities charity Mencap, who argued that a previous tribunal decision, which compelled care providers to fund six years' back pay for overnight carers, was unaffordable for charities and care businesses.

Kath O’Dwyer, acting chief executive of Cheshire East Council, said: “Cheshire East Council welcomes the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal in the Mencap vs Tomlinson-Blake tribunal appeal. 

“The court ruled that sleep-in shifts are exempt from national minimum-wage rules because staff should not be considered at work when they are sleeping.

“The original tribunal ruling had meant that employers could face significant unfunded back payments. The resulting additional cost could have placed care providers in significant financial difficulty and, therefore, potentially putting the care of vulnerable people at risk.

“The fact that the court of appeal has now overturned this ruling is, therefore, very good news for many vulnerable residents in our community.

“The council recognises and values the important work its dedicated staff provide and is committed to ensuring that staff are paid fairly for their work and will now consider the implications of this judgment in detail.

“Sleep-in allowances paid to council staff, the majority of whom work in the Care4ce domiciliary care team, have already been uprated to reflect increases in the national minimum wage and ensure that we can continue to recruit and retain the staff we need to provide high-quality and sustainable social care to our most vulnerable residents.”

Firelink Enewsletter - July 2018

Firelink Enewsletter - July 2018

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Welcome to the July edition of the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service e-Newsletter.

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Wholetime firefighter recruitment - apply now!

If you’re passionate about changing lives in your community, and want to contribute to saving lives by reducing the risk of incidents, then being a firefighter is the role for you.

Our 2018 Wholetime Recruitment registration window is now and closes at 12 midday on Monday 6th August 2018.

Find out more - Wholetime firefighter recruitment - apply now!

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IFE Centenary Conference

In September 2017 Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) opened the doors of a new state-of the-art lifeskills centre, Safety Central, aimed primarily at keeping young people safe. This prompted the Service’s decision to focus their forthcoming Institution of Fire Engineers centenary conference on and around young people.

The one day event, '100 Years Young - futureproofing Generation Alpha', hosted by North Western Branch and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and sponsored by Paragon Creative, is on Wednesday 26 September July at Safety Central, Lymm, Warrington, Cheshire. The title celebrates the IFE Centenary as well as highlighting the focus on young people born after 2011, designated Generation Alpha and predicted to be the most transformative generation ever.

Find out more - IFE Centenary Conference

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Summer safety

Stay safe during the summer months, use the links below to access fire safety tips and advice:

• Barbecue Safety

• Camping Safety Advice

• Caravan Safety

• Countryside Safety

• Water Safety

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More awards success for Safe and Well Visits programme

Awards continue to roll in for our groundbreaking initiative that continues to improve the health of potentially vulnerable people.

Our Safe and Well Visits programme - for the over 65s and people who are referred to the fire service by partner agencies because they are considered to be at a particular risk - has scooped a host of awards since it was launched in February 2017 in collaboration with the NHS and local authority directors of public health.

The latest success saw the initiative win the Innovation in the Care of Long Term Conditions gong at the NHS Healthcare Transformation Awards at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre in London for the second year running.

Find out more - More awards success for Safe and Well Visits programme

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Fire Station open days

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service fire stations will be holding free fire station open days over the next few months.

Find out more - Fire Station open days

Find out about your local fire station - where it is, what open days or special events they are holding and how to get in contact with them.

Find out more - Your local fire station

Message Sent By
Ashley Lawton (Cheshire Fire , Administrator, Cheshire Fire)

Tatton Highlights Future Farming Possibilities at RHS Show 2018

Celebrating its 20^th year at Tatton Park, the RHS Flower Show is one of the most anticipated horticultural events of the year and opens from 18 to 22 July 2018.

For its own show feature this year, Tatton Park gives you a glimpse into the possibilities of future small scale market gardening.

We explore how even a limited space can be used to generate plentiful food both horticulturally and through the rearing of livestock; ventures that can contribute to a more sustainable approach to food production.

Our upcycled shipping container demonstrates how a ‘Farm in a Box’ is already being used to help people in developing countries to be more self sufficient. Peep through the holes in the container to:

· See how hydroponics the size of this container can produce food equivalent to half an acre of land

· How farming looked in the past

· How farming looks in the present

· Experience the sounds and smells of farming

Head Gardener Simon Tetlow said:

“This garden demonstrates how even a small garden environment can grow bountiful crops and sustain livestock, from chickens to sheep. We’re providing an insight into the possibilities of small scale market gardening which has great implications for sustainable food production worldwide. We hope that the garden will inspire people to think about their own garden spaces, no matter how small, and how food production is a possibility for all. ”

Visitors will also have the opportunity to find out more about our Field to Fork project at Tatton. Take a tour through the marquee to see demonstrations including an original corn grinding machine in action and take the corn to feed the sheep and goats within the garden, or speak to characters from Tatton Farm’s past and present.

The Field to Fork campaign is taking place at Tatton Park throughout the year with various events and attractions.

For further information, visit tattonpark.org.uk

Road closures and surfacing work at Sydney Road and Crewe Green

Critical safety work at Sydney Road Bridge in Crewe will require the closure of the road on Sunday 22 July from 1am to 8am.

The work involves lifting out rail electrification gantries by a crane positioned on the bridge above. Normally, this would be done from the railway tracks. However, closing the road and using the crane from the bridge will reduce noise disruption for residents by enabling the noisiest tasks to be completed in one weekend, rather than over two weekends.

Further overnight closures may be required in advance of the main bridge replacement scheduled to start in October. Details of this work will be publicised nearer the time.

Meanwhile, surfacing work at the Crewe Green Roundabout will take place on Saturday 21 July, between 8am and 11pm. During this time, the link between Hungerford Road and Sydney Road will be closed.

This will then be followed by the closure of the A534 at the roundabout on Sunday 22 July, between 8am and 6pm, for further surfacing work to be carried out.

NANTWICH SCHOOLS FACE THE DRAGONS & RAISE FUNDS FOR LOCAL HOSPITAL CHARITY

Primary schools across Nantwich have been involved in a project which raised over £800 for a hospital dementia appeal.

10 primary schools were involved in a Business Enterprise project organised by the Nantwich Education Partnership. The aims of the project were to develop an understanding of how businesses work the importance of teamwork, and through this to raise money for local charities.

Children were put into teams of five and each team was given £5 to set up a business. There is also a competitive element to the project, where local business men and women (known as the Dragons) questioned the finalists to see who will be crowned Business Enterprise Champions for the year.

The organisers of the project, Simon Dyson, Head of Highfields and Hazel Brown, Head of St Anne’s said, ‘We would like to thank everyone involved with the project for making it a huge success, particularly Peter Mascarenhas for organising all of the ‘dragons’ and Brine Leas and Malbank Schools for hosting the finals.’

Carole Salmon, Community Fundraiser for Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity added ‘This was a brilliant way for us to engage with local school children. I sat in on the judging panels and the children’s answers showed great imagination and enthusiasm. The donated money will benefit our Dementia Appeal so massive thanks to all involved’

The six schools in the town (Highfields, Audlem, Weaver, Nantwich Primary Academy, St Anne’s and Millfields) decided to collectively donate the proceeds from the project which totalled £820.20 to the Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity Dementia Appeal.

This year’s winners were Millfields and Weaver Primary Schools.

Council to host its first LGBT+ Pride event this September

Cheshire East Council is proudly hosting its first ever Pride in the Park Picnic event at Tatton Park – to celebrate and support the LGBT+ community.

The event takes place on Sunday 16 September, in the spectacular gardens of Tatton Park, in Knutsford, and will be open to visitors of all ages, offering lots of family-friendly activities and entertainment on the day.

Special guests include Brazilian carnival drum and dance act Juba do Leão, an Abba tribute performance from ‘The Twins’, and  performances from Proud Mary’s Choir, Cheshire Rock Choir and Sandbach High School Jazz band and Choir.

Visitors are invited to bring their own picnic from 10am and will also be able to explore the picturesque gardens of Tatton Park free of charge.

This colourful, fun-filled, celebratory event will feature a health and wellbeing marketplace for guests to receive key help and support from organisations such as Body Positive, Transforum Manchester and Diversity Role Models. Cheshire East partner agencies, including Cheshire police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service will also attend.

David Keane, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire and key sponsor for all entertainment on the day, said: “I am very proud to support this event, which reunites the diversity of communities in Cheshire East.

“This event is a huge celebration in the LGBT+ calendar and I am personally committed to ensuring that Cheshire Constabulary works with its partners to eradicate homophobia, biphobia and transphobia across Cheshire.”

Councillor Stewart Gardiner, Cheshire East Council lead member for equality and diversity, said: “Pride in the Park Picnic will be a fantastic event for all visitors from Cheshire East and beyond and will be an excellent opportunity to celebrate the LGBT+ community by giving something back.

“This is just the first of many Pride events we are hoping to host in the future and it’s great that, this year, our Pride in the Park celebration will take place in the beautiful gardens of Tatton Park.”

Councillor Liz Wardlaw, Cheshire East Council cabinet member with responsibility for equality and diversity, said: “Pride events are such vibrant occasions and I know this will be no different. You can expect lots of colour, great celebrations and a day to remember. I’m sure it will be a tremendous success.” 

The Pride in the Park Picnic will be a free event to all visitors, although standard entry fees to the park will apply for vehicle parking. A shuttle bus, supplied by Cheshire East Council’s wholly-owned company Transport Service Solutions, will be available on the day to transport people from Knutsford town centre into the park free of charge.

To find out more about this event visit www.prideinthepark.com.

HMO licensing fees reviewed in preparation for changes in government legislation

Licensing fees paid by landlords who operate houses in multiple occupation in Cheshire East have been revised, to help ensure better living conditions and management standards.

Previously, the fee for a house in multiple occupation (HMO) licence in Cheshire East was set at £575 for a period of up to five years – regardless of how big the HMO was.

That charge has now been replaced by a scale of fees and charges, ranging from £430 for an initial licence for the smaller HMOs, through to £760 for a renewal licence for up to five years for the largest.

The revised fees are in preparation for changes in government legislation, which will come into effect in October 2018 and allow councils to bring HMOs under closer scrutiny.

At the moment, a HMO must be licensed if there are five or more occupants – living in two or more separate households – who are sharing amenities including a kitchen, bathroom or toilet and the property is set out over three or more storeys.

But from 1 October, the three-storey part of the criteria will be removed.

From the same date, councils will also be able to enforce mandatory conditions regulating the size and use of rooms as sleeping accommodation, as well as rules around waste management.

Operating without a licence is a criminal offence and the penalties include an unlimited fine. Other enforcement action for licensing offences includes banning landlords from operating and issuing civil penalties of up to £30,000.

Councillor Ainsley Arnold, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for housing, planning and regeneration, said: “Poor housing can impact on a person’s mental and physical health and mandatory licensing will be key in ensuring that landlords provide good quality, safe accommodation that is well managed.

“In Cheshire East, there are an estimated 600-650 HMOs and 51 meet the current definition for a mandatory licence. However, from October, it’s estimated that around 500 will require one.

“To make sure we can respond to the significant increase in HMOs needing a licence and safeguard those living in them, we have strengthened our resources and created additional posts.

“The licence fees and charges have also been reviewed to ensure that the full cost of processing an application, which varies according to the size of the HMO, is passed to the landlord as a valid cost of operating their business.”

As part of the changes, an initial one-year licence period has been put in place where a licence is required for a property or proposed landlord for the first time. 

However, as an incentive to landlords and to support the council in managing the transition to the new regulations smoothly, those who submit a complete application by 15 August can receive an initial two-year licence.

Cllr Arnold said: “Unfortunately there are a minority of irresponsible landlords who are providing unsafe and poorly managed accommodation that falls well short of the standards we expect in Cheshire East.

“By putting in place a shorter initial licence period, it will give the council greater control and improved engagement with landlords to help ensure residents are safeguarded and that other issues such as waste management can be correctly addressed.”

For more information about HMO licence fees and charges, or if you are a landlord and wish to make an application, visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/hmo

Inspirational Crewe teenager receives award after raising over £5,000 for Diabetes UK

A teenager from Crewe has received an award from Diabetes UK after raising funds to support diabetes research.

Emma Horne, 16, received the ‘Young Person’s Outstanding Contribution Award’ during a service at St Mary’s Wistaston on Wednesday 11 July 2018.

The Malbank High School and Sixth Form College pupil raised £5,100 for Diabetes UK during her year as Wistaston’s Rose Queen, and chose to support the charity because she has friends and family with Type 1 diabetes including her sister, Laura, and her dad, Michael, who recently found out he has Type 2 diabetes.

Emma said: “I am proud to receive this award and would like to dedicate it to the congregation at St Mary’s Church, Wistaston, who supported me through my year as Rose Queen and made it possible to raise such a fantastic amount of money.”

Her fundraising events included tea dances, a onesie party, plant sales, Christmas fairs, a Chinese New Year-themed quiz, and a 2018 calendar featuring photographs from the events.

The money was donated to a diabetes research project being undertaken at The University of Manchester by Dr Jenny Myers, which is monitoring mothers-to-be with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and their unborn babies. In women with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, their babies can grow too small or too large during pregnancy, and this is thought to be linked to the mother’s blood glucose levels.

Emma added: “It was important for me to support Diabetes UK, and particularly this research, as my sister Laura has Type 1 diabetes and gave birth to a baby boy, Perran William Isaac, in September 2017.”

Trevor Fudger, Diabetes UK Regional Fundraiser said: “It’s an honour to be able to present Emma with this award, and we are extremely grateful for all her hard work and the support of all those involved in her fundraising efforts. It has made a huge difference to people with diabetes and to our work to create a world where diabetes can do no harm.”

To find out more about the research Diabetes UK supports visit:  https://www.diabetes.org.uk/Research/