Firelink Enewsletter For February 2019

Firelink Enewsletter For February 2019

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

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Woman reunited with firefighters who saved her life

A woman who was rescued from a house fire on her first birthday has been reunited with the firefighters who saved her life. Jade Broderick was lying lifeless in a cot when a firefighter entered her blazing bedroom at her former home in Southworth Avenue in Bewsey, Warrington, 24 years ago.

The firefighter burnt his hands, suffered a head injury and overcame soaring heat and thick smoke to rescue her from the house before his colleagues outside performed CPR to resuscitate her.

The majority of the crew that were part of the memorable rescue were at Warrington Fire Station on Wednesday 6 February, to be reunited with the girl they saved.

Find out more - Woman reunited with firefighters who saved her life

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Smoke alarms save lives

Smoke alarms can be the difference between life and death.

Research suggests that you are at least four times more likely to die in a house fire if you don’t have a smoke alarm.

That’s why we're urging residents to purchase alarms for their homes.

Find out more - Smoke alarms save lives

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Proud to Provide conference

In recent years many public sector organisations have taken huge steps towards becoming workplaces where LGBT+ people feel accepted, valued and able to give of their best.

Is the same progress evident, however, for LGBT+ people using the services they provide? How much do our fire and rescue services, police forces, local authorities, social landlords and NHS organisations really tailor their interventions to the diverse needs of the LGBT+ community?

These are the questions to be explored by a range of speakers at Proud to Provide, a national conference being hosted by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, recently named by Stonewall as the UK’s most inclusive public sector employer. The event, at the Storyhouse in Chester on 15 May 2019, will be hosted by Graham Liver, presenter of BBC North West Tonight and BBC Radio Lancashire's award winning breakfast show.

Aimed at diversity and inclusion professionals, LGBT+ staff network leads, service managers and those involved in community engagement and empowerment across the public service, this lively and thought-provoking event

Find out more - Proud to Provide conference

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Hoping to raise bucketloads for charity

Our firefighters will be splashing out with car washes throughout March in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity.

Crews will be rolling up their sleeves and taking to buckets and hoses to shine up the county’s cars along with providing drivers with vital road safety advice. Firmly established on the fire and rescue service calendar, the National Car Wash is the charity's largest national fundraising event of the year.

All funds raised go to The Fire Fighters Charity, the UK’s leading provider of life-enhancing services for serving and retired fire service personnel and their families.

Find out more - Hoping to raise bucketloads for charity

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Could you be an on-call firefighter?

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is recruiting for on-call firefighters at the following fire stations: Alsager, Audlem, Birchwood, Bollington, Frodsham, Holmes Chapel, Knutsford, Macclesfield, Malpas, Middlewich, Nantwich, Northwich, Penketh, Poynton, Runcorn, Sandbach, Stockton Heath, Tarporley, Wilmslow and Winsford Fire Stations.

Could you be an on-call firefighter?

We're looking for enthusiastic individuals with common sense, the ability to work as part of a team and able to deal with physically and emotionally demanding situations. Qualifications aren't necessary, applicants just need to be at least 18 years old and physically and medically fit with good hearing and eyesight.

Potential recruits also need to be able to reach their local fire station within five minutes of home or work and have a real interest in the fire and rescue service and helping in the community. The role attracts an average income in the region of £5000 a year.

Find out more - On-call firefighter recruitment

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

Advice On Momo Challenge

Advice On Momo Challenge

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You may be aware of media reports circulating about the so-called  ‘momo challenge’. We have had no reports of any child coming to harm because of this so called ‘game’. We would encourage anyone who is concerned about this to read the useful information and advice that can be found here https://parentzone.org.uk/article/three-minute-briefing-momo-challenge

Message Sent By
Clare Harrison (Police, Engagement Officer, Cheshire)

MPs are taking voters for complete idiots.

The REMOANERS want a second EU referendum, even thought the first one has not even been implemented, 30 months after it was held. The choice on ballot paper for a second EU Referendum would be the PM's Brexit Betrayal or REMAIN.The PM's Brexit Betrayal will keep us under the control of the EU dictators for evermore, with no exit door.

So the choice would be REMAIN or REMAIN !!!!

MPs are taking voters for complete idiots. 
Do the REMOANER MPs not realise thet the 17.4 million who voted for Brexit will not be betrayed?At  every opportunity the 17.4 milion will vote against all the parties that are trying to overturn Brexit, starting with the local elections on the 2nd of May.

Ten Labour and Tory MPs have left their parties and have formed a 'Independent Group'.They all want to keep us IN the EU so ,despite their name, they don't believe in independence of their country.

Some Tory MPs have formed a 'Brexit Delivery Group' but what they want to deliver is the opposite of Brexit,they want us to stay in.

We are living in an Alice in Wonderland world where nothing is what it seems and from the PM down, most of our politicians are lying through their teeth and telling us fairy tales.

'For Britain' says we should get out now.If the EU want a free trade deal that is fine. If not, we will trade on WTO tariffs and be £8,000,000,000 a year BETTER off,which is the equivalent of giving every constituency in the UK  £12 million a year,

Happy days.

Once we are OUT, 'For Britain' believes the UK will boom, as we take up all those opportunities that have been denied us, whilst we have been under the control of the EU dictators for the last 46 years.

A 'No Deal' Brexit would give UK business the certainty they want. They will know they will be trading on WTO terms, just like they do with most of the rest of the world.If Article 50 is extended it will just extend the uncertainty and that is the last thing that UK business wants.

There is a world of opportunity out there. We should grasp the freedom that we voted for.

Cllr. Brian Silvester.

Brexit Spokesman

'For Britain Party'

The reach widens for superfast broadband

A new campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the increased coverage of superfast broadband across Cheshire, Halton and Warrington.

The drive is being delivered by the Connecting Cheshire Partnership, made up of four Cheshire councils, infrastructure provider Openreach and the UK government, with funding provided by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Across the region, more than 90,000 additional premises can now access superfast broadband, with download speeds of over 24Mbps, as a result of the Connecting Cheshire roll-out, which began in 2013.

Research carried out by independent analysts ThinkBroadband states that superfast broadband is now available to around 97 per cent of homes and businesses across the Cheshire and Warrington area.

Connection to fibre broadband does not happen automatically and customers are advised to check with their current broadband provider if they can access a faster speed. See more at: www.connectingcheshire.org.uk

Councillor Paul Bates, Cheshire East Council cabinet member with responsibility for ICT, said: “Since the Connecting Cheshire project began, the growth in online entertainment and business tools has been huge, from smart speakers to social media, all requiring a fast and reliable broadband service.

“I would recommend everyone to check their availability and, where possible, connect to a faster service and package to suit their needs – and subject to securing further funding, we hope to reach those not yet able to benefit, particularly in our more rural areas.”

Digital minister Margot James said: “Our rollout of superfast broadband across the UK is reaching thousands more homes and businesses every week. Cheshire residents and businesses can now reap the clear benefits that superfast broadband provides and I would urge people to check if they can get connected.

“As more people take up a superfast connection, funding is returned to the programme, which can potentially be reinvested further to help break down the digital divide.”

Robert Thorburn, Openreach partnership director, said: “From children doing their homework to caring for our elderly population and from social media to e-commerce and home entertainment – fast broadband is the critical enabler. Faster broadband also breaks down the barriers to doing business in the digital world, empowering local businesses and supporting them to trade and compete on a global scale.”

The campaign to raise awareness of superfast broadband coverage in Cheshire, Halton and Warrington is managed by the Skills and Growth Company – an arms-length company wholly-owned by Cheshire East Council.

New housing levy to benefit local communities in place by March

A levy on new homes and property sites will be in place in the borough by 1 March – bringing in significant financial benefits for local communities.

The community infrastructure levy (CIL), approved by Cheshire East’s full council allows the authority to charge developers and landowners additional fees, according to floor space and areas of the borough in which the developments are taking place.

The framework for the CIL sees the borough broken up into a number of charging zones. There are five zones altogether, ranging from zero to £71 per square metre.

The CIL fund, which can be used anywhere in the borough, will not replace section106 agreements, by which developers make a contribution to the local authority to finance infrastructure projects directly related to the local impact of a development.

Where a charge is levied, parishes will receive 15 per cent of the funding and 25 per cent where a neighbourhood plan is in place. The balance will go into a fund to be used by the council for infrastructure projects across the borough to support development, wherever the location.

In Cheshire East, charges will apply to residential development and retail parks at Grand Junction in Crewe and Handforth Dean. Office and industrial space will be exempt as will brownfield sites. Exemptions also extend to some charitable development, some social housing, developments classed as ‘self-build’ and empty buildings brought back into use.

The council’s final charging schedule contains a list of examples of where funds could be invested, including various highways schemes, some town centre projects, pedestrian, cycle and bus facilities, recreation and sports amenities.

An average 100sq metre new home could generate as much as £7,100 towards the fund.  The approved CIL will apply to 93 per cent of the borough and is expected to continue through to 2030 – the lifespan of the current local plan.

Councillor Ainsley Arnold, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for housing, planning and regeneration, said: “The council’s charging schedule for CIL went through a rigorous public examination before an independent examiner who, with one or two amendments, endorsed the zones and charges the council proposed.

“We are pleased that council has approved this and recognised the enormous benefits the community infrastructure levy will bring to our communities.”

Cheshire East Council’s local development plan envisages the creation of 36,000 homes and 380 hectares of employment land up to 2030, accompanied by new or improved highways and additional schools, health and leisure provision.

The annual ‘South Cheshire Militaire’ universal model show

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston
The annual ‘South Cheshire Militaire’ universal model show took place at Malbank School & Sixth Form College in Nantwich on Sunday 24th February 2019.
The show is organised by the South Cheshire Military Modelling Club and included scale-model Army, Navy and Air Force club displays; scale-model railway club displays and demonstrations; scale-model car & motorbike displays; remote-control truck and tank demonstrations; military weaponry displays; a military badge display; a scale-model competition with different classes; war games demonstrations; fighting robots; a LEGO display; wartime dioramas; movie and science fiction figure displays; numerous trade stalls; real military vehicles and various people in costume from the military, movies and sci-fi.
Star Wars fans were treated to an appearance by the ‘UK Garrison’ costume group - https://www.ukgarrison.co.uk - which included participants dressed as Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, Stormtroopers, a Commander and X-Wing pilots.
Event Organiser, Steve Morris, said, “We hope everyone enjoyed the show - it was great to see so many people attending. Special thanks to all the exhibitors, UK Garrison, the volunteers and Malbank School for all their efforts. We look forward to doing it all again next year."
South Cheshire Military Modelling Club meet every other Wednesday evening (8-10:30pm) at The Hop Hole public house on Wistaston Road in Crewe. They are an independent club, not affiliated to any other organisation. There are no membership fees or other charges. New members are always welcome. For further information please visit: http://www.scmmc.co.uk/ or search South Cheshire Military Modelling Club on Facebook.

A second fundraising charity concert

Reporter Jonathan White
A second fundraising charity concert takes place this year at Studio Nantwich on Castle Street in Nantwich on Friday 1st March 2019 with a live performance from world, reggae and rock music band ‘Arcadia Roots’. Doors open at 9pm andadmission is free with donations to Macmillan Cancer Support, https://www.macmillan.org.uk
Arcadia Roots will make a triumphant return to the town after dazzling the audience at The Bank Stage, adjacent to Studio Nantwich, during last year’s Nantwich Jazz, Blues & Music Festival.
Nigel Woodhouse, Director of Operations at Studio Nantwich, said, “We are very pleased to be hosting Arcadia Roots. They are a fantastic band that were really popular at the Nantwich Jazz, Blues & Music Festival last year when they played on The Bank Stage - a large marquee behind The Crown Hotel near the Studio. To have them doing a small up-close and personal appearance in our downstairs The Retro Room is a major result. The band are one to watch as they are playing lots of big festivals again this year. We are sure that this is their year to hit the big time, so come and see them for free and donations are welcomed for Dougie Mac.”
The concert follows the successful appearance of three-piece live party band 'Boomin’ in February, which raised nearly £300 for Douglas Macmillan Hospice - Dougie Mac.
For further information please search Studio Live Nantwich on Facebook.

Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge - St David’s Day meal

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston
Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge - St David’s Day meal
A ‘Welsh’ themed Supper Club event to celebrate St David’s Day takes place at Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge, 46 High Street in the centre of Nantwich this Friday 1st March 2019 (7pm).
Tickets = £20 per person, which includes a sumptuous 3 course meal. Starter: Welsh Rarebit with mini 'Ffagodau Cymry' (faggots) on the side. Main course: Traditional Welsh Cawl with Caerphilly Cheese and chunky Welsh Soda bread. Dessert: Welsh Amber Pudding served with cream or ice cream.
Bring your own drink or purchase from the premises extensive range of gins, house wines and beers.
St David is the patron saint of Wales and he is celebrated on 1st March.
Denise Lawson, Nantwich Book Shop & Coffee Lounge, said, “It has been awhile since we have had a Supper Club event at the Bookshop, so it seemed fitting to have one on St David’s Day with a Welsh-themed menu.”
For further information please contact Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge via phone: 01270 611665, email: info@nantwichbookshop.co.uk , or search Nantwich Bookshop on Facebook.

Have some eggs-tra special fun at Tatton Park this Easter!

Looking for some great ideas for fun family activities this Easter Bank Holiday weekend? Tatton Park is the ideal place to go, for a fabulous programme of Egg-Chanted Easter Fun. Children of all ages will find masses to do over the whole weekend, from Friday 19 to Monday 22 April.

Plan your day around the trails in the Mansion, Farm and Gardens, with chocolate treats for all those who complete the trails. The Stableyard will be buzzing with activity so let the children choose their favourites from everything on offer.

A great start would be to follow the Little Red Riding Hood trail along Dairy Wood Way. This little girl has lost her Easter eggs - can you help her to find them? Watch out for the Big Bad Wolf who might be hiding anywhere amongst the trees!

There’s someone else planning mischief at the Farm. A cunning fox really wants to catch the Gingerbread Man. Can you help him escape? There’ll be tastings of scrumptious gingerbread to keep you going, and you’ll meet our friendly farm animals as you follow the trail, including our fluffy recently hatched chicks.

There’s also a special ‘Make your Own Gingerbread’ workshop at the Farm on Thursday 18 April, where you can learn how to make your own gingerbread cookies to take home.

In the Mansion, follow the Fairy Godmother’s trail and see if you can solve each Fairy Tale clue. Search for them in the grand state rooms and servants’ quarters to help identify the famous fairy tales and claim your chocolate prize. Whilst the children are captivated by the magic, the adults can take in the opulent surroundings of this impressive neo-classical former Egerton family home, where history comes to life.

Perfect for Easter, there will be egg-citing egg and spoon races in the Gardens, along with egg-straordinary egg rolling competitions! Spot Rapunzel and her beautiful golden hair in the Tower Garden, and look out for the secret fairy doors at the bottom of special garden trees. Can you spot them all? There’ll also be intriguing storytelling sessions to spark everyone’s imaginations.

If you’re feeling peckish head for the Stableyard, where you’ll be spoilt for choice. Sit outside the Stables Restaurant if the weather’s warm, and enjoy delicious dishes made from Tatton Park estate reared produce. Or visit the award-winning Gardener’s Cottage tea room, with its new Spring menu. Afternoon tea could be your special treat this Easter.

The Stableyard will be alive with activities, and whatever time of day you arrive, there’ll be lots going on. There are magic and puppet shows and a Victorian carousel to spin around on. You might be lucky enough to meet your favourite fairy tale character and snap a quick selfie of the two of you. Show off your new glitter tattoo in the picture!

All the Stableyard shops will be open to tempt you with great seasonal displays and some carefully-chosen Easter goodies.

Anyone in the family who wants a peaceful moment or two, or simply to take in the sheer beauty of the fresh English springtime, will be able to find their own perfect place to recharge their batteries in the beautiful Gardens or picturesque Parkland.

Egg-Chanting delights for everyone – guaranteed.

For further information and Easter images please contact:

Carole Hyde, Business Development Manager

T: 01625 374410 E: carole.hyde@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Or visit www.tattonpark.org.uk/easter

Tatton Park is open every day from Saturday 30^th March to Sunday 3^rd November 2019. 10am to 7pm (last entry 6pm)

Save with a Totally Tatton Ticket at Easter which includes entry to the Mansion, Gardens and Farm – Adult £13, Child £7 and Family £33.

Walkers, cyclists and booked coaches can enter Tatton Park free of charge. A £7 vehicle Park entry charge applies for all visitors who arrive by car, minibus or motorbike.

Tatton Park is managed and financed by Cheshire East Council on behalf of the National Trust. This impressive historic estate receives in the region of 800,000 visitors every year who come to enjoy its neo-classical Mansion, medieval Old Hall, award-winning Gardens and working Farm. The 1,000-acre deer park is home to red and fallow deer and the estate also boasts speciality shops, adventure playground, restaurant, tea room and a year-round events programme.

Come Together’ for an evening with Meet The Beatles

Be prepared to ‘Twist and Shout’ as the UK’s most authentic Beatles tribute band takes to the Civic Hall stage on Saturday 16^th March.

Meet the Beatles are one of the finest tributes to The Beatles. From the costumes they wear to the perfect harmonies and all the original instruments, they deliver the most authentic sound and look since the sixties.
Playing all the hits from the early Moptop days through to the final rooftop performance, this is surely a night not to be missed. Take a step back in time and recapture the glory days of the original Merseybeat sound with these four fresh faces on a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
With tickets at just £10 and all the greatest hits included such as Hey Jude, Yellow Submarine, Love me Do, Strawberry Fields Forever, Here Comes The Sun, Penny Lane and With A Little Help From My Friends, this is surely a show not to be missed.
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Arthur Moran commented “I was lucky enough to see the real Beatles live back in the 60’s and I have to say Meet The Beatles are the best tribute to them. Their showmanship is second to none and I urge you to get your tickets early as they always sell out.”
What others say about the show:
‘Brilliant time had by all, we had three generations with us, and they all knew the words all singing and dancing’
‘A truly fantastic evening. Well done guys you were brilliant’
‘Myself and my friends had an amazing time last night! You guys are absolutely brilliant! Hope you’ll come back soon’
Tickets available from Nantwich Civic Hall, by calling on 01270 628633 or book online at www.nantwichtowncouncil.gov.uk
Proceeds from the event will go The Mayor of Nantwich’s good causes including Hope House, Nantwich First Responders and Nantwich Fire Cadets.

Roy Price training

Reporter Jonathan White
Roy Price, aged 51 from Crewe, is progressing well with his gruelling training in readiness to cycle the 900 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG) in May later this year. His ride is to raise money for cancer charity ‘The Joshua Tree’, who support North West families living with the life-changing experience of childhood cancer, https://www.thejoshuatree.org.uk/ .
On 6th February 2019 Roy completed his longest training ride yet, when he rode the 50 miles from Crewe to Prestatyn in North Wales. He chose this particular date, as it marked one year since he lost his wife - Ruth Price - from secondary breast cancer. He finished he ride at ‘Crispy Cod’ in the town, as this was a café that Ruth liked to visit.
Roy has been raising money in memory of his wife for the past twelve months. Roy, along with friends and supporters, have already raised over £8,500 for local charities via wheelbarrow pushes, a garden party, a charity night, a tombola, a raffle and by Roy hiking up Mount Kilimanjaro - the highest mountain in Africa.
Roy is being supported during his training and during LEJOG by Rob Simpson from Simpson & Edge Garage in Nantwich. The Railway Hotel in Nantwich have sponsored Roy’s cycle clothing and Rob’s crew clothing. Roy has the word ‘Simba’ on the back of his cycling shirt as this was the nickname given to him by his Tanzanian guides when he ascended Mount Kilimanjaro, due to a large lion tattoo on his left arm - Simba is the fictional character who appears in Disney's The Lion King.
After his ride to Prestatyn, Roy Price said, “The weather was absolutely horrendous when I set off, as it was raining quite heavily, and the wind was strong too. Plus, I’d only got as far as Wardle when I hit a huge pothole, which blew my front tyre and nearly threw me off my bike! Fortunately, Rob Simpson was behind me in the support van and helped me change my wheel. Despite jolting my neck and back I decided I was OK to carry on. A section of the route took me along the Chester Millennium Greenway, which was scenic, but for several miles I was against a very strong wind, it really was like being on an exercise bike! I had to make regular stops to take on fluid as it was so windy it was dangerous trying to take a drink whilst I was moving. I was tired but elated when I made it to Wales. However, it will help in my fitness for Land’s End to John O’Groats.”
To donate to Roy’s Land’s End to John O’Groats fundraising ride please visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RoyPrice2

Cheshire East launches consultation on HS2 related development

Cheshire East Council is moving forward with plans for the arrival of HS2 by launching a six-week consultation on the type of development that could be seen around Crewe railway station.

The draft plans, set out an emerging development strategy and key policies as the next step in preparing an area action plan around Crewe station , and once fully agreed, they will allow the council to manage development and support the regeneration of the area prior to HS2’s arrival.

HS2 provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for Crewe and the wider borough. The plan, currently being developed, supports a long term vision for Crewe. This enables the most immediate opportunities around the railway station, and ensures related growth and development is ‘plan-led’.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “I’m excited at the potential and opportunities that HS2 will bring to Cheshire East from 2027. While eight years seems like a long way off, we need to be prepared and plan now to deliver the best outcome for our residents, communities and businesses.

“The Crewe station hub area action plan builds on our previous work for the Crewe masterplan and continues to show government that the right hub at Crewe station will bring opportunities to Crewe and to many other parts of the borough.

“As a council, we do not want to limit what the opportunities are going to be in the area when HS2 arrives. Throughout this consultation, we are working with the community and local businesses, so we have a plan that reflects the ambitions of the local area.

“We continue to work alongside government, Network Rail and strategic partners to deliver our vision for the area. Maximising the potential benefits of an enhanced HS2 hub station at Crewe, and getting this emerging plan right, is the best way to achieve this.

“I would encourage everyone to take a look at the draft plans and contribute to this consultation.”

The consultation is open for six-weeks, ending at midnight on 26 March 2019. Further details can be found on the council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk under ‘consultations’. 

Lonely Hearts Romance Fraudster Alert

Lonely Hearts Romance Fraudster Alert

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Lonely Hearts Romance Fraudster Alert
The NFIB have become aware of techniques used by romance fraudsters against people using dating sites. Not only will they steal your heart they will steal your money and your identification.
When you think you’ve met the perfect partner through an online dating website or app, but the other person is using a fake profile to form a relationship with you. They’re using the site to gain your trust and ask you for money or enough personal information to steal your identity.
A dating fraudster, previously involved in deceiving people that wanted a friendship explained how they would create fake accounts with social media platforms so that their details matched and could be searched. By appearing to be a real person their fake persona could be corroborated by prospective partners searching their background and believe them to be genuine. The fraudster said:
“People like to live in fairy tales to say it won’t happen to me. I make sure all my conversations are bespoke. I will show insecurity myself about trusting people and this helps allude to them that I’m genuine.”
The fraudster will also utilise as many accessible online research tools to explore people’s information for their own personal gain or sell onwards. The fraudster elaborated and explained:
“I use various online directories to find out about the person. Once I have enough, I use it to milk everything I can using their details or sell them on to other fraudsters via the dark web”
When asked how people could check if a person is real. The romance fraudster offered advice for others searching for a relationship. They told us that after you see a picture of them:
“Ask for them to send you another photo of themselves posing with their thumbs up or waving. It’s like a form of 2 factor authentication and makes it hard to do if it’s not an original picture”
What you need to do
· Avoid sharing too many personal details when on online dating profiles. Revealing your full name, date of birth, or full home address may lead to your identity being stolen.
· Never respond to any requests to send money, or have money transferred into your account by someone you don’t know and trust. These types of requests should always raise a red flag. If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it.
· Pick a reputable dating website or app, and use the built-in messaging service. Fraudsters want to quickly switch to social media or texting so there’s no evidence of them asking you for money.

Message Sent By
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

LOCAL HOSPITAL CHARITY TO HOLD FASHION & FIZZ EVENING TO SUPPORT DEMENTIA APPEAL

Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity is holding a ‘Fashion & Fizz’ evening to raise funds for its ‘Everybody Knows Somebody’ dementia appeal.

Those attending the event will be treated to four glasses of sparkling wines and Prosecco from around the world, supplied by Nantwich based wine merchants Rodney Densem Wines. The fashion for the evening will be provided by independent retailer Bella Boutique which has stores in Sandbach and Northwich.

Carole Salmon, MCH Charity Community Fundraiser said, ‘The evening will be great fun and we are delighted to be supported by the team at Bella Boutique. We’re passionate about making sure that people who attend our events have a really good time, so along with the fizz and fashion there will be stalls, a luxury raffle and delicious nibbles courtesy of our good supporters M&S Simply Food, Nantwich. There’ll also be a full bar and the event ticket gives free entry on the night to The Studio nightclub just down the road from the venue, for those who want to continue the party after we finish!’

The event takes place on Friday 8 March at Nantwich Town Football Club. Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets are strictly limited and only available to over 18s.

Carole continued, ‘The money raised from ticket sales and at the event will go towards our dementia appeal, which will fund a number of projects created to make hospital and the community, calmer, safer and more comfortable for people living with dementia.’

Bella Boutique Managing Director, Jonathan Jones said, ‘We’re very excited to be joining the MCH Charity team at their fundraising event. At Bella Boutique we very much like getting involved with raising money for amazing charities and it’s nice for us to be able to give back where we can. These nights are always so much fun as it lets women do what they love doing best; chatting, shopping and having fun, as well as raising money for charity! We will be showing lots of outfit inspirations and spring fashions at the event and lots of these will also be available to buy on the night. We very much look forward to seeing you there.’

Tickets are £20 and are available from Bella Boutique in Sandbach and Northwich and MCH Charity Office, Leighton Hospital, or call 01270 273248 or email charity@mcht.nhs.uk

As well as their own events, the charity offers lots of opportunities for the community to get involved including runs, treks and once-in-a-lifetime challenges. For more details contact Carole Salmon, Community Fundraiser on 01270 273248.

Photo – Carole Salmon, Mid Cheshire Hospitals Community Fundraiser and Stuart Maxwell, Bella Boutique Assistant Manager outside the Northwich store.

Bingo at the book shop’

Reporter Jonathan White
A ‘Bingo at the book shop’ fundraising event takes place at Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge, 46 High Street in the centre of Nantwich on Tuesday 26th February 2019 (Doors open 6:30pm, eyes down at 7pm).
Tickets = £8, which includes 8 games of prize bingo and 2 games of cash bingo. Hot and cold drinks will be available for purchase. There will also be a prize raffle drawn on the night.
All money raised will go towards the running and maintaining of ‘Winsford Wolves VIFC’ partially sighted men’s 5-a-side football team, who play in the Partially Sighted Football League.
Craig Acton, Event organiser and the Manager of Winsford Wolves VIFC, said, “The bingo nights always are a fun and enjoyable night, where people can have a laugh and make new friends.”
For further information relating to Winsford Wolves VIFC, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/winsfordwolvesVIFC/

Three-piece live party band 'Boomin’

Reporter Jonathan White
Three-piece live party band 'Boomin’ - https://www.boominband.co.uk/ - performed a fund-raising concert at the 'Studio Nantwich', Castle Street in Nantwich on Friday 1st February 2019.
During their inaugural visit to the town Boomin – consisting of Adam, Rory and Edd – played and sang a variety of floor-filling tracks from across the decades.
The awesome threesome - who have shared stages with Westlife, JLS, McFly, The Script, Scouting for Girls, N-Dubz, Ultrabeat, Basshunter, and Craig David - whipped the audience up into a frenzy with their enthusiastically performed set list.
Entry was by donation and the £290.80 raised will go to Douglas Macmillan Hospice - Dougie Mac, https://www.dmhospice.org.uk/ .
Nigel Woodhouse, Director of Operations at Studio Nantwich said, “It was a fantastic turnout for a fantastic band and it is always great to see people donating for a great cause. We have already invited Boomin back for round two - keep an eye out for the date on Studio Live. Our next charity event is on Friday 1st March, please do not miss it, they are another quality act coming to our town and again raising money for a great charity - Macmillan Cancer Support - who offer physical, financial and emotional support.”
The second 2019 fundraising concert, once again kindly hosted by Studio Nantwich, takes place when world, reggae and rock music band ‘Arcadia Roots’ perform on Friday 1st March. Arcadia Roots make a triumphant return to the town after dazzling the audience at The Bank Stage, adjacent to Studio Nantwich, during last year’s Nantwich Jazz, Blues & Music Festival.
For further information please search Studio Live Nantwich on Facebook.

Cheshire East to review governance of town and parish councils

Cheshire East Council plans to undertake a review of the governance arrangements for all town and parish councils in the borough.

Cheshire East is responsible for the governance and electoral arrangements for the 186 town and parish council wards in 135 town and parish councils, which cover the whole borough. The review will include:

● Town and parish boundaries;

● Numbers of town and parish councillors;

● Grouping of parishes; and

● Warding.

Nothing is changing immediately as a ‘community governance review’ (CGR) is a complex task and the main work will take place after the May 2019 local elections.

Any changes proposed under the CGR would follow extensive public consultation – including with town and parish councils. The aim is to complete the process well before the scheduled local elections in May 2023.

Government guidance advises that it is good practice to hold a review of town and parish governance every 10-15 years. The last was done before Cheshire East Council was created in 2009.

A multi-disciplinary team of officers has already started preparatory work and the council’s cross-party constitution committee has appointed a community governance review sub-committee to drive the process forward.

Councillor Paul Findlow, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for corporate policy and legal services, said: “Holding a review of community governance arrangements for all our town and parish councils is normal good practice and Cheshire East is ‘well ahead of the game’ in its preparedness.

“The present arrangements predate the formation of Cheshire East and we are mindful that there has since been considerable change to the population, its distribution and to the borough’s settlements.

“This review offers the opportunity to ensure that the tier of parish governance is fit for purpose for the future. Any proposed changes will be fully and extensively consulted upon to take account of the views of residents, town and parish councils and other stakeholders – and there won’t be change for change’s sake.”

Cheshire East intends to undertake initial consultation during summer 2019 on the scope of the review and topics and proposals that should be included. The council will then further consult on the actual proposals.

This review does not include the electoral arrangements for borough council or parliamentary seats. These would be the responsibility of Whitehall (the Local Government Boundary Commission and the Boundary Commission for England, respectively) and are not currently proposed.

Crewe shoppers are being ripped off by the Cheshire East Council on car park charges.

Tory run Cheshire East Council made a PROFIT of £1.2 miilion from the car parks in Crewe and Nantwich last year.

This is an outrage.

Crewe residents pay the highest parking fees in Cheshire East but they are going UP again this year.

Amazingly in NINE other towns (Sandbach,Alsager,Middlewich,Handforth,Prestbury,Poynton,Bollington,Disley & Holmes Chapel) motorists pay NOTHING to park. This unfairness has gone on for NINE years and 'For Britain' says enough is enough.

'For Britain' is calling for the parking charges in Crewe and Nantwich to be HALVED and for every Council car park in towns across the Borough to charge the same.It is the only fair thing to do.

Crewe is the most deprived town in the whole of Cheshire East but it has the highest car parking charges.

How can that possibly be justified?

Crewe town centre is in a spiral of decline so increasing car parking charges yet again will just make matters worse.

Labour run Crewe Town Council should be leading the campaign to cut car parking charges in the town but as usual they do nothing.

Best wishes,

Cllr. Brian Silvester

'For Britain'

Crewe North Candidate

Local Government Spokesman

Chairman 'For Cheshire'

Cheshire East sets out sound finances to deliver value for residents

Cheshire East Council’s sound financial management is protecting frontline services and continuing to deliver value for money to residents.

Cabinet today backed several strategic financial reports that show the authority is on course to deliver a balanced budget in 2018-19 and invest in services to protect children, while also protecting its other key frontline services and delivering on its core outcomes for residents.

It follows a consultation period on initial proposals that showed how the council could target resources more effectively and save money to achieve a balanced budget – while also setting out a strategy that can achieve a sustainable financial position in the medium term. 

Key proposals include investing an estimated £270m over the next three years on maintaining and improving our highways.

Following extensive consultation, the proposed revenue budget is balanced for 2019-20 with net revenue spending of £281.2m with total capital investment of £450m identified over the next three years.

Cheshire East invited feedback from residents, businesses, councillors, staff, town and parish councils and other stakeholders to inform decisions. This consultation will be an ongoing process over the next three years.

As a listening authority, the council has reflected on people’s comments and reflected this in its proposals. The provisional budget headlines include:

● An increase of £13.1m in overall net revenue spending on services;

● A reduction of £2.8m in government grants;

● An increase of £10.9m in council tax receipts (including from housing growth and previous year surplus); and

● An increase in business rate income of £5m.

The latest finance reports take place against a ‘challenging’ national picture of a continued overall public sector deficit – which is being partly met by ongoing reductions in government grants to councils – and rising demand for both adult social care and children and family services.

The council proposes to meet this financial challenge via a mix of tax increases, changing our service offer and finding innovative ways of working to deliver savings.

The aim is to make the council financially self-sufficient by reducing its reliance on central government revenue support grant from £40m in 2015/16 to nil in 2020.

It is now proposed to increase council tax by 2.99 per cent, to invest in essential frontline services. This would equate to an extra 78p per week to the average household bill. A Band D property bill would rise from £1,404.28 to £1,446.27.

Importantly, one per cent of the proposed tax rise will be ringfenced to help meet financial pressures  in children’s services.

Difficult choices have had to be made, once again, to ensure Cheshire East can target services to people who need them most. Locally funding services puts control back with local people but also comes with the responsibility to fund them in a sustainable way.

Councillor Paul Bates, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member for finance and communications, said: “These reports, backed by cabinet’s decision today, outline how the council will continue to build on the sound achievements of recent years and maintain robust and resilient overall financial health, performance and value for money.

“This financial year once again presented a number of challenges, in common with all local authorities, as issues such as inflationary pressure of £23.3m and rising demand in care services for children in Cheshire East were compounded by falls in government funding – including a £5.4m reduction in revenue support grant. Against this background, Cheshire East continues to effectively commission services through its ‘best fit’ model of service providers.

“Our local response to these pressures continues to focus on innovation and creativity with a clear emphasis on further improving efficiency, productivity and establishing more-effective local delivery of services.

“Our ability to create the best conditions for private sector investment, economic growth and prosperity will be critical to the continued success of the borough as the council’s reliance on locally-generated income increases.

“In the final year of the Corporate Plan 2017-20, the council is able to demonstrate the ongoing achievement of positive outcomes for local people. Education achievement rates for pupils in Cheshire East remain as one of the highest levels in the country and social care for children and adults are receiving higher levels of investment in the medium term.

“Infrastructure projects continue to unlock land and housebuilding numbers are exceeding targets. Employment is high and the number of businesses in the borough is higher than Manchester.

“Our recycling rates are in the top 10 per cent of all local authorities and our much-used libraries are in the top five in the country – while life expectancy for Cheshire East residents is also higher than both regional and national averages.

“Since local government reorganisation, the cumulative increase in council tax by Cheshire East Council is significantly lower than inflation and is among the lowest of any unitary authority in England. Cheshire East is simply a great place to be.”

Against a backdrop of challenging circumstances, the council is set to deliver a balanced financial outturn in 2018-19. At the third quarter stage, a projected overspend has reduced to £4.8m – or 1.8 per cent against a net revenue budget of £269.7m and a total gross annual spending of £740m.

Mitigating actions to return this to a balanced outturn by year end include further in-year efficiency savings (£0.8m) use of business rate receipts (£2.1m) and use of reserves (£1.9m).

Alex Thompson, head of finance and performance, said: “Against a challenging financial backdrop, it is pleasing to note that the council has continued to perform strongly, delivering positive outcomes in each of the six areas identified by the corporate plan. The costs related to increasing demand for services are being mitigated by the council’s success in supporting local development and manging the costs of providing services.”

Cllr Bates added: “The medium-term forecasts show the extent of the financial challenge ahead but we are helping to address this by setting a balanced budget – and I am confident and determined to deliver for local residents and do everything I can to maintain Cheshire East as one of the best places in the North West to live, work, visit and do business.”

Cheshire East Council is the third-largest unitary authority in the North West, responsible for delivering more than 500 services, supporting more than 370,000 local residents.

● The budget and council tax for 2019-20 will be decided by a vote of elected members at the 21 February meeting of full council.

New officers recruited to help tackle waste disposal issues

Two officers have been recruited as part of a partnership effort to tackle fly-tipping and waste disposal issues in Crewe.

The street scene improvement officers took up post on Monday and will be focused on areas of the town where there are frequent incidents of fly-tipping, littering and dog fouling.

They will identify and investigate waste disposal issues and co-ordinate partner agencies to address them and target resources. They will also engage with residents, businesses and landlords to give them information and advice about responsible waste disposal and recycling and support community clean-up activity.

The two new posts are being funded by Cheshire East Council and administered by Crewe Town Council, via income received in 2017/18 from fixed penalty fines for littering offences.

It follows a survey carried out by the council in 2017, which covered six ‘hot spot’ areas, and the council’s No Rubbish Excuses campaign – both of which identified the need for more direct engagement with residents and businesses.

Councillor Janet Clowes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for adult social care and integration and a member of the monitoring group, said: “Our targeted No Rubbish Excuses campaign sent a firm message to those who commit environmental crimes that the council was stepping up its fight against them.

“Last summer we agreed to invest a further £100,000 to continue the crackdown on such crimes. This included maintaining the education elements of the campaign, investing in specialist bin identification equipment and agreeing a one-off payment to support Crewe Town Council’s dedicated ‘waste clean team’ – funded through income from fixed penalty fines. 

“A cross-party fly-tipping monitoring group has been meeting regularly with Cheshire East officers and Crewe Town Council to support the implementation of these plans. We were recently able to finalise the funding and implementation of the two new posts.

“These new roles will help us to take the campaign to people’s doors – addressing specific waste management issues and identifying where there might be communication barriers.

“All this work will be done while continuing to spread the campaign’s messages that fly-tipping, littering and dog fouling are disgusting and crimes.”

Both street scene improvement officers will be employed by Crewe Town Council. They will work in conjunction with the town council’s two ‘Crewe rangers’, who carry out street scene improvement works across the town centre.

The current education and waste prevention programme, run by Cheshire East Council’s environmental services company Ansa, will further support the officers’ work.

Councillor Benn Minshull, deputy leader of Crewe Town Council, said: “This latest initiative has the potential to have a real and significant impact over what is a real and significant problem to people’s lives.

“These new officers are a welcome enhancement to the Crewe Ranger scheme, and having seen how successful that has been, we very much look forward to seeing what can be achieved.”

Cllr Don Stockton, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for environment, said: “I welcome the creation of these two new posts, which will play an important role in addressing the waste issues that blight communities in Crewe.”

To report fly-tipping, littering or dog fouling to Cheshire East Council, visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/norubbishexcuses

Firelink Enewsletter - January 2019

Firelink Enewsletter - January 2019

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

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Cheshire Fire climbs the ladder to number three in Stonewall’s Top 100

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) is moving closer to the top of LGBT charity Stonewall's prestigious Top 100 Employers list for 2019.
The Service has jumped another place from their 2018 fourth place to number three on the list and is the highest performing public sector organisation in the UK. Cheshire Fire is also the best performing emergency service in the UK due to its efforts to engage lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) staff, volunteers and communities.
This is the seventh consecutive year the Service has featured in the Top 100, which assesses organisations ranging from local authorities to international investment banks against criteria including engagement with staff and communities, training and leadership. CFRS entered the Top 100 in 2014 at number 25 and has increased its ranking year on year. It has also been the highest performing UK emergency service in 2016, 2017, 2018 and now 2019.
Find out more - Cheshire Fire climbs the ladder to number three in Stonewall’s Top 100

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White Ribbon Award for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has been accredited with White Ribbon Status as part of its pledge to protect vulnerable people in Cheshire.
White Ribbon Status is an official White Ribbon accreditation that will provide the service with specialist training and guidance to use to help bring about genuine change.
This accreditation scheme recognises that public sector organisations, large and small, can achieve so much more than individuals can alone when it comes to tackling domestic violence.
Find out more - White Ribbon Award for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

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Review of 2018

2018 was a busy year for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, not only for incidents but for the wealth of work in our communities and businesses our crews, advocates and support staff carried out.  Watch the work we do with younger people in the county, along with awards the Service has won.
Watch our video review of 2018

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Could you be an on-call firefighter?

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is recruiting for on-call firefighters at the following fire stations: Alsager, Audlem, Birchwood, Bollington, Frodsham, Holmes Chapel, Knutsford, Macclesfield, Malpas, Middlewich, Nantwich, Northwich, Penketh, Poynton, Runcorn, Sandbach, Stockton Heath, Tarporley, Wilmslow and Winsford Fire Stations.
Could you be an on-call firefighter?
We're looking for enthusiastic individuals with common sense, the ability to work as part of a team and able to deal with physically and emotionally demanding situations. Qualifications aren't necessary, applicants just need to be at least 18 years old and physically and medically fit with good hearing and eyesight.
Potential recruits also need to be able to reach their local fire station within five minutes of home or work and have a real interest in the fire and rescue service and helping in the community. The role attracts an average income in the region of £5000 a year.
Find out more - On-call firefighter recruitment

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Cold weather - home fire safety tips

During the current cold weather, please keep yourself warm but stay safe by following our safety advice:

• Heater fire safety tips
• Chimney fire safety tips
• Candle fire safety tips
• Cooking fire safety tips

Are your elderly friends and relatives safe?

Spare a thought for elderly relatives, friends and neighbours too. Are they as safe from fire as they could be?
Visit the Age Concern website for more information on winter safety: Age Concern website

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Refresh your biker skills in 2019

We are encouraging motorcyclists to refresh their riding skills and attend a Biker Down course in 2019.
Biker Down is a free training course for motorcyclists of all ages and experience - and is run by bikers for bikers.
It offers motorcyclists the chance to learn practical skills to help avoid being involved in a crash, as well as essential first-aid training and advice on what to do should they find themselves first on the scene of a crash where someone is injured.
For more information - Refresh your biker skills in 2019

Council supports Time to Talk Day

Cheshire East Council will be holding a series of Time to Talk sessions for staff as part of a nationwide push to get people talking more openly about mental health for one day.

Time to Talk Day is organised by Time to Change, the campaign to change how we all think and act around mental health problems, led by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.

Time to Talk Day aims to get as many people as possible talking about mental health. People can struggle to talk about mental health, so this year Time to Change is highlighting that there are lots of different ways to have a conversation about the subject. And you don’t have to be an expert to talk.

Since its launch in 2014, Time to Talk Day has sparked millions of conversations in schools, homes, workplaces, in the media and online, and attracted support from celebrities such as Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, Stephen Fry and Frankie Bridge.

Staff at Cheshire East Council will join thousands of other groups, schools and members of the public, who will all be having conversations about mental health on Time to Talk Day. Activities planned for 7 February by the council will include recruiting more Time to Change ambassadors and holding staff sessions across Cheshire East in Sandbach, Crewe and Macclesfield.

One in four of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year but many of us are too afraid to talk about it. Starting a conversation about mental health might seem daunting but simply sending a text, checking in on a friend or sharing something on social media can break the ice.

Councillor Liz Wardlaw, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for health, said: “The council signed the Time to Change pledge back in October last year, to signal its commitment to change perceptions of mental health, as well as providing reassurance to staff facing difficulties about how they will be supported.

“We are pleased to be taking part in and supporting Time to Talk Day because mental health is a topic we should all feel able to talk about. Having these all important conversations can make a big difference to many people. The more we talk, the more lives we can affect with positive change.”

Cancer On The Rocks’

.Reporter Jonathan White

Unfortunately, the 2nd annual ‘Cancer On The Rocks’ rock and blues music festival – due to take place at The Railway Hotel, Pillory Street, Nantwich on the weekend of Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th February 2019 – has been postponed due to some unforeseen technical issues.

‘Cancer On The Rocks’ will now take place on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July 2019 at the same venue. All profits from the weekend will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.

‘Cancer On The Rocks’ organiser Rick Palin said, “I am sad to say that due to some unforeseen technical issues we have had to postpone Cancer On The Rocks 2019 and move it to July 6th and 7th. On the plus side it gives us time to implement some changes we wanted to put into this one that were not possible at the time to ensure it is a weekend that you will not forget. All purchased tickets will be valid for the new event or if you prefer a refund please let me know by email on rick@cancerontherocks.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you in July and rockin your world.”

For further information please visit: http://www.cancerontherocks.co.uk/

A ‘Beginners' Spanish Taster Class’

.Reporter Jonathan White

A ‘Beginners' Spanish Taster Class’ takes place on Tuesday 19th February 2019 (7:30-8:30pm) in a private function room upstairs at Hop Pole on Wistaston Road in Crewe CW2 7RQ.

The taster session is free and limited to 30 people. By the end of the session participants will be able to say hello, introduce themselves, ask someone how they are and even order a drink from the bar.

Following the taster session there is a 6-week course that starts two weeks later on Tuesday 5th March 2019. The 6-week course costs £97, but there is a £10 discount if booked at the taster class.

However, if a full course isn't for you then just come along and join in the fun, everyone is very welcome.

Instructor Angela Wilkinson said, “I lived and worked in Spain for 15 years, learning the language from scratch. I enjoy speaking Spanish and wanted to run classes for beginners. My daughter grew up in Spain and is also fluent, we have decided to run quick 6 week courses full of fun and interaction. Taking Spanish Classes as part of a group is by far the most cost effective and fun way of learning a new language. We show you how to speak simple Spanish so you can communicate more effectively on holiday.”

For further details please phone: 07887961748 or email: spanishclassescheshire@gmail.com