The Cat 107.9 FM

Reporter Jonathan White

Local community radio station The Cat 107.9 FM has launched a new ‘Community Hero Award’.

The award is given to an individual who made extra special efforts, going above and beyond during the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

Each Community Hero Award winner will receive a certificate, along with a special The Cat 107.9 FM cake expertly made by Gill Clark from ‘Baked by Gill’ https://www.facebook.com/homebakedbygill/

The first recipient of a Community Hero Award was James Yates. During a local incident James protected a female police officer who was being attacked by a male suspected of being under the influence. James risked his life and subjected himself to potential infection to successfully stop the attack.

If you know someone who deserves recognition, please email their details to: studio@thisisthecat.com

Chris Cadman, Managing Director, The Cat community radio said: “The Cat 107.9 FM continues to find ways to help and inform the community during the Coronavirus crisis. The Community Hero Award recognises people who are going the extra mile to help the NHS and whose efforts help lift people’s spirits. It is fantastic and heart-warming to recognise local people and their efforts and to say a big thank you.”

The Cat broadcasts on 107.9 FM, online at http://thisisthecat.com/ , on your mobile with the TuneIn app, or on your smart speaker by just asking for ‘Cat one hundred and seven point nine’. This year The Cat celebrates five years on 107.9 FM.

The Cat has local Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates at half-past the hour and via their website: http://thisisthecat.com/covid-19/

For more information please visit http://thisisthecat.com/ and their social media pages on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thisisthecat/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/thisisthecat

The Cat is the only licensed community radio station in Crewe and Nantwich and is a not for profit organisation run entirely by volunteers. To get involved please visit: http://thisisthecat.com/on-air/get-involved/

Happy Earth Day from Tatton Park!

Tatton Park is celebrating Earth Day with bug hotels, birdfeeders and plant pots - which you can make at home from recycled materials.

A homemade gift is gratefully received at the best of times. In this period of lockdown we’re resorting to make-do-and-mend solutions more than usual. So what better way to celebrate Earth Day this year, than by making a bug hotel, birdfeeder or plant pot as a thank you gift for your favourite wildlife?

How to make a bug hotel

Tatton Park’s newly launched Online Learning Hub is where you’ll find step-by-step instructions for building a bug hotel. This is just one of many free activities and educational resources made available online by Tatton Park, to help with home-schooling and home-made entertainment.

As snug as a bug in a….

You don’t need a garden – any outside space will do and you can always hunt for building materials on your next walk. Look out for items such as moss, sticks, dry leaves and pine cones and check out Tatton Park’s Bug Hotel video for ideas to get you started.

Tips to encourage bugs to check into your hotel

Just like us, not all bugs want the same type of hotel – yours can be unique to you and your outside space:

v Make sure you build on a flat surface

v Pick a sheltered spot – it can be light or dark

v Create small spaces for bugs to crawl into and feel snug

v Use natural materials where possible

v Stack different layers on top of each other

v Cover your hotel to keep it dry – even bugs like to have a roof over their heads

v Give your hotel a name and put it on a sign, so your guests know they’re checking into the right place

v Take a pic and share @TattonPark

Make a biodegradable plant pot…

Tatton Park’s Online Learning Hub also teaches you how to make a biodegradable plant pot. You can grow seedlings in recycled household items like toilet roll tubes, empty egg cartons and even old newspaper.

… or a birdfeeder

Attract birds to your garden, patio or balcony with three homemade bird feeder ideas using items and materials found around your home. Here’s a mini video to show you how to make your birdfeeder.

Our gates may be closed, but you can visit us online

We’ll do our best to share interesting wildlife moments and beautiful images from the Parkland, Farm and Garden, where vital activities are being carried out by a small number of staff. Here’s how you can stay in touch with happenings at Tatton Park during the lockdown:

v www.tattonpark.org.uk – we’re updating the Springtime in the Park pages as much as possible with updates from staff carrying out essential work across the Estate during the lockdown period

v e-news – sign up on our website and receive updates from Tatton Park

v Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – find us @TattonPark

v Candide Gardening App - download onto your phone and search for Tatton Park

A message to our customers during the coronavirus outbreak

Tatton Park is currently closed to the public. This is a temporary measure that is being kept under regular review as we respond to the national and local situation. Please refer to our latest Covid-19 update

Stay safe and we hope to welcome you to Tatton Park in the near future.

Cheshire East Council continues to support bereaved families during difficult times

Cheshire East council is reassuring bereaved families that they will be supported through their difficult time, taking account of new measures implemented by the government and the new Coronavirus Act.

During the current pandemic, new measures are in place for funerals in order to reduce the risks associated with the virus, for funeral service staff and mourners alike.

The council is following new guidelines around mourners attending funerals, who should be members of the person’s household, close family members or if these people are unable to attend, close friends and a celebrant of choice should attend if the bereaved family request this.

In line with social distancing measures, seating in chapels has been spaced out and mourners are asked that only those who live in the same household sit in the same row of seats.

Additional measures that have been taken include;

● Service lengths – each service has been reduced in length to allow for time to clean in-between services;

● Hand sanitiser – there are automated hand sanitiser dispensers at the entrance to both crematorium chapels. All visitors are asked to make use of it before entering the building;

● Online bookings – this function has been temporarily removed to allow the council to better respond to the demands on the service over the coming weeks and;

● Interments, placements and witnessed scatterings of ashes – no further bookings will be taken for these activities. All bookings that were made as at close of business 25 March 2020 will be honoured, within the restrictions and government guidance in place.

Councillor Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member with responsibility for bereavement services, said: “We understand that any bereavement is an extremely difficult time for family and close friends. At the moment, we are facing the added challenging circumstances that the coronavirus outbreak is bringing. 

“We are working with Orbitas Bereavement Services, a Cheshire East Council wholly-owned company, to do all we can within current government guidelines to ensure we can continue to give loved ones a fitting send off.

“We advise that people who are extremely clinically vulnerable (shielded) attend services with measures put in place to reduce their risk. People self-isolating, because someone in their household is ill, may attend if they do not have symptoms themselves and those who have symptoms of coronavirus/Covid-19 must not attend and must stay at home.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff within the bereavement services teams and the funeral directors, who are still working hard to serve families across Cheshire East during this challenging time.”

Police Leader Answers Your Questions on Coronavirus

Police Leader Answers Your Questions on Coronavirus

---

Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner has held his first Q&A with the chief constable on the Coronavirus crisis.
PCC David Keane put Cheshire residents’ questions to CC Darren Martland to give reassurance about policing and the pandemic in his role to ensure Cheshire Constabulary is delivering an effective service.
In excess of 30 individual questions were submitted ahead of the session which were grouped into key themes that covered the following areas: the policing approach to Coronavirus legislation, policing priorities, crime reporting procedures and how Cheshire Constabulary is protecting and supporting its staff.
In addition, there were some specific ‘local based’ questions asked, which will be addressed separately with a direct response from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner after consulting local policing colleagues.
The chief constable provided a broad overview to the policing approach to dealing with the current Pandemic. In regards to legislation and the policing approach, CC Martland outlined that the Constabulary has delivered extensive training materials to officers and staff and has asked them to adopt the 4 Es approach of engaging with communities to explain the legislation and encourage compliance with enforcement action only taken as a last resort.
He outlined that there was some initial confusion, on the part of the police and the public, in relation to a number of specific aspects of the legislation, which mainly related travelling to and from locations for the purposes of exercise, which have been addressed and clarified.
He also emphasised that the vast majority of the public in Cheshire are fully compliant with the legislation and, therefore, the need to resort to enforcement action is minimal.
In regards to policing priorities during the pandemic, he stressed that police are still continuing to provide a visible policing service by investigating crime and bringing offenders to justice, protecting vulnerable people and dealing with local issues and concerns including domestic abuse, crime, traffic-related matters and anti-social behaviour.
Describing the need for officers and staff to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when meeting with members of the public face-to-face, the chief constable said he has ensured sufficient PPE is available for all those that are on the frontline and that clear guidance had been issued in regards to when this should be used.
He also said he will not tolerate any abuse of his staff and, in a small number of occasions when individuals have deliberately coughed / spat at officers and staff, enforcement action has been taken.
Finally, the chief constable reminded the public of the ways to report crimes and concerns to Cheshire police, dialing ‘999’ in an emergency or where there is a risk to life and for all other enquiries calling 101 or reporting crime on the Cheshire Police website.
PCC David Keane said: “These sessions provide an opportunity for members of our communities to seek reassurance on what Cheshire Constabulary is doing to keep us safer during the ongoing pandemic.
“These are uncertain times which are presenting a series of challenges we have never faced before but it is reassuring to hear that the chief constable and his officers are doing everything they can to effectively and efficiently manage policing resources.”
The virtual Q&A sessions will take place every Tuesday and Cheshire residents and businesses are invited to send their questions to pcc@cheshire.pnn.police.uk with the subject title ‘Reassurance Q&A’ by midnight on Sunday (26 April) to be answered at next week's session. Alternatively, questions can also be taken by phone during regular office hours by calling 01606 364000.

Message Sent By
Caroline Tozer (Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, Communications Officer, Police and Crime Commissioner)

---

Cheshire East highlights Covid-19 business grants eligibility

Cheshire East Council has today (24 April) highlighted the government criteria for business grants – as it continues to distribute vital funds to eligible businesses in the borough.

Following the chancellor’s announcement in March, a £330 billion Covid-19 support package was announced to businesses in the UK, including a business grant scheme which would be distributed by local authorities.

The two new grant funding schemes were announced, which cover the following scenarios:

● A small business grant fund of £10,000 for all businesses in receipt of small business rate relief; and

● Grant funding for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, which offers;

· A grant of £10,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property where the rateable value is up to £15,000; or

• A grant of £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property – where the rateable value is over £15,000 and below £51,000.

The council is working hard to ensure these grants are received by eligible businesses as soon as possible. When new bank details are received – via the easy-to-use electronic form on the council website – the majority of grants are issued within a week, subject to any additional information being needed, at which point the council will contact the business. 

Once the council has validated a business’ bank details, the grant will usually be paid within the next three to five days. Where submitted forms contain discrepancies – such as details which differ from those previously provided or where recent changes may impact on eligibility – the council is working to resolve the cases and the timescales for these cases may be longer.

There is a range eligibility exclusions that would lead to a business not qualifying for either grant. Examples of this include where a business is run from home or those that were in liquidation or dissolved as of 11 March. More information on each grant’s exclusion criteria can be found at cheshireeast.gov.uk/covidbusinessrates

Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “We completely understand that is a very difficult and worrying time for local businesses and are working hard to ensure eligible businesses receive this public money as soon as possible.

“To date we have transferred more than £53.8m in grants to 4,269 eligible businesses in Cheshire East. This figure changes every day as we work towards issuing just over 7,000 grants in total.

“If you have submitted the correct bank details, we will be delivering your grant within the next few days.

“To support this work, the council is redeploying staff to help with the huge demand on this service area. These staff are contacting businesses who have not yet given us their bank details.”

Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “Our business teams are working extremely hard to get these grants out with the latest government league tables showing us to be in the top 10 per cent of councils for the amount of grant money paid out.

“We recognise how important cashflow is for small businesses. However, we can only pay out a grant if the business is eligible for it and where we have the correct bank details, which must be verified by our teams before they issue a grant.

“Staff are also working to answer the thousands of telephone calls and correspondence emails being received alongside contacting 2,400 local businesses to access the funding they are entitled to during these difficult times.

“In the meantime, please bear with us – we know how important these grants are to businesses.”

The council is currently verifying  a large number of business bank details and asking other small businesses, who have not yet submitted their details, to come direct to their website at: cheshireeast.gov.uk/covidbusinessrates where eligible businesses can fill out their bank details so they can receive their grant money.

Businesses are strongly advised to not use an agent to complete these simple forms and instead come direct, to ensure 100 per cent of grant funds are received by businesses at this difficult time.

Covid-19 Advice For Contacting Us

Covid-19 Advice For Contacting Us

---

Good afternoon,
We are receiving lots of messages about neighbours not complying with the Government guidelines. We are asking to you please report this using the links provided below:-
https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/#sub-menu-3
https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/c19/tell-us-about-possible-breach-coronavirus-measures/
Our local work in our communities will continue as usual to keep our community safe and to adhere to directions from our Chief Constable. These duties may include the following :-
- Online Beat Meetings
-TRU CAM Speed Enforcement
-Visits where absolutely necessary (welfare checks)
-Foot patrols
-Social Media presence
As much as we'd like to make sure that everyone in our community is safe and well, we do not want to put anyone at unnecessary risk by doing visits that are not essential. This being said, we are in touch with many of our vulnerable and elderly, and wave and speak from the end of the driveways whilst out on our patrols.
Thank you for your time and understanding.
PCSO Lizzie Jolley 22582
Haslington Police

Message Sent By
Lizzie Jolley (Police, PCSO, Crewe PCSO Haslington & Rural Villages in Cheshire East)

People of Cheshire Urged To Stay At Home

People of Cheshire Urged To Stay At Home

---

The people of Cheshire are being reminded to stay at home as the fight against coronavirus continues.
As the country moves into a fifth week of restrictions in a bid to save lives and protect the NHS, residents across the county are urged to do their bit as part of the national effort.
Superintendent Richard Rees said: “I want to thank every single person in Cheshire in helping to play their part in tackling the spread of coronavirus – listening to the advice they have been given, taking it on board and staying at home where they can.
“The steps you are taking during this global pandemic will help to save lives and protect the NHS.
“This is an unprecedented time and these are unprecedented measures and the strict social distancing measures are set to remain in place for at least the next three weeks.
“It is Important that we have the continued co-operation and goodwill of everyone. We do appreciate the difficulties and uncertainties that everyone is facing but I am confident that the people of Cheshire will pull together, support one another and show their true community spirit as we continue to adjust to our new way of life.”
Watch a video from Superintendent Richard Rees
As we head into another weekend, patrol plans remain in place across the county.
Officers – supported by members of the Special Constabulary – will be out and about engaging with people, explaining the reasons behind the regulations and encouraging them to take it on board to ensure that everyone is fully complying with these restrictions. Only as a last resort will enforcement action be taken.
Checks on roads are continuing to make sure that those travelling in Cheshire are doing so for one of the essential reasons.
Supt Rees added: “Officers will continue to be out and about stopping people and talking to them as they go about their journeys – on foot and by car. If you are stopped by one of our officers please do not be offended by this – it is for a good reason.
“Criminals are quick to change their habits depending on the circumstances and, even in a nationwide lockdown, they will still find a way to operate. Part of our checks are to ensure those out and about are not there for criminal gain.”
Officers will also continue with high-visibility patrols within the local community.
Supt Rees said: “It is really encouraging to see that the vast majority of local people are being supportive and staying at home where they can. However we do know that not everyone is following the advice as one of the key issues you are telling us about is people having house parties and large social gatherings, which are still taking place despite the restrictions.
“I want to remind everyone that the new measures mean this cannot happen and I am asking people to please abide by this.
“We are responding to any concerns from the local community and, in these cases, will speak to people and use the 3Es approach to try and resolve the situation.
“We police with the consent of the communities we serve and a positive relationship with those communities is more important than ever.
“It is important to remember that these new measures have been put in place for a very good reason and we all have a responsibility to make sure that we stick to them.”
David Keane, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, added: “I would like to thank the majority of Cheshire residents who are abiding by the guidance and staying at home to help relieve pressure on our NHS and save lives.
“Sadly, there still remains some individuals who think the advice does not apply to them and I would urge them to think about the impact their actions are having on the wider community.
“Emergency service workers across Cheshire are working flat out in extremely challenging circumstances while putting themselves and their families at risk. It is our duty to support them and not put them under unnecessary pressure.
“The more we cooperate and work together as a community by acting responsibly the faster we will be able to beat this crisis.”
The new public health regulations are in place to ensure people stay at home and avoid non-essential travel – unless for one of the following reasons:

• Shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible
• One form of exercise a day - for example, a run, walk or cycle - alone or with members of their household
• Any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
• Travelling to and from work, but only where they cannot work from home
• Participating in gatherings of more than two people in public spaces is also not permitted except in very limited circumstances, for example, where it is for essential work purposes.

Full details of the measures are available on the government's website.

Message Sent By
Peter Caldwell (Police, Digital Media Manager, Corporate Communications)

Cheshire East issues update on Covid-19 business grants

Cheshire East Council has today, (17 April 2020) issued an update on how it is working to deliver more than £90 million in emergency business grants to qualifying businesses across the borough.

Following the Chancellor’s announcement in March, a £330 billion Covid-19 support package was announced to businesses in the UK, including a business grant scheme which would be distributed by local authorities.

Cheshire East Council received the 15^th largest amount in the country, reflecting the significant contribution its businesses make to the local economy. It was paid to the council on 2 April, at a time when it was issuing annual business rates bills and dealing with the additional payment holidays for retail, leisure and hospitality business rates – which has led to an additional £61 million worth of financial relief across the borough.

Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader at Cheshire East Council said: “We completely understand that is a very difficult and worrying time for local businesses and are working hard to do the necessary checks required to release this public money as soon as possible.

“Around 50 per cent of businesses in Cheshire East (c.8,000) are eligible for grants of £10,000 or £25,000, and, in some cases, they may be eligible for multiple grants.

“In the last few days over £35.6million in grants has been paid, reaching all of the 2,594 businesses that the council holds verified bank details for.

“37 per cent of the total grant has been paid out to eligible businesses, which is above the average for councils across the country.”

Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader at Cheshire East Council said: “Our business rates team are working extremely hard to get these grants out. We recognise how important cashflow is for small businesses. However, we can only pay out a grant if we have the correct bank details, which must be verified by our teams before they issue a grant.

“If you have submitted the correct bank details, we will be delivering your grant within the next few days.

“To support this work, the council is redeploying staff to help with the huge demand on this service area. These staff are contacting businesses who have not yet given us their bank details.

“Staff are also working to answer the thousands of telephone calls and correspondence emails being received alongside contacting local businesses to access the funding they are entitled to during these difficult times.

“In the meantime, please bear with us – we know how important these grants are to businesses.”

The council is currently verifying 1,600 business bank details and asking other small businesses, who have not yet submitted their details, to come direct to their website at cheshireeast.gov.uk/covidbusinessrates where qualifying businesses can fill out their correct bank details so they can receive their grant money.

Businesses are strongly advised to not use an agent to complete these simple forms and instead come direct, to ensure 100 per cent of grant funds are received by businesses at this difficult time.

Cheshire East Council welcomes support for heritage sector

Cheshire East Council has welcomed the latest announcement from The National Lottery Heritage Fund as it launches a £50m emergency response package to support the heritage community following the Covid-19 crisis.

The Heritage Emergency Fund is accepting applications for funding from £3,000 to £50,000 and is available to organisations across a full breadth of heritage including:

• Historic sites;
• Industrial and maritime heritage;
• Museums;
• Libraries and archives;
• Parks and gardens; and
• Landscapes and nature

The support package also includes increased advice and support along with longer-term skills and capacity-building initiatives.

Councillor Nick Mannion, portfolio holder with responsibility for culture and heritage, said: “We very much welcome the support offered to the heritage sector by the National Lottery Heritage Fund – I would urge anyone who feels they are eligible, to apply.

“Cheshire East Council recognises the value of its rich heritage and tourism sector, including our listed buildings and conservation areas. We are working to keep businesses, organisations and individuals informed of the support packages available to them during the Covid-19 crisis, and are sharing the latest guidance, resources and workshops that are on offer, as and when we find them.

“It is a key focus to support organisations to actively deal with immediate risks, helping them to become more stable as they work towards their longer-term plans.

“By sharing initiatives such as this, we hope that organisations within our borough can continue to work together in these challenging times and access short-term funding to support any immediate actions and unforeseen risks presented during this crisis.”

Applications opened on Wednesday 15 April and will close on Tuesday 30 June.

Applicants must be:

• a not-for-profit organisation;
• a current or previous recipient of a grant directly from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and;
• an owner, manager or representative of heritage, or have an evidenced track record in delivering participatory heritage activity

Further details, advice and guidance for individuals and organisations looking to apply for the emergency response package is available at: heritagefund.org.uk/funding/heritage-emergency-fund

Avast Internet Survey - Connecting With Your Community

Avast Internet Survey - Connecting With Your Community

---

Dear Neighbourhood Watch supporter,
We hope you and your loved ones are keeping well and safe. We will shortly be sending out our monthly newsletter, with positive community stories, news, and information and tips around safety and connecting with your community. However in the meantime, we have a short survey that you may be interested in taking part. It should only take around 5 minutes of your time.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way many of us use technology. We are now much more reliant on an internet connection to stay in touch with friends, community members and family, and to work remotely (if possible). As part of our partnership with cybersecurity company Avast, called Cyberhood Watch, we would like to find out how you are using technology now, what for and why, and to determine whether you have been targeted by any COVID-19 related online scams. This information will help the Cyberhood Watch partnership deliver relevant resources and information to you and your fellow members, helping you stay safe during this particularly challenging time.
Click on this link to complete the survey anonymously: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/9NWNMV9
Thank you in advance for your responses!
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team
T  0116 402 6111
www.ourwatch.org.uk

98 per cent of Cheshire East parents offered a place at a primary school of their choice

Cheshire East Council continues to work with local schools to ensure that parents and carers receive primary school offers for children due to start in September 2020.

Offer letters have been sent to families this week with 98.1 per cent of Cheshire East residents offered a preference school and 91.4 per cent offered their first choice. 

The council’s school admissions team, which currently is continuing to operate during the Covid-19 crisis, received more than 4,200 applications for places including around 4,000 applications from Cheshire East residents.

For the very small proportion of parents who have not received a place at their first preference school and would prefer an alternative school, parents have the right to submit an appeal and/or go on the waiting list for another school(s). Parents are advised to accept their child’s offer even if they would prefer a different school, until they have confirmed alternative arrangements for their child’s education.

Councillor Kathryn Flavell, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for children and families said: “We continue to have an excellent record in seeing children and their parents offered a place of their choice in one of the many primary schools across the borough. We know that Cheshire East is a great place to learn with nearly 93 per cent of our primary schools rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.

“We also recognise that schools and children are facing lots of disruption at the present time, which is very unsettling. I am so proud of the continued commitment of school staff and pupils for their dedication and their creativity in adapting to new ways to learn. 

“We know that schools are reviewing their transition plans as new pupils and their families will not be able to visit during the current crisis. We are working closely with schools and ask that parents wait to hear from their chosen school during the summer term.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our admissions team who continue to work tirelessly with our schools, to ensure there are sufficient places for our children. Finally, I would like to wish all the children the very best start in their primary school as they continue to learn, develop and experience the many exciting opportunities that await them.”

More information and advice can be found at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/schooladmissions or on the website of the preferred school. 

Parents are also encouraged to follow the council’s Family Information Service on social media for tips and advice.

Sextortion Scams on the Increase Across Cheshire

Sextortion Scams on the Increase Across Cheshire

---

Due to a recent rise in the number of reported sextortion scams in Cheshire, officers from Cheshire Constabulary's Cyber Crime Team are asking people to be aware of and report emails threatening to blackmail recipients.
The emails will claim to have caught the reader accessing adult websites and demand a ransom (usually by bank transfer or in Bitcoin) in order to keep the information to themselves.
These types of 'phishing' attacks are made more believable because they provide technical details about how this was achieved, and can sometimes also include the individual’s password.
Phishing attacks are designed to play on people’s emotions and pressure them into ‘taking the bait’ and paying the ransom.
What to do if you receive such an email:
• Do not engage with the fraudster - delete the email and report it to Action Fraud: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report-phishing.
• Do not be tempted to pay the ransom, doing so will likely encourage more scams.
• Do not worry if the email includes your password; in all likelihood this has been obtained from historic breaches of personal data. You can check if your account has been compromised and get future notifications by visiting: https://haveibeenpwned.com/
• If the email includes a password you still use then change it immediately.
• If you have been the victim of a sextortion scam and have paid the ransom, then report it to Cheshire Police by calling 101.
For more advice and information about staying secure online, visit the National Cyber Security Centre website: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/information-for/individuals-families#section_3

Message Sent By
Daniel Millington (Cheshire Police / Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Media Officer, Corporate Communications)

Exercise For Lockdown

Cheshire East Council launches job matching service to combat Covid-19

Cheshire East Council has launched a new job matching service to help people, who are temporarily not working, find jobs in key roles where support is needed.

The roles that the council’s supported employment team will be looking to recruit for, include traditional health roles in hospitals and social care but additionally temporary jobs in supermarkets, food production and delivery services. Although these sectors will be the focus, the team will try to link people through to emerging roles in a wider variety of sectors where appropriate.

People who feel they have the skills and the capacity required, are strongly encouraged to register their interest at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/jobmatch and apply for our job matching service.

Employers looking for staff on a short term basis to fill vital roles, are encouraged to email the council at supportedemployment@cheshireeast.gov.uk to outline their requirements.

Councillor Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for public health and corporate services, said: “These are unprecedented times, which sometimes call for unusual requests to support the fight against coronavirus. It is vital that we do whatever we can to make sure we beat this virus.

“So I am asking people, especially those who have currently been placed on temporary leave from their main employer, to get behind the national effort and help out if you can.”

When people complete the online form, they will be prompted to show which areas they are prepared to work in. This information – along with a CV, if applicants have one – will help to match them to the roles and the locations where the help is most needed.

Cheshire East Council welcomes support for cultural and creative sector

Cheshire East Council has welcomed the latest announcement from The Arts Council as it launches a £160m emergency response package due to the Covid-19 crisis.

The Arts Council’s funding package is made up of £20m available to individuals, £50m to organisations outside of the national portfolio and £90m to their national portfolio organisations (NPOs).  

Funding for individuals seeks to support creative practitioners whose main work is focused on the following art forms and disciplines:

· Music;

· Theatre;

· Dance;

· Visual arts;

· Literature;

· Combined arts;

· Museums; and

· Libraries (activity that helps deliver the Universal Library Offers).

The funding is also available for organisations with a track record in publicly funded culture.

Councillor Nick Mannion, portfolio holder with responsibility for culture, said: “We very much welcome the support offered to the cultural and creative sector by Arts Council England in their funding announcement – I would urge anyone who feels they are eligible to apply.

“Cheshire East Council recognises the value of its cultural and creative sector to both the borough and the economy and is working to keep businesses, organisations and individuals informed of the support available during the Covid-19 crisis.”

There are two rounds for individuals and organisations to apply – just once – to the funding schemes;

• Round one: opens 9 April with a deadline of 16 April 2020
• Round two: opens 16 April with a deadline of 30 April 2020.

Further details, advice and guidance for individuals and organisations looking to apply for the emergency response package is available at artscouncil.org.uk/covid19

Details for NPOs will be available on the Arts Council website soon.

Live streaming is keeping local music live during coronavirus

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

Live streaming is keeping local music live during coronavirus

Amid the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, UK Government advice has encouraged self-isolation, working from home to avoid non-essential travel and social distancing to slow the spread of the sickness.

However, with music venues and nightclubs having to temporarily close and concerts cancelled during the outbreak, local musicians and DJs are instead broadcasting live to the world from their homes via online social media for fans to watch from the safety of their sofa on a phone, computer or TV.

Their free live streaming gigs are helping people to combat the potential boredom and loneliness of staying at home; to keep their fans’ spirits up and to metaphorically bring them together during the lockdown.

During broadcasts viewers are encouraged to add comments, a Like, a Heart, and even request a song! The gigs are also frequently saved, so can be watched back later.

Jim Kirkpatrick even filmed the video to his latest track ‘Ain't Going' Down Alone’, from a forthcoming solo album, at home and has uploaded the video to his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/kirkpatrickuk/

Some performers are fundraising whilst live streaming to support their livelihood, colleagues in the music industry and charities.

Local musicians who have already live-streamed performances include:

Baxter, https://www.facebook.com/baxterduo/ ;

Marc Gallagher, https://www.facebook.com/marcgallaghermusic/ ;

Jim Kirkpatrick, https://www.facebook.com/kirkpatrickuk ;

Megan Lee, https://www.facebook.com/MeganLeeSinger/ ;

Oli Ng, https://www.instagram.com/olingmusic/ ;

Jonathan Tarplee, https://www.facebook.com/tarpleemusic/

Local DJs who have already live-streamed performances include:

Kev Lovell, https://www.facebook.com/kev.lovell ;

Danny Tarry, https://www.facebook.com/DJDannyTarry ;

Alan Woodhouse, https://www.facebook.com/alan.woodhouse.5

Jim Kirkpatrick said: “Live streaming from home not only provides entertainment for people isolating during this period but also provides a creative outlet for musicians and has created alternative sources of income for them. Tipping for requests and selling merchandise have become the norm over the last few weeks and has become a lifeline for musicians that have completely lost their income.”

Jonathan Tarplee said: “Many musicians have lost most or all of their income since the lockdown. Streaming simply doesn’t pay in the way that buying CDs or even downloads used to, so many artists are doing online shows to maintain a connection to their audience in the hope that there will still be places to perform when this is all over.”

Alan Woodhouse said: “The power of music can really help people during this difficult time. It’s great to see so many DJs coming together by using technology to stream live sets on social media. Nationally and internationally known DJs such as Carl Cox, Pete Tong, Bob Sinclar and Dave Pearce are all live streaming from home. More locally, DJs Danny Tarry, Kev Lovell and Craig Timmis all live broadcast on a regular basis. A large local charity fundraising DJ event ‘Golden Live’, which was due to take place at Keele University, was live streamed from each DJs home instead, with DJ sets starting at agreed times. An interesting situation that the coronavirus outbreak has created is that it has turned the biggest DJs in the world back into bedroom DJs, where every DJ started their career. I have live streamed and shall be doing much more over the coming days and weeks, as we can all easily broadcast at different times which gives more choice. I do think going forward that streaming live DJ sets will be used much more than it has been and will be part of every DJs itinerary.”

Business in Nantwich has almost come to a standstill

Reporter Jonathan White

Business in Nantwich has almost come to a standstill. Steve & Denise Lawson have had - along with many other businesses - to temporarily close their Nantwich Bookshop and Coffee Lounge premises on High Street in Nantwich due to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.

However, the book sales side of their business is unaffected and continues from their Crewe home.

Steve & Denise can order books from numerous publishers including Bloomsbury, DK, Hachette, HarperCollins, Hodder & Stoughton, Macmillan, Penguin, and Random House.

Their current best-selling genres are history, biography and sport. Fiction which was never really a big seller in the shop is starting to surpass these other genres.

If someone has a genre or an idea of a book they want, they will try and source it and are happy to get requests for recommendations too.

For further information or to order a book please email: info@nantwichbookshop.co.uk , or phone: 01270 611665.

Payments can be taken over the phone, or on delivery by Steve Lawson.

Free delivery is available within a 15 mile radius. Books can be posted further afield.

Steve & Denise Lawson said: “We thank you for your continued support and in the not too distant future we will all be back again enjoying our wonderful town. We stand with all the independent businesses of Nantwich and ask that you spend your money in the small shops after these closures, so that we too can recover as the multinationals will.”

Crewe churches use Facebook Live and Zoom as coronavirus crisis continues

.Reporter Jonathan White,

https://en.facebookbrand.com/facebookapp/assets/facebook-live/

The Holy Week and Easter 2020 programme for St Andrew’s, All Saints’ and St Peter’s Churches in Crewe continues entirely online during the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, to avoid non-essential travel and social contact.

Easter is the most important festival in the Christian calendar and celebrates Jesus rising from the dead, three days after he was executed.

The Crewe churches are using online social media website ‘Facebook Live’ and the video conferencing application ‘Zoom’ to give parishioners the opportunity to view live streams of the services that cannot currently be attended due to the pandemic. The services on Facebook Live are saved, so can be watched back later.

The Holy Week and Easter 2020 programme includes: Monday 6th April, 8pm Compline; Tuesday 7th April, 6:30pm Zoom ‘Open’, 8pm Taize Service; Wednesday 8th April, 6:30pm Zoom  Mettle, 8pm Stations of the Cross; Maundy Thursday 9th April, 7pm – Zoom Agape Meal, 8pm – Communion, 9pm – Candlelight Watch; Good Friday 10th April, 9:30am All Saints’ Seedlings, 12 noon Children’s Stations of the Cross followed by readings and reflections; Holy Saturday 11th April, 8pm Easter Vigil and Communion; Easter Sunday 12th April, 9:30am Family Communion.

For Facebook Live please visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/standrewschurchcrewe/ .

For Zoom please email Catherine for the code for each meeting.

The churches can be contacted by email: catherine.cleghorn@hotmail.com and telephone: 07813117385.

Revd Catherine Cleghorn, Curate of St Andrew's, All Saints' and St Peter's Churches, Crewe, said: “Walking in the footsteps of Christ in his journey to the cross during Holy Week is incredibly important for us as worshipping communities, as it helps us to identify with Jesus as God and man, and means that we can more fully enter into the joy and hope of the Easter celebration. We're so glad to have the technology to meet remotely at this difficult, unprecedented and really significant time.”