East Northants Reporter June 2022

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New Mayor unveiled

ADRIAN Winkle is the new town Mayor for Rushden.

His chosen charities for the year are, Children with Cancer, Rushden Mind and the RNLI. He said: “It is a great honour and privilege to be elected to the position of Mayor for my home town.

“I look forward to working on your behalf in being an ambassador for Rushden and represent you in all I can.

“I will to the best of my ability promote our town at every opportunity.

“In this year it is my intention to hold events to raise money for my chosen charities, these being Children with Cancer, Rushden Mind and the RNLI “If you have a group or organisation you would like me to visit, or have a special occasion coming up, I would be only too pleased to attend if I am available.”

In Raunds, the new Mayor is Richard Levell, in Higham Ferrers, Nigel Brown takes up the role, while in Irthlingborough, John Farrar was elected to serve as Mayor. In Thrapston. Craig Wheeler is the the chairman and Mayor.

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Knife crime is a matter of priority for the county’s force, and the week of action coincided with the visit of the iconic 27ft tall Knife Angel statue, made from

100,000 blunted blades handed into more than 200 knife amnesty bins, including those handed in to Northamptonshire police officers.

Chief Supt Adam Ward said: “Knife crime remains a priority for the force, and it is important that we continue to build on the foundations to prevent and tackle this type of offending.

“We tackle and prevent knife crime daily however, Operation Sceptre is another opportunity for us all to work together to reduce the risk and harm caused by knives through engagement, education, prevention and enforcement, and make sure the next generation understands the risks of carrying a knife.

“Sadly, we have also seen the harm caused to families and communities through the tragic loss of life relating to knife crime. It is devastating, which is why we will continue to prosecute those who carry knives.

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“The enforcement and proactive work we do is only one part of the solution to this issue. We all have an important role to play in tackling and preventing knife crime by raising awareness of the consequences and dangers of carrying a knife.”

The week of action also included members of the Neighbourhood Policing Teams holding a number of knife amnesty events across the county.

Police said knives could be safely and anonymously disposed of without fear of prosecution or repercussions.

If you have any information or concerns about knife crime in your community, you can contact 101, or visit the police website at www.northants.police.uk

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POLICE joined forces from across the UK to prevent and tackle knife crime, as part of the national Operation Sceptre week of action.

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JUNE 2022 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER

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Stationery store to close

STATIONERY chain Colemans has announced it is closing down.

Joanna Coleman, managing director of the stationery chain and Colemans Craft Warehouse, announced the closure of the Colemans business.

She said: “Our wonderful business, founded by my father John Coleman in 1969, and of which we are hugely proud, has reached the end of the road.

“For some time now our business has been struggling to return to pre-Covid levels of sales at its eight branches which cover which counties across the East Midlands.

“Even prior to Covid, retail as a sector, and particularly on the High Streets where we operate, was in decline.

“Then Covid came and we were forced to close all of our shops as non-essential retail – which then remained closed for seven months out of 12.

“With costs soaring and footfall dropping, our business is no longer

sustainable.”

She said it not gone into liquidation, and that she will fulfil all of the company’s obligations to its staff and suppliers.

She said: “We will leave our High Streets with our heads held high. We have been in business for 53 years and have created a brand of which we can be truly proud thanks to the incredible hard work of our wonderful staff and the loyalty of our fantastic customers whom I would like to thank sincerely.”

One branch of Colemans will remain open, Colemans of Oundle, where Colemans also offer its picture framing and print services.

Colemans customers can ring them to request deliveries to other areas on 0333 600 1969 or email oundle@colemangroup.co.uk The Oundle Bookshop, which is part of the Coleman Group, will also remain open.

REMAINS OPEN

Hospital team receives award for its support during the pandemic AN imaginative Kettering General Hospital team that used a fast-food trailer to help provide a drive-through testing service for hundreds of clinically vulnerable patients during the pandemic has won a national award.

Kettering General Hospital’s Anticoagulation Team set up the INR Drive-Through Service for patients who need regular tests while taking the bloodthinning drug warfarin – used to treat serious heart and pulmonary conditions.

It has been awarded a Cavell Star Award by the prestigious Cavell nurses’ trust for the way their dedicated team worked together to provide care for their patients in such an innovative way.

At the start of the pandemic, and before vaccinations were available, thousands of INR patients across the country were asked to shield because they were at risk of death or serious illness from COVID-19.

Many of these patients were very nervous about travelling into hospital to have their regular tests.

The Anticoagulation team’s answer was to develop a drive-through service using a fast-food trailer in one of its car parks.

Lead Nurse for Anticoagulation Tess Page, who nominated her team for the award, said: “When the pandemic struck it was vital that we continued to provide blood tests for our patients who receive warfarin – but at the same time these were patients who needed to shield because they were so clinically vulnerable.

“We decided on a drive-through service and were one of the first hospitals in the country to do this on March 29, 2020.

“We wanted to be out in an open car park area but still have a place where we could keep our paperwork, wash our hands, store equipment and PPE, and be protected from the weather.

“And that’s where the fast-food trailer came in.

“It enabled people to drive into the Diabetes Centre car park at the hospital and have thumb prick blood sample taken in their car.

“We then use a portable analysis device to give them their result – with a follow-up telephone appointment if more support was needed.”

The fast-food trailer also added a bit of humour to patients’ appointments.

Tess said: “Some of our patients felt lonely and isolated during the pandemic and being able to have a chat with a nurse and have their test made them feel much better.

“I am so proud of the way the Anticoagulation team pulled together to make the drive-through services happen “Using the fast-food trailer also added a bit of humour to the situation.

“They would say things like ‘can I have chips with my test’. It made us all smile.”

The pandemic was a testing time for the hospital’s anticoagulation team because Covid-19 took a terrible toll on their patients.

Tess said: “We know many of our patients well because they come to us so often – sometimes twice a week. Sadly Covid-19 has taken its toll and we have lost quite a few of them.

“It has had an impact on us.

“But the drive-through service helped us to keep them as safe as we could. “ Over the period we operated it - between March 2020 and June 2021 - we supported more than 1,400 patients.

“Our patients were very grateful for the service and our staff worked very hard, in all weathers, to provide it.”

Cavell Star Award organiser Paul Steiner said: “We were delighted to receive the nomination for the Kettering General Hospital Anticoagulation team.

“The team clearly recognised the concerns of their patients and came up with a very innovative way of addressing them.

“They truly went above and beyond and this is what the Cavell Star Awards are here to celebrate.”

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Stars in the making at college

TWO Tresham College students are hoping to ‘trip the light fantastic’ after winning places at prestigious performing arts colleges.

Emily Staff, 18, from Market Harborough, has been studying for an Extended Diploma in Acting at Tresham College Kettering campus and undertook an extensive audition process to win a place at the renowned Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts starting this September.

Sian Skillman, 19 from Kettering, has secured a place at the Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama in Nottingham after studying Musical Theatre at Tresham College.

Both students hope to make a career in the limelight.

Emily said: “Tresham has given us both a great foundation to start our careers from and a lot of help preparing for our auditions.

Tresham College Head of Performing Arts, Media and

Music, Abby Smith said: “We are so proud of Emily and Sian in gaining these prestigious places.

Knife threat

WITNESSES are being sought after two people were threatened with a knife in Upper Queen Street, Rushden.

The incident happened on Friday, April 22, between 8pm and 10pm, when it is believed a man and a woman were threatened by a man with a knife following a verbal dispute in the carpark of Grenson Court.

A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and released under investigation pending further enquiries.

The victims or anyone who witnessed this incident or has information about it should contact Northamptonshire Police on 101.

Rock funds

AMAL Joseph is taking on a charity skydive for Rock UK, which has a base at the Frontier Centre in Irthlingborough, to celebrate the group's 100th anniversary.

You can donate by visiting the charity fundraising page at gofund.me/3D538404

Help needed

DO you live in Oundle or nearby villages?

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The adult service is currently available between the hours of 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, although the parent carer service may vary.

Becoming a Community Companion is fulfilling, restores a sense of purpose and builds positive bonds within your community.

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Sex offender is sent back to prison

A 21-YEAR-old man has been sent back to prison for 18 months after being found speaking to young girls at a shopping centre, thereby breaching the terms of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order, (SHPO).

Bradley Coulson, (pictured, below), previously of Wellingborough, was issued the SHPO at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on July 7, 2020, following a civil case brought by Northamptonshire Police due to concerns highlighted regarding his behaviour.

The SHPO Coulson was issued with lists a number of conditions he must abide by.

One of which was to not to have any contact with anyone under the age of 16.

However, on the afternoon of November 7, 2021, Coulson was spotted speaking to a group of young girls between the ages of 11 and 13 in the Swansgate

EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER JUNE 2022

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Shopping Centre in Wellingborough.

Coulson was arrested for the breach and after pleading guilty to three counts of breaching his SHPO, he was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court to one year and six months in prison.

PC Andy Glover from Northamptonshire Police’s MOSOVO Team, said: “We take the management of sex offenders extremely seriously in this Force.

“They are very closely monitored and any breaches are dealt with swiftly.

“If a breach is identified, there are no second chances and just like Bradley Coulson – offenders will be sent to prison.”

He added: “I hope this case demonstrates our commitment to keeping the public of Northamptonshire safe and to bringing sex offenders to justice.”

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Joint police warrants target violent slavery gang A JOINT operation between Northamptonshire Police and the Romanian Police, with support from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, (EMSOU), Europol and Eurojust, has targeted a modern slavery.

Starting at 4am, 25 properties were entered by police officers over the course of the morning on Wednesday, April 27 – 12 in Corby and 13 in Romania.

Believed to be active since at least 2018, the gang – an organised and sophisticated crime group, lured vulnerable people in unstable financial situations in Romania by offering them jobs in the UK. However, once they arrived in the UK , the gang would take their ID documents and phones, forcing them to work 16 hours a day, seven days a week, and without sufficient food or basic health care.

The suspects established a wide network for the recruitment, transportation, accommodation and exploitation of victims.

They formed links with local companies such as factories and commercial car valeting sites, where the victims would be forced to work for little or no wages at all.

All salary payments made to the victims would be withdrawn by the gang and violence was threatened to family members back in Romania should any of the victims speak up.

The gang would then use this money to fuel a luxurious lifestyle, paying for expensive goods and investing in property ventures back in Romania.

They would also direct the victims’ money

through a number of their own businesses in an attempt to conceal their criminal profits and the victims’ details were also falsely used to complete fraudulent financial applications in order to secure more money.

In November 2021, Eurojust approved a joint investigation team between Romania and the UK to tackle the gang under the name Operation Booker.

This was the first one ever to be secured by Northamptonshire Police, demonstrating the scale of our commitment in tackling exploitation and protecting victims of slavery.

Following the 26 warrants executed as a result of this taskforce, seven arrests were made – four in Romania and three in the UK. A total of 27 people have also been identified and safeguarded since the operation began, and a large quantity of cash, designer goods and mobile phones were seized.

Two air weapons were also taken away.

Det Chief Insp Nick Cobley from Northamptonshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Team, said: “I’m very pleased with the results of this joint operation – the team have been working on it for the past eighteen months so to see arrests made in both countries and a number of people safeguarded is brilliant.

“This is a great example of international collaboration in order to effectively target and prevent organised crime.

“The victims in this case have been subjected to an absolutely horrendous ordeal – they were taken away from their home country with the promise of a better life but it was all a lie.

26 WARRANTS

“They were severely exploited – their finances were taken away from them, they weren’t given access to enough food and basic health care, they had no support network to lean on, and were subjected to repeated threats of violence.

“To get some of these individuals onto a better life is a great result and I want to reassure the community that we will continue working hard with our partners to progress this case even further.

“Finally, I want to use this opportunity to appeal to anyone who may have information on modern slavery to contact us.

“It’s not always obvious but if you see something that doesn’t seem right and you think that people may be being exploited please contact either ourselves or if you wish to remain anonymous – Crimestoppers on 0800 55511.

“We would rather make enquiries into a wellmeaning report that turned out to be nothing than to not be called at all.”

Head of EMSOU’s TOEX Team, Det Insp Dan Smith, said: “EMSOU and Northamptonshire Police have been working on building intelligence around this investigation for a number of months, and to see it all come to a head yesterday was a fantastic feeling.

“We’ve been able to use systems to bring pieces of the jigsaw together and create a picture of exploitation we suspect has been happening between Romania and Northamptonshire.

“Our work doesn’t stop here. We will look to create a long-term solution to support those that – through no fault of their own – have found themselves victims of modern slavery, and to bring those responsible for such a high level of organised criminality to justice.”

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JUNE 2022 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER

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Police issue advice in bid to help victims of stalkers

POLICE are encouraging encourage stalking victims to come forward and access the help that is available.

“Trust yourself and your instincts, and report your concerns” – that’s the advice from Det Insp Ashleigh Houlden, (pictured), a Force lead for stalking.

She said: “People have a natural instinct when it comes to danger. Trust your gut.

“If someone’s behaviour feels wrong, it most likely is.

“If you are repeatedly receiving unwanted attention and have concerns you’re being stalked please come forward.

“Report it to the police so that we can protect you and help you to access specialist victim support.”

Think FOUR, if someone’s behaviour is Fixated, Obsessive, Unwanted and Repeated then it could be stalking.

It can be perpetrated by men or women, and by strangers, acquaintances, or ex-partners.

Examples of stalking behaviours include: Regularly giving unwanted gifts Making unwanted communication Damaging property Repeatedly following or spying on you Threats Det Insp Houlden said: “Most cases of stalking are not reported for some months – victims may think that the police will see unwanted attention as trivial, but this is definitely not the case.

“We know that having gifts, or flowers left at your home, or on your desk isn’t always flattering, and in the context of stalking can be frightening

or intimidating.

“Victims sometimes think that they have bought this on themselves, or they have done something to encourage these behaviours – particularly if they had originally been in a relationship with the person or were friendly with them at the start.

“This is not the case; you are not to blame.

“It doesn’t matter if you know the perpetrator or not, this persistent, fixated, coercive controlling behaviour shouldn’t be normalised or accepted.

Stalking is against the law.

“Everyone has a right to feel safe in their own home, at work, online and in public spaces.

“We encourage people to contact us sooner rather than later so that we can protect and support victims and get the best outcomes for them.

“There are measures we can take to help protect you and make it stop.”

Many stalkers will try to intimidate and evoke fear by using technology and the internet – known as cyberstalking.

Det Insp Houlden asks people to think about their online security and digital footprint, and the devices they use, which may allow someone access to their home or private life.

She said: “Like your front door, the door to your online life needs to be firmly locked.

“To keep out cyber-stalkers make sure all your accounts are secure and your passwords are updated regularly.

“Limit the amount of information you share about yourself on social networking sites.

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“Avoid online quizzes which ask for questions that could be answers to security questions.

“And check your privacy settings to ensure you are not giving away more information about yourself than you intend to.

“Think about who has access to things like emails, online banking and smart devices or security cameras.

That access may have been okay while in a relationship, but it is important to change this if there is a relationship breakdown.”

In many cases the stalking can be part of a bigger picture of threats and harassment by an ex-partner 82 per cent of stalking offences dealt with by Northamptonshire Police are domestic related.

To assist the police and courts, it is helpful to gather evidence and document what is happening.

Evidence can include phone records, copies of text messages and emails, screenshots of web pages or instant messaging conversations, letters, or gifts.

It is also very helpful to keep a diary of all incidents connected to the stalking.

You should write about stalking incidents in the diary as soon as they happen or as soon as possible afterwards and include details like the time, date, location, what happened, vehicle details and how it made you feel.

You can report stalking to the police online www.northants.police.uk or by contacting 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Support for victims of stalking is available locally from Voice, a free, confidential service to help victims and witnesses of crime, at www.voicenorthants.org

Appeal after vandals strike

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MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH

VANDALS have hit parks and open spaces in Rushden and prompted an appeal from the town council.

Rushden Town Council has reported damage to the multi play unit in Ascot Road, to the newly installed mural at Spencer Park Pavilion and even to the accessible toilets at Spencer Park.

The council’s website reported: “We’ve also experienced a lot of bin fires and smashed glass bottles.

“This type of mindless vandalism not only spoils the town, but also wastes our limited resources, thus impacting on future improvements in other parks.

“We are treating these incidents as criminal damage and will be actively pursuing them further.

“Therefore, we would be grateful if anyone has any information regarding these incidents, if they could please contact us in confidence on 01933 316216 or at info@rushdentowncouncil.gov.uk” You can also visit the town’s website at https://www.rushdentowncouncil.gov.uk/

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EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER JUNE 2022

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6 —

JUNE 2022 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER

Health Trust welcomes 16 international nurses THE county’s Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has welcomed 16 International Nurses over the last year, from India, the Philippines and Zimbabwe.

This has been achieved working alongside its collaborative partners Kettering General Hospital and Northampton General Hospital.

In August 2021, as part of the wider plan to increase the nursing workforce, NHFT welcomed its first three International Nurses, each looking to start their journey to becoming a qualified nurse in the UK. The International Recruitment programme aims to recruit nurses who are already qualified in their country of origin, many of whom already have years of nursing expe-

rience in their home country.

The process of starting a new job in a new country can be really daunting, but NHFT support the nurses throughout the process from their initial application and shortlisting, to arranging visa applications and booking flights.

Throughout the year, this has also involved supporting with quarantine hotels.

Isebrook Community Hospital was the first area in NHFT to welcome International Nurses.

Director of Nursing, Allied Health Professionals and Quality at NHFT Linda Chibuzer said: “I am delighted to welcome our international nurses to our team.

“NHFT and would like to thank each one of them for the difference they make each day.”

Higham Ferrers Town Council

The Town Hall, Market Square Higham Ferrers NN10 8BT Tel/Fax: 01933 312075 info@highamferrers-tc.gov.uk www.highamferrers-tc.gov.uk

ForthCoMinG MEEtinGS

Queen’s Jubilee Celebration Saffron Road Recreation Ground

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ALL MEETINGS WILL BE HELD AT THE TOWN HALL UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTIFIED

Tuesday, 14 June 2022, 18:45 Planning and Development Committee Tuesday, 14 June 2022, 19:30 Policy and Resources Committee Tuesday, 28 June 2022, 19:30 Town Council Meeting Saturday, 25 June 2022, 09:00 - 13:00 Farmers Market how to ContaCt your CounCillor Pam Whiting

pamwhiting@highamferrers-tc.gov.uk

Peter Tomas

Tina Reavey

tinareavey@highamferrers-tc.gov.uk

Paul McCann

Angela Gardner

angelagardner@highamferrers-tc.gov.uk

Vijay Paul

Barry Spencer

Jennie Bone*

Barry Prigmore

Nigel Brown

Chris O’Rourke

Bert Jackson*

Tony Reading

Gerald Kelly

Gary Salmon

Sean Prosser

barryspencer@highamferrers-tc.gov.uk barryprigmore@highamferrers-tc.gov.uk chrisorourke@highamferrers-tc.gov.uk tonyreading@highamferrers-tc.gov.uk garysalmon@highamferrers-tc.gov.uk

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petertomas@highamferrers-tc.gov.uk paulmccann@highamferrers-tc.gov.uk vijaypaul@highamferrers-tc.gov.uk jenniebone@highamferrers-tc.gov.uk nigelbrown@highamferrers-tc.gov.uk bertjackson@highamferrers-tc.gov.uk geraldkelly@highamferrers-tc.gov.uk seanprosser@highamferrers-tc.gov.uk * Higham Ferrers Unitary Councillor

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TEL: 07894 935952 EDITORIAL: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

Proud midwives meet Royalty at official opening TWO midwives from Northampton General Hospital met The Princess Royal and The Duchess of Cambridge this week because of the contribution they have made to NHS maternity services.

Continuity of Care Team Lead, Fatima Ghaouch, and Former Community Midwifery Matron, (now a bank midwife after retiring), Anne Richley met Princess Anne and Kate Middleton during their first official joint Royal engagement.

Fatima and Anne, (pictured), were invited to the event because they won Royal College of Midwives, (RCM), excellence awards last October.

Anne was recognised for the innovative way she and her team provided community services for pregnant women at the height of the pandemic – including setting up support services in VIP boxes and other rooms at cinch Stadium in Franklins Gardens.

Fatima was recognised for the work she and her team did to support women from different ethnic backgrounds and for raising awareness of racial inequalities during the pandemic.

They were among a number of NHS staff from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland who met the Royals at the official opening of the new joint headquarters of the Royal College of Midwives and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, (RCOG), in London Anne said: “It was very exciting and a great honour to be chosen to attend the official opening by The Princess Royal and The Duchess of Cambridge.

“I was introduced to Princess Anne and I spoke to her about the work my team and I had done during the pandemic to support pregnant women at a very difficult time.

Surgical robot to support patient care

A STATE-of-the-art Surgical Robot is being used in Northamptonshire and is set to help improve care for patients and tackle waiting lists impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group – which runs Northampton and Kettering general hospitals – has invested in the £1.7m Surgical Robot as part of its clinical strategy.

Hemant Nemade is a Consultant Urological Surgeon at Northampton General Hospital who will use the new robot to support cancer surgery for Northamptonshire residents.

He said: “Surgical robots have great benefits for patients.

“They enable us to do difficult surgeries in hard-to-reach areas with better outcomes for patients and shorter stays in hospital.

“The robot doesn’t carry out the operation – surgeons use the robot to enable more precision, flexibility and control.

“That means smaller wounds which heal faster and enable patients to go home earlier.

“Initially we will be focussed on cancer patients – particularly in areas with longer waiting lists as a result of the pandemic – and that will enable us to improve the way we deliver this often highly specialised surgery.

“It will also reduce the need for patients to travel to other specialist centres for difficult surgeries and be available to patients from across the county.”

Medics said it will be used initially in urology and colorectal surgery, with other procedures to follow.

“We talked about how the pandemic had enabled us to do things much faster and with less fuss than normal – cutting through red tape to get things done.

“We also spoke about progress in digitising maternity records and how we worked towards that during the pandemic.”

Fatima said: “It was amazing. I was nervous about what it might be like but Princess Anne helped me to feel very relaxed and at ease.

“She asked my how long I had been a midwife and about my ambitions for the future.

“It was great to feel that the work my team and I had done together had received this

amount of recognition.”

Northampton General Hospital’s Interim Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Patient Services, Debra Shanahan, said: “It is fantastic and very gratifying for our extremely hardworking midwives to be recognised at such an important and prestigious official opening.

“They and their teams are a credit to Northampton General Hospital and demonstrate the excellence in care we seek to achieve in midwifery.”

The Princess Royal is Patron of the RCM and The Duchess Patron of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

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EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER JUNE 2022

— 7

Dangerous trailer led to Proposals afoot to take on community running of library driving ban for county farmer AS part of the Council’s Community Managed Libraries Programme, North Northamptonshire Council has been working to find a viable solution to enable the transfer of Raunds Library into community management.

As an interim measure, in order to keep the Library open for the local community, the council has worked closely with a volunteer group who have been occupying the library premises under a Tenancy at Will.

Before any final decisions are made and to ensure that the best possible service is secured for the local community going forwards, North Northamptonshire Council is putting out a call for any final expressions of interest to take on the running of Raunds Library as a Community Managed Library, under an agreed service level agreement.

The offer is that the council will provide and maintain: Access to the Library Management System in order to run a public library lending system as part of the countywide library offer, enabling customers to borrow and return stock at any library Public computer providing internet access for the public via the People’s Network Self service kiosk Book stock on the day of transfer and an ongoing supply of new stock, which remains the property of the council Training and ongoing support for volunteers and

staff running the Community Library through a team of community managed library co-ordinators.

The proposal said that the Community Managed Library will need: To cover the costs of buying or leasing the library premises so that it can be run as a library, or to provide alternative premises that can be run as a library To cover the costs of running the premises All staffing and or volunteers to provide at least 12 opening hours a week for the public library.

Cllr Helen Howell, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “Libraries provide important services for local people and continue to be a valued hub within our communities.

“I would like to thank the volunteers who have kept the library running in this interim period and we will continue to offer our support until a solution is found.

“The last couple of years have been difficult for many – particularly community groups who have seen demand for their services increase as a result of the pandemic.

“However we hope that this unique opportunity will spark interest and enable the local community to continue to benefit from a dedicated library service.”

Council leader Jason Smithers said: “Libraries are important community assets and I’m delighted that we’re moving closer to finding a solution that allows this library to be managed by the local community.”

MEMBERS of the farming community in Northamptonshire are being encouraged to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy when driving on the county’s road network.

Officers from the Safer Roads Team have issued the timely reminder following the conviction of a 22year-old farmer who towed a trailer with several defects through Crick.

Edward Greenaway of Rugby Road, Crick, was stopped by Northamptonshire Police on October 19 last year, as he transported a large JCB digger on a trailer through the village, which has a weight limit of 7.5 tonnes.

The tractor and laden trailer were taken to the DVSA, (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), weighbridge at Crick where it was inspected by Northamptonshire Police and DVSA officers and found to be a combined weight of 33 ton.

In addition to being more than four times over the weight limit permitted for that specific road, the trailer also had 10 dangerous defects which required immediate prohibition including an insecure load, illegal tyres, and no rear lights.

Of the trailer’s 12 tyres – seven had little or no

tread, one was worn through to the cords and two were deflated.

In addition to this, the trailer’s handbrake was inoperative, the nearside indicator did not work, the suspension on one side was broken and the JCB bucket had not been secured to the trailer bed.

Greenaway was later charged with driving a New Holland Tractor dangerously, due to the trailer’s poor condition.

On April 22, he pleaded guilty to the offence at Northampton Magistrates’ Court and received a 12month disqualification with a requirement to pass an extended test and ordered to pay £523 in fines and costs.

PC Mo Allsopp-Clarke of Northamptonshire Police’s Safer Roads Team said: “Due to its dangerous condition, which would have been obvious to Greenaway, this trailer should never have been driven on the road.We would urge anyone working in the farming community to ensure they check and maintain all vehicles and machinery to make sure they remain in a roadworthy condition.”

GUILTY PLEA

Former Cup Final referee opens up new look town centre opticians

A FORMER referee who has been getting his eyes tested at the same Rushden opticians for more than 20 years was the ideal choice to launch its new-look branch.

Well-known local resident Brian Hill, 75, performed the honours at Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care on High Street and received a gift voucher and flowers as a thank you.

Brian, whose top flight career included refereeing the 1988 Wimbledon-Liverpool FA Cup Final, was delighted to help.

He does not mind jokes about referees needing their eyes tested and retired from top level games in 1995.

Brian said:“I have been going to the branch for many years and my wife Sandra is a customer too. The staff are excellent and we always get good service.”

Branch manager Rachel Cavalier said: “We have improved the store with a fresh, modern feel and we wanted to mark its opening in style. We asked Brian because he has entrusted his eye care to us for a long time and has a good rapport with the team.”

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The refurbishment has provided two extra rooms to see customers. Additional services include an OCT machine to provide scans to aid earlier diagnosis of eye health conditions including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. It has a new dispensing area and an updated range of glasses, including a choice of value frames.

Speed signs

AFTER a lengthy consultation, Rushden Town Council has now identified 34 sites in the town where it can position Speed Indication Devices signs.

The initial locations will be Higham Road, Irchester Road and Avenue Road, with one in Wellingborough Road being installed shortly. For any further information, email info@rushdentowncouncil.gov.uk

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JUNE 2022 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER

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gardening

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with Milton Ernest Garden Centre

Stewart’s choice plants for June

O

by Maureen Catlin

UR tubs and hanging baskets are planted and starting to look really established so time to take a look at a few special treats to add to the summer garden. Stewart has been busy checking for gems that will enhance any planting scheme so here’s a few.

There are a lot more to follow through the summer months.

Hardy perennial Pinks are delightful little evergreens that require very little maintenance.

They are very suitable for our local alkaline clay soil at the front of a sunny border where they will flower endlessly from spring until autumn.

The single or double flowers are loved by the

pollinating insects in an amazing array of colour combinations with a distinct sweet clove scent. A vase of these flowers will perfume the entire house.

Remove the flowers as they fade to promote continual flowering and feed with tomato food.

Stewart’s Choice is Dianthus Tequila Sunrise a compact variety with fantastically perfumed

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Looking back in time…

Photographs from Eric Fowell’s collection IRCHESTER AND KNUSTON STATION (London Midland and Scottish Railway)

This open carriage could well have belonged to James Sargent of Rushden and the passengers must have been of some importance and interest for the local men to attend.

Note the disabled man on the left hand side.

The station itself was on two levels, the booking and waiting room with the platform on the lower level.

Some Stationmasters at Irchester were: 1903 John J. Shrives; 1924 G. W. Fleet; and Mr. Edwards was the last.

The Stationmaster's house still remains today as does the old stables and goods sheds.

A railway preservation society used the sheds for some time but they are now at the Irchester Country Park, where there is a museum which features a number of former quarry railway engines.

Finally a thought, what would Rushden and Higham be like today if there was still a railway station at Irchester which is approximately two miles from Rushden town centre?

W

single soft orange pink flowers with buff centres and deep pink markings. It is excellent to grow in pots or window boxes and Dianthus Coconut Sundae a smaller variety with silvery green leaves and short stems. The double very perfumed pure white flowers have claret red centres. Both vari-

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EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER JUNE 2022

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The one stop shop for your next garden room

eties are excellent Osteospermums or the Cape Daisies have long lasting colourful blooms through the summer and into autumn. Some varieties are hardy enough to survive a British winter but should generally be treated as tender perennials like Geraniums.

They are great container plants for a sunny patio and should be planted in John Innes Compost Number 2 or 3 with some grit added for free drainage. There is a great choice of varieties and colours the hardiest being the white or pink flower varieties. Feed with tomato food weekly and remove fading flowers to promote fresh buds.

Stewart’s choices are Oesteospermum Stardust which is upright with purple pink single daisy flowers and yellow centres. The flowers last a long time attracting butterflies and bees. Oesteospermum Lady Leitrim is a large single daisy with pink mauve tones on white. It is easy to care for and will survive most winters. Cut them back a bit in late autumn and again in March before the new growth appears when flowering sometimes starts as early as April and does not stop until November.

Hardy Fuchsias are another very long flowering sub shrub in an amazing range of colours from white pink red blue mauve and purple.

They vary in size from Fuchsia Tom Thumb and Lady Thumb at 30cms, to grow in tubs, to Fuchsia Riccotonii with small purple and deep pink flowers at 1.2m for a shrub border. Fuchsias are ideal plants for shady places with compost enriched soil.

Stewart’s Choice is Lady Thumb a little gem which forms a neat and bushy mound laden with pink and white flowers from June to October.

Perfect to grow it in pots on a shady patio it is one of the hardier fuchsias. Protect the roots with a generous layer of mulch in autumn or move potted plants to a sheltered position in the garden

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Fuchsia Dollar Princess is Stewart’s second choice, a bushy variety with lots of ruffled double purple flowers with contrasting cerise pink sepals from summer into autumn. It holds an RHS award for its excellent garden performance. A lovely compact specimen for a patio container or planted at the front of mixed borders.

Stewart’s final choices are within the Dahlias which are tender herbaceous perennials that range in height from 20cms to 1.8m tall. They are sun loving plants that need lots of water, rich soil and feed but reward us by flowering nonstop from

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The larger varieties all need support. The flowers are an amazing array of colour and form from tight pom poms to dinner plate size blooms and some with coloured foliage. A must exhibit for the Horticultural Show.

Stewart’s choices are Dahlia Amazone a stunning plant only 60cms tall with masses of pink to red flowers held high above its compact foliage. Excellent for the front of a sunny border or in pots the flowers just keep on coming from summer right through to the autumn frosts.

Dahlia Bishop of York is a rare hardy Dahlia with very dark foliage that is a perfect foil to the bright yellow flowers. A late source of pollen for the bees.

So Stewart what’s next for July.

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JUNE 2022 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER

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out and about Daxtonbury Festival is back 8/9/10 July 2022

With no event possible in 2020 or 2021 due to the pandemic, the team behind this boutique festival are now about to host "The best three day party in Bedfordshire" during the weekend of 8/9/10 July.

Held on farmland near the village of Podington in North Bedfordshire, the festival features over 30 bands including local favourites such as Pearl Handled Revolver, The Workshop Boys, Lost For Words and Easydread together with the classic rock band Stray.

Everyone involved with the festival – bands, organisers, volunteers and backstage crews etc – give their time for free in order to raise money for cancer charities.

Originally just a friends and family barbecue, Daxtonbury has grown into a memorial to Chris Kelly, one of those friends, who passed away a few years ago.

After the 2019 event the organisers were able to donate over £11000 to help the fight against this awful disease Daxtonbury is totally about the chill and the vibe. Glastonbury it ain’t but then the ticket prices won’t leave you broke for the rest of the year, you won’t have to walk two miles to reach the main stage and the loos (probably) won’t overflow! This is a festival experience on an intimate scale. Music from mid-day to well past midnight, a chance to make a shed load of new friends and a weekend relaxing in beautiful surroundings.

Together with an exciting line-up of live music there are high quality food stalls, beer tents, a cocktail bar and a unique range of other activities such as, kids entertainment, clay pigeon shooting, air gun shooting, welly wanging, street artists, craft stalls, line dancing, chain saw carving, massage, yoga, and a fantastic charity auction.

On-site camping and car parking is free, glamping is an option and dogs and their well-behaved owners are welcome.

This festival is about fun and goodwill and about contributing to a good cause. Festival-goers are invited to become part of the Daxtonbury family – people who will share the vision of a peaceful, family friendly event where nothing is left behind except footprints and where great memories are taken away. Some things are just too good to miss.

To find out more and to buy tickets go to www.daxtonburyfestival.co.uk

Open Farm Sunday is back!

Join us for a FREE fun filled day out on the farm!

Sunday 19th Jun e, 2022 11am – 4pm

BEDFORDIA FA RMS MK4 on the A6 nr Milto4 1YU n Ernest, Bedford http://www.bedford iafarms.co.uk/

This is a ‘Special’ concert

Friday 3rd June in Bedford Park will be none other than the pioneers of UK Ska and one of the most influential and seminal acts in British History - ‘The Specials’.

Influential, important and exhilarating live, ‘the Specials’ are a band embedded in this country's DNA. It is impossible to envisage

the musical landscape without them, from the startling, angular Gangsters in 1979 to their swan song, the epoch-making Ghost Town in 1981. They infused ska with punk, homegrown political anxiety with wider issues.

Founded in 1977 the Specials were at the forefront of the 2 Tone

movement, changing the face of UK music in the 1980s with 7 successive top 10 singles between 1979 & 1981 including number one hits like ‘Too Much Too Young’ & ‘Ghost Town’.

Saturday 4 June, Tom Grennan Tom Grennan’s success has been closely followed by his hometown Bedford fans, and on Saturday 4 June, he will headline his first major outdoor concert in Bedford Park! Supporting Tom will be Brit and Mobo award winner Ella Eyre.

Plus in a real celebrton of Bedford talent - The Wholls and The Scruff have also been added to the line up! Both bands are friends of Tom and they have all supported each other’s careers for many years. A brilliant Bedford heavy line up awaits!

Tom Grennan comments “Bedford I’m coming for you! I am so excited to be headlining back in my home town! Home is where the heart is and I’m going to give you all the love and energy I can.”

Tickets from: www.bedfordpark concerts.co.uk/events/

Rushden & District History Society: Friday,

July 15, 7.30pm. Tom PartridgeUnderwood, “Mullock and Memories”. Whitefriars Primary School, Boughton Drive, Rushden NN10 9HX. Members £1.50, nonmembers £2.50. Contact: 01536 238320 for more information

Higham Ferrers Footpath Group: Sunday 5th

We have an exci*ng day out planned for all the family as we open our gates as part of the Open Farm Sunday (OFS22) na*onal ini*a*ve sponsored by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming). It’s your chance to find out where your food comes from and to see how a farm operates in the context of the wider environment and your community.

There will be plenty to see and do including a large display of farm machinery, lorries *pping grain, livestock, wildlife displays, farm walks and trailer rides, hog roast, tea and cake tent, various food producers, ice cream and lots more! See you there!

NO NEED TO BOOK— FREE ENTRY AND PARKING LOTS TO DO FOR ALL THE FAMILY & PICNIC AREA ALL FUNDS RAISED WILL GO TO CHARITY NO DOGS ALLOWED ON SITE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND UPDATES, VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.bedfordiafarms.co.uk

June, A six mile Platinum Jubilee Walk followed by a picnic lunch in Higham Ferrers Recreation Ground.

Meet at 10am at Saffron Road Car Park. We have a stall in the Recreation Ground, bring your picnic lunch and come and join us or just pop by to say ‘Hello’ and have a go at our map reading challenge.

Sunday19th June, Mark will be leading a 6.5 mile walk in the Olney area. For car sharing meet at 9.15am in Saffron Road car park or 10am at the Market Square in Olney. Please note that parking is only 3 hours on the Market Square, try Silver End MK46 4BA or Fountain Ct & Rugby club on East Street, MK46 4DG Wednesday 29th June. Daphne will lead a 4 mile walk in the Higham Ferrers area. Meet at Saffron Road car park at 6.30pm, join us for post walk refreshments. Contact

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EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER JUNE 2022

— 11

sport

Colts triumphant return sees them storm on to win rugby title

UNDER-18s Colts rugby returned to Rushden & Higham rugby club this season after a three- year hiatus. The current Colts side whom a majority have been together for over 10 years have gone from strength to strength despite the recent Covid-hit times and secured the East Midlands league 3 title with an 5-34 away win at Peterborough Lions.

Rushden currently boast five players representing East Midlands u17/u18s and a player in the Northampton Saints Academy.

Jump in and raise funds for Cransley Hospice Trust in first of three charity swimming events THIS summer Northamptonshire Sport is holding three charity outdoor swimming events to encourage people to sign up, seek sponsorship and help to raise funds for these incredible charities in the county.

The first is for, Cransley Hospice, which provides care for patients with a life-limiting illness who need the specialist help of hospice care.

Northamptonshire Sport has shared Lucy’s story, (below), to highlight the positive impact signing up for fundraising events makes.

Lucy Collett and her family participate in many of the Cransley Hospice Trust events and they fundraise for hospice care in Cransley’s community at every opportunity.

Lucy spoke about how Cransley Hospice has made such a deep impact on their family and why she feels that giving back to the charity is so important.

Lucy’s beloved Mum, Valda, (pictured), was an in-patient in Cransley Hospice in 2019.

“My mum was diagnosed with a rare skin cancer in April 2019.

“It quickly became clear there was no treatment available and we were told my mum had around three months to live by May. “The following months were very difficult, and for some of the time my mum was in reasonable health and it was unbelievable to think of what was ahead of us.

“As the illness worsened, we desperately searched for help and support.

“We felt we were very ‘on our own’ and did not know where to turn.

“By mid-August, my mum was so unwell we called an ambulance and she was admitted to our

local general hospital.

“Despite the hospital staff’s best efforts, we were often fighting for adequate care.

“Medications were often missed which resulted in unnecessary pain and distress, and we spent quite some time on triage wards with little privacy or calm.

“A couple of weeks later, a bed became available at Cransley Hospice.

“My mum was in desperate need of specialist end of life care by this point, but the thought of moving to a hospice seemed scary.

“With a huge mix of emotions, my mum made the move in early September.

“As I made the journey in to visit after her transfer, I had no idea what to expect.

“What I found was my mum comfortable and smiling for the first time in many weeks.

“She immediately felt like she was finally in the right place and could relax.

“Very quickly we found we could also relax and finally hand over the responsibility for her care to the experts with confidence.

“Cransley was a place of calm we could be together as a family, safe in the knowledge my mum was in the best hands possible.

“It was an enormous relief to all of us after spending the last few months in the wilderness.

“The staff at the hospice were beyond amazing.

“We felt supported as an entire family unit, during the worst experience of our lives.

“Somehow the staff always knew when to give privacy, when to crack a joke, when to take over and just how to be there in the darkest of days.

“The care Cransley Hospice gave to our family was truly the only shining light of positivity throughout our whole experience. As a family we will be forever grateful and in their debt.”

The event is a multiple distance open water swimming event, suitable for experienced open water swimmers and beginners too, and will take place at Sywell Country Park, with distances from

400 to 3,200 metres, on Sunday June 19. For details, visit https://www.northamptonshiresport.org/blog/raise -funds-for-cransley-hospice/ Cransley Hospice provides care for patients with a life-limiting illness who need the specialist help of hospice care.

The Northamptonshire Sport charity event is a multiple distance open water swimming event, suitable for experienced open water swimmers and beginners too.

It will take place at Sywell Country Park, with distances from 400 to 3,200 metres, on Sunday, June 19.

For more information about the next fundraising event, which will take place in aid of Rush2theDen, visit the website at w https://www.northamptonshiresport.org/type/even ts/charity-open-water-swimming-events/ It will also take place at Sywell Country Park, on Sunday, September 18.

The first event in the series in May was in aid of Northants Community Aid.

ARE YOU A CLUB SECRETARY? Why not send your news and results to the REPORTER? TheReporter@rosettapublishing.com

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JUNE 2022 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER

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Volleyballers race to Grand Prix event

sport

THE end of the volleyball season saw the Rushden under-15 boys’ team finish as runners-up in England Grand Prix.

The major development of the season was the Rushden Raiders club entering teams into the Volleyball England Grand Prix' at under-16, under-15, (pictured, right), and under-15 girls’ team too, (pictured, bottom, right).

These events saw teams travel to a regional venue and then play against other juniors from other clubs.

From an adults point of view the men's teams

Raiders and Rebels finished mid table in their respective divisions.

The womens’ team faired slightly better, though still not being able to take the top spot which was taken by the Falcons from Kettering.

Training is now back out on the beach courts and the club will be back next season with matches on Tuesdays and Thursdays and for the juniors on Sunday mornings.

The club is looking to recruit more coaches, so if you are interested then contact nkkkkn.bates@sky.com

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Popular run is back after two-year break GET your trainers on for the popular colour run - back after a two-year gap.

The event for Cynthia Spencer Hospice, takes place Overstone Park, Sywell Road,

near Northampton, on Saturday, June 11.

You can register at https://www.cynthiaspencer.org. uk/event/northampton-colourrun1