Local news from around the East Northants – The Reporter

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CRACKDOWN – AS WAR ON DRUGS IS LAUNCHED ACROSS THE DISTRICT

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AN OPERATION has been launched to sniff out illegal drugs.

The operation was carried out in a joint project

by East Northamptonshire Council, the police and Alpha K9 Security Services.

The latest drug operation saw a suspected Class A substance recovered from one the of the premises.

During the evening, the team visited 15 licensed premises in total across the district and 11 stop searches were carried out by police of people who had been identified

by the sniffer dog.

The majority of the searches confirmed drugs had been used prior to the searches.

A council spokesperson said: “We are proud to have joined up with Northamptonshire Police and

Continued on page 2

Sparkling!

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2 — EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER DECEMBER 2019

CELEBRATE RUSHDEN 2020 SATURDAY JUNE 6TH TO SUNDAY JUNE 14TH Yes it is that time again to start thinking about events for 2020.

Rushden Town Council have once again agreed to sponsor Celebrate Rushden.

This will also be a special year because in 2020 Rushden Town Council is 20 years old.

We hope to make this year’s Celebrate Rushden extra special – definitely a 20-20 event!

So time to get the thinking caps on for the event that you are able to organise.

Dates already for the diary are: SUNDAY JUNE 7th SOAP BOX DERBY SUNDAY JUNE 14th MUSIC IN THE PARK

(Swingsthething Big Band already booked) On both days there will be other events during the day.

The Council will of course be arranging a variety of musical evenings throughout the town.

A general meeting for any groups or interested persons (particularly with good ideas!) is as follows:

TUESDAY DECEMBER 10th GENERAL MEETING RUSHDEN HALL 7.30pm

For further details please contact Rushden Town Council on 01933 316216 Or Councillor Richard Lewis on r_lewis6@sky.com

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Continued from page 1

Alpha K9 Security Services on these successful operations.

“Everyone involved has worked hard to ensure this was a success and a special mention should go to Raunds Town Council, which funded the operation and is clearly taking proactive steps to keep its residents safe.

“The success we had would not have been possible without the help of the local community.

“This is an example of community engagement at its finest.

“We would like to thank local residents for the large amount of intelligence we have received concerning drugs and to those who were supportive while our staff were on the operation.”

Det Con Jane Manning of the

East Northants Neighbourhood Policing Team, which led the operation, said: “By increasing both our visibility and visits to licensed premises, we are making it harder for those involved in the supply of drugs in our towns and villages.

“As a result of being able to take the dog into the licensed premises, we spoke to a number of people who confirmed they had used drugs earlier that evening, and enquiries are on-going into the possession of a suspected Class A drug.

“Detecting and preventing the use and sale of illegal drugs in our communities is a key part of our work.”

She said if you suspect drug activity in your area, you can contact police on 101.

EDITORIAL: nick@rosettapublishing.com

Youngsters give home owners warm welcome

FOLLOWING a greetings card design competition with David Wilson Homes, two imaginative pupils from Thrapston Primary School are spreading joy to new residents at the homebuilder’s new development.

As part of a ‘Welcome Home’ campaign, David Wilson Homes reached out to the school nearby to its development The Nurseries on Market Road in Thrapston, for the help of the pupils in designing greeting cards to be handed out to new homebuyers.

Megan Webb and Lara Colson, (pictured above), were the winners of the competition and will see

their cards printed and delivered to new residents, in addition to claiming a £20 book token each.

Year six teacher at Thrapston Primary School Ashley Tarr said: “The children thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to show off their artistic skills and take part in this exciting community project.

“The volume and quality of the entries across the school was fantastic - well done to all who entered.”

Sales director at David Wilson Homes Jason Hearn said: “It’s important to us to make new residents feel welcome as they join our new communities.”

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DECEMBER 2019 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER — 3

Intrepid fundraiser in Everest trek to boost charity in memory of her nan INTREPID fundraiser Laura Batchelor took on the challenge of Everest for charity.

The mum-of-two and scout leader took on the quest to do something a little different for her upcoming 40th birthday.

She said: “I wanted to show anyone can achieve anything if they want it enough but also wanted to do something to inspire someone to have bigger goals than I had as a child.

“If I could just light a spark in just one of my own children or one of our Cubs, it would be all be worth it.

“I did it a little early as my fitness levels were higher than normal due to a 50m bike ride for a childrens’ hospital I did, and completing the Cateran Yomp, which is a 54-mile walk in 24-hours through Scotland, day and night non-stop.

“Someone once said to me life is about what we leave behind, not what you get out of it. I want to leave my children with pride, ambition, personality and a healthy curiosity about the world beyond Northamptonshire.

“I also wanted to do something in memory of my nan who passed away 12 months ago.

“She suffered with vascular dementia. I cannot bring her back, but I wanted to do something to help those who are struggling with the same condition.

“I know there are large charities that are working on finding cures but for some people, that is too little too late. I wanted to raise funds to help those who are suffering today.

“The Cando Care Day Centre in Irthlingborough helped my nan by giving her a reason to wake up.

“I wanted to be able to help with things which will encourage their guests to keep their minds active, creative and keep them social. One item they needed was a bingo machine. My nan was a great lover of bingo and especially raffles.”

The Irchester resident thanked

friends, family and some strangers, including those from The Welcome Inn pub and the Windmill Club in Rushden.

She said: “The trek itself was the most amazing thing ever.

“Every corner you turn, there is just another amazingly beautiful view which changes constantly with the sun moving, clouds blowing past you and then the snow settling in.

“Nepal is the opposite to this country in every way.

To complete the trek, I was away from my young children for 18 days.

“I have never been away that long, but I wrote them a diary of what I did each day, how much I missed them and how I hope they would be as proud of me as I am of them.

“There was a small part of me thought they would get to read it if I didn’t make it home safely. I fully accepted this was a possibility. “We walked between six to 10 hours a day. It took nine days to climb to base camp but only three days to come back down.

“This is to give your body time to acclimatise on the way up. Altitude plays some pretty nasty tricks on you. My brain started to swell causing severe headaches and swollen face. It also causes nausea but you have to force yourself to eat as your body can be burning 4,000-plus calories a day.

“My oxygen levels went down to 61 per cent and my resting heart rate went to 47. If I had have been in the UK, I would have been taken straight to hospital in an ambulance but I still had another two days of treking to do.

“Giving in was not an option. I started to struggle with simple functions like doing a zip up, tying shoe laces, and shuffling cards.

“It made me realise how hard it must have been for nan, not knowing if she has eaten, what day of the week it is or why she was even existing. “I am looking forward to putting the money raised towards all those who attend the centre.”

Local East Northants Charity under threat of losing funding?

SERVE a charity based in Rushden who support the community in the District of East Northants and Wellingborough are under threat of losing the Social Wellbeing funding awarded by the Northants County Council.

SERVE provide activities such as minibus day outings, strength and balance exercise groups, memory café, music activities for people who suffer with Dementia, Craft, IT learning support, befriending and many other support groups to prevent Older People and People with Disabilities becoming social isolated.

Cllr Ian Morris who holds the adult social care portfolio originally stated in a press release on the 10th November 2019, “I would agree with the argument that if day services are lost then there is a bigger cost down the line” and “I would like to see the interim funding as near to 100 percent of the current funding as we can get it. I will try and make sure there is not a radical cut in funding.” However, at the full council

meeting held on Thursday 21st November, the leader of the council, Cllr Matt Golby and Cllr Ian Morris gave no answer assuring the security of any of funding despite numerous ques-

tions by different Councillors.

This has raised extreme concern for SERVE and many of the other 11 charities who are affected by this. Jess Slater, CEO stated “this uncertainty with the funding is causing significant concern on how we can plan and move forward in the next financial year, we will need to find the funding from somewhere otherwise we don’t know what the future of SERVE will look like in 12 months’ time.

SERVE provide services to 5000 people every year and if we are unable to bridge the gap in the funding, there is a chance that SERVE will unable to operate beyond 2020” “If the community is concerned about this as much as we are, there is an online petition they can sign at https://www.change.org/p/ northamptonshire-county-council-savevoluntary-services-in-northamptonshire.

The public can also be sent paper copies of the petition by calling the office on 01933 315555.”

4 — EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER DECEMBER 2019

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Items you can recycle – and those you thought you could!

COUNCIL officers have listed some top tips for household recycling – detailing five items you can recycle – and five you may have thought you could.

To coincide with the recent Recycle Week, East Northamptonshire Council took a closer look at some of those items which can or cannot be recycled in the district.

Here are five common items which can go in your household’s recycling bin: Greeting cards – from birthday to Christmas and every occasion in between, greeting cards can go into your recycling bins.

But, remember, anything which is not made of card or paper, such as plastic, foil, ribbons, bows or buttons might affect the recycling process and should be removed beforehand.

Wrapping paper – paper wrappings can also go into green lidded recycling bins in East Northamptonshire.

But, (like greeting cards), bows, sticky tape and ribbons should be removed and avoid placing paper made of mixed materials into your recycling.

To put it simply, any paper that scrunches into a ball is perfect for recycling, but if it springs back into shape then it probably contains plastic and would not be suitable for recycling.

Aerosol cans – once you have finished and emptied that aerosol can, the whole item, including the plastic lid can be placed into your bin for recycling.

Roughly 60 per cent of aerosols are made from tinplated steel and are approximately 40 per cent are made from aluminium – both of which can be recycled.

Most recycling facilities usually have processes which can deal with the non-metal elements.

If you want to make the recycling process a little easier, ideally remove the plastic cap from the empty can and place it separately into the recycling bin.

Foil, including takeaways containers – household foil and takeaway containers can be recycled in East Northamptonshire.

All that is required is the foil is as clean as possible and trays should be rinsed before being placed into recycling bins. Other aluminium items such as drinks cans, screw top lids, aluminium trays and barbeque trays can also be recycled.

Steel tins, such as food, drink and pet food can also be placed in your green lidded recycling bins.

Sweet tubs – it is encouraged to reuse items like sweet and biscuit tubs for other uses, such as for storage, but understand this is not always possible.

As such any unusable large plastic sweet tubs and

similar items should be placed into your recycling bin.

But officers said, unfortunately, at the moment not everything is recyclable, and here are some items which have turned up in recycling bins across East Northamptonshire and cannot be recycled: Ash or vacuum cleaner dust – this is one of the most common items which are mistakenly placed in recycling bins across East Northamptonshire.

Ash and vacuum dust cannot be recycled and placing dust into your recycling bin makes the re-cyclable items dirty and more difficult to sort.

It should be placed in your household waste bin, but ash should be allowed to cool down completely before being placed in the refuse bin.

Hard plastic, including toys – if the toys are still in good condition, you could consider donating them to a local charity.

If this is not possible, non-electrical toys will have to go into your general waste bin. Larger items or those containing electrical components can be taken to a local household waste recycling centre.

Toothpaste tubes – these can be difficult to recycle because some tubes contain many different components, including metal and plastic and are also very difficult to clean.

This also applies to other squeezable tubes such as for products like sun cream, hand cream and moisturisers.

Food and drink cartons, (sometimes known as Tetrapak) – Tetrapak and composite packaging cannot be easily recycled.

Once Tetrapaks and similar materials enter the recycling process, they could end up contaminating the fibre lines as the type of material used during manufacture has a bonded plastic or foil element which cannot be easily separated and recycled.

East Northamptonshire Council is continually reviewing what is able to be collected, working with the sorting facility to ensure the maximum amount of material is recycled and Tetrapak is top of its list.

Bubble wrap or padded envelopes – with a rise in internet shopping, there has also been a rise in the number of padded envelopes and bubble wrap being used.

At the moment, these items cannot be recycled in East Northamptonshire and should be placed into your household waste bin.

Alternatively, old bubble wrap and padded envelopes could be re-used and resent.

For more information on recycling in East Northamptonshire, visit the council’s website at www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/waste

Golfers boost hospital funds

RUSHDEN Chichele Rotary Club held its annual golf day and raised more than £40,000 to buy an electrocardiogram machine for the Twywell and Lamport Wards at Kettering General Hospital. Rotary members and local businesses, as well as individuals entered teams, sponsored holes and provided prizes for the event.

Just three points separated the first three teams but Alan’s Marauders managed to beat Airgead Financial into second place. A raffle further boosted the funds.

T. E. BROWN Make Christmas special with quality meat, vegetables and homemade produce Christmas orders now being taken 93 High Street, Rushden NN10 0NZ

Tel: 01933 350866 Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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DECEMBER 2019 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER — 5

Sea Cadets mark the Battle of Trafalgar

RUSHDEN Sea Cadets held a Trafalgar Night Dinner, commemorating the 214th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

The cadets enjoyed a formal three-course meal, cooked and served by some of the volunteers who support the unit and its growth.

Between each course they

learned about the battle and the men who fought in it.

As is traditional, after toasting ‘The Immortal Memory’ of those who fell during the battle, the meal finished with the parading of a 'Ship of the Line' - a chocolate galleon the cadets enjoyed smashing to pieces and eating.

Club steps in to help Bernadette

THE fundraising Swivel Club in Rushden stepped in to help the inspirational Bernadette Crisp.

The teenager, (pictured above), is a young local woman who had recently been invited to attend a function in Kensington London, for the Unique Arts Award.

This award is for people with disabilities who have inspired others by their talents.

Bernadette and her family already had an appropriate vehicle and wheelchair, but were struggling to find a driver to take them to the event.

The Swivel Club was approached for help.

Not only did the club provide a driver, but helped with costs and expenses to enable them to attend the event.

The best news was that

Bernadette won the gold award.

She and her parents said that thanks to the Swivel Club it made their day enjoyable and stress free.

The Swivel Club has been raising money for local people in need since the early 2000s.

Since becoming a registered charity, it has donated £148,930.00 to worthy causes in the Rushden, Higham Ferrers and surrounding areas.

MEGC DECEMBER 2019 ADS.qxp_Layout 1 05/11/2019 14:26 Page 1 The main way it raises money is by holding a host of events at the Rushden Bowl facility at Rushden Bowls Club.

For more information on forthcoming events and for details of some of the causes helped so far, visit www.swivelclub.org.uk.

You can also find out ticket information for events by contacting its dedicated ticket hotlon on 07738 080470.

CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS

HAMPERS HAMPERS Create your own Christmas Hampers We wrap for FREE

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6 — EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER DECEMBER 2019

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Job hunt reaches new heights THESE students were reaching the heights in the world of work.

The construction students from The Bedford College Group’s campuses in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire joined a scaffolding careers event held at a global company in Milton Keynes.

Organised by HAKI Ltd and the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation, the event inspired young people to pursue a variety of careers on offer in the industry.

More than 25 students from the group attended and had the opportunity to participate in a series of activities held throughout the day.

These included a K’NEX challenge where students tested their structural abilities, a handson experience building a scaffold tower using the HAKI Universal system and talks from individuals in various roles within the scaffolding industry.

Speakers at the event included:

Lester Brown and Barry Taylor, global tech- inspire those in the 16 to 18 age group to consider scaffolding as a genuine and rewarding nicians at HAKI. Priscila Escobar, mechanical design engi- career choice.

HAKI is dedicated to working collaboraneer at HAKI. tively with both our industrial14:26 and educational Ben Ramsey MEGC and Adam Reeve, contracts DECEMBER 2019 ADS.qxp_Layout 1 05/11/2019 Page 1 director and contracts manager at QFS partners to get this message across to this age group.”

Scaffolding.

The college also recently received a ‘good’ And Henry Annafi, NASC training officer.

At the end of the event, 11 out of 26 students Ofsted grade.

The news was welcomed in said they would now consider a career into scafNorthamptonshire where Tresham College, folding upon completion of their studies.

Director of construction and building ser- now part of the Group, had previously been vices at The Bedford College Group, David graded as ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted. The merger Wilkins, said: “The students had a fantastic day. which took place in August 2017, has been fol“They learned a lot about areas of the con- lowed by some robust changes which have led struction industry which they might not have to improved standards, performances and investment across the three campuses originally considered.

“They also participated in some great activ- Kettering, Corby and Wellingborough.

Ian Pryce CBE, principal Ian Pryce said: ities to develop their teamwork skills.”

Group training manager at HAKI Paula “This is a fantastic inspection result. Staff at Hubbard said: “The open day was organised to Tresham have risen to the challenge.”

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 Tuesday 10th December PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - 6.45pm Tuesday 10th December POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE 7.30pm Tuesday 17th December FULL COUNCIl - 7.30pm Sunday 15th December TOWN CAROL SERVICE at St Mary’s Church - 5pm Saturday 21st December, FARMERS’ MARKET, 9am-1pm with Christmas Band and Santa Offices Closed from midday Christmas Eve until 2nd January

The Town Council would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! how to ContaCt your CounCillor Cllr Mrs A. Gardner Email: Redley.ang4@gmail.com Cllr N. Brown Tel: 01933 384875 Cllr R.D. Hamblin Tel: 01933 413268 Cllr H.L. Jackson Tel; 01933 314963 Cllr D.C. Lawson MBE Tel: 01933 397760 Cllr Mrs S.A. Mantle Tel: 01933 356838 Cllr C. O’Rourke Mayor Tel: 01933 411472 Cllr V.K. Paul Tel: 07850 723504 Cllr B.A. Prigmore Tel: 01933 386225

Cllr A.M.T. Reading Tel: 01933 411361 Cllr Mrs C. Reavey Deputy Mayor Tel 01933 413173 Cllr Mrs A.M. Sauntson Tel: 01933 357212 Cllr J. Smithers** Mayor 2018/19 Tel: 07779 137081 Cllr B. Spencer Tel: 07976 570865 Cllr P. Tomas Tel: 01933 359688 Cllr Mrs P.H. Whiting Tel: 01933 356717

* District Councillor – East Northamptonshire Council ** County Councillor - Northamptonshire County Council

Town Clerk – Mrs Sandra Mitcham BA (Hons), FILCM Assistant Town Clerk – Alicia Schofield Administration/Communication/Finance Officer – Donna Anderson Administration/Communication Officer – Emily Arrow Parks and Open Spaces Wardens – Chris Spring & Chris Butcher Mayor’s Sergeant – Mr David Wicks

CHRISTMAS

HAMPERS

Create your own Work colleagues conquer MontHampers Ventoux in cycle challenge Christmas our physical and mental stamina has been well off, the teams had already raised more than STAFF at county-based building products and truly put to the test, but reaching the sum£10,000. manufacturer Forterra, including chief execuWe wrap for FREE mit made the challenge well worth it.

Accompanying Stephen Harrison in the tive Stephen Harrison, have successfully comwww.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk “Conquering this infamously demanding first team were two Forterra employees –

pleted Challenge Adventure Charities’ four-day, 620-mile cycle relay.

They said 75 per cent of all funds raised will be donated to the British Heart FoundaRoad offgoing the A6) tion, with Radwell the remaining 25 (just per cent to Milton Cancer Research UK.Ernest MK44 1SH Both charities were chosen in recognition of several Forterra staff who have been affected by these conditions. Prior to setting

national sales manager Neil McLafferty and land and panning manager Tim Darling – as well as FTI consulting managing director Nick Hasell.

The second team was made up of other employees of the group.

Mr Harrison said:“Mont Ventoux certainly sets the benchmark for feats of endurance –

route while raising funds for two fantastic charities which have a personal connection to so many of our staff is an achievement for all involved, not to mention a privilege.”

Founded in 1996, Challenge Adventure Charities organises two major cycling events each year in aid of charities chosen by the trustees and event participants.

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DECEMBER 2019 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER — 7

Charity scoops award at glittering ceremony A RUSHDEN-based charity has scooped a top award.

Serve was delighted to win the Northamptonshire Community Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award last month. It was among eight awards presented on the night at The Royal and Derngate in Northampton.

Serve has been delivering vital services to the older population in East Northamptonshire since 1981 and the award recognised the importance of those services which reduce social isolation and promote social interaction to support people to live independently in their own homes.

The charity delivers a range of services including domiciliary and domestic homecare, memory and dementia services, well-being activities such as daily trips and strength and balance exercise classes.

The awards once again threw a spotlight on the incredible work dedicated volunteers and community groups do across the county and was organised by the Northamptonshire Community Foundation.

Victoria Miles, from the foundation, said: “Without these groups and the volunteers that run them, Northamptonshire would be a very different place.

“These awards enable us to celebrate, say thank you and also to recognise the generosity of our donors.”

Other winners were: The Best Newcomer Award – Kettering Community Unit – the unit aims to both relieve and prevent social and economic disadvantage. The group offers a discreet food bank model, supporting people in crisis whose health and wellbeing is significantly impacted through the inability to put food on the table.

The Trailblazer Award – Screen Northants – an inclusive film-making group which aims to positively impact local society and change the Film Industry for the better by helping new voices and under-represent-

ed groups be heard. It works with disadvantaged young people aged between 10 and 18 on professional film briefs to introduce them to the creative arts.

The Brilliant Group Award – The Lewis Foundation – this group provides support for those both receiving cancer treatment and people who are in post-treatment. They visit hospitals across the county,

providing a range of gift packs to patients including portable radios, craft sets and pamper packs. The group also runs free health and wellbeing events, aiming to support people without an added financial burden.

The Edge Award – Eden Park Teenage Parents – which provides support and accommodation to vulnerable families who would otherwise be homeless or

separated from their children. The invaluable support they offer includes parenting skills, education, budgeting, benefit awareness and tenancy obligations, with each client being provided with a dedicated support worker.

The High Sheriff’s Initiative Award – Shudan CIC – which provides martial arts and sporting activities to young people from deprived areas of the local community. It aims to give young people positive experiences through these activities to help build confidence and self-esteem. Shudan CIC offers its free programme at local youth and community centres, with professional, qualified coaches committed to giving these young people the best experiences possible.

The Inspirational Woman Award, in partnership with AVON – Leonie Heard, Best Friends Northamptonshire – Leonie founded Breast Friends Northamptonshire in 2017. The group provides practical and emotional support to people affected by breast cancer across the county. Supported by fellow members, Leonie organises regular meetings and events to help promote people’s wellbeing.

The Lady Juliet Townsend Award – Candice Sinnett, Kettering Community Unit –Candice volunteers in many roles at Kettering Community Unit.

From helping with the foodbank to volunteering in the foodbank hub, she is a key member of the organisation.

Candice also mentors groups of young people on placement, as well as being a trained mentor for the group’s Inclusive Volunteering project.

Northamptonshire Community Foundation is the leading independent grant-making charity in the county, working with fund holders and donors to ensure projects make a sustainable impact on local need.

For more information on the foundation, visit www.ncf.uk.com and for details about Serve, e-mail info@serve.org.uk

8 — EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER DECEMBER 2019

ADVERTISING: TheReporter@rosettapublishing.com

EDITORIAL: nick@rosettapublishing.com

Make a difference to someone’s life Celebrating 65 years of wedded bliss

MAKE a difference to someone’s life as part of the Home Instead team.

So, 2019 will soon be ending and Home Instead East Northants has had an exciting year and hasplayed host to many companionship and friendship groups within the area and it looks to get even bigger in 2020.

Teaming up with M&S, Rushden Lakes, Waitrose, Rushden and Tesco in Wellingborough the companionship cafes are going from strength to strength.

It is so important for people within the community to have access to social groups to enable them to have fun, socialize and meet new people.

Home Instead has some exciting plans for 2020 and aims to launch a new friendship group for the over-50s in Woodford, being held at the Grain store coffee house on the first Thursday of every month, from 10am to noon.

This group will include craft, quizzes, memory games and a lot of chit chat.

It has also had great success in the Bedfordshire area, running monthly dementia information days at

Milton Ernest Garden Centre and Ise are now looking at launching more companionship groups into the villages and surrounding areas.

The companionship group at M&S continues to go from strength to strength, alongside the monthly Otago classes at Waitrose in Rushden.

These have proved to be very popular and Home Instead has seen new people attending every month.

The new line-up for Otago classes for 2020 will be taking place on the following days - January14, February 11, March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9 and July 14.

If you would like to be a part of the Home Instead team and make a difference to someone’s life, then there are positions in the Rushden, Wellingborough and the Bedfordshire areas.

Contact Home Instead East Northants on 01933 678775 for further information on the services on offer, or to book a place at one of the OTAGO classes.

And on behalf of Home Instead - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

A RUSHDEN couple who lived around the corner from each other as children celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with a message from the Queen.

Fred and Hazel Wooding knew each other by sight when they lived in Bedford.

But it was when Fred joined the Navy and came home in uniform that he won the heart of the girl who grew up almost next door.

Life was not always the bed of roses it is today in South Close.

Fred, 90 in 2020, spent a dozen years in an orphanage after his mother died when he was just three.

He came back at 16 to discover he had a father as well as brothers and sisters. He then served in the Navy before suffering a serious injury in a Maltese dockyard.

In the orphanage, he developed an interest in athletics and boxing and when he settled as a married man he became a timekeeper and judge at clubs in Bedford, later becoming chairman and then president of Bedford and County during the Paula Radcliffe era. In 2012 he was awarded the MBE for services to the community.

Hazel was a shop assistant while Fred worked at Meltis and on the railway.

They then set up a sports trophy business which has now expanded and is run by members of the family.

Singing group gets set for festive fun THE popular Singing for Fun group of Higham Ferrers and Rushden is putting on its annual Christmas concert this month.

The event will take place on Friday, December 13, at the Hall of the Catholic Church of St Peter the Apostle, in Higham Road,

Rushden. There will be carols and Christmas songs which everyone will be encouraged to join in as well as some other audience participation.

In addition there will be solo performances. It promises to be a fun evening and people have been

urged to go along. All proceeds will be given to The Full Gospel Church Food Bank and Night Shelter.

Tickets are £5, which include refreshments, are available from either 07778 836094 or 07494 808431. Doors open at 6.30pm.

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Council to crackdown on unlicensed homes COUNCILS across North Northamptonshire will be taking action to tackle private landlords whose properties are not licensed, following recent changes in legislation to a House in Multiple Occupation, (HMOs).

The new legislation now requires any privately rented property occupied by five or more people living as two or more households to be licensed under the mandatory HMO scheme.

Since the legislation came into force, councils in North Northamptonshire have been working with landlords to make sure their properties are correctly licensed.

Teams have aligned HMO standards and processes to make it easier for landlords to comply if they have properties across district boundaries.

Private sector housing officers are now pursuing landlords and managers who fail to licence their properties.

Landlords operating an illegal HMO could face prosecution and an unlimited fine or a penalty of up

to £30,000.

Tenants or the council can also apply to have up to 12 months rent repaid to them if their rented property should be licensed, but the landlord has not made an application.

East Northamptonshire Council leader Steven North, said: “Changes to the way we license HMO properties came into effect last year in order to provide further assurance and protection to private tenants.

“We have been working with our neighbouring councils to provide landlords with the information they need to ensure their properties meets the new legislation but will now take action to prosecute those that do not responsibly license their private lets.”

Tenants can check if their property is licenced by looking at lipublicaccess.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/online-licensing To report an unlicensed property, people can email licensingunit@east-northamptonshire.gov.u k or contact the team on 01832 742102.

Government lays down plans for unitary councils THE legislation required to create two new unitary councils in Northamptonshire has been laid before Parliament.

The document, known as the Northamptonshire Structural Changes Order 2019, (SCO), sets out how the two new unitary authorities will be formed to

replace the existing eight councils on April 1, 2021.

The Draft Order will now be considered and debated by both Houses of Parliament and if approved, should become legislation by the end of the year.

To view the order, go to www.legislation.gov.uk.

DECEMBER 2019 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER — 9

An Aladdin’s cave of gifts this Christmas

If YOU are shopping for lovely traditional Christmas gifts for your family this year, then look no further than Colemans.

A family business that has been trading in the county for 50 years, their shops are an Aladdin’s cave of all things Christmassy – from beautiful leather filofaxes and prestige fountain pens to traditional games and jigsaw puzzles, children’s craft kits and fine art boxed sets.

As well as a wonderful selection of products, they also offer exceptional customer

service and are always happy to help and advise. They even have a free delivery service, so if you are unable to carry your shopping home, don’t worry – Colemans will deliver!

Colemans also sell gift vouchers to any value which can be exchanged in any of their stores, so if you are unable to choose just the right gift, they have that covered too.

In addition to their 10 retail shops, there is also the Colemans Craft Warehouse in Rushden (just below Lidl opposite Rushden Lakes) which is open 7 days a week, has a

lovely café, and is full of beautiful crafting products and fabrics. And don’t forget The Oundle Bookshop on the Market Place in this beautiful Georgian market town where you can browse a wonderful selection of books, gifts and greetings cards.

And finally, the newest addition to the Coleman Group – The Warehouse Shop next door to the Craft Warehouse where you can buy all your favourite stationery products and office seating 7 days a week with the added convenience of being able to park outside.

S AV E B E T W E E N £2,000 AND £4,250 WHEN YOU SCRAP A VEHICLE W I T H U S R E S P O N S I B LY BY 31ST DECEMBERˆ

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Winslow Ford - Rushden Northampton Road Rushden, NN10 6AP Tel. 01933 356804 www.winslowford.co.uk Models shown are: Focus ST-Line 5 Door 1.0 125PS Manual Petrol. Fuel economy mpg (l/100km) (Combined): 48.7 (5.8) *CO2 emissions: 107g/km, EcoSport ST-Line 1.0 125PS Manual Petrol. Fuel economy mpg (l/100km) (Combined): 43.5 (6.5) *CO2 emissions: 119g/km, Fiesta ST-Line 3 Door 1.0 100PS Manual Petrol. Fuel economy mpg (l/100km) (Combined): 48.7 (5.8) *CO2 emissions: 108g/km.

Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted, variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. *There is a new test used for fuel consumption and CO2 figures. The CO2 figures shown, however, are based on the outgoing test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. ^Between £2000 and £4250 (inc. VAT) Scrappage Customer Savings available on selected new Ford cars if: (1) you trade in any car or commercial vehicle that was first registered before 1 January 2013; and (2) you contract and register a new vehicle between 1st October and 31st December 2019. You must have owned the scrappage vehicle for at least 90 days. Eligible retail customers only. See ford.co.uk/scrappage for more info. †Finance subject to status. Freepost Ford Credit. Excludes KA+, Fiesta ST, Focus Style, Focus ST, Mustang, New Puma and All-New Kuga.

Winslow Ford - Rushden only offers finance from Ford Credit.

10 — EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER DECEMBER 2019

10 Fire Risk Assessment mistakes – “you could be making them right now�

5

Never before has fire safety been so highly scrutinized since The Fire Safety Order 2005 was introduced and of course, the tragic events of The Grenfell Fire last year.

Lessons will and must be learnt and implemented to ensure that in modern day Britain this sort of thing never happens again. The Hackitt report is now in progress to make the necessary changes.

Experiences of over 20 years up visiting all types of premises is that the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ are miles apart to say the least!

In some instances, business owners, responsible person/s for the work place or those appointed in charge of fire safety often ‘care’ but are ‘unaware’ of what’s involved to make them compliant.

GUIDANCE: Often overlooked is working to the right legislation, supporting documents and British Standards.

Tell your employees and 6 SHARE: pass on significant findings of the assessment.

IT CURRENT: Is your report 7 KEEP current; a true reflection of the premises?

AND 8 PROCEDURES ARRANGEMENTS: It is essential that all occupants know what to do in the event of a fire and deploy the evacuation strategy effectively.

Have you acted on the 9 IGNORE: findings or just filed the report away until next time?

There is no physical 1 DESKTOP: inspection of the building.

YES/ NO: In most instances 2 deemed answering like this will not be suitable and sufficient.

COMPETENCE: The person 10 completing the assessment can be prosecuted.

PLAN: Must conclude in an 3 ACTION action plan with ranking and suitable timescales.

4

Call us on 01832 735874 or drop us an email mark@hasaw.co.uk to find out more and steer you in the right direction.

More information at www.hasaw.co.uk

HIGH RISK / TECHNICAL: If you are not trained and competent, the chances are you’ll be avoiding the main risks and could be prosecuted!

The lost history of Jazz in Northamptonshire A ADVERTISING: TheReporter@rosettapublishing.com

HISTORY of jazz in Northamptonshire from 1947 to 1972 has recently come to light after being hidden for 46 years. It was written in 1973 by Mr Eric Barrett, a past Mayor and businessman of Higham Ferrers. Eric was also a good musician, playing the trumpet and undoubtedly quite a ‘jazz fanatic’ in the heydays playing with the Jack Lantsbery Band at the Green Dragon in Higham Ferrers. Sadly Eric died in 1978 at the very young age of 48 years.

The history covers over 20 jazz venues in Northamptonshire, has the names and members of all the bands plus Eric’s many thoughts about the jazz scene and how to make a living from jazz.

The original copy, typed in what is now faded blue ink and well ‘off-white’ paper must have taken many hours to type without today’s computers, emails and word processing. It remained with Eric’s widow Jane until some five years ago and then given to Richard Perkins at his Higham garage who in turn gave it to Richard Lewis who he thought would “do something with it!�

With the help of many people and in particular Kay Collins of the Rushden History Society, the old pages were scanned, the typed words extracted in Word format and then reformatted by Richard Lewis with the near same page layouts as written by Eric.

The result is a 100 page A4 size soft cover book including over 120 pictures and press cuttings. Extra pages have been added detailing the book’s eventual route to publication, plus a brief biography and pictures of Eric.

Available now priced ÂŁ5 from P.W.House in

EDITORIAL: nick@rosettapublishing.com

Rushden and Higham Newsagents or contact Richard Lewis on07960 950821 or r_lewis6@sky.com All profits from the sale of the book will go to the British Heart Foundation in memory of Eric.

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POLICE are issuing another serious assault appeal Breakfast, Snacks in CafĂŠ Coffee, after Teas, a CCTV 823033 Greenway area on a 15-year-old girl footage Simonof01234 contact in the enquiries the area at the of Rushden. For pitch offence, The attack happen time of the iltonernestgarden or anyone centre.co.uk E: simongoatley@m who might any clothing ed between 4.10pm on discarded nearby.have found 3pm and Monday, June If anyone has disused railway 24, found track between next to the area or and Spire has any informa any clothing in the The Hedges tion about the dent, approached Road, when the girl they inciby a was Northa He pushed herman who attacked her. mptonshire should contact Police to the floor, in the face and punched her Crimestoppers in confide on 101, or kicked her, 555111. nce on 0800 to suffer a masterplan. causing the draft shape to the broken girl develope developsaw the jaw, a fracture outcome ofOfficers exercise Northamptonshir cuts to her face.

The confirm A PROPOSED Eastand d nose has thisin the UK Natural ed a 26-year to employ nationally for its sustainbeen arrested Detectiv ment become the first ment has been recognised to -old man es are now awards connect assault. at an industry appealing Capital and EcosystemsinServices status ion with this Accounting may able environmentalwho to anyone have dashcam mitigates against water, air He has , Ring ensure the masterplan ceremony. been released ll, or pending ancient on Garden Village at Doorbe reconnects andfurther police bail noise pollution The masterplan for Tresham and newly trees commended inquirie the 100,000 s. been highly woodlands. This links with Deenethorpe Airfield has of

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Awards in the category at the National Planning Environment.

Planning for the Natural and the North East Northamptonshire Council Planning and Delivery Northamptonshire Joint with the promoters of Unit have worked closely design team at the Garden Village and the to ensure the natural Charlton Brown Architects, the proposals for the of environment is at the core development. the natural assets A detailed evaluation of Natural Capital of the site by consultants Garratt has been used Lockhart and Solutions

GUNS includ Mod 8mm, ing a US Carbine .30, a Browning a pistol, as well Cobra starting pistol and as ammunition Mauser handed in durin , g the first few have already been surrender. days of a firear ms

The surrende age people to r aims to encourThe firearms which may be hand in any firearms may, howeve forensically in r, be examined to During one their possession. see if they have any links pre-arranged lection of firearms to colIllegal possessiother crimes. , five guns, (pictured), were on of a firearm can mean five handed in by a woman whose father and if you are years behind bars had eral years ago passed away sevsession with found guilty of posguns. They hadand had owned the intent to supply only been discov- can lead to a life that ered in the sentence. loft Head of house clear-ou recently after a Northamptonshir operations at t. newSupt During the campaig e Police, for a ,major Sarah Johnson revealed been lic are the pubhave n, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m pleased being asked PLANS people are getting to call police 101 to arrange the message on have already an nt in Rushden. for and theirdevelopme started projecthanding convenience appointment at items Community Garden so that they in Hayden at a location Highand of their The Developcan be disposed Urban choice, of appropr Sustainable to have part of the iately. forms comeRushden officers and collectEast â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would continue thearea. firearm.

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Space to provide an attractive and a environI Two primary schools natural and semi-natural and secondary school. ment and a place for relaxation new I A large sports area, with informal recreation for both changing rooms, car parking residents and the wider and space for football, rugby community and Water Meadows. and cricket pitches.

The proposals also aim to all is I Play areas catering for create a community which ages. connected to Rushden, with and Way open extensions to John Clark I Large areas of public site. the improvements and spaces throughout Newton Road to crossing facilities to encourage I New allotments. sustainwalking, cycling and other I Two local centres. able travel options. into I Two primary gateways It is also hoped The East the development: will Northamptonshire Greenway : Access NORTHERN GATEWAY be connected to the development. from the current roundabout the It is proposed planning applicaon the A6 junction with this tions will be submitted later A5001 John Clark Way. Access year. : GATEWAY SOUTHERN the If approved, phase one could from Newton Road, near homes start next year, with the first current A6 roundabout. first being built in 2021. The I â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Destinationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; open space.

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School gets a special visitor

YOUNGSTERS at this school in Raunds welcomed a special visitor for the day.

Former England netball captain and Commonwealth Games medallist Pamela Cookey visited Manor School Sports College.

The day began with a series of netball coaching sessions with selected students from across years seven to 11.

Pamela gave expert tips and advice on a number of aspects of the game such as powerful passing, accurate shooting and effective dodging.

This was followed in the afternoon by a presentation to all Year 8 students about her double-life career in netball and engineering, as well as how to cope with pressure.

To conclude the day’s activities, Pamela spoke to Year eight student Neve and Year 12 student Lucy who have been selected to be mentored by the sports star for the next six months.

The event was part of a special mentoring pro-

gramme from the Mintridge Foundation, a charity which provides a support network for young people by harnessing the power of positive sporting role models.

The programme was kindly donated to the school by Bowbridge Homes, a local property developer that is currently building in the area.

Curriculum lead for PE Toni Hustwait said: “It’s always fantastic when we can give our students the opportunity to meet real-life sporting stars.

“But Pamela was particularly engaging and provided a positive role model for our girls.

“It was such an enjoyable day for both the students and staff who all ensured they got memorabilia signed and pictures taken for this once in a lifetime experience.

“I am especially happy for Lucy and Neve for being selected for mentoring and am sure they will grab this with both hands.”

Campaign to end food poverty

COUNTY groups joined forces to try to end food poverty.

Members and supporters of Northamptonshire Food Poverty network have been supporting the national End Hunger UK campaign challenging Government to set out a plan for ending UK food poverty by 2030.

The network is supported by Northamptonshire Community Foundation as part of its community leadership activity.

According to the Social Metrics Commission about 8.4m working-age adults, 4.5m children and 1.4m pension-age adults are living in poverty in the UK. Community groups, charities and supporters around the county, which have supported the push include, Re:store Northampton, Tools for Self Reliance, Service Six, Springs Family Centre, Growing Together Northampton and Baby Basics.

A day of action took place across the whole of the UK, as members of End Hunger UK wanted to get their message across that in 2019, in the fifth richest nation in the world, everyone should have access to good food and nobody should have to go to bed hungry.

Other activities by local groups to raise awareness of food poverty include Café Track, a social enterprise, on Northampton Market Square having a display of woollenmade food by local community group the Woolly Crew.

Thomas Cliffe, from Café Track which supports autistic people into employment, saidthe solution was simple - “food is an essential human need.”

DECEMBER 2019 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER — 11

Advice for students thinking of dropping out

ADVICE is on hand for students thinking of dropping out of university. Thousands of students drop out of university every year - for new university students, the first term can be difficult to manage.

Few friends, unfamiliar people and timetables, and a completely new place to live can make the first eight to 10 weeks lonely, scary and overwhelming - around one in 16 students do not start their second year. Dr Lisette Johnston, ex-BBC World News boss and head of school at ScreenSpace, part of MetFilm School explained what options are available to young people who feel they may have made a massive mistake.

She said: “If young people are worried about their

course or university at this point, they are definitely not alone, many students are feeling exactly the same way.”

Dr Johnston’s top tips include sleeping on it and not making a snap decision, seek advice from students, family and lecturers, research your options, consider the final implications of fees, student loans and accommodation costs, or think of pausing your degree - at many universities, you have the option of pausing your degree and taking a year out. This can be a great compromise without shutting the door all together.

Students can check with their personal tutor to explore whether this is an option open to you.

This Christmas give your cycling partner an original gift from OQ Service Course

Visit our website for: Cycling clothing and leisure wear – a perfect Christmas gift. Also if you’re thinking of a cycling holiday on the beautiful island of Majorca, come to Puerto Pollencia – we hire out Trek bikes, offer guided rides and more – book online at:

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12 — EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER DECEMBER 2019

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EDITORIAL: nick@rosettapublishing.com

Charity money to help Pauline sail away Gifts on offer – but you THRAPSTON and Raunds Rotary Club have helped out at the Grafham Water Sailability project.

The club recently enjoyed a talk about Sailability from Pauline Shaw, one of its regular sailors, (pictured, left).

She explained how, thanks to Sailability, she had been able to continue sailing despite suffering from multiple sclerosis.

She likes to sail in the Challenger class boat ‘Louise,’ which the club had helped to provide.

The club hopes to continue to support Sailability at Grafham and Bob Davey, club president, handed over a cheque to pay for a new Sail for ‘Louise.’

Pauline thanked the club for its generous support and especially the members who regularly help rig and launch the boats.

She pointed out that without volunteers and donations from Rotary Clubs, the sailing at Grafham Water would not be possible.

Meanwhile, the Rotary Club’s annual Rotary Young Musician event will be taking place on Friday, January 17, at Manor School, Raunds.

Entry details have been sent out to local schools and music teachers.

The event forms the first stage in a Rotary Great Britain and Ireland Competition for some classes of musicians or singers.

Further details can be obtained by ringing 01933 624527.

The annual carol service will take place at St Peter’s Church, Raunds, on Tuesday, December 3, at 7.30pm.

The service will be followed by refreshments.

have to find them first

THIS year during Advent, the churches of Rushden and Higham Ferrers have got a gift for you, but first you have to find them first!

These angels will be hiding all around the area and the beautifully hand-knitted characters are yours to take home and keep.

So get ready because between right up to Christmas Eve, hundreds of angels will be waiting for you to find them.

You can post to the group’s Facebook page, Rushden Glow Angels, and tell people where you found your angels.

Lest we forget

THOUSANDS of people paid their respects at the annual Remembrance parades last month. Our picture shows the scene in Higham Ferrers, as hundreds of people from the town gathered in Market Square. Pictured in

front of the Poppy Tree are Deputy Lieutenant Martin Gaskell, Deputy Mayor, Tina Reavey, town clerk Sandra Mitcham, mace bearer Geoff Moore, Mayor Chris O'Rourke and Mayoress Kathleen Meredith.

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DECEMBER 2019 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER — 13

Sleigh bells will be ringing out ORGANISERS of a popular Christmas event have revealed Santa will be out and about in and around Oundle again this month.

President of Oundle Rotary Club Jane Grant said: “We are pleased to announce that Santa’s sleigh will be back on the roads in and around Oundle again this year.

He will be touring the area on the following dates: Tuesday, December 10: West of George Inn Oundle Wednesday December 11: East of George Inn Oundle Thursday, December 12: Warmington Tuesday December 17: Tansor, Cotterstock and Glapthorn Wednesday, December 18: Benefield Road area And Thursday December 19: Ashton Manor Estate.

You can find out more on the group’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OundleRotary-Club If anyone would like to help with the tour, they can contact oundlerotary@gmail.com The club has also organised festive events.

Its Christmas concert on the Friday, December 6, at St Peters Church, Oundle, featuring the Peterborough Salvation Army band presenting a mixture of favourite carols and solo performances.

Tickets are £10 from Oundle in Stitches, Colemans Bookshop and Green Man Antiques or email oundlerotary@gmail.com.

The fun will start at 7.45pm with all proceeds divided between the Salvation Army, Prostate Cancer UK, Medical Detection Dogs, Volunteer Action Oundle and Cransley Hospice.

Established in 1974, the club chooses four charities each year to support by each member putting a name in the hat.

It then makes donations at the end of the Rotary year to the the first four drawn out of the hat.

The club has also invited more people to go along to its meetings.

Prospective members are invited to go along and find out more about its activities.

Again, contact oundlerotary@gmail.com to get an insight into its activities.

Folk singer to bring Christmas carol joy THE Christmas tradition set by the Raunds Music Festival committee is ready to continue this month.

John Kirkpatrick, one of the most prolific figures on the English folk scene, has been lined up to entertain yuletime revellers with his Carolling and Crumpets show.

He has been a member of the Albion Country Band, Magic Lantern, The Richard Thompson Band, Steeleye Span, and Band of Hope.

Taking its title from John’s unforgettable song telling the Nativity story from the point of view of the animals in the stable, this show is a heart-warming look at the timeless rituals found in the folklore and folk music of England at midwinter.

John peels away the commercial gloss of modern Christmas to reveal the powerful pagan urges that race through us all at this time of year, and the life and death struggle which is symbolised in so many traditional songs and customs.

And if that all sounds just a little too intense,

then rest assured there is fun to be had.

The show is presented showing the mysterious and murky goings-on in these magical songs of wassailing, wren-hunting, stirring the fire, and incessant feasting, and all comes dressed up in a glittering finery of toe-tapping tunes and cracking choruses.

Add to the mixture a light-hearted smattering of hilarious original songs, a sprinkling of carols both familiar and unfamiliar, all stirred up with John’s usual panache and energy, and supported by his scintillating skill on a variety of squeeze-boxes, and you have an unbeatable recipe for having a rattling good sing, guaranteed to keep the spirits cheery and the cold at bay.

The show will take place at Ringstead Shared Church High Street, Ringstead, on Friday, December 20.

Doors will open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start.

Tickets are £10 and for more details and to purchase tickets, visit ww.raundsfestival.com or phone the festival ticket hotline on 07756 015615.

Hearty donation to club

DEVELOPER David Wilson Homes has donated £1,000 to Earls Barton Working Men’s Club which, along with The Old Silver Band Club, have been raising money for a de-fibrillator to be installed in the village.

The donation was made as part of the developers’ Community Fund scheme which was designed to strengthen ties with the communities which are local to the business.

David Wilson Homes donates £1,000 to a local charity or organisation each month which improves the quality of life for those living in the area.

Both clubs are situated just a short walk from its popular development, The Wickets, on the edge of Earls Barton.

Managing director of David

Wilson Homes South Midlands John Dillon said: “We are delighted the donation is going towards something so important.

“We are committed to creating a positive legacy. We want to be known not just for the quality of the homes and developments we build, but also for our commitment to the local community through supporting local organisations and charities.”

David Brawn, 70, has been a member of the Earl’s Barton Working Men’s Club since he was 18 and has been working at the club since 1977 as the club’s secretary.

It was David, along with Lesley Baker from The Old Silver Band Club, who organised the fundraising event where they raised a total of £3,136.

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LETTERS Quiz date

THE next AFC Rushden and Diamonds quiz night will be on Thursday, December 12, from 7.30pm, at Rushden Bowls Club in Northampton Road. For more details, contact 07870 332606.

TO THE EDITOR Burns night

A BURNS night will be held at The Snooks in Raunds on Saturday, January 25, from 7pm. Contact 01933 622087 for details.

RSPB events

THE RSPB Mid-Nene Local Group will meet at The Saxon Hall in Raunds, on Thursday, December 19, at 7.30pm. The annual general meeting will be followed by an illustrated talk on W H Hudson by Conor Jameson.

The next walk will be on Boxing Day, at 10am. Contact 01933 460644 for details.

Try to take on board the story of Christmas every day of the year

by Canon George Burgon

“OH, I wish it could be Christmas everyday “is a sentiment not only made famous by the pop group Wizzard but also echoed in nostalgic memories that get stirred up at this time of the year.

Yet whatever the season means to us it is a celebration and a thanksgiving but is it the way to live in the real world?

Does the traditional impression of Christmas make any difference to the way we think or act at other times of the year?

Some folks claim that it doesn’t really alter anything in their day to day existence.

I am not completely convinced by this attitude because of the reality of discontent in the human heart and in human existence which dominates the media.

Do we not admit to ourselves and share with one another such experiences? Do we not seek answers to our problems and difficulties?

Holding a general election in the run up to Christmas may

be inconvenient to many but it is a challenge to us all to take on board the real message in the Christmas Story.

There is a conflict in our human nature between self-protection and care for others. Politics makes us aware of that conflict and how we all must struggle to resolve it in one way or another.

The Christmas Story of the birth of Christ has been a strong influence in our political thinking over the centuries and continues to do so today no matter what time of the year an election is called.

We will hear many voices from the political parties telling us of their policies, some of which will echo the warm-hearted nostalgia of Wizzard’s song to lure us into thinking that a vote for them could bring about a ‘Christmas every day’ kind of future.

Such promises need to be weighed against the age-old truths found in our traditional Christmas carols which have a strong bias towards the needy.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

“With the poor .and mean, and lowly, Lived on earth our Saviour holy,” (Once in Royal David’s City, verse 2).

There is also in these songs the challenging generosity to be expected from those who are not lacking in this world’s goods – for example – “Therefore, Christian folk, be sure, Wealth or rank possessing, Ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing,” (Good King Wenceslas, verse 5).

We are all made in God’s image and every day is ‘Christmas’ because God is always with us.

“And he feeleth for our sadness and he shareth in our gladness,” (Mrs CF Alexander and Matthew, 1:23).

We live in a universe that God has visited in Jesus and His influence affects us all. God loves all that is for He is our Creator.

That is why we should love one another and our environment.

Our true humanity lies in serving one another as God does to us in the birth of Jesus who came “from highest bliss down to a world like this.”

LETTERS

TO THE EDITOR

Is there really Brexit bias?

TO THE EDITOR: Mr Farman’s com-

plaint in your last issue, of ‘biased’ television reports of what may happen after Brexit must surely be balanced by the pro-Brexit papers.

I remember the Express telling us the EU wouldn’t let us use our kettles – a complete fabrication.

Add to this the Government’s own forecasts of post Brexit conditions and maybe the TV companies are doing their job fairly. Surely we all rejoiced when Peter Bone MP told us we’ll all be better off out of the EU? Michael Wells, Rushden

Let us help end polio

A PLEA has gone out to help end polio. The recent World Polio Day helped generate awareness about the eradication of Polio as well as to commemorate the efforts of thousands of Rotarians, employees of the World Health Organisation and other volunteers.

World Polio Day was established by Rotary International over a decade ago to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis.

Polio is a highly infectious, crippling disease.

We know it now as Poliomyelitis and older people will remember it as infantile paralysis.

The virus mainly affects the nervous system, leaving the person weak and unable to walk or even breathe normally.

In the 1950s those seriously affected were kept alive in ‘iron lungs’.

It is a disease caused by the deadly Poliovirus, which usually affects children under five-yearsof-age.

During 1940s and 1950s, polio killed or crippled nearly two million people globally.

Fortunately, in the past two decades the world has seen a steep decline in the total number of recorded cases with many parts of Europe, America and South East Asia being declared polio free.

Thanks to the efforts of The World Health Organisation and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative cases of Polio have been reduced from 350,000 in 1988 to just 22 in 2017.

The polio vaccine today is accessible even in the most remote

locations of the world thanks to the efforts of Rotary, the WHO and other world governments and organisations.

Only in Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan is polio still virulent.

Rotary made a promise to the world’s children 30 years ago that it would eradicate polio from the world and began its project by convincing governments, the WHO and many other organisations that it was something that must be done.

Rotary itself has raised over £1.4b) to show its commitment and Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft has supported Rotary by matching every dollar Rotary raised by donating at least another $2.

On the World Polio Day in 2017 Rotary International and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation together committed to raise $450 billion for eradicating polio.

Despite there only being a handful of cases left in the world, continued campaigning, health worker training and vaccination programmes are essential to stop the disease returning and ensuring the world is certified polio-free.

Rotary members continue to be key players in many aspects of the polio programme including on the ground in a number of countries as well as fundraising and advocacy.

Failure to eradicate polio could result in as many as 200,000 new cases worldwide every year within a decade.

With a huge and dedicated force of employees, volunteers and local public administration, oral vaccination is provided to every infant, making a step towards complete eradication.

The EU – One Woman’s View by Caroline McCormack

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DECEMBER 2019 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER — 15

As Brexit rumbles on with no clear resolution in sight, what is the history of the EU and why was it created?

HE origins of a ‘United Europe’ go back to 1948 following the aftermath of the second world war when the foundations of the EU led to the signing of two treaties in Rome on March 25 1957.

The treaties created the European Economic Community (EEC) which gave its signatories France, West Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and Luxembourg the premise to lay foundations which they hoped would lead to a safer, democratic and closer union among European states.

The EEC, referred to as the Common Market was designed to foster closer ties, economic cooperation and an integrated Europe.

States would be interdependent enabling free circulation of goods, services, capital and free movement of people, reducing the likelihood of further conflict following two world wars.

Britain did not seek membership preferring to cultivate its commercial and political bonds with its colonies and the commonwealth.

Nor did it want to be part of a customs union preferring the establishment of a free trade area and rejected any surrender of the sovereignty of national states to a ‘Supernational European Institution.’

Britain wanted an alternative to the EEC collectively known as the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) with Austria, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland.

In August 1961, Harold Macmillan

conservative PM reopened negotiations for full integration into the EEC. French leader, Charles de Gaulle vetoed Britain’s request in 1963 because of Britain’s close ties with the US. Membership was vetoed again in 1967, when Harold Wilson, then PM requested membership of the EEC. De Gaulle was convinced that a unified Europe would be able to withstand US and USSR trade influence. His opposition to Britain was in stark contrast to his own view which, was to maintain the national independence of France.

His resignation in 1969 finally paved the way for Britain to enter Europe.

With negotiations finalised in 1972, Edward Heath, conservative PM signed accession to the EEC in 1973.

In the same year, Ireland and Denmark joined but the Norwegians rejected the EEC in a referendum held later that year.

Britain held its own referendum in 1975, with 67% of the electorate voting in favour of continued membership of the EC. Jacques Delors became the first president of the European Commission in 1985 and favoured a more unified and politically integrated Europe with a single market that would remove barriers to free trade allowing movement of capital and labour.

The Schengen agreement signed in 1985 by Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France and Germany represented the most ambitious initiative to

guarantee the free movement of persons and gradual removal of frontiers among the community states.

How did the EU come into effect?

The Maastricht Treaty on European Union was formalised in December 1991 and created a monetary union, social policy and European citizenship among its EU members.

Its premise was to foster greater cooperation between the EU members on foreign affairs, security asylum and immigration between the member states.

But it proved to a controversial voting issue with the Danes rejecting it in June 1992 and only accepting it at a second vote in May 1993 after they negotiated an opt-out on monetary union.

The French narrowly voted for the treaty but the German and British public voiced their discontent.

John Major’s conservative government came close to losing the confidence of the house of commons but British constitutional convention meant that ratification of the treaty did not require a referendum.

The treaty was signed in February 1992 and formation of the EU in 1993 by the treaty of the European Union meant that the EEC was incorporated and renamed as the European Community, EC. During the 1990s the inclusion of European countries continued with Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia,

Couple’s plea to help their son

A COUPLE from Rushden have asked our readers if they could help their son Maximus.

Little Maximus was born in 2014 and after seeing many specialists in his five years at various hospitals, he was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Kohlers disease, hypermobility, scoliosis and has recently had surgery for a sternoclavicular cleft sinus.

Now his parents Katie and Gavin Ball have asked the public if they could help provide muchneeded equipment.

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is a connective tissue disease and Max suffers with both joint and muscle pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, low muscle tone, peripheral vasoconstriction and has recently undergone surgery for a sternoclavicular sinus.

Max is incontinent due to his EDS, which he is finding more difficult to manage.

Katie said: “To help him to continue in full-time education, we need to get him equipment and some physio sessions, which have been recommended, but due to funding with in the NHS we are struggling to get these in place for him.

“Having physio would mean that his body won't suffer as much and he will be able to join in with activities, go on school trips, family days out and such like.

“He’s such a happy little boy and a pleasure to be around. We just want to take as much of the pain away as we can.”

The couple have thanked the local Swivel Club charity for supplying Max with not only a suitable wheelchair, but to go above and beyond finding the perfect wheelchair for Max, with the kind support of Mike at Action 2

Mobility.

Katie said: “Ruby-Mai - Max’s sister also has a diagnosis of Hypermobile EDS, and scoliosis.

Thankfully her symptoms are not as severe, although we are waiting on further tests.

“The fundraising continues, to help us to provide other necessities for Max, and Ruby-Mai, (pictured with Max, left), where needed swimming, physio, an orthopaedic mattress, specialist clothing and

shoes, incontinence supplies and such like, to enable both children to feel as comfortable as possible.”

Katie will attend a Swivel Club event later this month to personally thank all involved for the fundraising efforts.

If anyone can help, the couple have a fundraising page set up.

You can find the details about the fundraising push at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/keepmaxmobile

Hungary, Poland and Slovenia and in 1998, the EU opened talks with Romania, Slovakia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria and Malta for them to join the EU. In June 2004, elections to the European Parliament were held in 25 countries resulting in EU leaders signing a new constitution.

France and the Netherlands rejected the constitution after elections in 2005 and as the constitution required all 25 member states to agree, the constitution did not come into effect.

Throughout its existence, the EU has faced allegations of financial impropriety, fraud and mismanagement of public funds.

In 1999 the EU President Jacques Santer and 19 other commissioners resigned due to fraud and mismanagement of the commission’s funds and questions surrounding the future existence of the EU were raised.

Where does that leave the future of the EU?

The formation of the EU was intended to integrate Europe following the aftermath of two wars.

Founded on the principle that countries could trade openly and by creating a fairer more integrated society which would be mutually beneficial to its 500 million population.

Can any agreement between 28 member states that are so culturally and eco-

A great vision maybe?

Unit 15 Arkwright Road Industrial Estate

ARKWRIGHT ROAD Bedford MK42 0LQ Tel: 01234 363410 E: bedford@howdens.com

nomically diverse ever hope to succeed?

The lack of agreement regarding the constitution has left the EU in limbo.

A number of trade treaties exist which are unlikely to change the way the UK and Europe trade regardless of the existence of the EU. We need each other and whether we stay or leave the EU, trading relationships between the UK and Europe will continue.

Whatever happens after the extension, life will go on and the EU will manage with or without us.

The fear of change and of what lies ahead outweighs our ability to view the facts clearly, the old adage of why change something when it isn’t broken rings true.

We are a great nation but fear of what lies beyond the EU scares many and for others, it offers greater opportunities and autonomy to be accountable for our own decisions that affect our country and not Europe.

It rather depends on how you view it.

Is there a future?

Caroline McCormack is a freelance creative content writer providing web content writing services for SMEs in Bedfordshire

16 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER DECEMBER 2019

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Achieving environmental sustainability through a greener, cleaner economy SEMLEP AGM

W

ITH the ever-increasing demand for energy to fuel business and housing growth, the hunt is on to find the solutions that pursues a strong economic future in a way that not only values and protects our local natural environment but actively enhances it.

On Wednesday 13 November SEMLEP, the Local Enterprise Partnership for the South East Midlands, brought around 100 of the region’s leading industry figures, local authorities and nature and environment organisations together to talk about the area’s response to this challenge.

Speaking after the event Peter Horrocks, SEMLEP’s Chair said, “it was clear from questions asked just how strong the public focus is on environmental sustainability. Our speakers all provided powerful ideas for how this area can improve nature and build economic success through a green economy.”

Guest speaker Helen Wylde, Chief Engagement Officer at the Connected Places Catapult talked about their role in helping to join up and integrate the different clean, mobility and digital innovations so that they all work, and all work together. In this area the Catapult has three key focuses: decarbonisation, air quality improvement and systems operation.

Providing some stark statistics, Helen said, “there are 23,000 deaths each year in the UK attributed to air pollution, with the economic impact of this at around 7% of the UK’s GDP. There is around $560bn forecast opportunity for the Electric Vehicle market. So in the UK, we can go green and create jobs at the same time.

“Why would we not want to put these things together to make a change? Helen posed.

“We need to think about our infrastructure as a whole system. We can improve on what we have today in order to have a green, mobility solution and better places to live tomorrow. The Oxford to Cambridge Arc is such an important programme as it could be a global exemplar for how this can be done well,” said Helen.

In an address from, Michael Copelston, Head of Land at RSPB, he challenged the leadership across the Oxford to Cambridge Arc to double the size of area currently set aside for nature.

“I am really encouraged that natural capital and place making already feature strongly in the economic growth plans for this area. When we look at back at this in 20 or 30 years’ time, we want to be able to say that the natural environment is measurably better off as a consequence of economic growth, not despite it.”

Michael stated that of the 1 million hectares that make up the Arc, over 75% is used for intensive agriculture land. 10% has some form of development already. Less than 2% consists of important places for nature. “I think we can do better than that. This gives us an opportunity to enhance, embrace and do more for nature.

“There are already some great examples on your door-step where innovation, industry and the conservation sector come together. We need to scale this up.

“Placing nature at the heart of the developments in the Oxford to Cambridge Arc is critical for a variety of reasons and there are significant considerations for the climate and biodiversity crisis we face.” he added.

Following the publication of the South East

Deputy Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, Richard Wenham, Hilary Chipping Chief Executive of SEMLEP and Judith Barker, Director at SEMLEP.

Midlands’ Local Industrial Strategy this summer, attention is placed on promoting and sharing best practice of clean growth and mobility technologies and innovative design principles to enhance our area and create quality places for people and nature.

“SEMLEP is working with local councils and organisations to convene a range of partners to best facilitate this,” said Hilary Chipping, SEMLEP’s Chief Executive.

Exemplar developments include Kingsbrook in Aylesbury Vale, Tresham Garden Village or the developments at Chelveston Renewable Energy Park in East Northamptonshire. This 750-acre scheme currently generates a combined output around 80MW of renewable energy, including wind and solar, following an £80m investment by the owners. The next phase of the development has commenced with the construction of on-site battery storage, with further investment planned.

The energy park currently generates enough power to supply in excess of 10,000 homes.

Guest speaker Sam Goodall, International Projects Manager at Cambridge CleanTech talked about opportunities they are pursuing to create a clean-tech supercluster by joining up businesses in the field better to support business scale-up and develop access to markets.

Starting with a quote from French poet, Victor Hugo, “Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come” Sam said, “there’s a real shift in the mood in terms of opportunities and sustainable investment in clean, green growth.

“Capital investors are looking at the whole sector in a completely different way than they did 15 years’ ago.

“As a network in this space, we’re seeing an explosion in interest. The green growth agenda for the Oxford to Cambridge Arc area isn’t just a bolt on, it’s front and centre to the growth opportunity for the region.”

Located at the centre of the Oxford to Cambridge Arc, the South East Midlands is a part of a growth area that has the potential to add billions to the UK economy and do so in a sustainable, design-led way.

“It’s the accumulation and connectivity of the green energy and transport innovation assets and businesses that make the South East Midlands at the forefront of enabling smarter, greener living. By prioritising investment into these areas, we’ll pursue sustainable growth in way that enhances our natural environment, for the benefit of the whole area,” added Hilary Chipping.

“We have the long-term plan to support the longterm prosperity for the area. We need to secure the longterm investment in the enabling infrastructure that meets our area’s clean growth objectives. This is the case we continue to make to government, investors and business, and is central to the commitments we’re making to local communities,” concluded SEMLEP’s Chair.

The event was part of SEMLEP’s Annual General Meeting. During the official business, Peter Horrocks provided an overview of the activities and work of the partnership over the last 12 months. To view the presentation, visit SEMLEP’s website. A highlights video of the event will be available and published on SEMLEP’s website, as will the answers given to questions taken on the day.

The meeting approved the year’s financial accounts and accepted Board resignations, appointments and renewals.

Michael Copelston, Head of Land at RSPB.

CRACK DOWN ON DRINK DRIVERS

DECEMBER 2019 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER — 17

MESSAGE FROM NORTHANTS POLICE IS CLEAR

With Christmas a few weeks away we are faced with the perennial conundrum of whose turn is it to drive?

With Christmas overindulgence and too much alcohol it is easy to fall foul of the legal limit.

The drinkaware campaign is a reminder that drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal.

With everyone in party mode and feeling festive it is tempting to have that one last drink believing you are safe to drive.

The truth is you are not.

According to drinkaware.co.uk “the legal drink drive limit cannot easily be converted into a certain number of units as it depends upon a number of physiological factors notably age, gender, body mass and how quickly your body absorbs alcohol.”

Two pints of regular strength lager and two small glasses of wine would put you over the legal limit.

Age seems to be no barrier when it comes to drinking and driving.

According to the Department of Transport statistics (Drinkdrive accidents and casualties’ 2017) the over 60s are not immune to falling foul of the legal limit believing they can drive safely.

The cost of alcohol in pubs and clubs has seen a fall in the number of young people drinking and driving but the over 60s appear to take the view that it is safe to drive.

The legal limit in England, Wales and N.I. is 80 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood, one of the highest in Europe.

The drink drive limit gives a false impression of what our alcohol limit is.

We’ve all experienced ‘that one too many feeling’ believing it is safe to get into a car and drive even the shortest distance home.

The consequences of drink driv-

ing can be catastrophic to yourself and others -death, life changing injuries and imprisonment.

Drinkaware offers the following tips to stay safe at Christmas and all year round n Download the drinkaware app from the App store or Google Play n Decide who is going to drive BEfORE you leave the house n Book a taxi in advance if you are going out in a group n Don’t drink on an empty stomach

by Caroline McCormack

n Pace yourself by alternating alcohol with water and soft drinks n Change the size of the glass, that way you are still drinking but consuming less n Always take a coat with you, alcohol makes blood flow closer to your skin and away from your body. Going into the cold means you will lose heat very quickly.

Finally, DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!

Work planned for Chowns roundabout

HIGHWAYS England has announced the timetable for work at the Chowns Mill roundabout.

The scheme involves improving Chowns Mill roundabout where the A45 crosses the A6 and where access is provided into Higham Ferrers via the A5028.

The work will involve widening all approaches and exits to the roundabout, building an ‘outer’ circulatory to separate traffic movements and improving capacity for trunk road traffic.

It will also see the installation of new controlled pedestrian crossing points – covering all arms of the junctions - installing traffic signals, upgrading street lighting, installing overhead gantries and new signing and implementing a 40mph speed limit throughout the junction.

The agency said once completed, all road users will benefit

from improved road safety which will help to prevent congestion and collisions at peak times.

Work is due to start in early February and the scheme is scheduled to last approximately 22 months.

To minimise disruption, wherever possible works will be carried out during the day but some overnight works and full weekend closures will be necessary.

To maintain a safe environment for the workforce and customers, sections of the A45 / A6 will be closed and narrow lanes will be introduced with a 40mph speed restriction.

During these closures fully signed diversion routes will be in place, which have been agreed with the local authority.

Anyone with queries about the work should contact the agency directly.

18 — EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER DECEMBER 2019

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MARCH 2017 REPORTER #1 —

December garden flowers

I

have such total disregard for the environment and the communities where we live.

“We see it as a very serious offence and so do the courts, as demonstrated through this tough sentence which I hope acts as a severe warning to anyone tempted to fly tip in the future.”

To report fly tipping, visit www.east-northamptonshire. gov.uk/flytipping

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LOCAL MP, Peter Bone recently took service we provide to the local elderly time out to visit the office of Home Instead community.”

Senior Care to find out about the home Mark added, ‘I am really proud of what services they provide. care we do here at Home Instead. We make time Chimonanthus Praecox Lutaea is an

by Maureen Catlin MEGC DECEMBER 2019 1 05/11/2019 14:26 Page 1 The ADS.qxp_Layout company, Milton Ernest Garden Centre based in East Northants to care and to build long and trusting rela-upright deciduous shrub with butter yellow provides non-medical care and compan- tionships with everyone in our community,amazingly fragrant flowers on bear stems ionship for older people, helping them to something I am very passionate about!” from December to February. Lonicera PurT’S the first month of the winter quarter andacross East continue living in their homes Home Instead Senior Care services arepusii Winter Gem flowers at the same time on ChristmasNorthants. is looming. The days are short tailored to the needs of each client. It canbare stems but has creamy white flowers of often cold, damp andDarnell, dull so aowner few spots of Mark of Home Instead include services such as companionship,intense fragrance. Cut a few sprigs of either of colour will lighten our hearts at thiswere depressing “We so pleased to day-to-day housework, shopping, mealthese plants and the house smells gorgeous for explained, time in the gardening year.

Buttois our anything welcome Peter new apart office. He was preparation, assistance with dressing,days. Sarcoccoca Winter Gem The Christmas from winter pansies actually in flower? YES really interested to find out about our bathing, eating and medications andBox simply must be found a place in any garLOTS. services and how they are so different, household duties. Visits vary from 1 hourden. It is a small shiny leaf evergreen that Autumn flowering Camellias like Yuletide said: “We will, and do, pursue starts producing small pure white highly persuch as only doing calls which with brilliant red fragrant single flowers and are a mini- to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. those who fly tip in our district. mum of one hour and matching our client’s For more information about the servic“Our waste enforcement team golden yellow centres and Camellia Fuji-noto their caregivers.

Peter and I were also es provided by Home Instead Senior Care double scented pure white works tirelessly in an effort to mine with large the challenges able to discuss in December and Jan- the social in East Northants please call 01933 bring these illegal dumpers before blooms are flowering care sector is facing, to feel 678775 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/ uary. They are good to grow in tubsit’s in gratifying ericathe courts. grows well in sun or shade in well drained soil we havepatio our local MP’slots support a sheltered that gets of for the eastnorthants “They must not be allowed to ceous soil onthat

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Smith admitted fly-tipping the freezer which he described as “radioactive” and so nauseating that he had to condemn the van that it was carried in.

When asked by council officers what he thought would happen to the dumped fridge, he responded: “I just thought someone would aution, come and get it. I knew I shouldn’t have done it”.

Smith then failed to attend court twice and so a warrant was issued for his arrest.

East Northamptonshire Council was informed in December 2016 Smith is currently remanded in custody pending trial for other serious matters.

He was presented in court in January 2017 where he pleaded guilty to fly tipping via video link.

The district Judge was limited as to what penalty and costs he could impose as it would be unlikely costs would be recovered.

He therefore, sentenced him to a further seven days custody, stating “this was the best outcome in the circumstances.”

Leader of East Northamptonshire Council, Steven North,

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but will flower earlier if the wall is sheltered. sun. Daphne Bholua Darjeeling is another Prune immediately after flowering has divinely fragrant plant that requires lime free stopped in March by cutting the branches back soil. It produces small pinky white flowers to a strong bud or young lower branch. In from November throughout the winter older plants cut a quarter of the growth back to months. Another lime soil hater is Witch Hazel ground level each year to maintain prolific Hamamelis Mollis with unusual spidery flowflowering. Clematis Cirrhosa Freckles is a ers along the bare branches. The flowers are delightful evergreen species clematis flowerscented so position near the door to enjoy the ing from November through the winter perfume when you go and come. The best yelmonths. It is easy to grow and does not suffer low variety is Hamamelis Pallida, H. Jelena is clematis wilt like the many hybrid varieties. coppery orange and H. Diane is red.

Radwell Road (just Iris off the A6) The creamy nodding bell shaped flowers are Iris Unguicularis the Algerian is happy THE branch ofat the the beautifully speckled maroon red inside the Milton Ernest 1SH growing in lean andRushden mean dry MK44 soils often cup. It thrives in rich humus soil so incorpoRoyal British Legion has base of a wall in a sunny place. The lavender lots of compost when planting and shade issued some important advice rate blue delicately marked flowers are sweetly the roots by planting a brightly coloured low scented and start opening around Christmas to ex-servicemen. growing evergreen shrub at the base like time until Rose late March.

Cut some stems when in The Service Euonymus. Another good variety is Clematis The Clearance branch’s Jake Baker said: bud and bring them indoors to delicately perCirrhosa Jingle Bells with creamy yellow nodFULL – PART – SINGLE ITEMS “Did you know some £320m of fume any room. flowers which have a slight citrus scent.

Fully registered and insured.

Established 30ding Years pension There areentitled a coupleArmed of wallForces plants that are is Both varieties produce attractive fluffy seed www.rose-clearance-services.co.uk also in flowerunclaimed? in early winter. Jasmine Nudiheads that you can use in Christmas flower you believe youonmay florum is easy to“If grow either trained wiresbe Telephone: 07761 248266 6_14 arranging. or trellis on aentitled wall or allowed to scramble to a preserved pension, A useful winter flowering tree is Prunus down a bank.simply It is deciduous so loses its leaves write to the Armed Forces Subhirtella Autumnalis. It has pale pink flowin autumn exposing the green stemsKentigern which Pensions Office, ers scattered along its bare branches from then start to bear bright yellow Street, star shaped House, 65 Brown Glasgow, November to March. Under plant with winter flowers fromG2 December through to March.

8EX and give them your Itfull flowering heathers like Erica Carnea Springname, date of birth, service num- wood White or Springwood Pink and with ber, the date you enlisted and the snowdrops and early dwarf daffodils to date you were discharged. enhance the effect in early spring.

There are two Viburnums also flowering in “Simply ask if you are entitled December the evergreen Viburnum Tinus and to a preserved pension. deciduous Viburnum Bodnantense. Viburnum “For years it was in the back of Tinus Gwenllian has clusters of fragrant starry my mind that my pension just did pinkish white flowers followed by blue black not look right and I kept thinking it berries while Viburnum Bodnantense Dawn must be. has pink highly perfumed flowers on bare “I was trained in Army pay and stems from December to April.

Mahonia is another evergreen shrub with pensions and was fortunate to Radwell Road (just offisthe A6) bright yellow flowers borne at the tip of each know how my pension calculatMilton Ernest MK44 1SH branch. The variety Winter Sun is just that ed. really brightening any overcast winter days “Last year I decided to follow it with cheerful clusters of Lily of the Valley up and received a lot of money scented flowers from November to March.

Millions in Armed Forces www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk pensions is left MILTON unclaimed ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE

CLEAR THE JUNK

Tel: 01234 823033

We wish you a Merry Christmas

Fresh Cut NORDMAN CHRISTMAS TREES 5-7ft

fumed flowers from November through the entire winter months. Grow in a tub and put next to the front door and then move away during the summer. It grows well in JI soil with extra compost.

Last but by no means least are Helleborus Niger the Christmas Rose. They like to be grown in partial shade in rich moisture retaining soil so dig in lots of compost when planting. Mulch and remove faded foliage as the flowers begin to appear to deter slugs or put WHILST down grit or pellets. Hellebores can be STOCKS brought to flower earlier by putting a cloche LAST over the plants in November.

We must not ignore the Winter Pansies with their individual marked little faces that are a joy to paint. The Winter Violas are even more colourful with many smaller flowers that seem less damaged by severe weather. The little cyclamen that are in the garden centres in autumn will also give lots of colour to tubs until the really cold weather after Christmas.

So there we are as I said – YES LOTS!

ANY SIZE

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Tel: 01234 823033

MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE back; my annual pension increased to over £500 per annum.

“So it pays to check, no matter what you think.

“Call me, Jake Baker so I can steer you in the right direction on 07525 441267.”

Traditional Christmas Lunch £18.95 Soup or Garlic Mushrooms or Homemade Mackerel Pâté

Succulent Roast Turkey with traditonal stuffing, Carrots, Pigs in Blankets, Yorkshire Pudding, Roast Potatoes, Parsnips, Brussel Sprouts, Gravy and Cranbery Sauce Christmas Pudding with brandy sauce or

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

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DECEMBER 2019 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER — 19

out & about

––––––––––––––––––––––– THE PAVILION YOUTH CLUB HIGHAM fERRERS Wednesday evenings 6pm - 9pm for youths 10 - 16 year old, where it gives them somewhere safe to go, with lots of activities to do.

We are looking for new volunteers to join our leaders & young leaders. for more information please contact Nikki 07507176719

––––––––––––––––––––––– RINGSTEAD SHARED CHURCH

10.30am

(Communion first Sunday each month) Mike Freeman 01933 01933389796 rbc-rsc@angeladavis.net

SERVICE FOR ALL

––––––––––––––––––––––– Thursday evening

suitable for beginners all abilities 7.15pm Whitefriars Infants School £5 a class Carole 07873743256 carole.wyatt@virginmedia.com

YOGA CL ASS

––––––––––––––––––––––– YOGA CL ASS

Monday evening 7pm-8pm Masonic Hall, Rushden £5 a class suitable for beginners and all abilities contact Carole 07873743256 or carole.wyatt@virginmedia.com

––––––––––––––––––––––– YOGA CL ASS

Monday morning 8.30am-9.30am Masonic Hall Wellingborough Road Rushden £5 per class no block booking commitment perfect for beginners all ages/abilities carole.wyatt@virginmedia.com or 07873743256

–––––––––––––––––––––––

PSYCHIC AND SPIRITUAL AWARENESS DEVELOPMENT GROUPS MIXED ABILITY Every alternate Wednesday 1.00pm – 3.00pm, 7.30pm – 9.30pm £7.00 per session For more info please contact: Tel: 07712 740495

RUSHDEN

––––––––––––––––––––––– WOMEN’S COREFIT CIRCUIT CL ASS Stanwick Lakes Visitor Centre Rushden – November to March Mondays 19.30 – 20.15 Block of 8 sessions – £24 non refundable for more info please contact Heather Watts hwatts09@hotmail.co.uk

––––––––––––––––––––––– NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Do you have a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your street? Go to www.northantsnhw.co.uk Enter your postcode and join your local scheme.

Receive warnings, crime advice, police messages on local incidents FREE! No scheme but interested in starting one! christine.mackenzie@northants.pnn.police.uk

–––––––––––––––––––––––

––––––––––––––––––––––– TRAUMA & PTSD SUPPORT GROUP

I run this support group for others who have been through a trauma of any kind, Its a safe place to come and meet people going through similar things.

Monday evenings 7pm-8.30pm alternates between Wellingborough Mind & Higham ferrers Hope church Tuesday 1.30pm-3pm The Bee Hive Kingsthorpe Thursday 2pm & 3.30pm Kettering Mind £3 a session which helps pay for the room hire and a drink please contact me for more information please contact Nikki 07507176719

––––––––––––––––––––––– THE PAVILION YOUTH CLUB HIGHAM fERRERS Wednesday evenings 6pm - 9pm for youths 10 - 16 year old, where it gives them somewhere safe to go, with lots of activities to do.

We are looking for new volunteers to join our leaders & young leaders. for more information please contact Nikki 07507176719

––––––––––––––––––––––– L ADIES’ ARCHERY Pemberton Maid Marions EVERY WEDNESDAY MORNING THE PEMBERTON CENTRE H E BATES WAY RUSHDEN NN10 9YP For more information contact: Diane 01933 314032 or Nicki 01933 395913

––––––––––––––––––––––– THRAPSTON COUNTRY DANCERS

Country dancing not only helps you to keep fit but is very sociable. You make new friends in a pleasant atmosphere and also maintains one of our great traditions.

We meet at the St John’s Ambulance Hall, off Cheyney Lane, Thrapson Monthly on the first and third Wednesdays 2.30pm Details from George on 01933 622827

––––––––––––––––––––––– HOPE’S TOTS Hope Methodist Church Linnetts Lane, Higham ferrers For all parents & carers with children under 5.

Thursdays 9.15am - 10.30am during term time only Coffee, tea, juice and biscuits are available.

Each session. £1.50 per family Just come along and join in the fun.

Everyone Welcome.

Any enquiries to Chris 01933 317719

––––––––––––––––––––––– JOGGING GROUP

FREE – friendly mixed ability Stanwick Lakes Visitor Centre April to October Waitrose in Rushden November to March BEGINNERS Couch to 5k 10-12 weeks New groups – June and January Mondays 17.45 – 19.00

–––––––––––––––––––––––

––––––––––––––––––––––– BEDS & NORTHANTS MS THERAPY CENTRE

Third Saturday of every month 10am - 12.00 noon Entrance 50p Adults FREE PARKING Clothing, Bric a Brac, Books, Linen, Toys and Games Refreshments available 155 Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9RX Tel: 01234 325781 www.mscentrebedsandnorthants.com

MONTHLY SALE

––––––––––––––––––––––– RUSHDEN CL ASSICAL MUSIC SOCIETY Meets on Wednesdays at the Hope Methodist Church, Linnetts Lane, Higham Ferrers 7.30pm-9.30pm December 11 John & Susanne Garside Christmas meeting Janaury 8 Rosemary Nayyar £2 members, £2.50 visitors For more information call: 01933 391283

––––––––––––––––––––––– HIGHAM AND RUSHDEN U3A

We meet at the Pemberton Centre every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1.30p.m, for an interesting presentation on a variety of subjects and 45 different interest groups to choose from!

Come along and see if you like it.

We are a VERY FRIENDLY GROUP of over 600 members

––––––––––––––––––––––– HIGHAM AND RUSHDEN U3A Wesleyan Chapel in Rushden High Street.

1.30pm Thursday 12th December We will be entertained by

This is followed by refreshments and socialising.

There is also the opportunity to join any of our popular Interest Groups.

With over 600 members you are sure to make new friends. Come and join us and get into the Christmas spirit.

CORBY MALE VOICE CHOIR

––––––––––––––––––––––– YOGA

Wednesdays from 1pm-2.30pm The Masonic Hall Rushden Drop in available Please visit the website for further information and details of other classes in the Higham and Rushden area www.awakenwithyoga.co.uk or call Daisy on 01536 724113

––––––––––––––––––––––– ST MARY’S CHURCH

1st Saturday of the Month Coffee Morning at St Mary’s Church, Ringstead, 10 to 12 Noon. A warm welcome to all, proceeds to church projects and charities.

Call 01933 624262 for details.

Last Tuesday of the month Tea with Friends at St Mary’s Church Ringstead is held on the last Tuesday of every month between 2 and 4pm. A chance to catch up with old friends and to make new ones. All proceeds from donations go to church funds and charities.

RINGSTEAD

–––––––––––––––––––––––

––––––––––––––––––––––– PEMBERTON MAID MARIONS Welcome new and experienced archers every Wednesday morning at The Pemberton Centre Rushden NN10 9YP For more information contact Diane 01933 314032 or Glenda 01933 2250577

––––––––––––––––––––––– WELCOME TO

HIGHAM BRANCH MU is open to men and women; married, single or divorced (we all do ‘Mothering’ in our lives) All denominations welcome Speakers & Socialising We are a worldwide charity supporting Families Meet first Thursday of month 2:00pm The Bede House, Hf; or as advertised in our parish magazine Dora Paynton: 07792337837 Rushden & District History Society

MOTHERS’ UNION

A MEDIEvAL CHRISTMAS

By Michael Brown 7.30pm friday, December 13 South End Junior School, Wymington Road, Rushden NN10 9JU Tel 01933 358218 for more information Members £1.50, non-members £2.50

––––––––––––––––––––––– THRAPSTON & DISTRICT TENNIS CLUB Doors are open at the Thrapston & District Tennis Club from 10am to 2pm for anyone interested in playing tennis and joining the club.

Meadow Lane, NN14 4QL Fees and further details available at www.thrapstontennisclub.co.uk

––––––––––––––––––––––– PENSIONERS’ CLUB MEN AND WOMEN WELCOME Meet every Tuesday 2-4pm at RUSHDEN HALL BINGO/WHIST EvERY OTHER WEEK ALTERNATING WITH INTERESTING SPEAKERS For more information contact David Robinson 01933 313729

––––––––––––––––––––––– RUSHDEN SALVATION ARMY Church Street, Rushden Saturday 7th December at 7.00pm

CHRISTMAS WITH FARYL SMITH

supported by Julian Bright and Roy Kirsopp tickets available at £8 from 01933 353528

––––––––––––––––––––––– RUSHDEN INDEPENDENT WESLEYAN CHURCH

(entrance Queen Street) Sunday Worship at 10.45am, with Children’s Activities Communion 1st Sunday of the month, Second Sunday in the month at 4pm something different for all ages.

Wednesdays 9.30am Jelly Babes children’s Group, all welcome.

New members welcome.

–––––––––––––––––––––––

––––––––––––––––––––––– HIGHAM FERRERS FOOTPATH GROUP MEET SAFFRON ROAD CAR PARK HIGHAM FERRERS FOR CAR SHARING 9.30am Sunday 15th December Contact 01933 386839 6 mile walk from Summer Leys 10am Sunday 5th January Contact 01933 386839 5 mile walk from Higham ferrers

––––––––––––––––––––––– COFFEE MORNINGS Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am – 11am In The Memory Lane Tea Rooms, Serve, 19 Church Street, Rushden NN10 9YU.

––––––––––––––––––––––– LUNCH & CHAT

fridays (except for Good friday, Christmas Holidays and occassional weddings) in the Hope Methodist Church, Linnetts Lane, Higham ferrers 12.30pm – No need to book Lunch £6, Cchoose from 2 main hot courses or salads; cold and hot puddings; tea/coffee.

Contact information: Chris 01933 317719

–––––––––––––––––––––––

––––––––––––––––––––––– HIGHAM L ADIES’ GROUP

Meet 2-4pm every 3rd Monday of the month Come along and make some new friends and have fun

Interesting Speakers

Tea and biscuits provided Adult School, Westfields Terrace, Higham ferrers NN10 8BB

––––––––––––––––––––––– RUSHDEN MISSION CHURCH

WELLINGBOROUGH ROAD NN10 9TA SUNDAYS 10.45am All Age Worship with the music group and children’s –activities 5.30pm Traditional Evening Service MONDAYS 2pm Pillow Talk Lace Making Group WEDNESDAYS 10am Art Group

–––––––––––––––––––––––

20 — EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER DECEMBER 2019

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EDITORIAL: nick@rosettapublishing.com

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Ian runs away with top award

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A KEEN runner who helped set up and lead a group at Barnwell Country Park has been honoured with a top award.

Ian Gow has won the Northamptonshire Sport Awards Community Activator of the Year Award for his work.

The awards, sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors, is an annual celebration of the achievements of sporting stars, up and coming athletes, coaches, volunteers and the unsung heroes of sport.

Former Northampton Saints and England Rugby Cup winner Steve Thompson MBE was the guest speaker at this year's awards ceremony held at The Park Inn in Northampton.

Nominations opened in August and the district awards in Daventry, Northampton, Kettering, Corby and East Northamptonshire fed into the main event.

Ian started his group a year ago with ten runners – it now has about 235 members and holds three runs every week.

Other categories were Community

Champion, Young Volunteeer, Get Active Award, Disabled Sports Person, Young Sports Person, PE and School Award.

Primary School Sport, Secondary School Sport Award, Local Sportsperson, Community Club of the Year, Community Group of the Year, Sports Personality of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award.

In the Community Club of the Year, Eclipse Gymnastics, which meets in Rushden, was a finalist, while the Prince William School in Oundle was a finalist in the Secondary School Award category.

Meanwhile, Raunds Park Infants School was a finalist in the PE and School Aawrd for its work in creating health and wellbeing days to boost active lifestyles for pupils.

The school has introduced more afterschool clubs and made school sport part of its ethos.

You can find out about all the winners and finalists from across Northamptonshire by visiting www.northamptonshiresport. org and seraching for Northamptonshire Sports Award.

Catch up with your football teams this festive period

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ANOTHER busy festive period is in store for football fans in Rushden.

AfC Rushden and Diamonds play Needham Market in the Evo Stik Premier League on Tuesday, December 3, at Hayden Road, Rushden, before entertaining Hednesford on Saturday, December 15 and Peterborough Sports on Boxing Day.

Meanwhile, Rushden and Higham United has a home clash at Hayden Road with Saffron Dynamo on Saturday, December 7, before travelling to Bugbrooke St Michael on Saturday, December 14. They then play Whitworhs at home on Saturday, December 21, before travelling to derby rivals Irchester United on Boxing Day.

Raiders get off to a flyer

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RUSHDEN Raiders Volleyball team opened their campaign with four changes to last seasons squad.

They got off to a good start in the first set on the back solid serving from Loz Denton and incisive hitting from Kierran Bates.

City also fielding new faces were not initially helping their cause with a string of errors. They did eventually get into the set but at 16-6 down they were always up against it.

Stanley Bunting made his entrance in set two and exploited the deep spaces in combination with Rick Haycocks serve.

Banaszczyk had a string of hits to pull MK back into the set and with a number of the Raiders players using the high risk high reward serve the scores remained closer Raiders finally taking it 25-20.

Big Bird came on for City in the third set but found a big block opposite him so was not able to quickly finish the rallies.

Confusion in the Raiders defence was progressively being sorted out and slowly the points started to flow. City had no response to Gery Vegh's top spin jump serve and he rattled off five points to open the gap that was to prove decisive.

Raiders took the set 25-15 and the match 3-0.

MVP was Gery Vegh.

MEANWHILE, Raider Ladies took on Northampton B and without the services of the junior boys the ladies had to look further afield

to bolster numbers.

Ausra and Miki from Kingsthorpe turned out in black and orange.

New system, new faces and new problems beset them in the first set. Who was covering where was a major issue? Fortunately Northampton B ladies do not possess power hitters so the rallies were easy paced.

Captain Robyn was the standout in the first set for the Raiders attacking five times in one rally.

However it was not enough and the set went to Northampton 25-20.

Service reception was still a problem for the Raiders in set two.

Corinne, Emma and Olivia all making impressions but at 15-8 down Raiders made a sub.

With a better ball in, better sets started going up, Katie Bates and Amy Heafield started to make inroads in the deficit. Good pickups from Evee and Miki tipped the balance and Raiders took the set 25-22.

The shackles came off for the Raiders in set three as they started to find the spaces in the Northampton defence - libero Whitely was picking up a lot of hits but hitting errors were not helping their cause 25-10. So Raiders found themselves 2-1 up. Eloise returned to the court in set four and the scores and rallies were tight.

The big shift came on the back of seven powerful serves from Katie – 14-11 became 21-11 and soon after the set and the match.

MVP was Amy Heafield

The Reporter is an independent publication, part of Rosetta Publishing Ltd. Published by ©2019 Rosetta Publishing Limited, 30 Radwell Road, Milton Ernest Bedford MK44 1SH. Tel: 07894 935952 Editorial: nick@rosettapublishing.com Advertising: thereporter@rosettapublishing.com Printed by: Reach Printing Services, Kimpton Road, Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 0SX.