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‘BELT UP’ – NEW POLICE CAMPAIGN TO HELP SAVE LIVES ON OUR ROADS 07894 935952
RUSHDEN, HIGHAM FERRERS & EAST NORTHANTS
JULY 2020
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£100 FIXED PENALTY FINES AWAIT YOU FOR BREAKING SEAT BELT LAW
BELT UP — the difference between life and death in a road traffic crash can often be down to whether you are wearing a seat belt. That is the message from county police officers who launched a new road safety campaign to help save lives. As part of the National Policing Chiefs’ Council seat belt enforcement operation, officers are out in force looking for anyone who isn’t belted up. The campaign aims is to reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on the roads. Not wearing a seat belt is one of the main contributors, and is one of the fatal four driving offences. The first week focused on educating car occupants on the dangers of not wearing a seat belt as well as passenger safety, and in particular, the use of child seats and transporting those under the age of 14. This is followed by a further two weeks of enforcement. Anyone caught not wearing a seat belt can take an online education course or receive a fixed penalty fine of £100. If they elect to go to court, the
fine increases to a maximum £500. Drivers who are stopped for carrying too many passengers for their vehicle will receive an automatic three points on their driving licence and a fixed penalty fine of £100. PC Dave Lee said: “Wearing a seat belt in a car is such a basic piece of road safety advice, it amazes me some people still fail to use one. “This also applies to people not wearing their seat belt correctly. “We will be out and about across the county looking for people who can’t spend five seconds putting their seat belt on. “The penalties people may face can include a fixed penalty fine and in some cases, a court appearance. “By not wearing a seat belt, you’re 30 times more likely to be ejected from a vehicle and twice as likely to die from
injuries as a result of a collision. “So please take responsibility for your personal safety on the roads and belt up! “Having attended a number of fatal road traffic collisions where people have been ejected from the car, the consequences of not wearing a seat belt just aren’t worth contemplating.” It is also important to remember seat belts work in conjunction with other car safety features, including airbags. “It’s therefore vital to wear your seat belt correctly as intended by the manufacturers. Reducing the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on the county’s road is one of the force’s policing priorities. Last year in Northamptonshire, 42 people were killed, and a further 347 were seriously injured in road accidents.
Roxie brightens up lockdown MANY people have come up with innovative ways to keep busy during the lockdown, including young Roxie Watson. The 11-year-old from Rushden, has been brightening up life during the pandemic with her colourful creations and artistic skills. Her mum Lucy said: “For her birthday she got a tie dye kit and she decided almost instantly she would make t-shirts for all her friends she misses and loves. “Using her birthday money she made everyone close to her t-shirts.
“Roxie has now made more than 90 t-shirts, sleepsuits and bags for teachers, friends, family members and coaches, whom she all misses dearly. “She’s even made extra special rainbow coloured ones for everyone we know who works for the NHS. We’ve walked up to four miles every Wednesday to deliver them safely. I’m super proud of her the dedication she puts into what she’s doing. She’s spread love, happiness and a bit of colour to Rushden.”
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2 — EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER JULY 2020
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Energy champion celebrates top 50 accolade SEMLEP’s Energy Champion Dr Kerry Mashford OBE is celebrating as a Top 50 Women in Engineering award winner. Now in its fifth year, the 2020 WE50 celebrates women who have made a significant contribution within sustainability. Winning nominees were required to provide evidence of their successful support of UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals or the Net Zero Carbon Programme. Dr Mashford, (pictured, right), said: “I am really pleased WES chose sustainability as its focus for this year’s awards. “The need for action is urgent and engineers have a huge contribution to make as we strive to create a better world. “I’m even more delighted to have been selected for the WE50 award this year. “For many years, long before sustainability was a recognised topic, I’ve been using my engineering knowledge and systems engineering skills to make more sustainable products, places, processes, systems and value chains.
“As SEMLEP continues its work to make our area a great place for people, for nature and for business, I will use this award as a way to bring focus to sustainability, putting it at the heart of business, individual and public sector decision making, to bring a thriving sustainable future for the area.” The WE50 awards seek to recognise the wealth of female talent within engineering and related disciplines; an annual celebration aligned with the campaign International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) last month. INWED celebrates the achievements of women in engineering and related roles and highlights the opportunities available to engineers of the future; this year the campaign is partnering with UNESCO UK. WE50 head judge Sally Sudworth said: “The panel of judges was thrilled by with the outstanding achievements demonstrated by all of the winners and were thrilled by the difference being made by the candidates.” The 2020 winners are published on the INWED website and celebrated during WES’ own virtual INWED event
A full list of the WE50 winners is available at www.inwed.org.uk/we50/2020winners. Chief Executive at SEMLEP Hilary Chipping said: “Kerry has been at the forefront of championing our work on the South East Midlands’ energy strategy, our strong sustainability and clean, green growth priorities and commitments in the Local Industrial Strategy, and now latterly keeping sustainability high on the agenda as we put in place plans to rebuild our economy. “The South East Midlands and right across the Oxford Cambridge Arc has major opportunity to be a beacon in sustainable growth. Kerry’s achievements will certainly help to inspire engineers, particularly the next generation of female engineers, to come forward.” The WE50 is an awards programme created in 2016 by the Women’s Engineering Society to raise awareness of the skills shortage facing the industry, highlighting the huge discrepancy between the number of men versus women currently in engineering professions. Each year, the WE50 has had a different theme, and has recognised 250 outstanding female engineers.
Be safe while cooking at home
WITH more people eating at home, the recent World Food Day brought together some of the questions most often asked. Now, East Northamptonshire Council has issued some food safety and hygiene tips for people who are cooking more often at home due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Its leader Steven North said: “The current situation has meant more and more of us are cooking at home, whilst also trying to make food go further and feed our families. “So this World Food Safety Day, with the help of the Food Standards Agency experts, we wanted to make sure you are using the contents of your household’s cupboards and fridges in the safest way possible.” Head of chemical safety policy at the Food Standards Agency Peter Quigley said: “Food safety is everyone’s business. “As part of my role, I answer all sorts of questions about food safety, so we’ve pulled together some of the ones we get asked most frequently. “We hope our home food facts, help you to avoid throwing away good food unnecessarily.” Here are five of your top food safety questions answered, to help you make your food go further:
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1. When eggs float are they bad – don’t use the egg float test to determine safety. Eggs are safe to eat for a couple of days after the best before date, as long as they are cooked thoroughly. 2. Is food safe if the can has a dent in it – if the dent on the can is shallow and there are no other obvious signs that the can is damaged, (such as the can expanding or leaking), your food should remain fit to eat. 3. How long can you safely eat rice for after cooking – keep rice in the fridge for no more than one day. When you reheat rice always check the dish is steaming hot all the way through. 4. Can you eat potatoes when they start to sprout – remove any sprouts on potatoes before using them and remember to cut off any green or rotten bits. 5. Can you eat brown bananas – Fruit or vegetables that are a bit overripe, such as wrinkly carrots, brown bananas and slightly mushy strawberries can be eaten normally, (providing they are not mouldy). Alternatively, they can be used in cooking, baking or smoothies. For more information about food safety and general hints and tips on cooking at home, you can visit www.food.gov.uk
Buckle up as car park party is ready to roll
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BUCKLE up - summer 2020 looks to have sadly been postponed until 2021 but the party goes on. Northampton Saints Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton are delighted to present Car Park Party – the UK’s only live touring event and first socially distanced and safe entertainment experience. The ‘drive-in’ event, bringing together world renowned brands in comedy, karaoke and theatre is coming to Northampton for multiple shows across two days from Friday, July 17. It provides not just an evening, but a whole weekend to look forward to. Each day will hold a different fun-filled experience showcasing Car Park Comedy, Car Park Karaoke and Car Park Theatre, something for all of the family and friends to enjoy. On Friday evening the entertainment comes from the UK’s top comedic talent, supplied by the world-famous Comedy Store, with the family in for a treat during the daytime on Saturday when Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain brings live theatre to Car Park D (located off Edgar Mobbs Way). Saturday evening sees live music return to round off festivities with a spectacular sing-a-long concert from the Massaoke Band bringing two performances with ‘A Night At The Musicals’ and ‘Back To The Eighties’ – all to be enjoyed from the comfort and safety of your own car. For more information about the event, visit www. northampton saints.co.uk.
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JULY 2020 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER — 3
Council drives economic recovery across district AS part of its continued support to local businesses, East Northamptonshire Council has been working closely with partner organisations and stakeholders to ensure they are supported during the coronavirus pandemic. Teams from across the council have been working hard to ensure all businesses which are entitled to support receive it and since the start of the pandemic, the council has paid out more than 1,300 grants, totalling nearly £15m and business rate relief of around £13.1m and is also currently working through applications to a new scheme for businesses who may have missed out in the initial rounds of grant funding. As well as financial support, the council’s economic development service, Enterprising East Northants has strengthened existing relationships with partners from across the county, including the University of Northampton, the SEMLEP Growth Hub, Federation of Small Businesses and Wellingborough and East Northants Chamber of Commerce, to launch the Recovery Through Enterprise campaign. Launched to support those most in need, the campaign offers personal one-to-one business advice, as well as access to a wide range of support webinars and resources. It will also include working with the EEN skills group to provide employment support for residents who have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic. The team behind the campaign will be based at the council’s new Enterprise Centre East Northants - you can find out more about that project at www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/ecen.
Council leader Steven North said: “As a tonshire.gov.uk/recovery, contact 01604 892328 council, we have a responsibility to help those or you can email business_support@northampbusinesses in need across the district and every- ton.ac.uk Meanwhile, construction on the flagship one is working hard to ensure that businesses get the advice and financial support they need espe- Enterprise Centre East Northants, which has been underway since summer 2019, has celecially at this difficult time. “We are proud of the work we have done so brated a major milestone - officially receiving the far to help so many businesses, but always want keys to the centre. Councillor North said: “We have been workto do more and we are continuously looking for new and innovative ways to assist, like the ing with our partners to deliver this flagship proRecovery Through Enterprise scheme which ject since last summer, and we are delighted to includes helping local towns to re-open their see the hard work of all those involved come to fruition as we celebrate this major milestone. high streets and commercial areas safely.” “We look forward to opening the centre this From June 15, shops and high streets across the district were permitted to re-open and the summer, and working with local enterprises over council worked with local town and parish coun- the coming years to not only succeed in their cils to help who wished to re-open and ensure fields, but to also lead and drive economic recovboth staff and customers are safe and observing ery across our district.” Business development director at ASHE Government guidance. Shops in high streets across the district each Construction, Andrew Morris, said: “We were received a pack which included advice on what delighted to have been involved in the realisation to do when reopening as well as details of the of this fantastic project. “Now, more than ever, flexible workspaces new business support packages on offer as part of such as these will offer start ups and established the Recovery Through Enterprise Campaign. The council has also been given a grant of companies environments in which they can grow £84,908 which will support the work to drive and work differently.” The council is working with Total Project economic recovery across the district. This work is being supported at a county Integration and RH Partnership Architects to wide level through the Safer Public Places initia- deliver the £8 million project. It is funding the project and received tive which will see a range activity aimed at MEGC July 2020 ADS.qxp_Layout 1 15/06/2020 11:13 1 support from the Page SEMLEP’s Local improving public safety with a particular empha- £1.695m Growth Fund in order to deliver the centre as part sis on encouraging walking and cycling. For more information about Recovery of the council’s economic plan for sustainable Through Enterprise, visit www.east-northamp- job creation and business growth plans.
Kind-hearted shopkeepers help boost Rotary funds KIND-hearted shop owners in Rushden have helped Rotarians by donating funds towards the Covid19 battle. This is the third donation made by Maya and Atul Patel, who are the owners of the Premier Store in Queen Street, to Sara Owst of Rushden Food Bank. It came about when Rotarian,
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Rick Nunley explained to Mrs Patel the work the Rotary Club of Rushden was doing to support the food bank appeal since the Covid19 epidemic hit our country in March. If you have fundraised to help your community cope with the effects of the pandemic, email: nick@rosettapublishing.com
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Have your say on village plans
EAST Northamptonshire Council is consulting the public on an essential planning document which provides more detailed guidance on the design of future new developments in Cotterstock village. The Cotterstock Village Design Statement Supplementary Planning Document was approved for public consultation by East Northamptonshire’s Planning Policy Committee last month. After carrying out a Village Design Survey, a document was drafted by a working group comprised of members of the Cotterstock Parish Meeting and was presented to East Northamptonshire Council in September 2019. It aims to: n Set out a distinctive local vision for Cotterstock village for the period up to 2031 n Ensure future development within the parish acknowledges the existing landscape
character and settlement pattern and planning applications have taken these into account n Protect the unique character and appearance of the Conservation Area n Protect important views, landscape character, open spaces, mature trees, natural landscaping features, wildlife and natural environments. The current draft of this document Cotterstock Village Design Statement will be subject to a period of public consultation up to Monday, August 10. Residents can have their say on the document at https://www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/1186 1/draft_cotterstock_village_ design_statement Once the consultation has been assessed, the council will update the document. This version will be presented to the next available planning policy committee for its approval.
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4 — EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER JULY 2020
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Historic meeting of the Survey appeal after reports show effects new unitary authority of Covid-19 on black and Asian people
COUNCILLORS on the North Northamptonshire Shadow Executive met last night for the first time to agree the scope of a suite of task groups that will help to deliver a new unitary council in the north of the county. More than 150 councillors met online for the very first North Northamptonshire Shadow Authority meeting. The meeting saw the 10 executive members agree a set of task groups that will ensure progress in areas such as council tax harmonisation, budgets, vision and culture, equalities and transformation. Russell Roberts, Leader of the North Northamptonshire Shadow
Authority, said: “Setting up these groups is a key step on the journey to the new council and I’m delighted to have these councillors, who bring a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience from the five councils in the north, around the table. “There’s a lot of do and together we will oversee the creation of this brand new organisation that will provide key services for our residents and communities.” Members of the shadow executive also received a really positive update on the recruitment of the senior officers who will head up the North Northamptonshire Council.
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 All meetings are currently Via Zoom
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Tuesday 14th July – 6.45pm. ENVIRONMENT AND RECREATION COMMITTEE Tuesday 14th July – 7.30pm TOWN COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday 28th July – 7.30pm
FARMERS’ MARKET Saturday 25th June, 9am–1pm 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 Deputy 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 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
AN appeal has been launched for experiences of people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds during COVID-19. Healthwatch Northamptonshire is the independent champion for health and social care in the county, representing all county residents. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic it has been working to gather the views and experiences of people at this time when there have been a number of temporary changes to health and care services. Public Health England published a report which showed the disproportionate effect COVID-19 has had on people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. Its findings showed coronavirus has both replicated existing health inequalities and, in some cases, increased them. In response to the findings, Healthwatch Northamptonshire is asking people to share their experiences of health and care services during the pandemic so it can better understand how structural inequalities affect these services. Sharing the health and/or social care experiences you or a loved one has had during COVID19 can help services understand: If you can access the information, support and treatment you need. How COVID-19 has affected healthcare for you and your loved ones.
What the key issues and themes are surrounding people’s experiences of health and social care services during the pandemic. Where improvements could be made. The report from Public Health England highlighted the significant, detrimental impact that COVID-19 has had on people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities in the UK and showed death rates from COVID-19 were highest among people of Black and Asian ethnic groups. It also revealed peeople of Bangladeshi ethnicity have twice the risk of death as white British people, black men were found to be three times more likely to die from COVID-19.
Other ethnic groups are also at greater risk, with people from black ethnic groups the most likely to be diagnosed. People of Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, other Asian, Caribbean, and other black ethnicity were at 10 per cent to 50 per cent higher risk of death. Death rates in the most deprived areas are more than double those in the least deprived areas. Healthwatch Northamptonshire is gathering people’s personal experiences of care during the pandemic to help it better understand and share the reasons behind these
GREATER RISK
figures with local and national stakeholders. You can tell us your experience of care during the COVID-19 pandemic by visiting www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/hwnorthants covid19. As well as taking part in the survey, people can send confidential comments about any experiences of health and care services. The group cannot take up individual complaints. But it will pass on significant concerns and when appropriate can advise on how to make a formal complaint. It is also keen to work with community groups and organisations who can help others share their views, especially if they are not online or need to feedback in another language. Email enquiries@healthwatchnorthamptonshire.co.uk or phone 0300 002 0010. As Healthwatch Northamptonshire CEO, Kate Holt said: “In our work to help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic we need to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard and that lessons are learned. “If you have had an experience of health and care support, whether good or bad, please complete our survey and have your say.” You can also read more about the survey at http://www.healthwatchnorthamptonshire.co.uk/ covid19survey
Pandemic fails to stop Margaret’s birthday bash
THE Covid-19 virus did not stop loons, flowers and a basket of wool this 100th birthday celebration in to keep her busy while in lockdown, as she still loves her knitRaunds. Although Candocare Day ting. “Margaret was thrilled to Centre for the elderly and vulnerable located in Irthlingborough receive a birthday card from Her Library is temporarily closed due Majesty the Queen. to the pandemic, staff and volun“I hope we will be able to open teers could not miss the opportuni- our doors again at Candocare as ty of celebrating one of their soon as it is safe to do so, then service users Margaret Tirebuck’s everyone can meet up with their 100th birthday last month. friends again.” Margaret known at Candocare Candocare is run by qualified as Mrs T, has attended the group experienced carers. since it opened its doors in May Mrs Meredith is assisted by a 2014 and usually comes twice a ALL team ofTYPES DBS checkedOF volunteers week to them. to organise fundraising activities SHOE REPAIRS Margaret lives in Raunds with for the benefit of clients. her son Richard and daughter in- UNDERTAKEN The group arranges several law Linda ,(pictured). activities and has created a friendShe has two other sons, seven- ly and welcoming atmosphere for grandchildren and one great the elderly and vulnerable people. grandchild. To find out more email candoor visit Kathleen Meredith, managing 4 carecic@gmail.com Hamblin Court, director of Candocare, said: www.candocarecic.co.uk NN10if 0RU And remember you would “Although we couldn’t celebrateRushden as we had planned at our day cen- like us to feature a 100th birthday, tre, we paid Mrs T a visit – social contact: nick@rosettapublishing. the rest. distancing of course – with bal- com and we will doMAR/JUNE/SEPT/DEC
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JULY 2020 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER — 5
Slow down – more than 1,400 speeding motorists caught in just two weeks MOTORISTS are again being asked to slow down after more than 1,400 speeding offences were detected in Northamptonshire in just two weeks. Between May 25 and June 7, officers from Northamptonshire Police’s Safer Roads, Neighbourhood Policing and Special Constabulary teams carried out speed checks across the county. The checks were carried out as part of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, (NPCC), Slow Down, Save Lives campaign, which aimed to make our roads safer following the easing of the Covid-19 travel restrictions. From these checks, a total of 1,450 offences were recorded with cars making up
the vast majority of offenders with 1,355 drivers caught exceeding the speed limit. Other roads users found to be speeding were vans, (63), HGVs, (22), and motorbikes, (10). The majority of these offences were committed on roads with 30mph speed limits. A total of 782 road users were caught flouting the law, including one motorcyclist who was caught riding at 65mph – more than double the speed limit. A total of 316 people were recorded exceeding on roads with 40mph speed limits, with the highest speed recorded again double the required threshold as one driver was clocked in their car doing 80mph.
While no roads users were found to be exceeding the 50mph speed limits, a total of 75 and 277 motorists were detected committing offences in 60mph and 70mph zones respectively. One motorist was caught driving at a reckless 152mph on the M1 motorway, more than double the speed limit of 70mph, while another was clocked doing 105mph on a 60mph road. Safer Roads operations manager Matt O’Connell said: “It is really disappointing, despite all the warnings that this operation was taking place that so many drivers still chose to drive over the limit. “Speeding kills – it is as simple as that. It
is one of the four biggest dangers while driving and the difference of even just a few miles per hour can be the difference between life and death. “It is hard to understand why so many people continue to put their own life and the lives of others at risk by speeding when the consequences of getting it wrong are so extreme, and can leave families devastated by the loss of loved ones.” Last year, 42 people were killed on the county’s road network, and a further 347 were seriously injured. Police said that excessive speed was a contributing factor in a total of 14 per cent of collisions on our roads.
Mayor raises thousands of pounds to help groups in his town OUTGOING Higham Ferrers Mayor Chris O’Rourke presented cheques last month in the Town Market Square, (observing social distancing rules). He helped raise £7,500 during his ten months, despite three of his events being cancelled in the last two months, due to the Coronavirus, But he still managed to send £1,610 to the brain injury charity, The Encephalitis Society, with the rest donated to various Higham Groups in the community to help support local projects, as
well as some to the Food Bank. All the groups thanked him for their support in the town. Money raised went to Mick and Maureen Beesley of the Over 60’s Club, (right), Olwyn Mayes at Hifars, (below), Higham Ferrers 1st Rainbows, Higham Ferrers Tourism, Higham Ferrers Girls’ Brigade, Nicki Roberts, Higham Ferrers Pavillion Youth Club, Claira Ferreria and Pete Austin at the Gateway Club, Sara Owst at the Food Bank, Carole Allen at 2nd Higham Ferrers Rainbows, and the Bede House Youth.
LETTERS
Council funds
EAST Northamptonshire Council is once again pledging to help more communities across the district with £40,000 of funding for local projects. Every year, each district councillor is allocated £1,000 each to spend on small community-based projects. The money can be awarded to parish/town councils, community groups, voluntary organisations and charities who work in East Northamptonshire. The funding stream, known as the Member Empowerment Fund supports community events, sports activities, environmental enhancements, local facility improvements, equipment for youth groups and projects which promote safer communities. To find out more about the scheme and/or to apply for funding visit www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/mef or speak to your councillor, contact details can be found at www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/councillors
TO THE EDITOR
Save our park
A PUSH to help save Wicksteed Park in Kettering has gone through the £100,000 mark. The Wicksteed Charitable Trust, which owns Wicksteed Park, has launched a fundraising appeal in a bid to save the park in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. To help save the park, visit www.justgiving.com/wicksteedcharitabletrust
Art success
POLICE asked the county’s children and young people to share their lockdown artwork. All the work can be found at www.northants.police.uk/news/n orthants/news/news/2020/june20/artwork-competition-celebratory-video/
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Work starts on road scheme
WORK on a jam-busting ‘half hamburger island’ which will tackle queues at the busy A45/A6 junction is starting to take shape – as the new image, (below), released by Highways England show. While complying with strict safeguarding measures due to the coronavirus pandemic, workers have been able to successfully complete the first phase of work on the Chowns Mill improvement in Irthlingborough. The image shows where the top section of the hamburger island will be now the land has been cleared. In phase one, narrow lanes have been established on the A45 dual carriageway You can read more at rosetta publishing.com/reporter/
6 — EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER JULY 2020
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Charity on hand through lock-down
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SERVE have been providing essential shopping trips, prescription collection and hearing battery delivery since lockdown and within just three months had delivered 1758 wellbeing telephone calls, 320 shops, 117 prescription collections and 75 hearing aid battery deliveries. Volunteers have come forward in the community to support the most vulnerable in our community, SERVE’s CEO, Jess Slater, said: “We couldn’t be more grateful to all those who have come to volunteer during this time.” The services are ongoing and the charity opened their doors again on the June 15, 2020 to support those who need it most. The National Lottery and Northamptonshire Community Foundation Support SERVE’s New Project. The new Community Wellbeing Resilience Project is aimed to support anyone in the community who requires support with their Mental Health, Family Support and Counselling and Financial Support to help complete benefits applications. If you require any help with any of the above please contact Cheryl Smith on 07764 560863 or email cheryl@nvca.org.uk or info@serve.org.uk for more information.
EDITORIAL: nick@rosettapublishing.com
Half a million pound boost to county’s community projects THE county’s Community Foundation has awarded £556,465.50 to hundreds of community projects across Northamptonshire supporting the most vulnerable residents and families in local communities during the COVID-19 crisis. The Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund is being delivered in partnership with Northamptonshire Emergencies Trust and can continue giving out funds due to the generosity of donors and the general public in Northamptonshire. The funds are supporting thousands of residents who have been self-isolating or shielding and to support individuals and families on a low income and those impacted by job loss. To date, the appeal has raised £658,401 and the funds have already reached 52,889 residents supported by 6,314 volunteers locally. Deputy CEO of the foundation Rachel McGrath said: “The galvanised response from local community groups and charities to support vulnerable residents
and families during this public health crisis has been absolutely amazing. “We thank our generous donors for enabling us to support this crucial civil society response to the pandemic. “The demand continues for these support services on the ground and our appeal will continue so that we can keep helping people emerge safely from lockdown and help rebuild local lives. If anyone wishes to find out more about our appeal and how they can help, please get in touch.” Projects have covered the county and have included food aid, shopping services, community transport, care packages, telephone befriending services, online activities and educational support, counselling services, employability support, well-being advice and information. Our picture, (below), shows the United African Association, which is one of the groups helped by the recovery funds.
Zooming into new opportunities New funding available for local support projects in Bedfordshire / Northamptonshire / Milton Keynes
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The lockdown measures brought about rapid change to working conditions. Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Hangouts have become integrated within our daily schedules for lots of people. Some changes may be long-term. Remote working, where this is possible, may become the norm for many. Two specific local community projects have quickly adapted to embrace the situation, seeing new opportunity to help disadvantaged people develop the skills needed to secure employment in a postlockdown world. Disabled jobseekers are excelling through the Buckinghamshire Disability Service (BuDs) Reach4Work programme, using their own experiences to redevelop a website to support other people with disabilities to access key employability information. While unemployed people over 50 ‘Zoom’into new opportunities with the support of the Impactful Governance: Social Enterprise & Community Work programme. “In the last four months I have achieved more personally, then I thought was possible. I have newfound confidence and skills.” The Reach4Work project supports disabled people, or people with long-term health conditions, to realise their potential and use their talents without barriers, through digital work experience. Project Co-ordinator, Michael Broadley said “For many of our participants, working from home is a real benefit. Some people can struggle to get out of the house and into an office. In the home environment, productivity can rocket.” “BuDS gives me a daily focus, something to get up and dressed for in the morning and some sort of structure in these crazy and very lonely times.” The Social Enterprise & Community Work programme helps unemployed over-50’s to develop the valuable insight, experience and skills needed to create their own charity or social enterprise and
secure employment in the community and voluntary sector. “We help people to realise that they have really valuable skills just waiting to be used. For example, one participant, due to family circumstances, hadn’t had social interaction with another person in over a year. “By being in a supportive environment (Zoom call) with people of a similar age in similar circumstances, her confidence dramatically improved. Using her newfound confidence, she is now making facemasks in the voluntary sector.”Andrew Waite, Chief Executive at Impactful Governance – Community Interest Company described. Both projects, funded through SEMLEP’s Community Grants programme, support local communities to come together, a community even more crucial and valued at a time when some people risk becoming more isolated. SEMLEP’s Community Grants programme will re-open for funding applications on 17August 2020. The programme offers local community organisations 100% grant funding up to £20,000 to support people back into work or training. To find out more information, visit www.semlep.com/community-grants/
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JULY 2020 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER — 7
gardening with Milton Ernest Garden Centre A
Stay at home in the garden this summer
and feeding again the following large bedding plant displays. now accompanied by new red maintenance and are now availMarch. If growing in pots stop They will flower from July varieties. Butterscotch is the able in a vast range of bright hot MEGC July 2020 ADS.qxp_Layout 1 15/06/2020 11:13 Page 1 that the watering completely and put onwards but when the foliage honey and orange colour colours. They are excellent when somewhere frost free for winter. turns yellow and droops down name suggests. planted at the front of the borders Tropicana Black is a must variety stop watering and allow the plant Canna Lilies are perhaps the or in pots where they produce to grow with the electrifying to dry completely to over winter most tropical plants we can grow. nonstop flowers from June to contrast of the orange flowers successfully. Protect with a thick They are traditionally grown as October. Alstromerias should be and very dark leaves. layer of mulch and start watering centre pieces or accent plants in grown in well drained soil in a sunny place and covered with mulch in winter until really established. If you are growing these plants in pots use John Innes No. 2 compost and give protection during severe winters. Two gorgeous new varieties to look out for are Indian Summer with vivid orange and yellow petals and striking dark markings and Prince Diana golden and apricot vatory, covered porch or greenpetals with dark markings. house. Plant the tubers or plants Dahlias are another group that in a rich organic soil or compost have enjoyed a lot of Growers and protect the young plants from attention over the last few years. frost. Remove the growing tip There are now some lovely from young plants to encourage WHILST STOCKS LAST perennial varieties which branching and so more flower although subject to frost damage buds. The plants are very easy to if planted six inches deep in the grow but can be subject to aphids ground and covered with thick or earwig damage so spray with mulch in winter will survive and Provado when any are seen. By thrive. Dahlias grown in tubs they continuallyRadwell cutting the flowers Road (just off the A6) should be protected in a conserfor vases indoors encourages lot Milton Ernest aMK44 1SH more flowers. Dahlia Goldalia Scarlet is a gorgeous decorative with stunning Scarlet flowers with yellow frilly centres. Crocosmias are a vibrant range of hardy perennials that grow well in sun or shady places. There is an ever increasing range of varieties with more being added every year. They flower from July until a really hard frost often into December. The dazzling range of colours THE BEST LUSCIOUS AFTERNOON becomesSCRUMMY more and more tropical. TheyBREAKFASTS are always a successful CHEESE SCONES LUNCH TREATS plant to grow in normal well drained soil and are pest and disease free. Columbus and Buttercup are both good shining golden yellow varieties with Emily Mckenzie a dramatic orange with red centres. Rudbeckias are very hardy daisy like flowers which are also We’re to welcome our customers again very easy to grow in normalwaiting well drained soil in full sun. There are when the Coffee Shop opens on Saturday July 4th annual and perennial types and if the annualRadwell seeds are sown Roadin(just off the A6) March they will be flowering Milton Ernest by MK44 1SH July until October. The vibrant yellow and orange flowers are
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S I write Milton Ernest Garden Centre has been open for two weeks after the 8 week lock down at what is normally the busiest time of the gardening year. In spite of all the new shopping measures we had to implement it was a great pleasure to see our lovely customers again when we could finally open our doors in the middle of May. Thank you for supporting us in these really difficult times. We are now working on ways that we can open the Coffee Shop when the government allows. While we have all been in this unbelievable science fiction lock down existence many new projects have been undertaken and with the wonderful spring weather we have spent a lot of time in the garden. Now is the time to add the plants to decorate those new pergolas raised beds and plant summer flower pots for the new patio. Alstromerias are a great group of low growing summer flowering perennials that require little
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8 — EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER JULY 2020
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Keep active at home sport Your football club needs you
AN appeal has gone out for footballers of all ages to join a flourishing club in East Northamptonshire. Higham Town Football Club, established in 1995, is proud to be one of the largest grassroots youth football clubs in the area with a very dedicated and long-standing team of volunteers. Damion Stiles, coach of one of the undernine’s teams, said: “I agreed to become coach to my son’s football team last year. “I had no idea these amazing facilities existed, probably because Lancaster Park sits on the other side of the A6 behind Moulton College off Newton Road. “The club boasts its own dedicated ground with more than 250 players across 20 teams from the age of five all the way up to adults and is undergoing an exciting new re-development
over the next 18 months to its facilities. “Higham Town Football Club couldn’t exist if not for the dedicated team of volunteers and of course, all the local talented football players who are members there. “In June, football returned to Lancaster Park, with all the correct Government guidelines being met, social distancing and small groups for training sessions. The club puts peoples’ safety first at all times. “It is also on the lookout for new players, across most of the age groups, so if you would like to enquire on behalf of yourself or your child please reach out to our club secretary Carole Watts.” He said: “There are things that we probably all know about in Higham Ferrers, such as Chichele College and that the town used to have its own motte-and-bailey castle.
“Something people probably didn’t know is that one of Higham Ferrers sons actually played football for Manchester City? “Neither did I, but then again, it was in 1908. “Charles Webb was known as an outside left and also played for many clubs including Leicester Fosse, Southampton and ending his career with Airdrieonians up in Scotland. “Higham Town Football Club is a real family-orientated club which loves to develop footballers and also make football fun. Why not become part of Higham Ferrers best kept secret? “You won’t regret it and you never know, maybe you could be the next player from Higham to play for Manchester City.” To register your interest for boys’ or girls’ football, contact Carole Watts on 07950 542538.
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A NEW booklet for older adults is available to prevent de-conditioning through being active at home. A new national ‘Active at Home’ booklet will help older adults undertake physical activity at home to help them prevent physical de-conditioning that increases their risk of falls, loss of physical capacity and increased need for care during Covid-19. Public Health England, Sheffield Hallam University, the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine and Sport England developed the booklet to provide practical guidance to older adults on home-based activities to maintain their strength and balance. It follows concerns low levels of physical activity in older adults will lead to reduced fitness resulting in loss of independence and need for care in the future. The UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines recommend adults should aim to be active every day and undertake activities to improve strength on at least two days each week. This particularly applies to older adults, as there is a natural decline in strength from the age of 40-50 and for those over 65 years muscle and bone strengthening exercises are essential. While young people and families with children are accessing online resources to keep them active at home, many older adults do not have access or the confidence to use the internet. Survey data suggests that older adults, (55+), are struggling to stay as
P U B L I C
active as usual during the Covid-19 pandemic, with considerable disruption to their activity levels. While 24 per cent say they have been more active than before the outbreak, considerably more, (38%), report doing less. The booklet is aimed primarily at older adults for use by local authorities and others who support them. It has been developed with the support and experts from a range partners, including Age UK, the Centre for Ageing Better and the Chartered Society for Physiotherapy. To access the booklet directly, follow the link: https://www.neas.nhs.uk/media /170710/phe_active_at_home_boo klet_21_may_electronic.pdf And for more resources and advice in staying active at home for older adults visit: www.northamptonshiresport.org/older-adults-stayinworkout Northamptonshire Sport has also just released help for youngerpeople to stay fit and active during the Covid-19 pandemic. Full details of all the courses and schemes on offer across the county are available at the website www.northamptonshiresport.org or by emailing info@northampton shiresport.org
N O T I C E
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO TERMINATE RIGHTS OF UNUSED GRAVE SPACES IN HIGHAM FERRERS CEMETERY H I G H A M F ERRERS TO WN CO U N CI L
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Bateson .....................70 Clarke........................121 Driver........................439 & 440 Eaton.........................565 George Shelton .........716 Grant .........................507 H R Patenall..............576 H E Lovell ................700 Jane Fuller.................126
NAME..................................PLOT NO
Johnson .....................43 & 44 May Lovell ...............1003 Minney......................671 Newman....................535 Richards Hales..........437 Saxby ........................589 & 590 Shelton ......................376 William Warner.........17 York ..........................597 & 598
For further details please contact:Higham Ferrers Town Council Town Hall, Market Square, Higham Ferrers. NN10 8BT Email: clerk@highamferrers-tc.gov.uk Tel: 01933 312075 Date 1st June 2020
The East Northants Reporter is an independent publication part of Rosetta Publishing Ltd. Published by ©2020 Rosetta Publishing Limited, 30 Radwell Road, Milton Ernest, Bedfordshire MK44 1SH. Tel: 07894 935952 Editorial: nick@rosettapublishing.com Advertising: TheReporter@rosettapublishing.com Printed by: Reach Printing Services, Kimpton Road, Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 0SX Regulated by IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor for the Press CIC IMPRESS. 16-18 New Bridge Street, London, EC4V 6AG
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Under the Local Authorities’ Cemetery Order 1977, a burial authority may in specified circumstances terminate the exclusive right of burial for a grave space which has been unused for 75 years or more. The following persons or their representatives are invited to contact Higham Ferrers Town Council regarding the exclusive rights of burial in Higham Ferrers Cemetery purchased prior to 1945. Where the owner does not advise their intention to retain the right within 6 months of the publication of this notice, the exclusive right of burial will be terminated in accordance with the above order.
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