East Northants Reporter

HELPING TO CATCH BAD DRIVERS

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RUSHDEN, HIGHAM FERRERS & EAST NORTHANTS

Rolled out across the county in August last year, Operation Snap enables people to report driving offences by uploading video evidence via a simple online portal on the Force website.

In the first 12 months, the Force received 612 submissions from 413 individual witnesses, resulting in a total of 300 Notice of Intended Prosecution letters being sent to registered owners.

Videos have ranged from driving dangerously to drivers not being in proper control of a vehicle, driving without due care and attention, overtaking on solid white lines, ignoring traffic lights, carrying excessive passengers and unsecure loads.

Northamptonshire Police’s Safer Roads Operations Manager, Matthew O’Connell, said: “When people see a marked police car they tend to drive more carefully and behave, but we know the public see bad and dangerous driving all the time.

“Through the use of Operation Snap, we have thousands of additional pairs of eyes helping us to keep our roads safer and thanks to the public’s support are able to take action against driving offences we otherwise wouldn’t see.

“Although this service allows people to share evidence of driving offences with us quickly and easily so we can take prompt and appropriate action.

“It’s important to remember, we only have 14 days from when the offence is committed to do this.

“It's also important to remember we examine footage for evidence of offences by all parties, so please don't break the law in order to report someone else to us, or you could be in trouble as well.”

Northamptonshire Safer Roads Alliance chairman, Supt Adam Ward said: “Since the launch of Operation Snap, the chances of getting caught for committing traffic offences goes up.

“Over the past 12 months, Operation Snap has proved an invaluable policing tool, and has complemented the good work already being carried out by all the alliance partners.

“However, with the continued support of the public, we hope it acts as a deterrent and encourages all road users to use our road network legally and responsibly, to help improve road safety across the county.”

For more information about Operation Snap or to submit videos, visit northants.police.uk/OpSnap

Former pub plans get the nod THE iconic former 19th century pub, The Wheatsheaf, has finally been granted planning permission to convert part of the building into a state-of-the-art commercial office, along with highend residential properties.

Following many failed attempts to create a successful thriving pub, the Wheatsheaf Hotel in Rushden, closed its doors for the final time in 2018 and has remained vacant until early this year when Barker Homes acquired the site.

The run-down former pub has needed regeneration for a few years.

The landmark building is in a conservation area, neighbouring the St Mary’s grade I listed church and facing the grade II listed memorial garden.

Managing Director of Barker Homes James

Barker said: “We’ve restored numerous listed and historic buildings across the county.

“Whilst this property isn’t listed, The Wheatsheaf Hotel will be restored to its former glory, retaining all the original striking charm, whilst incorporating high end modernisation throughout.

“The iconic building is nearly 200-years-old and has been looking run down for several years.

“Barker Homes will transform it into a new stylish, work and living space.”

Mr Barker said: “We look forward to seeing the progress at the Wheatsheaf Hotel over the next 12 months.”

You can find out more about Barker Homes at www.barkerhomes.co.uk.

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“The public see bad and dangerous driving all the time” Matthew O’Connell

HELP us catch dangerous drivers – police have revealed that since Operation Snap was launched twelve months ago, Northamptonshire Police has received more than 600 video submissions, of which, just under half have led to further action.

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HIGHAM FERRERS CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF TWINNING – Mayor Cllr Tina Reavey was due to visit Hachenburg in Germany this August as part of the twinning visit and mark 30 years of the association but the trip was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Instead, Higham Ferrers Town Council is sending a gift to mark the anniversary to the Mayor of Hachenburg. The Mayor, (pictured, above), still hopes to visit the twin town in 2021.

2 — EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER OCTOBER 2020

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Farewell Dennis – police chief off to take up new transport role SUPT Dennis Murray, policing commander for the north of the county and the force’s lead on stop and search powers, is moving to a new role with the British Transport Police, (BTP).

Supt Murray, (pictured), who joined Northamptonshire police in 1992 after initially serving as a special constable will join BTP as their temporary Chief Superintendent for Trust, Legitimacy and Community Policing.

This important new posting will see him serve as the force's 'Champion for Race', helping to shape and inform BTP's approach to legitimacy in the context of community relations focused on race and building positive relationships with railway users, rail staff and retail communities.

In a wide-ranging role, he will also serve as BTP's lead on the Independent Office for Police Conduct, (IOPC), inquiry into whether police officers racially discriminate against ethnic minorities, particularly around the use of stop and search.

Supt Murray, who grew up in Corby, has worked in a wide range of postings since finishing his initial two-year proba-

tion when he was awarded the Roger Flawn Memorial Cup for best student officer.

He joined CID in 1996, moving to the National Crime Squad in 1999 before returning to the Force to take up a role in Intelligence as an FIO. In 2004, he became a Hate Crimes Officer, winning the David Ryan Memorial Cup for his engagement work with Muslim communities across Northamptonshire, as well as the Pride in Northamptonshire Award for hard work and determination in developing minority communities.

In 2008, he successfully applied for the High Potential Development Scheme, successfully achieving a Master's degree in Police Management and Leadership, the same year he was promoted to sergeant working across teams including Community Safety and Response.

Promoted to Inspector in 2011, his career has progressed through the ranks, working as a staff officer to former Chief Constable Adrian Lee as well as Head of Contact in the force control rRoom and Head of Corporate Services where, working in the Force Transformation team, he

was tasked to deliver £23m of savings while developing a new Target Operating Model which integrates Police and Fire services.

He has been Local Policing Area Commander for the north since its inception last October, is also a Public Order and spontaneous/ pre-planned firearms commander.

He said said: “Northamptonshire Police has been a massive part of my life for 30 years.

“I am excited to be taking up my new role but know I will miss the fantastic people who work tirelessly every day to deliver a great service to the public, especially the officers and staff from the frontline.

“I am grateful for having had the chance to work alongside some of the most dedicated people in policing.

“I am looking forward to the new challenge and starting a new phase of my career but I have no doubt I will be popping back in every now and then to catch up with friends and colleagues or to share good practice.”

DCC Simon Nickless today led tributes to Dennis as he prepares to move to pastures new.

He said: “Dennis has been a tremendous and hard-working servant to Northamptonshire Police over three decades.

“This secondment will be an an exciting new challenge for him and we wish him well.

“His leadership around the key issue

of use of force and, in particular, stop and search, will be invaluable in this new role and I know all his friends and colleagues here in Northamptonshire wish him well.”

Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Stephen Mold, said: “In almost 30 years serving the public of Northamptonshire, Dennis will have touched many lives.

“His contribution to making this county a safer place will be missed, but his influence on those he has led and worked with will continue to be felt throughout the organisation and I thank him for all that he has done.”

His replacement will be announced in the coming weeks.

Chief Constable Paul Crowther at BTP said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Chief Supt Dennis Murray to lead this really important work.

“His experience and insight, gained through working extensively with diverse communities to ensure policing is both effective and proportionate, will be a great asset to BTP. “Dennis demonstrated that he really gets what we are seeking to achieve.”

Appeal after house burglary

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POLICE officers are appealing for witnesses after an attempted residential burglary in Avenue Road, Rushden.

Between midnight and 12.30am on Wednesday, September 16, the offender, or offenders, got got out of a vehicle and climbed over the fence at the side of the house to gain access to the rear garden. Once inside, they attempted to open garage doors, however, no access was gained and nothing was stolen.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area between the stated times.

Anyone who may have any information regarding the incident is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 20000486523.

Or alternatively, if you wish to stay anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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POLICE have released a CCTV image of a man they believe may have information about several incidents at Rushden Lakes.

Between Wednesday, August 19 and Wednesday, September 2, a man used fake notes to purchase

items in a number of stores.

The man in the image, or anyone who recognises him, should call Northamptonshire Police on 101. The incident numbers for the alleged offences are 20000459123 and 20000456181.

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 T 020 3325 4288 E complaints@impress.org.uk w impress.press To view our complaints policy, please visit our website www.rosettapublishing.com

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OCTOBER 2020 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER — 3

‘Remorseless’ paedophile jailed for sexually assaulting young girl

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LADY DEALER CAN VISIT YOU IN YOUR HOME OR ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A PRIVATE LOCAL MEETING A REMORSLESS paedophile who forced a child to testify against him has been sentenced to 10 months in prison.

Philip Jackson, aged 32, formerly of Rushden, was jailed at Northampton Crown Court for sexually assaulting a seven-year-old girl.

The defendant was supposed to be looking after the young girl when he sexually assaulted her in April 2019, on two separate occasions.

Lead investigator, Det Cons Paul Lilley, from Northamptonshire Police’s Child Protection Team, said: “I hope Jackson’s punishment brings some clo-

sure for this young girl and her family.

“I am pleased this individual will now serve time behind bars for his actions.

“Northamptonshire Police takes reports of sexual assault very seriously and will always treat reports of this nature with the confidentiality and sensitivity they deserve.”

Jackson was also handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years.

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New tool to boost recycling AS part of East Northamptonshire Council’s long term strategy to combat contamination in recycling bins across the district, each household will be receiving a sticker to place inside

their recycling bin lid which reminds residents about what can and cannot be recycled.

If you do not receive a copy of the sticker, email waste@eastnorthamptonshire.gov.uk

Council looks to continue grants to voluntary sector

AT a recent meeting of East Northamptonshire Council’s Policy and Resources, committee members voted for an ‘in principle extension’ to the support grants and service agreements the Council provides to voluntary sector organisations past March 31, 2021.

As East Northamptonshire Council will cease to exist and be replaced by the new North Northamptonshire Council on April 1, 2021, councillors and officers were keen to do as much as possible to keep these grants in place, so vital support services to the district’s most vulnerable residents continue.

Introduced in 2011, the grants and agreements totalling £120,000 a year are awarded to a variety of partner organisations.

These include SERVE, Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service and Service Six, and offer a range of specialist services such as transport, support workers and counselling support across the East Northamptonshire district.

Leader of East Northampton-

shire Council Steven North said: “This decision is a sign of how much we at ENC recognise the value of these grants and want to protect them for the foreseeable future.

“The services and organisations that these grants support are invaluable to our more vulnerable residents and we understand this.

“In recognition of this, we are pleased to put forward this recommendation to the shadow North Northamptonshire Council that the funding required for these grants should be included in the draft North Northamptonshire Council 2021/2022 budget.”

The current round of grants had been due to expire at the end of March 2020. But councillors had previously agreed to renew them until East Northamptonshire Council ceases to exist at the end of March 2021.

It is hoped this recent decision will future proof the grants into the new council, and mean those who need specialist support can receive it.

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BIKES FINALLY HIT THE ROAD

RUSHDEN has held its first classic motorcyle rally since lockdown.

It was run from Rushden Station site in conjunction with East Northants Classic Motorcycle Club who provided management of the Road run route.

Trying to run the event within the Covid-19 rules was a considerable challenge in ensuring there would be social distancing and that all visitors would have their details taken for track and trace purposes.

However, a fantastic response by the membership and friends of the town’s Historical Society in coming forward for marshalling duties helped the event run smoothly .

The Goods Shed yard had a tidy up over the previous weekend which meant that all bikes and visitors

were accommodated.

More than 50 bikes left Rushden on a road-run out towards Kimbolton, then over the A14 towards Oundle and a stop at Fermlyn Woods Country Park.

Just after midday the bikes began to return , during the next two hours a further 50-plus motorcycles came along to the rally at the station.

Prizes were awarded to the Best Bike in the Rally, Best Ladies Bike in Rally, and the Furthest Distance Travelled.

The actual furthest distance travelled was from Mablethorpe.

Hopefully next year a larger event can be planned with the potential to attract even more bikes and visitors.

EDITORIAL: nick@rosettapublishing.com

Carving out a piece of history as Highways England sets benchmark NEW life is being breathed into an old oak tree which had to be taken down for safety reasons as work began to tackle a congested traffic junction.

Thanks to the talents of a local woodcarver, residents will soon be able to enjoy the tree once again and it will continue to play a part in the community for many decades to come.

Despite extensive investigations and hi-tech testing

by Highways England, it was not possible to retain the tree near the A45/A6 Chowns Mill roundabout in Northamptonshire.

The much-needed improvements, which will improve traffic flow and make journeys more reliable, would leave the tree – known locally as Three Oaks unstable and at risk of falling down.

The Chowns Mill project team turned to woodcarver Carrie Yuen to help transform the three trunks and some of the branches from the tree into works of art.

She is crafting the wood into three stunning benches, covered in woodland creatures, which will be installed at Castle Fields to complement a Timber Trim Trail created by Higham Ferrers Town Council.

The council recently received approval from Historic England to install the trail at Castle Fields and has been given funding support from East Northamptonshire Council.

In addition, some of the smaller pieces of wood will be turned into nature items such as owls and mushrooms. These will be used to help raise money for the Mayor’s charities and help out the local community.

Highways England project manager Dean Holloway, said: “We were very disappointed that despite our best efforts we were not able to safely keep the tree and carry out these important improvements.

“But knowing how the residents felt we were determined to put the wood to good use and we are very grateful to Carrie for her incredible artistry that has created these wonderful benches for everyone to enjoy.

“Some of the branches have also been donated to Stanwick Lakes to create some natural habitat for the wildlife so the legacy of the Three Oaks will continue.”

Woodcarver Carrie, who is based at nearby Knuston, said: “I am glad to have the opportunity to give this much-loved tree a second life.

“There are three themes to the design of the benches all connected to the Three Oaks.

“We have the animals that lived around it such as the fox, badger, rabbit, squirrel, owl, mole and mouse.

“A second bench will feature creatures that fly around the oak branches such as butterflies, moth, dragonfly and bat.

“A third bench depicts the bugs of the oak habitat such as the caterpillar, spider, beetle, ladybird, worm and millipede.”

Each trunk will take around four weeks to transform into the benches and Carrie hopes to have all three completed by the end of the summer.

Local resident Justina Bryan, (pictured below, with

Carrie), who had led the campaign to save the tree, went to see the carving work in progress.

She said: “It is important that we keep this piece of history for the community.

“It was a mature oak and known by generations of people.

“Certainly the older generation remember the Three Oaks a landmark when they walked to the station.

“Everyone tried so hard to keep the tree but sadly we couldn’t save it. This is the next best thing as we can still keep it in the community.”

Mayor Tina Reavey said: “The carved benches will be a wonderful addition to Castle Fields.

“Using the timber from the Three Oaks in this way provides not only beautifully crafted benches but a unique legacy that can be shared by all.

“I am very grateful that some of the smaller carved items are being donated to help raise funds for my chosen local charities.

“It was a real shame the Three Oaks could not be saved but it is fitting that the timber will enable me to support local ventures and groups within the town.”

Contractor Ground Control, appointed by Highways England to carry out environmental and landscaping works for the Chowns Mill scheme, have met the costs of transportation, woodcarving and delivery of the benches.

Construction manager Jeremy Willis said: “Caring for our environment has always been the underlying principle of Ground Control and so we are always happy to support projects that go towards offsetting the necessary works and supporting local communities.

“It was important for us that anything we did was delivered locally and Carrie was therefore our first choice to bring this timber to life.

“We are so pleased with the end results and hope that the local communities enjoy the pieces for many years.”

At Chowns Mill roundabout the A45 is crossed by the A6 and provides access into Higham Ferrers and Rushden.

The junction is being redesigned as a half hamburger layout with a new link road connecting the A6 South and A5028 with the existing roundabout. All approaches will be widened to provide extra lanes and capacity.

The new road layout was set to fall within 1.5m of the Three Oaks and the road lowered, to a construction depth of 2m from the existing ground level.

Arboricultural specialists concluded that all of the roots encountered in testing would need to be removed which would impact on the tree’s overall health, potentially leading to tree mortality.

Meanwhile severing major roots would make it less stable and a safety hazard.

You can read more on the development scheme on page 8.

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OCTOBER 2020 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER — 5

Town must benefit from new proposals COUNCILLORS in Higham Ferrers have vowed to ensure a huge urban development plan will benefit their town.

In a statement, the town council said Rushden East Sustainable Urban Extension had always been the aspiration of Rushden.

It said Higham Ferrers had reluctantly supported the concept as long as it was located south and only a small section was in the town and the Higham Ferrers Neighbourhood Plan supported a mix of residential, community facilities and employment in this area.

The Rushden East project is a proposed new development on land to the east of the A6 bypass between John Clarke Way and Newton Road roundabouts.

It is identified within the North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy as a suitable site to meet the long-term housing and employment needs of the area.

The site is being promoted by Barratt Developments and Taylor Wimpey and comprises: n About 2,700 new homes, including affordable housing and homes for the older population. n Employment opportunities, including offices and industrial premises as well as two local centres, small-scale business space and dwellings suitable for home working or business start-ups. n New schools for local education provision. n A new town park, open greenspace and play areas. n Land for a new cemetery and other local community facilities such as allotments. n New links to connect with the wider Greenway network. n An energy strategy to ensure the highest viable amount of heat and energy used within the

development is generated onsite from renewable or low-carbon sources.

The statement said that from the start Higham Ferrers has had to fight to have their views heard.

As far back as the public hearing for the core strategy, the council was asking for the boundary be defined.

The Inspector said in his report: “The masterplan will need to consider Higham Ferrers Neighbourhood Plan.“ He also said that: “The detailed concerns expressed by Higham Ferrers Town Council regarding site boundaries and related matters will need to be considered in the masterplan process.”

Four years later the boundaries have changed little since the concept produced for the core strategy.

There has been no agreement with Higham Ferrers. The Rushden East Board has only one representative from Higham Ferrers Town Council despite lobbying for more, while Rushden has seven, (two town councillors, four district councillors and one county councillor).

The statement from Higham Ferrers Town Council went on to say: “We understand an outline planning application is due before the end of the year.

“To will include proposals for employment only B8 (large warehouses) included in the parish of Higham, a cemetery in Rushden as far south as it could be, and connectivity being pushed towards Rushden town centre.

“The town council wants residents to know this planning application is due, so they can make their voice heard.

“Higham Ferrers Town Council will be considering at its next meetings whether to review the Neighbourhood Plan in the hope this will help.”

“This development will affect Higham Ferrers and the council want to ensure that Higham Ferrers get some benefit and not all the negatives.”

To find out the dates of the next meetings oc councillors, you can visit www.highamferrers-tc.gov. uk and click the agenda and meetings section.

Crackdown on coursing

CRIMESTOPPERS is urging people across rural Northamptonshire to speak up anonymously about the illegal act of hare coursing.

In the eight-week campaign with Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and Northamptonshire Police, people are encouraged to report suspicious behaviour and those who are involved, rather than confront it.

Hare coursing is where dogs – often greyhounds or lurchers – are used to chase, catch and kill hares.

The illegal events can be lucrative for criminal gangs who often live stream the event.

It takes place on areas of flat, open land, accessed by trespassing, Anyone with information about those involved in hare coursing can anonymously fill in an online form at Crimestoppersuk.org, or by contacting freephone 0800 555111.

Alternatively, offciers said you can contact Northamptonshire Police, especially if you feel in danger.

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OCTOBER 2020 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER — 7

Town pulls together to raise Nine are charged thousands to get Daniel home with drug offences A TOWN pulled together to raise thousands of pounds to bring a gravely ill man back to the UK. The people of Rushden responded to an urgent Just Giving appeal.

The page was set up and launched by friends Fran Johnston and Charlene Nash, both from Rushden.

The post read: “This a matter of urgency.

“Please, please help get this boy home. We all know the boy Daniel Brawn, (Brawny).

“A great friend to all – 12 years ago he started a new life in Thailand.

“Sadly, Daniel has recently become very poorly with cancer.

“We need to raise £17,500 to get him a life-saving operation and then bring him home.”

At the time of publication, the appeal stood at £16,572.

Daniel’s brother Justin,

said: “We are absolutely amazed by everybody.”

Organisers said £9,000 was transferred to the hospital in Thailand for Daniel’s initial operation and the fundraising page would be kept going for aftercare and travel expenses to get Daniel home.

Local events have also helped including a ‘virtual’ fete at Victoria House in Rushden and a raffle by

florist Carla Mann.

Justin now hopes to get permission to fly his brother home, or get out to Thailand to arrange further aid.

If you can help, visit the Just Giving website for Daniel at https://www.justgiving.com/c rowdfunding/francesjohnston?

You can also follow the appeal on our website at www.rosettapublishing.com/ reporter

NINE people have been charged in connection with the supply of drugs in Thrapston between June 2019 and March 2020.

Police have released the names of those charged.

They are: Matthew Gambrell, 22, of Grove Road, Thrapston, charged with conspiring to supply Class A and B drugs.

Iwan White, 21, of High Street, Islip, charged with conspiring to supply Class B drugs.

Marko Subic, 33, of Coldermeadow Avenue, Corby, charged with conspiring to supply Class A drugs.

James O’Dell, 22 of High Street, Thrapston, charged with conspiring to supply Class A and B drugs.

Bradley Willis, 22, of Foundry Walk, Thrapston, charged with conspiring to supply Class A drugs.

Jacob Borisuth, 18, of Cross Keys Drive, Thrapston, charged with conspiring to supply Class A and B drugs.

Joseph Wesby, 22, of Nene Court, Islip, charged with conspiring to supply Class A and B drugs.

Mitchell Brown, 24, of

Kingfisher Road, Thrapston, charged with conspiring to supply Class A and B drugs.

And a 17-year-old boy, charged with conspiring to supply Class A and B drugs.

Police said the charges were secured as part of a complex investigation undertaken by Northamptonshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Team.

––––––––––––––– In a separate incident, three men have appeared before Northampton Magistrates Court charged with drugs and modern slavery offences.

Micah Thomas, aged 31, of Butts Road, Wellingborough and 26-year-old Marlie Ashby, of Green Street, Wollaston, were both charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, and a further charge relating to modern slavery offences.

Twvarnai Riviere, aged 19, of Kiln Way, Wellingborough, was also charged with counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

All three were remanded into custody to appear before a judge at Northampton Crown Court on Wednesday, October 21.

County law firm wins case against Banksy A COUNTY law firm has won a legal battle against anonymous street artist, Banksy, stripping him of a trademark for one of his most famous artworks.

Aaron Wood, trademark attorney at Blaser Mills Law, which has offices in Silverstone, is listed by World Trademark Review as one of the top lawyers globally in his field, and represented UK greeting cards company, Full Colour Black, in a two year dispute with Banksy, who tried to take out an EU trademark on his ‘Flower Thrower’ artwork after the company used it on cards.

He accused Full Colour Black of trying to ‘take custody’ of his name to sell ‘fake merchandise’ of his work, however the European Union Intellectual Property Office sided with Blaser Mills Law and ruled the trade-

Hunt for abusers extended

POLICE have widened their appeal for people to come forward in connection with nonrecent sexual abuse which happened between the years 2006 – 2016, all originating from the statue at the top of Abington Street in Northampton where young people would gather.

The inquiry was launched locally at the end of June this year after police received a number of reports of sexual abuse.

A number of people have come forward since the appeal was launched however detectives are aware that people may have moved out of the county since and are now extending their appeal to reach out to those people who now live elsewhere.

Det Insp Liz Basham said: “We’ve had a really positive response to our appeals locally and I’d like to commend the bravery of those who have come forward so far.

“We are now extending our appeal to other areas in the country to ensure as many people as possible see it and feel able to come forward.

“Let me be clear that I do not

APPEAL

underestimate in the slightest the courage it takes to come forward and tell police officers about sexual abuse and I want to reassure people that we will treat your reports with the confidence and sensitivity they deserve.”

Anyone who has not yet come forward with information about non-recent child abuse emanating from the statue at the top of Abington Street, believed to have taken place between the years 2006 – 2016, is asked to get in touch.

Anyone who has any information is encouraged to contact Northamptonshire Police on 03000 111222, quoting Operation Antigua.

If you are not comfortable speaking to someone initially, you can report online at www.northants.police.uk/ro.

Northamptonshire Police will do all we can to bring offenders of sexual abuse to justice and will treat all reports with the utmost confidence and sensitivity.

The incident number is 542 of 27/06/20.

Keep watching our website at https://rosettapublishing.com/ reporter/ for updates.

mark must be cancelled, after the firm argued the artist was not entitled to it as he did not wish to use it for trade purposes or for branding.

The panel of three judges said they found Banksy’s intention was “not to use the mark as a trademark to commercialise goods ... but only to circumnavigate the law.

“These actions are inconsistent with honest practices.”

Speaking following the ruling, Aaron Wood, trademark attorney at Blaser Mills Law, (pictured), said: “The decision is a significant one for the art industry, and particularly for Banksy.

“A trademark in the name of his company meant he could potentially sue - despite making it clear in the past that he had disdain for

intellectual property.

“It is a big blow to Banksy, who has been trying to get trademarks around the world for his artworks.

“It means all of his trademarks are now as risk, as his entire portfolio has the same issue.

“Our client is ecstatic with the win – it has been a long time coming.

“Unlike Banksy’s work, this masterpiece didn’t just arrive overnight.”

Blaser Mills Law is a leading law firm in the South East and, last year, was named one of the best firms in the world for the sixth year running in the Legal 500 rankings. The rankings acknowledge the highest performing legal firms on a global scale.

TRADEMARKS AT RISK

New web help

A NEW series of web broadcasts

by The Exchange and supported by Oundle School are now available.

They discuss a diverse range of different topics including consent, gambling, bullying, period stigma, body confidence, revenge porn and other so-called taboos facing young people as part of brand new web series.

Find out more at /www.jointheexchange.co.uk/

School advice

SCHOOLS in Northamptonshire have been urged to ‘Check It, Don’t Chance It’ to save a life as they return to a ‘new normal.’

With allergic diseases on the increase and about five to eight per cent of children in the UK having at least one food allergy.

Anaphylaxis Campaign and Allergy UK are urging parents, teachers and school staff to check the expiry dates of life-saving AAI pens, review preventative measures, and refresh staff training, after the long Covid-19 lockdown.

For further information, resources, and advice visit: checkitdontchanceit.co.uk.

Help to quit

STOPTOBER is your chance to join thousands of people around the country who are taking part and quitting smoking.

Are you up for taking on the challenge and achieving one of the most important changes you can make to benefit your health?

Defeating cigarettes can give you back your freedom and help you become healthier, fitter, save you money and even look better.

Take up the challenge today and change your life by downloading the “My Quit Route app” via your normal app store, referring yourself via www.thestopsmokingservice.co.uk.

You can also contact 0800 013 0553 for more details about how to quit.

8 — EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER OCTOBER 2020

Drop litter and face big fines DROP your litter and face the consequences.

That is the stark message from East Northamptonshire Council, which recently prosecuted a driver for just such an offence.

Back in January, a council environmental services officer witnessed the driver throw an empty cigarette packet out of his car window in Kettering Road, Thrapston.

The driver was identified as Ryan Potticary and was offered a fixed penalty notice of £150, (reduced to £100 if paid within 10 days).

Despite reminders being sent, Mr Potticary failed to pay the fine

and was then referred to court where he was offered the opportunity to enter a plea by post.

Again, he failed to reply so the case went to Northampton Magistrates Court in August.

Mr Potticary did not attend but was found guilty and received a £402 fine,(£220 fine plus a £32 victim surcharge and £150 costs).

Council leader Steven North said: “All littering is an offence no matter what it is and we all need to take responsibility by using a bin or taking our rubbish home.

“I hope this case serves as a warning we will hold those who litter to account and we will pursue through the courts.”

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 13th October – 6.45pm POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE Tuesday 13th October – 7.30pm TOWN COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday 27th October – 7.30pm

FARMERS’ MARKET Saturday 31st October, 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 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 2020/21 Tel 01933 413173 Cllr Mrs A.M. Sauntson Cllr J. Smithers** 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

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Nine years in prison for man who raped a disabled girl in Rushden A 68-YEAR-old man who raped a disabled girl has been jailed for a total of nine years.

James Reeve, of Leamington, Warwickshire, was arrested after his seven-year-old victim disclosed the offences to Northamptonshire Police in August, 2019.

Reeve was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court, having admitted rape, a string of further sexual assaults and one of possessing indecent images of children.

The offences took place in Rushden.

Judge Adrienne Lucking, QC, sentenced Reeve to nine years for rape. On the remaining seven sexual assaults and the possession of indecent images, he received sentences of between 18 months and seven-and-a-half years, to run concurrently.

He was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Det Cons Selena Leppard, of Northamptonshire Police’s Child Protection Team (CPT), said:

“Reeve took advantage of an extremely vulnerable young child in order to satisfy his own perverse sexual needs without consideration for anyone except himself.

“It took great courage for this little girl to speak about what happened when she was interviewed by the CPT. “Her account was clear and compelling and no doubt contributed massively to Reeve pleading guilty to eight sex offences.

GREAT COURAGE

“It goes to show how the dedication and hard work of the CPT, as well as the courage of the victim and her family, has put another dangerous sex offender behind bars.

“I am very pleased with the sentence.

“Reeve is an elderly man who may live out the rest of his days in prison.

“If he is ever released he will be subject to management by the MOSOVO team and be on the Sex Offender Register for life.”

Watch your speed – police vow to catch motorists POLICE revealed 28 motorists were caught speeding during a special operation organised in response to community concerns.

Members of the East Northants Neighbourhood Policing and Safer Roads Teams, carried out the speed checks on the B645 between Higham Ferrers and St Neots in Bedfordshire last month.

In total, 40 motoring offences were detected on the county’s section of the road, including a motorcyclist who was clocked riding at 101mph in a 60mph national speed limit zone.

While five drivers were caught exceeding a restricted speed zone

limit of 30mph, with the highest speed recorded at 46mph, and one motorist was reported for failing to stop for police, careless driving and had their vehicle recovered.

One driver received a Section 59 warning for driving in an antisocial manner, and a further four were reported for not wearing a seat belt, four for other minor traffic offences and two for driving a car without a valid MOT. Speeding, along with drink/ drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone at the wheel, makes up the fatal four offences, which are often recorded as a contributory

factors in road collisions.

East Northants Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant, Leigh Francoise Goodwin, said: “This operation was set up after concerns were raised by the local community that the B645 was becoming a race track, after the road had been advertised on some motorcycle websites as a good stretch of road to ride.

“Knowing sections of the road between Higham Ferrers and St Neots are listed as red routes after a number of fatal road collisions, we carried out the speed checks in partnership with our colleagues in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.

“Speed is often recorded as a contributory factor in road collisions and anything we can do to reduce the likelihood or severity of one occurring is of an obvious benefit to all road users.

“The message is simple – slow down and save lives!

“The faster you drive or ride the less time you have to react and you are putting not only your life at risk, but also the lives of other road users.”

Police said that last year throughout Northamptonshire, 42 people were killed, and a further 347 were seriously injured on the roads.

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ALLa TYPES OF New town mayor ready for busy year

LAST month, at the annual general meeting of Rushden Town Council, Mrs Melanie Coleman, (pictured far, left), was elected as Town Mayor for 2020/21, and her husband, Cllr David Coleman, was named as Mayor’s Consort.

Due to Covid-19 a Deputy Mayor will not be elected for 2020/21 – the role will be fulfilled by a member of Rushden Town Council, when required.

The Mayor’s chosen charities will be announced at a later date.

Meanwhile, previous Mayor Cesare Marinaro, completed a Charity Sky Dive at the Hinton Skydive Centre in Brackley, (near, left).

This being Cllr Marinaro's last Mayoral event, the sky dive raised in excess of £3,880.

Cllr Marinaro raised a massive £13,200 during his Mayoral Year, which will go towards his chosen charities Teenage Cancer Trust and Rushden Mind.

PICTURES FROM RUSHDEN TOWN COUNCIL.

Delay to road re-opening

THE re-opening of a main road through Higham Ferrers has been delayed.

Stakeholders, including Rushden Town Council received an update from highways maintenance providers Carnell, which said: “I am writing to inform you that the re-opening of Station Road (A5028) Higham Ferrers will be postponed until February 2021.

“We were planning to partially re-open Station Road to road users in November 2020.

“The delay in re-opening the road is partially due to the shortage and supply of materials during Covid-19 and partially due to the impact of other utility works beyond our control.

“We would like to apologise for the delay in the re-opening of Station Road and thank you for your ongoing patience while we carry out this important work.”

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OCTOBER 2020 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER — 9

Foundation is thinking locally and acting globally to help communities THE county’s Community Foundation has adopted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, (UN SDGs), into its charitable activity.

The foundation, which has given out over £1.4m in grants since April, wants to help promote the UN SDGs locally to show how local action contributes to global good.

The UN SDGs are 17 goals which the United Nations has set to help improve quality of life and wellbeing for all by 2030 which include tackling poverty, hunger, health and wellbeing and access to quality education.

Deputy CEO Rachel McGrath said: “Many of our partner community foundations across the globe from Canada to Mexico and Germany have embraced the UN SDGs into their work.

“Community Foundations embody the spirit of the development goals in that we think global and act local.

“We will promote the goals in our annual reviews and impact reports and we will work with donors to showcase how their donations and community investments are helping work towards the UN SDG goals.

“This autumn we will commence with a series of community conversations online around each of the goals relating to the donors we work with and the community groups we fund on their behalf, bringing people together to discuss local solutions.

“We are committed to supporting the UN SDGs locally as part of our commitment to improve quality of life for all and especially in times of national and local emergencies such as during this public health crisis.

“We wish to ensure no one is left behind and everyone feels they belong to the local community now and in the future.”

The foundation’s recent impact report on distributing funds during the coronavirus pandemic has already highlighted funded work that has helped contribute to the UN SDGs including the following examples: UN SDG 1: No poverty - Baby Basics Northampton - during Covid-19 Baby Basics Northampton continued to support new mums on a low income.

The group have been running as a core staff team of three and close their volunteer sessions

for safety and social distancing.

The grant awarded has enabled the group to purchase stock for emergency baskets of supplies including brand new Moses baskets, (a safe place for the new baby to sleep), toiletries, sterilisers, baths, blankets, fitted sheets, baby grows and newborn baby clothing and socks.

The grant has resulted in 50 baby basket starter packs completed to be sent to a new mum and baby to help keep them safe and well and items purchased for 12 further starter packs.

UN SDG 2: Zero hunger SOFEA has helped establish a network of community larders across south Northamptonshire.

Ten larders have already been established in south Northamptonshire providing weekly food boxes to 1,900 vulnerable individuals and families.

The organisation has waived its

Action on people viewing indecent images OFFICERS from Northamptonshire Police's Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT) have been conducting warrants over the last fewweeks to target people involved in viewing indecent images online.

This video footage shows the team at work in towns across the north of the county with Det Insp Stuart Hitchon talking more about their work.

Last month, a 50-year-old man from Rushden was

arrested on suspicion of possession of indecent images of children.

He has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

A 33-year-old man from Wellingborough was also arrested on suspicion of the same offence.

The work by the POLIT team is part of Northamptonshire Police’s 100 Days of Intense Policing Action campaign.

membership fee during the crisis to allow anyone in need to access and benefit from the larder network.

SOFEA has been targeting vulnerable older people as well as families with children who would otherwise get free school meals, disadvantaged individuals and families who are socially isolated, those who are now in financial crisis and those unable to access regular food supplies.

UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being - Corby Mind - due to social distancing Corby Mind has been unable to support clients faceto-face.

The awarded grant has enabled the group to provide over the phone advice, counselling and emotional support to their most vulnerable clients during lockdown.

Corby Mind developed a fiveweek online anxiety course which it will continue to offer beyond Covid-19.

This service has been offered four hours per day, six days per week and ensures people who need the service can access it.

Corby Mind has responded to 451 calls and provided 232 call back calls through its call back service.

Northamptonshire Community Foundation is asking people to keep a look out on their social media channels in order to take part in the #UNSDG2030 chats on social media feeds later this year.

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Appeal for information after dog drama

POLICE officers are appealing for information following an incident at the Chelveston renewable energy farm, (known locally as the former American air base), in which an elderly woman and her dog were injured.

The incident took place between 7pm and 7.30pm on Monday, August 17, when a woman in her 70s and her husband, parked in a layby and put their dogs on their leads.

A black dog, described as a

Staffi-cross, came out of a nearby field and knocked the woman over.

It then attacked one of her dogs, which sadly had to be put down following the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Police on 101.

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10 — EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER OCTOBER 2020

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Times past

from the Eric Fowell collection

HIGH STREET, RUSHDEN 1951 Looking towards the railway bridge just before the old shops of H. Jackson, formerly J. Seckington’s, both florists and seedsmen were sold and demolished.

EDITORIAL: nick@rosettapublishing.com

WASHBROOK ROAD, C.1909 W. P. Tomkins, Spencer Park Toilet Saloon and Umbrella Depot on the corner of Spencer Road.

Left to right: Mr W. Keller, Mr Newell, Mr W. H. Hewlett, Mr Ike Small, Mr J. Hart, Mr Jack Dorks, Mr Fensome and Mr Jack Keys.

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Nominate your district community champion NOMINATE your champion!

The Chairman of East Northamptonshire Council Helen Howell, has launched a new awards scheme to recognise the local heroes across the district and the excellent work they do in local communities which often goes unrecognised.

The winners of the East Northamptonshire Council Champions will be announced during a ceremony on Wednesday February 10, 2021 and nominations are now open in the following categories: Young Person (up to 7 years of age).

Young Person (7 – 16 years of age).

Bravery.

Helping in the Community.

Good Neighbour.

Volunteer.

Voluntary Group.

Community Organiser.

Business/Organisation.

Councillor Howell said: “I know there is amazing community spirit, volunteers and compassion in East Northants and the past few months have really shown this.

“So I have decided to take the opportunity to recognise our East Northamptonshire Champions by asking residents to nominate groups or individuals that have gone above and beyond in their kindness, generosity and community spirit.

“If you know someone who you think deserves to be recognised, then please head over to the council website and nominate them.”

For full details including award criteria and to submit a nomination, visit www.east-northamptons h i r e . g o v. u k / E N C h a m p i o n s before noon on Thursday December 31, and complete the online form.

Winners will be announced on Wednesday February 10, 2021.

Plea to help Wings Appeal A PLEA has gone out to help the The Wings Appeal.

The Wings Appeal is the RAF Association’s on-going fundraising campaign which runs throughout the year.

It is the fundraising arm of the Association and helps raise the vital funds needed to support serving and former serving RAF personnel and their families, whenever they are in need.

Whether it is an injured airman fighting to get back onto his feet, a young child missing their parent away on overseas operations or a WWII veteran needing a shoulder to lean on, they are here to help.

Since its beginnings in 1951, fundraising for the Wings Appeal initially centred on the Battle of Britain week, (Wings Week), however, over time, fundraising methods have diversified and fundraising has become an activity that spreads throughout the year rather than concentrating on the Wings Week in September.

The RAF Association is dependent on the generosity of the public and the selfless hard

work of their volunteers who help raise vital funds for the Wings Appeal.

All fundraising events will be virtually impossible this year.

Therefore the RAF Association has kindly asked people to consider helping their cause with a donation.

There are several ways which you can donate. You can send a cheque to the local RAFA Treasurer made out to RAFA Rushden and annotated with the words “Wings Appeal” on the reverse.

The treasurer’s address is Mr. Bernard Lines, No 6 Stanley Hunt Court, Midland Road, Rushden, NN10 9UJ. Alternatively, you could transfer funds directly into their Branch Bank account, which is RAFA Rushden Branch 519, Sort Code 30-97-20, Account No. 00274956, again using the reference ‘Wings Appeal.’ Whatever method you use, do not forget to register for Gift Aid so that they can claim the tax rebate on your kind donation.

You can contact the legion at branches.britishlegion.org.uk

OCTOBER 2020 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER — 11

Telling the story of a county town FIND out more about the varied history of Higham Ferrers from a newly-unveiled fixture.

On a rather wet morning district councillor Richard Gell was joined with,umbrellas in hand, Higham Ferrers Mayor, Tina Reavey, and the town council leader Pam Whiting, to officially celebrate the interpretation panel newly installed on the recreational land off Nightingale Way, Station Road.

The council took ownership of this recreational land in 1975 when it was transferred to them from the Corporation of Higham Ferrers following local government re-organisation.

The land originally formed part of a larger land holding which had been used for recreational purposes

back in the mid-1800s.

The panel shares the history of this recreational land - Stanwick Road Recreation Ground - past to present day.

The panel stands proudly by the new play equipment installed in 2019. The panel has been funded in part by East Northamptonshire Council Member Empowerment Fund.

Did you know many goals secured the win for Higham Town Football Club when they played Wellingborough Town at the recreation ground in 1882?

The answer to this and other insights to the town’s heritage are waiting when visitors come and view the panel and get the chance to discover more about their town.

12 — EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER OCTOBER 2020

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Beauty of the Nene Valley captured during lockdown PHOTOGRAPHERS from around the UK captured the beauty of the Nene Valley during the pandemic lockdown this year.

Entries for the Nene Valley Photography Competition 2020 attracted a stunning selection of photographs showcasing the wildlife, culture and heritage of this beautiful location.

With more than 130 photographs entered across three categories, the judges had a hard task to agree the winners.

Entries spanned the length of the Nene Valley highlighting it as a much-loved destination by many.

The competition was organised by Destination Nene Valley as part of the Nenescape Landscape Partnership, a National Lottery Heritage Funded project to explore the people, heritage and identity of the

changing landscape in the Nene Valley.

Photographs from the competition with credits to the photographers are featured on the Nene Valley website at nenevalley.net/photography-competitionwinners-2020/ The judging panel was made up from representatives of Destination Nene Valley, East Northamptonshire Council, Nenescape and One to One Development Trust.

Council leader Steven North said: “The range of photographs we received and the talent behind them is incredibly impressive.

“Picking winners in each category was incredibly difficult, as all the submissions were excellent.

“The partners look forward to featuring a selection of them on the Nene Valley website”.

The winning entries will receive prizes of vouchers for first prize £75, second prize £50, third prize £25.

THE WINNERS IN EACH CATEGORY WERE:

2nd Joy Tildesley – Grebe Expectations Irthlingborough Lakes and Meadows 3rd Wayne Bettles – ‘Move over’ On the strip of water next to the Middle Nene Cruising Club

Nature and wildlife 1st Adrian Leybourne – Barn Owl near Wollaston Lock and the River Nene, (bottom, left)

For more information about the Nene Valley and visit www.nenevalley.net

Landscape 1st Leslie Ranford – Sunrise at Elton Mill, (below, top) 2nd Frances Guilfoyle – Social Distancing near Hardwater Rd, Wollaston 3rd Carl Everitt – Still Waters Irthlingborough Lakes and Meadows

Resilient Nene during Covid-19 1st Chris Porsz – Artists making murals during Covid – Peterborough underpass, Taveners Rd, (bottom, right) 2nd Andrew Thomas – Social distancing on the River Nene, Nine Arches Bridge, Thrapston 3rd Jennie Tansley – Fotheringhay delight – Paddle boarding the socially distancing way

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OCTOBER 2020 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER — 13

Choir singers are undaunted by pandemic LET All Men Sing – this choir has been undaunted by Covid-19.

Northampton Male Voice Choir’s last performance before the lockdown was given on Friday, March 13, when it competed in the Milton Keynes Festival of the Arts.

The following week all rehearsals were suspended and all concerts cancelled indefinitely.

To maintain the choir’s momentum, musical director, Stephen Bell immediately began exploring ‘virtual rehearsal’ options and, a month later, the choir held its first lockdown rehearsal via Zoom.

Online tutorials were held for choristers who needed help with the technology and a full programme of weekly, on-line sectional rehearsals began in May with separate fortnightly rehearsals for the full choir and NMVC Lite.

The on-line rehearsals have continued regularly every week, often with 60-plus choristers taking part and, during this time, the choir has kept busy, learning 13 new songs including a 12minute medley of songs from Guys & Dolls and three songs from West Side Story, which have been specially arranged for the choir by its talented principal accompanist, Andy Poole.

Amazingly, during lockdown, the choir has had more rehearsals than ever thanks to the hard work of its musical director and team and the desire and determination of the choristers to maintain momentum.

Since lockdown began, Mr Bell has carried out interviews with more than 30 choristers and

members of the NMVC Music Team via Zoom, which have been broadcast live on the NMVC YouTube channel.

This channel also contains videos of virtual performances by the choir during lockdown, including NMVC Lite performing Autumn Leaves, My Love is Like a Red Red Rose and The Sound of Silence.

And finally, some six months after lockdown, NMVC has held its first live, socially-distanced and covid-compliant rehearsals at Kislingbury Cricket Club, giving the men a long awaited opportunity to meet up with each other safely and enjoy the great feeling of being able to sing together.

An exciting opportunity has also arisen for the choir to be represented by NMVC Lite at a socially-distanced live concert to be held at the Deco Theatre, Northampton on Saturday, November 21, to raise money for the Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund.

NMVC is actively pursuing opportunities to give other covidcompliant performances to real live audiences and planning is underway for the recording of a new CD and an enormous Party in the Park before the end of 2020.

For more information about NMVC visit www.nmvc.co.uk/ For ticket details and information about the Deco Theatre concert visit its website by going to thedeco.co.uk/event/onevoicethe-concert

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Amber fulfills her dream

A COUNTY has cemented her aspirations to pursue a career in medicine after shadowing a doctor at Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in the outpatient paediatric clinic at Sudborough House.

Amber Wickremasinghe, who attends A-level studies at Northampton School for Boys, spent the day with Dr Proscovia Kabanda at Sudborough House to see the care she provides to children and their parents at the clinic.

The trust works with young people who receive care within its children’s services, and their par-

ents or carers, as part of its participation programme to help improve the patient experience and ensure patients’ voices are heard at all times within the Trust.

Foundation trust chief executive Angela Hillery said: “We are committed to delivering outstanding and compassionate care for our service users.

“It is great to hear Amber has enjoyed her time with the Trust as part of the participation team and was able to gain further experience by shadowing Dr Kabanda.

“We would like to wish to her all the very best for the future.”

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14 — EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER OCTOBER 2020

LETTERS

TO THE EDITOR

WE ARE LUCKY TO HAVE BORIS IN CHARGE

TO THE EDITOR: AS

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EDITORIAL: nick@rosettapublishing.com

POINT TO PONDER

a retired MD and chairman during my 50 years in industry we entered into many, many binding business ‘agreements’ throughout the UK, Europe, USA and the Far East.

All these were duly signed and entered into based significantly on ’goodwill’ between both parties to abide by those agreements,which were legal binding documents.

Sometimes you had a distinct feeling and knew that the other party had no intention of fulfilling their obligations at an early stage as they had another agenda, to either tie your hands,

prevent a competitor from entering a partnership or just plainly blocking you from the market.

It is plainly evident for anyone to see this has and is the full intention of the EU by initially deceptive and latterly bullying means to achieve this objective.

We are extremely lucky we have in Boris an astute politician who has acted to foil the EU's plan, had we had Blair, Major, Campbell or May leading our country,we would be trapped forever.

Brian Farman, Higham Ferrers

DON’T BLAME DR BEECHING

TO THE EDITOR:

I was pleased to see the photographs of Rushden

station and the revamped Goods Shed in the September The Reporter.

However, I must explode this myth which has been around too long.

Dr Beeching did not close the Higham and Rushden Branch.

In the 1950s British Railways was looking at potential branch line closures, the Higham Branch being one of them.

The review recommended that passenger services should cease as from June 1959, together with stations on the Kettering to Huntingdon line.

Poor old Dr Beeching gets blamed for many rail closures but the Higham Branch was not one of them.

Peter Butler, Rushden

Watch those stress levels WATCH your stress levels - that is the message from Heart Research UK. It said that we all experience stress from time to time. There are many things that can lead to us feeling stressed.

It can come from the news, our jobs, financial insecurity, health issues and personal problems.

Feeling constantly stressed and overwhelmed can lead to a rise in blood pressure and resting heart rate, both of which increase our risk of having a heart attack.

Heart Research UK has some tips to help you avoid unnecessary stress and deal with existing stress in a healthy way.

Avoid consuming too much news - while it may be important for us to stay up to date with current

affairs, a constant stream of negative news reports can be a source of stress and anxiety.

Walk your way to a healthy heart - not only is regular physical activity good for our heart health, but it can also alleviate stress.

Just breathe - despite the growing attention that meditation and breathing exercises is getting, it is still one of the most underrated things you can do to ease your stress levels and lower your blood pressure.

BREATHING AND MEDITATION

You can find more healthy tips, recipes and advice at heartresearch.org.uk.

TO TEACH YOU HOW TO DO IT

You can’t beat fresh produce!

We must remember that we are only stewards of what we have been given

By Canon George Burgon

“YE get oot whit ye pit in” was the garden philosophy of my Glaswegian grandfather.

With a wife and nine children to feed, he had to augment his brick layer’s wages with the produce from his allotment.

The stables of the nearby coal merchants ensured a well-fed soil.

There always seemed to be plenty of potatoes, leeks, turnips, cabbages, tomatoes, etc.

Harvest for him was a combination of weather, hard work and common sense learned from nature.

When we celebrate harvest in our churches and schools and other groups, we are reminded that our food comes from co-operating with mother nature and one another.

The Bible writers use these experiences as analogies on how we are to nurture our character, (Galatians 6:7-10).

Good influences do shape our integrity.

We can all help one another to grow into full human beings. The main sign of this is in loving our neighbour as ourselves.

St Paul even goes as far as to say that each one of us should show “the fruits of the spirit of God in our daily lives,” (Galatians 6:22 and 23).

We could certainly benefit with more “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” in our world today.

Sowing and reaping are timeless and intercommunal activities no matter where we live.

They are not confined to the arena of food production if we would seek a better “harvest for the world.”

COUNTY artist – John Frederick Black continues to attract international acclaim for his paintings.

John whose studio is in Rushden, will have his work fea-

The harvest experience embraces all aspects of life.

It is the annual challenge to us to identify ourselves with the created universe and all the gifts it bestows upon us.

We still have within us that yearning to retain our roots with mother earth in our daily life.

We may no longer see the coalman’s horse in the streets delivering that source of energy and fuel.

Yet we still love our horses!

There is an increased demand in having allotments. Garden centres are a vital part of our way of life.

There is strong evidence today that organic based compost is the best way to feed our plants.

Although we may only have room for a window box or a hanging basket or a potted peace lily in our homes, we still want to retain our links with the natural world.

Such links are under threat from the wanton disregard of preserving the Earth’s resources.

Global warming and pollution are an ever-present threat to all that lives.

This is not fake news but science informing us of what is happening when there is an uncontrolled exploitation of our planet.

The various pressure groups that vie to bring such truths to our attention are not eccentric.

They appeal to the spiritual dimension we should all have in our way of thinking.

To survive we must put back what we have taken for granted because “the earth is the Lord's, and all that therein is.”

We are only stewards of what we have been given.

tured again in the International Artist Publication. His most recent collection of paintings, produced since the pandemic, can be viewed by appointment only.

To arrange a viewing telephone 01933 392679 for a slot.

You can also visit his virtual gallery by going to www.john frederickblack.co.uk

Quincy Motorcycles

We are pleased to announce that you can now buy your fresh fish and vegetables from our garden centre

‘Best Veg’ are open Wednesdays and Saturdays

2008 Triumph Bonneville T100, 865cc. 19,999 miles, first of the EFI models, good condition. Full set of quality luggage....... £4,900

2016 Triumph Thruxton R, 96bhp 1200cc, low mileage 2,399 miles, ABS, Brembo, Showa, Ohlins, matt black, VGC............... £7,999

1973 AJS Stormer Motocross Villiers Starmaker 250cc single cylinder, 2-stroke, new ignition, Amal carb, seat and tank. £3,100

Tribsa project, BSA B44 frame, Triumph twin 500cc, conical rear hub, TLS front, Akront rims, new chain, Cerani style forks...£offers

‘Docklands Fresh Grimsby Fish’ are open Tuesday to Saturday

Post office • Café • Dog grooming • Groceries • Home made cakes • Gifts & cards • Pet supplies

SLE FREE NO HAS G PARKIN

MILTON ERNEST GARDEN CENTRE

www.miltonernestgardencentre.co.uk

Radwell Road (just off the A6) Milton Ernest MK44 1SH

Tel: 01234 823033

Viewing by appointment only Tel: 07724 905406

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gardening

BEDFORDSHIRE BULLETIN OCTOBER 2020 — —15 OCTOBER 2020 EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER 15

with Milton Ernest Garden Centre

Roses grow on you

T

HE rose is probably the most popular plant in most English gardens. It is also one of the oldest in cultivation with fossil evidence of having existed 35 million years ago.

It was grown 5000 years ago in Chinese Gardens and 1000 years ago the Romans planted Roses for medicinal purposes, perfumery and to produce “confetti” for celebrations. In England in the 15th century it became a symbol of political power in the War of the Roses between the Lancastrian and Yorkshire factions of royalty.

Roses were planted in large numbers in France in the 18th century when repeat flowering varieties became popular. These are the ancestors of our modern varieties today.

We grow Roses in many different ways for the vibrant colours and perfume they add to our gardens in summer and autumn.

Roses can be grown to decorate many places whether for a

mass display on their own, an addition to mixed shrub and perennial borders, against walls or fences, over arches or pergolas, as standard small trees, as ground cover or a feature in pots on a sunny patio.

Roses are available in a vast array of colours and many have names that highlight occasions like wedding anniversaries and birthdays so make excellent living gifts for gardening friends. Most varieties also make good cut flowers for the house.

Roses will grow successfully in many different soil types but prefer heavy clay to lighter sandy places.

It is advisable to add organic material like peat and farmyard manure and a mycorrhizal

compound to help the plant to establish a good root system easily.

It is important to plant roses deeply to prevent wind rock which reduces the vigour so dig a hole that allows the soil to cover the graft at the base of the stem by two inches. It is better to plant roses between October and March when the plant appears dormant above ground but it will start to grow roots in the winter months ready for the top rapid spring growth.

Most roses need a sunny position.

When planting new roses dig farmyard manure into the planting hole to improve the soil structure and mulch the ground surface with bark to retain moisture and smother weeds.

It is important to prune roses to produce the best display. It is essential to use clean sharp secateurs. Do not prune in frosty weather.

Prune Bush and English Shrub Roses by half in November to prevent winter root damage and again in March to three outward facing buds. If you cut the plants back by half again after flowering feed with a good rose food and keep watered for about four weeks you can enjoy a second flush of flower in early autumn.

Miniature and Patio Roses should be only lightly trimmed in early spring.

Climbing Roses are pruned to maintain their shape so train four to five long stems horizontally to encourage flowering shoots along the stem. If you are growing over an archway wind the stems as laterally as possible around the upright posts for a lot more flower before training overhead.

Rambling Roses need severe pruning. Cut out the old stems that have flowered and tie in the

new ones maintaining a horizontal plane to promote flower buds.

Ground Cover roses can be reduced by half immediately after they flower and will often flower again in the autumn.

Most old varieties of shrub rose flower once in a season on old stems so only need light pruning to remove any diseased or damaged branches and to prevent congestion.

To keep roses free from disease it is important to maintain vigorous growth so feed generously and give plenty of water in dry weather.

In November feed with bone meal

which is slowly released during winter and from March until June feed with rose food or fish blood and bone.

Also put a good layer of mulch around the base of each plant in February to help control any fungus spores in the soil. It is advisable to spray roses when the leaves have grown in spring with a fungicide to control mildew and blackspot and an insecticide if aphids are seen in early May. There are so many wonderful roses that I cannot begin to recommend varieties. Instead here are a few photos of real specialities.

16 — EAST NORTHANTS REPORTER OCTOBER 2020

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sport Oulton returns to sparkle as Diamonds kick off season MIDFIELDER Ross Oulton has returned to AFC Rushden & Diamonds as the club kicked off its busy programme.

Outlon, (pictured, left, from Diamonds website), returned from Daventry Town having previously been with the Diamonds from 2016-2018, when he played 26 times and scored six goals.

Last season he was with Stratford Town along with a brief spell at Barwell.

The team enjoyed a fruitful pre-season, including a 5-1 win against neighbours Rushden and Higham United, before launching their league campaign with a draw away to Nuneaton Borough.

The early season programme also saw them lose

to Newark in the Emirates FA Cup, first round qualifying draw.

Due to current coronavirus restrictions, and until further notice, all games for the forthcoming season will be all ticket.

For more information visit the club’s website at www.afcdiamonds.com to find out how to watch games.

All the latest ticket news, as well as fixtures and results will be available on the website.

You can also contact the club on 01933 359206 and keep an eye on our website at rosettapublish ing.com/reporter for any breaking stories from the club.

RUSHDEN’S LEADING MOBILITY CENTRE SINCE 1980 action2mobility.co.uk

OPEN MON-FRI 9AM - 4.30PM FREE PARKING

EDITORIAL: nick@rosettapublishing.com

Boosting sport opportunities ACTIVITY Alliance has unveiled a new course to boost sport in the workplace.

The updated e-Learning course will help deliver an excellent service for disabled customers.

With refreshed content, the online module sets out to empower workforces within leisure and sport organisations.

Upskilling the teams responsible for customer care in these active environments will enable more disabled people to have a better, positive experience.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, disabled people and people with long-term health conditions were twice as likely as non-disabled people to be physically inactive.

During this crisis, inequalities have widened, and the full impact on disabled people's activity is yet unknown.

Activity Alliance continues to work with key partners to ensure disabled people are not forgotten as we return to play.

Previous annual survey research shows four in five disabled people do want to be more active.

This means as activities resume in facilities across our communi-

ties, the workforce in customerfacing roles play a vital role.

They will have a crucial part in encouraging more disabled people to be and stay active.

The societal impact of inclusive customer service is as notable as the business potential for leisure and sports organisations.

One in five of our population considers themselves a disabled person or is living with a long-term health condition.

That means there is potential to reach an untapped market.

But research shows more than eight in 10 disabled customers have taken their business elsewhere after experiencing poor customer care.

Users will be able to learn from top tips and practical advice when serving disabled customers. It is packed full of useful advice, including disabled people talking about their lived experiences.

For a small cost for one user or multi-purchase for teams, organisations can access this online trainby visiting activityalliance.org.uk You can find out more about the scheme on the Northamptonshire Sport website at www.northamptonshiresport.org

Busy month at Hayden Road RUSHDEN and Higham United have a busy month of fixtures in the United Counties League.

The team has three home games on Saturday, October 3, Tuesday, October 6 and Saturday, October 10, Melton Town, Northampton Sileby Rangers and Aylestone Park.

They then play St Andrews away on Saturday, October 17, before a home clash with local rivals Raunds Town, on Tuesday, October 20.

They then play Lutterworth Athletic at home on Saturday, October 24, and Blackstones at home on Saturday, October 31.

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The county’s Country Parks are running nature based Wildlife and Wellbeing sessions for adults with learning disabilities aged 16-plus on a monthly basis.

The sessions started last month and consists of a health walk and nature-themes craft activities.

People can take part with their carers.

Irchester Country Park will host two more walks. They take place on Thursday, October 22, and Thursday, November 27.

Walks are also being held at Brixworth Country Park.

Those sessions will take place on Thursday, October 8 and on Thursday, November 12.

The walks run between

10.30am and 12 noon.

Places are limited and Covid19 measures are in place.

The cost is £30 per participant and includes parking.

Carers can take part for free.

For more details and to book email the organisers at educationrangers@northamptonshire.gov.u k You can also follow twitter.com/LONorthants on Twitter to find local services for ages up to 25 with SEN and disabilities.

You can also find similar activities on the Northamptonshire Sport Twitter feed at twitter.com/Nsport or at northamptonshiresport.org