Welcome ...
Merry Christmas and welcome to this my 73rd electronic news bulletin.
This has been both a momentous and contentious year in British politics, seeing the election of a coalition government that has made some real achievements in a few short months, even though many have been based on some difficult yet necessary decision-making.
But of course, there's still lots to do. More challenging times lie ahead in the next 12 months, and the rewards for taking tough action and persevering with our deficit reduction plan will be substantial.
The action we have taken in first 7 months of the coalition government has already reduced the interest payments on the debt we would have been paying if we had stuck to the previous government’s plans by many billions of pounds.
In Crewe and Nantwich there are signs that confidence is increasing and community resolve and spirit is hardening.
Bentley, our biggest employer, is doing better, small businesses are starting up and expanding, and Queens Park is to be finished next year, to name but a few.
But there's no room for complacency. We need to continue to help create the environment that makes Britain open for business, and in that Crewe and Nantwich has an important part to play. I will continue on your behalf to push hard for and in the interests of the whole constituency both locally and nationally.
On a personal note I would like to thank the people of Crewe and Nantwich for their consistent good humour, constructive criticism, encouragement and support.
I remain humbled by the honour of being your representative in Westminster and look forward to working with you all in the year ahead. In the meantime have a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.
Please remember, you can always contact me directly if you have any questions for me.
You can forward the bulletin on to your friends and family, who can sign up themselves by clicking here for my website.
Best wishes,
Edward Timpson
Member of Parliament for Crewe & Nantwich
I have recently ...
- Met with regional representatives from Royal Mail, to discuss the disruption of postal services throughout Crewe & Nantwich.
- Met with local Royal Mail staff from Crewe & Nantwich, in Parliament, to hear at first hand about the ongoing problems with the postal services in the constituency.
- Held a Constituents' Surgery at my office in Crewe.
- Met with The Family Fund to discuss the support available for local families with disabled children who use the service. I was pleased to learn that this week the government guaranteed continued funding for the Family Fund through to at least 2015.
- Met with representatives from Life Education Centres, to discuss their work in the constituency, improving health education for children.
- Spoke in Parliament on the need to ensure that our emergency services, in particular our ambulance services, have the right support, resources, information and equipment to continue to deliver a fully operating service during the severe winter weather.
- Visited the Horizons Centre for Looked After Children in Ealing London, as part of my Cross-Party Inquiry into the educational attainment of children in care.
Photos & Video ...
You can view all my photos and video at edwardtimpsonmp.com
LATH group in Crewe tackles homelessness
BBC Stoke and Staffordshire
Homeless men over the age of 30 in the south Cheshire town of Crewe, find it harder than any other group to get the help and support they need.
That is according to new research by the Looking After The Homeless (LATH) group, which says more agencies offer support for women and young people.
LATH was set up last year to bring together charities and services already helping homeless people in Crewe.
It is planning to open a drop-in centre and homeless shelter in the town.
One of the LATH Group members, Nick (he did not want to reveal his real name), talked to BBC Radio Stoke about his experience.
Life fell apart
He described how three years ago, after his business went bankrupt, his life fell apart and very quickly he ended up penniless and on the streets of Crewe.
He said: "A major problem I had is where to go for help. Initially I went to the library and thought there must be some posters or something there to direct me for help... and there was nothing."
"Even the local police station - they had no posters or anything," he added.
"The housing people, I went to see them to see if they could help me, but it seemed to be that my age was against me. And my sex, being a male over sort of 30, there was no support."
Nick now has somewhere to live and has a job.
Major agencies
LATH comprises members from all the major agencies involved in caring for the needy and homeless of all age including CAB, Cheshire East Council, Cheshire Police, Churches Together, Connexions, Salvation Army, Samaritans, Shelter, St Vincent de Paul Society and the YMCA.
Members of the Public (including a former homeless person) are also involved and it has the support of the local MP, Mr Edward Timpson.
Its mission statement is "To ease the plight of the homeless in the Crewe area, with the long term aim of eliminating it altogether".
Anyone wishing to contact LATH about homelessness can call 01270 503364. Office is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.
© BBC MMX
Plans at an advanced stage for the Battle of Nantwich re-enactment on Holly Holy Day
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
FINAL plans are being made for staging the annual Holly Holy Day celebrations in Nantwich next month.
In a much-loved local tradition, the event commemorates the 1644 Siege and Battle of Nantwich.
The format will follow last year’s highly successful expanded version of the event, which was designed to provide a broader appeal and an even bigger sense of occasion in the town.
As well as the colourful parade and battle re-enactment there will be a range of town centre entertainment and attractions from first thing in the morning onwards.
Holly button holes will also again be on sale, with proceeds to be donated to a local good cause.
Holly Holy Day Society chairman Shaun Cafferty said: “We have made a few adjustments from last time based on our experiences, but the general consensus was that the atmosphere and sense of occasion was fantastic.
“The morning activities added to the traditional parade and battle taking place in the afternoon, and offered alternative amusement for those who didn’t necessarily want to stand in a cold muddy field for their fun!
“People really embraced the event. It was estimated that the numbers in town that day were four times the average for a January Saturday!”
MP Edward Timpson was among them that day and has been a keen supporter and patron of the event for a number of years.
He said: “Holly Holy Day is always a great excuse for a day out for anyone in South Cheshire and beyond.
“It really puts Nantwich on the map and provides a much-needed boost for local businesses who may be experiencing a post-Christmas slump.”
Holly Holy Day takes place on Saturday, January 22. For more information, visit www.hollyholyday.org.uk.
© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
Holly Holy Day set to be best yet
Crewe and Nantwich Guardian
THE annual Holly Holy Day celebration in Nantwich next January looks set to be one of the biggest yet.
The popular local tradition commemorates the 1644 Siege and Battle of Nantwich.
The format will follow last year’s highly successful expanded version of the event, which was designed to provide a broader appeal and an even bigger sense of occasion in the town.
As well as the colourful parade and battle re-enactment, there will be a range of town centre entertainments and attractions from first thing in the morning onwards.
There will again be stage performances by X Academy and The Nantwich Players, A Living History exhibition and mounted troopers parading through the town.
Further plans include a hog roast, Punch and Judy Show and children’s entertainer.
It is also hoped to have a band, as well as some other 17th century entertainments, including music and a musketry demonstration.
Holly button holes will also again be on sale, with proceeds to be donated to a local good cause.
The Holly Holy Day Society’s Shaun Cafferty said: “We have made a few adjustments from last time based on our experiences, but the general consensus was that the atmosphere and sense of occasion in the town was fantastic.
“The morning activities added to add to the traditional parade and battle taking place in the afternoon, and offered alternative amusement for those who didn’t necessarily want to stand in a cold muddy field for their fun!
“People really embraced the event. It was estimated that the numbers in town that day were four times the average for a January Saturday!"
Local Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has been a keen supporter and patron of the event for a number of years.
He said: “Holly Holy Day is always a great excuse for a day out for anyone in South Cheshire and beyond.
“It really puts Nantwich on the map and provides a much needed boost for local businesses who may be experiencing a post Christmas slump.”
Holly Holy Day takes place on Saturday January 22 starting at 9.30am in the town centre, with the battle re-enactment commencing on Mill Island at 2pm.
© 2010 Newsquest Media Group
Hundreds attend balloon release in memory of Crewe toddler Leo Messam who tragically died in house fire
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
Hundreds attend balloon release in memory of Crewe toddler Leo Messam who tragically died in house fire
THE sky over Crewe was a mass of colour on Saturday as hundreds of balloons were released in memory of Leo Messam.
People of all ages turned out on a cold, damp morning to celebrate the life of the toddler who was tragically killed in a house fire on Myrtle Street two weeks ago.
The balloon release came just days after the little boy would have celebrated his second birthday.
It was attended by Leo’s parents, Charlotte Banks and Taurean Messam, and his brothers, Tyrese, three, and three-month-old Dannon.
A clearly emotional Taurean was overwhelmed with the support from local people.
“I want to say thanks to everyone who has turned up here today,” he told the Chronicle, as he held his baby son. “And thank you to everyone who has helped us.”
The event was organised by Taurean’s cousin, Carmen Messam.
She too was delighted at the turnout.
“Without all these people giving up their time and turning out, it would never have happened,” said Carmen.
“I can’t thank people enough for their support. They have been fabulous.”
Her comments were echoed by Taurean’s mum Nerica Steele.
“Again, I want to say a big thank you to everybody that’s turned up,” said Leo’s grandmother.
“People are suffering with colds and they’re ill and for them to come out in weather like this it’s unbelievable.”
As midday approached, the crowd gathered around the town’s war memorial fell silent.
When the clock struck 12, hundreds of balloons were released, brightening up the grey, overcast sky.
Then the assembled crowds clapped and cheers went up from the toddler’s family.
One balloon seemed to hover for longer than the rest – the balloon in the shape of the figure 2 was extra poignant as little Leo died just days before his second birthday.
Among the crowd of family, friends and well-wishers were a number of Crewe councillors, a former Crewe & Nantwich Mayor Steve Roberts and local MP Edward Timpson.
Mr Timpson said afterwards: “This morning’s celebration of Leo’s life and the huge support from the local community brings home how widespread the sense of loss is felt. My thoughts are with the family.”
© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
Crewe has second worst postal service in mainland Britain, official report says
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
SOUTH Cheshire residents and businesses are getting the second worst postal service in mainland Britain – and that’s official.
Latest figures released in Royal Mail’s performance report shows only 88.9% of first class post was delivered on time in the third quarter of the year.
This puts the CW postcode area at 120th in a table of 121 main postcode areas in England, Scotland and Wales. Only Wigan has a worse record.
The figures correspond to a time when the Weston Road sorting office closed and work was transferred from Crewe to Warrington.
The move involved about 600 workers transferring amid protests and warnings the service would suffer.
This week Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson said: “We don’t need an official report to tell us how bad the service has become for Crewe and Nantwich. This has been the most common complaint that I have received in recent months.
“This is hitting everyone hard, from businesses to residents and the visually impaired who, upsettingly, are not receiving their talking newspaper tapes.
“I always told Royal Mail that the postal service would suffer when they decided to take so many jobs away from Crewe, but they didn’t listen. I have requested a meeting with senior management as soon as possible to discuss the issue.”
A Royal Mail spokesman said the quality of service report referred to July to September, when the mail centre in Warrington was experiencing temporary teething problems which have been addressed.
“More recently, we have made essential changes to our delivery operation in Crewe and we apologise to any customers who have experienced mail delays while these changes bed in,” he said.
“We continue to work hard with our staff in delivery and processing to ensure all our customers receive the quality of service they rightly expect.”
© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
Brine Leas High School pupils in Nantwich present poverty petition to MP Edward Timpson
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
STUDENTS from Brine Leas High School met their MP last week to present a hand-print petition campaigning against world poverty.
Edward Timpson received the petition, which encouraged the Government to remain committed to achieving the Millennium Development Goals set in 2000.
Year 7 pupils Olivia Clark, Malin Audermaher, Daniel Skellon and Fin Preston heard about the campaign when St Mary’s Church rector Peter Chantry came into school to take assembly.
The Rev Chantry said: “Around the world so many people live without the basic necessities that we take for granted, like access to clean water, medication and education.
“The Millennium Development Goals were set to help the poorest people out of their poverty.
“I’ve been encouraging students at Brine Leas and members of St Mary’s Church to join the campaign and to draw around their hand to add their weight to the appeal.”
Mr Timpson received the petition at his Crewe office and told the pupils about the Government’s programme of Overseas Aid, stating that the Government remained committed to achieving the goals set.
© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
MP Edward Timpson visits Sainsbury's store in Nantwich
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
MP Edward Timpson visits Sainsbury’s store in Nantwich
CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson made a special visit to Sainsbury’s in Nantwich to find out about the store’s charity activities.
Mr Timpson chatted to staff at the Middlewich Road store and learned how they support the community and charities through fundraising.
He was particularly interested in the success of the Active Kids programme, which has helped to donate sports, cooking and gardening equipment to schools in Nantwich.
Active Kids has helped to donate £100m worth of equipment to schools and community groups across the UK since the initiative began in 2005.
The Nantwich store’s school programme was of great interest to Mr Timpson especially the promotion of Fairtrade products, healthy eating, waste reduction and protecting of the environment
Store manager Pete Jones said: “Sainsbury’s prides itself on being a great place to work and we are delighted to have shown Edward how active we are in the local community”.
© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
Haslington bakery celebrates 10th anniversary
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
Haslington bakery celebrates 10th anniversary
CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson was special guest at an afternoon tea to celebrate the 10th anniversary of a Haslington bakery.
Mr Timpson cut the celebration cake before chatting to customers and suppliers at Food for Thought Bakery as he enjoyed a glass of champagne and food laid on by bakery owners Judy McNeill and Lee Allen.
Lee said: “The bakery was set up 10 years ago and provides food that has no chemical additives.
“It has gone from strength to strength producing not only craft-made bread and cakes but also supplying best quality home- cooked meats, local cheeses and bakery prepared salads, grills and pies, etc.”
Food for Thought is a regular attender at Nantwich Farmers’ Market and various craft fairs.
Its take-out business has grown and includes business and leisure buffets as well as celebration cakes and other food.
The owners thanked their customers and suppliers.
“Here’s to the next 10 years,” said Judy. “With many thanks to our loyal customers and suppliers for the last 10.”
© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
5 ways to contact Edward Timpson
- By email: timpsone@parliament.uk
- On the web: edwardtimpsonmp.com
- By phone: 01270 501 725
- By post: 30 Victoria Street, Crewe CW1 2JE
- In person: Click here to see surgery times
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