Youngsters scoop top award for Tatton Show garden

 

Cheshire East Council’s youth support service came up with an ‘in-genie-ous’ design to be awarded a distinction by judges for their amazing garden at the Tatton Park RHS Flower Show.

Themed around the story of Aladdin, the garden was a magic carpet of colour conjured up by students from Wilmslow High School and Handforth Youth Centre.

Their creation was awarded a distinction in the ‘best high school garden’ category and this is the second year in a row that the Council’s youth support service has won this award.

Young people from Handforth Youth Centre created an ‘Arabian nights’ tableau containing a mosaic, a magic carpet and a serpent, applying a busy and creative use of marigolds, lobelia and an array of other colourful plants.

Councillor Liz Durham, Cabinet member for children and families, said: “Staff and many talented young people have spent months putting this excellent display together and I’m sure you’ll agree that the garden is beautifully presented and deserving of such recognition.”
About 40 young people, from several of the Council’s youth support service projects around Wilmslow and Handforth, have been involved.

After the show, the garden was re-located to Oakenclough Children’s Centre, on Colshaw Farm, where the community is now able to enjoy it.

For more information on the work of the Council’s youth support service, please contact: Kay McIntyre on 01625 384320 or kay.mcintyre@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Council encourages openness for those with concerns

 

As part of the Council’s determination to be open and transparent, Cheshire East Council’s audit and governance committee is adding an additional safe channel for ‘whistleblowing’ by officers, elected members, or others working for the Council to report concerns about the conduct of Council business. 

The committee has voted to allow whistleblowers to contact the committee’s members directly, as an alternative to raising concerns with Council officers, the trade unions or the police.

Councillor Lesley Smetham, chair of the Council’s audit and governance committee, said: “Cheshire East is firmly committed to the highest possible standards of openness, honesty and accountability and does not tolerate malpractice or wrongdoing.

“We value our employees and those working for the Council delivering services to the people of Cheshire East and, as such, we need to know when things may be going wrong.

“Members of the audit and governance committee would like employees, Councillors, or others working for the council to know that they are welcome to bring concerns about possible wrongdoing directly to the chair, vice-chair or any member of the committee, in confidence, in order to help us further improve how we as a Council serve the people of Cheshire East.

“Alternatively, as the whistleblowing policy makes clear, people can refer concerns to senior officers (including the Chief Executive), or to the trade unions, the police or contact the charity set up for such cases – Public Concern at Work (on 02074 046 609).” 

The Council’s whistleblowing policy is intended to encourage and enable employees, elected members and others working for the Council to raise serious concerns within the Council or with appropriate external bodies, in confidence.

The whistleblowing policy provides a structured and safe route for individuals to raise concerns, rather than ignoring a problem, or publicising their concerns in a manner which could unfairly damage the Council’s reputation, impede proper investigations or unfairly detrimentally impact individuals.

For more information about the Council’s audit and governance committee and its members’ contact details, visit:

http://moderngov.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ecminutes/mgCommitteeDetails.aspx?ID=486

For details of the Council’s ‘whistleblowing’ policy visit:

http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/system_pages/information_for_staff/whistleblowing/whistleblowing.aspx

Council shortlisted for five awards for excellence in public service

 

Cheshire East Council is in the running to scoop five prestigious national awards for excellence in public service.

The local authority has five entries shortlisted in the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Service Awards 2016.

The Council’s shortlisted entries are:

● Best public/ private partnership working initiative – Fairerpower energy supply partnership between Cheshire East Council (CEC) and OVO;

● Best community and neighbourhood initiative – CEC/Ansa community partnership to recycle Christmas trees and raise funds for Cheshire East Hospice;

● Best service team: highways, winter maintenance and street lighting – Cheshire East Highways;

● Best service team: transport and fleet maintenance – TSS, the Council’s own transport company;

● Best service team: construction and building service – for the new £15m Crewe Lifestyle Centre.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “This is fantastic news and recognises just some of the excellent and innovative work the Council’s dedicated teams and our arm’s-length companies are delivering for local people.

“This Council puts its residents first – and I would like to congratulate all the Council staff involved in these projects and thank them for all their hard work to help deliver quality services for residents.”

Cheshire East Council Chief Executive Mike Suarez said: “To be nominated for an award is a real feather in any authority’s cap – but to be nominated for five is tremendous recognition for the quality of the work and services provided by Cheshire East’s workforce for local residents.”

As an example of the innovative work being undertaken by the Council, the ‘best community and neighbourhood initiative’ entry saw the Council support a community-led project that has recycled more than 55,000 Christmas trees and raised more than £675,000 for East Cheshire Hospice during the past 16 years. The trees are used to create a much-needed natural soil improver for farmers.

The award winners will be announced at a ceremony in September.

Dates fixed for Middlewich transport and travel consultation

 

A month-long consultation to allow the people of Middlewich to comment on transport and travel issues in the town is to begin in mid August.

Three public events are planned to allow for the widest possible public engagement.

Residents and businesses participating in the consultation will also be able to view the latest progress on plans for a bypass for the town, which will be the subject of a further consultation once a proposed scheme has reached its formal planning stage.

The views of residents and businesses will be sought on public transport provision, including bus services, road safety concerns, walking and cycling routes and it will address the question of planning for a railway station in Middlewich.

Cheshire East Council Leader Rachel Bailey said: “Cheshire East is working hard to deliver a solution for the transport issues facing the town and its residents.

“We are a listening authority and the views of those contributing to the consultation will be listened to and taken into account.

“We are determined that residents should have their say and the opportunity to influence and shape an overall action plan on transport. This will look at short and longer-term solutions.

“It is very important that we have the support of the town’s residents in whatever proposals we take forward. Our findings will also be shared with the people developing Middlewich’s neighbourhood plan.” 

Public drop-in sessions will take place in the town, where local people can speak with Council staff and pass on their comments.

The consultation will begin on August 15 and end on September 16.  Public events will take place on August 25, September 3 and September 13, the details for which will be announced nearer the time.

These events will also inform residents, businesses and stakeholders of the work done by the Council to date and the current programme for tackling some of the issues facing Middlewich.

The consultation will also provide information to residents and businesses on the changing trends in traffic and travel in Middlewich and the rest of the Borough.

Crewe pavilion reopens after £450,000 refurbishment

 

Cheshire East has reopened a pavilion after a £450,000 refurbishment to boost sporting opportunities and facilities in Crewe.

The pavilion at the King George V Playing Fields, on West Street, was opened by Cheshire East Council Leader Rachel Bailey at an event attended by the Football Association, the Football Foundation and local community groups.

The grant to refurbish the pavilion was secured in autumn 2014 after the building was identified by Cheshire Football Association as a high priority in the Borough.

The pavilion has close ties with George’s Community Centre, which aims to provide refreshments to the teams and supporters, who will use the facilities on match days. The community centre will additionally provide access for other community activities.

The new high-quality changing room facilities at the pavilion will encourage increased sporting opportunities for residents through better accessibility and support mixed sport. Improvements to drainage on the pitches will allow for more football matches to take place, where waterlogging was previously a problem.

Speaking at the event, Cllr Rachel Bailey said: “It’s wonderful to be here today opening this tremendous new pavilion, which I know will help to further improve the levels of sporting participation in Crewe.

“With the Crewe Lifestyle Centre having been launched earlier this year, this is another sign of how committed this Council is towards improving opportunities to residents in the town.”

The LATH group (Looking After The Homeless) Open Day

The LATH group (Looking After The Homeless) Open Day, Sat 16-7-16

Reporter  Jonathan White, Crewe

The LATH group (Looking After The Homeless, http://www.lathgroup.org.uk) held their second annual Open Day in Crewe on Saturday 16th July 2016. 

This took place at the disused former 'Bed Centre' shop at 38 High Street, Crewe, that the LATH group have converted into a drop-in centre to help homeless, vulnerable and lonely people. 

The centre features a recreation area, lounge area, computer facilities, telephone service, toilet block, kitchen and dining area.

The event included a welcome drink at the door, light refreshments throughout the day, a raffle, a prize quiz, a pool competition, and a chance to talk to the group’s hard-working volunteers.

Bernard Potter (Chair of The LATH Group) gave a PowerPoint presentation about how The LATH Group developed from an idea obtained from a talk by a Salvation Army Officer in 2009, to a full blown registered charity, offering sustenance, advice and assistance, and practical support to the most vulnerable in the community.

The event was attended by Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson, Mayor of Cheshire East Borough Council Councillor Olivia Hunter and her Consort Philip Boulton, Mayor of Crewe Councillor Marilyn Houston, Mayoress of Crewe, Pauline Kowalski, Father Jerome of St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, The LATH Group trustees, The LATH Group volunteers and members of the public. 

Bernard Potter (Chair of The LATH Group) said, "We were pleased that the open day was so well attended. We would like to thank the dignitaries, sponsors and visitors for taking the time and trouble to support The LATH Group."

The LATH Group is run entirely by unpaid volunteers and most of its funds comes via donations and its own fundraising, with some corporate support by way of groceries from Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, the SPAR shop (Rope Lane), and other support from the FRESH Group of businesses.

The LATH Group's next planned fund-raising event is a music concert featuring ‘Ukey Monster’ at Wistaston Memorial Hall, Church Lane, Wistaston on Saturday 22nd October 2016 (7:30pm).

For further information relating to The LATH Group please visit their website: www.lathgroup.org.uk , or email: info@lathgroup.org.uk 

Top TV chefs heading to Nantwich

 

Food lovers will be served a real treat this September when Nantwich welcomes two celebrated TV chefs to the town for the annual Nantwich Food Festival.

The famous culinary event will also showcase a number of local and student chefs who will be cooking up exciting recipes using many locally sourced ingredients from around Cheshire.

Part of the Nantwich festival’s charm is that all exhibition stands, demonstration theatres and entertainment displays are situated in the centre of the picturesque town.

Traders and visitors alike fill the historic streets that also boast many unique boutique art and craft shops, with many specialist food and drink businesses also part of the festival.

Friday 2nd September is Family Day, and festival organisers have a dazzling array of street entertainers lined up, plus activities and competitions for children of all ages.

Taking centre stage in the chef’s theatre on the Friday will be Nadiya Hussain, popular winner of BBC series The Great British Bake-Off (2015). She has recently baked the cake for the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations, and she has published two cookery books.

Passing on knowledge and encouraging youngsters to cook is something close to Nadiya’s heart, as she developed her own culinary skills at school. Involving the family in the kitchen is central to what she sets out to achieve.

She said: “Cooking and being in the kitchen has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. But I know that's not always the case these days as we live busier and hectic lifestyles.

“Making simple changes like buying ingredients locally together is a great starting point to get into the kitchen. Little things like chopping, measuring and stirring are all sure fire ways to get our little ones excited and hopefully getting the whole family interested in cooking.”

Nadiya will showcase a range of dishes from her latest publication, Nadiya's Kitchen, and she will also be signing autographs for her latest book launch, entitled Bake Me A Story which contains recipes for children to bake.

On Sunday 4th one of the country’s most respected chefs will entertain the Nantwich crowds with his Gallic humour and his vast knowledge of cuisines from around the world.

Jean-Christophe Novelli needs no introduction and has been a firm favourite on TV screens for over a decade.

The Frenchman is a 5/5 AA Rosette winner, he has won Michelin Stars and was also awarded the Egon Ronay Dessert of the Year award.

In 2005 Jean-Christophe’s passion for teaching others saw him establish his world-renowned academy in Hertfordshire. He now offers courses, demonstrations and corporate entertainment throughout the year.

Appearing at food events such as the Nantwich Food Festival allows Jean-Christophe to pass on his knowledge to a wider audience.

He said: “Nantwich is a superb festival because everything is in the heart of the town. Chefs, exhibitors and visitors mingle along the packed streets. That means I can meet so many wonderful people and chat about the locally produced food that really excites them.

“Cheshire provides so much fresh produce, and using those ingredients to cook healthy and satisfying meals means that I can enjoy showing people how to reduce salt, sugar and fats without compromising on taste.”

Tickets to see the celebrity chefs in action are available to buy now through the festival’s official website.

The high-profile stars will share the central stage across the weekend with chefs from a number of celebrated Nantwich restaurants, and also up-and-coming talent from several Cheshire schools.

A number of local businesses will also stage tastings, beer festivals, fun events and themed quizzes around the centre of the town.

Access to the Nantwich Food Festival exhibitor marquees and local chef demos is free, with a packed programme of events and entertainment scheduled each day.

This year’s festival will take place from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th September.

Check the official website www.nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk for the latest details.

Beer Dock launches in Nantwich

Two craft beer enthusiasts have opened Nantwich’s first bottled beer shop in the Swinemarket area of the town.

The successful Beer Dock concept breaks the traditional bar mould, with floor-to-ceiling shelves carrying beers, lagers and ciders from across the globe.

There is also a tasting area with ten craft beers on draught, all set in a relaxed environment with a central seating area that encourages conversation.

The UK craft beer scene has boomed in recent years, and Beer Dock franchisor Sam McGarrigle believes that Nantwich was the perfect location to expand the business. 

Sam said: “Finding the right premises took longer than expected, but it had to be right. The Swinemarket shop is an exciting opportunity for Beer Dock. What we offer is very different and I hope that it adds to an already vibrant food and drink scene around the town.”

“We pride ourselves on stocking one of the largest selections of bottled beers from around the world, but we remain committed to offering a wide range of beers from Cheshire breweries, which all helps to boost the local economy,” he added.

The new Nantwich franchise is run by Jon Mitchell and Mike Ramm. The pair are well known in local circles, especially for making Dabbers laugh at their popular Civic Comedy nights.

With Nantwich already famous for its bars, restaurants and events like the Jazz and Food Festivals, the pair were confident that an independent bottle boutique would be well received.

Mike said: "The craft and artisan beer scene has been a passion of ours for many years. Nantwich is a successful destination, and we hope that this will add even more to the experience.”

“We are both passionate about the area, and being able to bring something truly unique to the town was an opportunity we couldn’t miss."

As well as the original unit in Crewe, Beer Dock is also planning an outlet in nearby Alsager.

For further information about the Beer Dock brand and franchise opportunities visit www.beerdock.co.uk

Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service July 2016 E-Newsletter

Subject: Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service July 2016 E-Newsletter - Firelink

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This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service

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Message sent by

Ashley Lawton (Cheshire Fire , Administrator, Cheshire Fire)

July 2016 eNewsletter - FiRELiNK

Welcome to the July edition of the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service e-Newsletter.

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Ready for the Olympics? Go for GOLD and be fire safe

In the run up to the Rio Olympics, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to urge residents to GO FOR GOLD and be fire safe.

Check that you meet our gold standard by using our online home safety check to assess fire safety in your home,

Find out more - Ready for the Olympics? Go for GOLD and be fire safe

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Independent fire risk assessor and Runcorn care home in court

An independent fire risk assessor has been given a four month jail sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £1,000 costs after 'paying lip service' to assessing a Cheshire care home.

At the same hearing before Judge Tina Landale at Warrington Crown Court on Thursday June 23, Surrey-based nursing home company Minster Care was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £15,000 in costs after pleading guilty to serious breaches of fire safety regulations at Croftwood Care Home in Runcorn.

Find out more - Independent fire risk assessor and Runcorn care home in court

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Summer safety

Stay safe during the summer months, use the links below to access fire safety tips and advice:

• Barbecue Safety

• Camping Safety Advice

• Caravan Safety

• Countryside Safety

• Water Safety

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Biker Down courses

If you were the first on the scene of an accident involving a biker, would you know what to do? Would you know who is most at risk, how to protect the area or whether you should remove the helmet of a downed rider?

Actions taken in the first few moments after an accident can be crucial in minimising injuries and can make a real difference to the lives of those involved, but there can be some uncertainty about what to do in these situations.

We are holding a number of free Biker Down training courses this year. For dates and details please visit our website.

Find out more - Biker Down

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Fire Station open days

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service fire stations will be holding free open days over the next few months.

Find out more - Fire Station open days

Find out about your local fire station - where it is, what open days or special events they are holding and how to get in contact with them.

Find out more - Your local fire station

MP’s 169th news bulletin

Welcome to this, my 169th news bulletin.

Crewe and Nantwich is often referred to as the ‘gateway to the North West’. It can sound clichéd, but it’s important that we recognise that we aren’t an island, and that we work closely, both in business and in government, with organisations and industries across our region.
I know it can be tempting to become exasperated when we hear the words ‘Manchester’ and ‘Liverpool’ all the time: the national media can be very city-centric. But we mustn’t forget that what benefits these conurbations can also benefit us: in jobs; in the public sector; in transport.
Here are just a few examples of the investment the government has made in our region:
£1.25bn in Local Growth Deals
The five Local Enterprise Partnerships in the North West will benefit from Local Growth Deals creating up to 38,000 jobs.
£400m Northern Powerhouse investment
Together with the British Business Bank and Local Enterprise Partnerships in the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber and Tees Valley we are creating a Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund of over £400m to invest in smaller businesses.
£22m UK Trade and Investment package for the Northern Powerhouse
This includes £7m to establish a Northern Powerhouse Investment Taskforce bringing together UK Trade and Investment, Local Enterprise Partnerships and Combined Authorities, and £15m for trade missions and events to showcase the North and maximise export potential.
Further devolution to Greater Manchester and Liverpool
The Chancellor of the Exchequer signed a devolution agreement with Greater Manchester in 2014 and with Liverpool in 2015.  The agreements will result in devolving new powers and responsibilities and a directly elected Mayor for each city region. Both deals were extended in the 2016 Budget, with Manchester working towards greater responsibilities over social justice and Liverpool working closer together with Government on key areas such as health and housing, along with developing pilots to trial 100% business rate retention. Cheshire hasn’t decided to go this way yet, but we’ll be watching and learning from these two examples.
Great Exhibition in the North
£5m for a great exhibition in the North, which will celebrate the great art, culture and design of the North and £15m for a Great Exhibition Legacy Fund for future cultural investment in the North.
£300m in local transport improvements
This investment includes £60m for HS3 between Leeds and Manchester to develop options to reduced journey times to 30 minutes and £3.75m to support the development of HS2 growth strategies. There is also £161m to Highways England during this Parliament for major improvements to the M62 between junctions 10 and 12 (Warrington to Eccles) and junctions 20 and 25 (Rochdale to Brighouse). There will also be £75m for work on a new TransPennine tunnel between Sheffield and Manchester, as well as options to enhance the A66, A69 and the North West quadrant of the M60.
But these are not isolated projects. Over the past five years both we in Crewe and Nantwich and the country more broadly have been on a long journey, out of a great recession into one of the fastest-growing economies in the developed world.
We want to ensure that this is a balanced recovery, which benefits every part of our country. We are pursuing a clear, consistent and sustained plan to hold up the whole of the North of England, including the North West. We aim to:

• Increase the North West’s long-term growth rate to at least the forecast growth rate of the whole UK
• Raise the employment rate in the North West to the UK average, meaning over 100,000 more people in employment in the North West over the course of the next Parliament
• Deliver the largest ever investment in transport in the region, with £4.5bn committed to new trains, road improvements and urban transport in the North West over the next few years
• Make the North West a global centre for science and innovation by making major investments in the region’s great universities and NHS teaching hospitals.
• Raise the North West’s quality of life by supporting its great cultural and sporting strengths, building up to 25,000 new homes over the next two years, and getting 75,000 more children in outstanding schools
• Give more power to the great cities and counties of the North West

So let’s remember that we’re part of something bigger. Whilst we’re more than playing our part in South Cheshire in growing new businesses and creating new jobs, we need to remain outward-looking to the rest of our region, and to the West Midlands, to take advantage of the opportunities they have to offer.
We in Crewe and Nantwich are uniquely placed to do so, and should do all we can to cement our position in that Northern Powerhouse of the future.

Edward Timpson MP
Member of Parliament for Crewe and Nantwich
Please remember, you can always contact me directly if you have any questions, or if there is anything I can do to assist you.

Recently, I...

• Officially opened the 'Inspiring Innovation' healthcare exposition at Leighton Hospital  
• Joined staff, local GPs, stakeholders and local business owners at the opening of a new state-of-the-art sexual health clinic at the Eagle Bridge Health and Wellbeing Centre
• Spoke to Liz Southall on RedShift Radio's 'Local Lives' programme (You can click here to listen to the broadcast)
• Rolled the first pie at Wybunbury Fig Pie Wakes 2016
• Attended Crewe Central TCC's 'Festival of Table Tennis', at Springfield School, and received a one-to-one lesson from 11-time English champion Desmond Douglas.
• Met young people organising social action projects in Crewe, as part of their National Citizen Service (NCS).
• Celebrated the community and charitable achievements of local people at The Cat Community Awards night, at Nantwich Civic Hall.
• Presented several prizes and joined in the festivities at Haslington Village Fun Day
• Joined survivors and their families on a 'Step Out For Stroke' sponsored walk at Reaseheath College
• Received a tour, from aspiring young artists of Highfields Primary School, of their space-inspired wall display at Tudor Surgery
• Held my regular advice surgeries in Crewe and in Nantwich

Virgin London Marathon
As many of you will know, this year I ran the Virgin London Marathon in support of The Christie – a fantastic hospital and cancer centre which treated my late mother, Alex.
The Christie provide a networked service to the population of Greater Manchester and Cheshire, and aim to deliver care as close to a patient's home as possible. Donations from the public, on top of NHS funding, make a huge difference to their services  - and I know, in the last 18 months of Mum's life, that we all took great comfort from the way the centre's hugely professional and sensitive staff went about their business.
The atmosphere on race day, Sunday 24 April, was incredible. The weather was near-perfect, and almost every section of the 26.2 mile route was lined with well-wishers. Their support, and the poignancy of this year's effort, really spurred me on, and I was pleased to finish in a time of 3 hours 50 minutes - only 8 minutes shy of my personal best!
A huge thank you, again, to those who supported me and this cause – together, we raised £4,118!

Cheshire Without Abuse

Some weeks ago, I accompanied Baroness Susan Williams and Karen Bradley MP, then Minster for Preventing Abuse and Exploitation, on a visit to the Crewe-based charity, Cheshire Without Abuse.
Formerly known as Crewe Women's Aid, the charity was founded by the late Lily Jones in 1977 to provide temporary accommodation, advice and practical help to women and children escaping domestic abuse. They offer a wide range of advice, support and information for anyone who is currently or has previously experienced domestic abuse as an adult or child.
Domestic abuse is physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial abuse that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship, and that forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour. This can include forced marriage, so-called ‘honour’ crimes and female genital mutilation. Domestic abuse may include a range of behaviours, not all of which are, in themselves, inherently ‘violent’.

• For more information about the services and support offered by CWA, visit the website: http://www.cheshirewithoutabuse.org.uk.

Her Majesty’s 90th Birthday Celebrations

On Sunday 12 June, I joined Crewe and Nantwich residents to celebrate the Queen's 90th Birthday.
The day kicked off with an afternoon tea party for pensioners, aged 90 or over, at Nantwich Methodist Church, and included a hearty lunch and performances by local choir group, Nantwich Young Voices.

This was followed by a free evening concert at St Mary's Church, which reviewed the Queen's life, across her nine decades, through music and dance  - and culminated with a mini ‘Last Night of the Proms’ and a 'birthday sing-along', led by the Town Crier.

Celebrations concluded with a specially-arranged firework display in Nantwich town centre.

MP adds backing to new Prime Minister
Crewe Chronicle: Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has given his full support to incoming Tory Prime Minister Theresa May.

11-year-old takes cerebral palsy plight to Downing Street
Crewe Chronicle: Edward Timpson MP arranged for Ben Baddeley to hand-deliver a petition to Number 10.

Local Lives: Edward Timpson MP

Edward Timpson MP joined RedShift Radio DJ, Liz Southall, to talk about his life and career, and to play some of his favourite songs!

Holiday Fraud (Amended)

Subject: Holiday Fraud (Amended)

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This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)

(Please do not reply or forward this email directly; please use the Reply, Share buttons at the bottom of this message)

Message sent by

Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

With summer holidays fast approaching, individuals are often more exposed to travel booking frauds when looking for last minute package deals / cheap flights. Whether paying upfront for a family holiday or simply booking a flight, payments are transferred only to discover that the holiday / airline ticket does not exist and was sold to you by a bogus travel company. Fraudsters will often lure in potential customers with low prices and ‘one time only’ offers that are simply too good to pass up, requesting payment by the preferred method of direct bank transfer.
Protect Yourself

• Avoid responding to unsolicited calls, texts or emails offering holidays at incredibly low prices.
• Whenever possible, pay for your holiday by credit card as it offers increased protection.
• Always remember to look for the ‘https’ and locked padlock icon in the address bar before entering your payment details.
• Never feel pressured to make a booking for fear that you will miss out on this ‘low price’ opportunity. If you have never used the company before, take your time to do some online research to ensure they are reputable.
• Should you make a flight or hotel booking through a travel company, feel free to separately check with the hotel / airline that your booking does indeed exist.

If you have been affected by this, or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

Love Crewe Mission Week.

Reporter  Jonathan White, Wistaston

The inaugural Love Crewe Mission Week took place in Crewe from Monday 4th to Sunday 10th July 2016.

The Mission Week was organised by ‘Love Crewe’ who are comprised of twelve churches serving the Crewe area.

Events and activities included performances by four-piece band ‘BrightLine’ at four local high schools and at the Carlsberg Suite, Crewe Alexandra FC; Jonathan Conrathe from Mission 24 speaking at four local high schools; a free meal was served at The Lighthouse Centre on Stewart Street; volunteers completed gardening, painting and clean-up tasks around the town; a healing event took place at West St Christian Fellowship; a free tea/coffee stall on the Crewe town square; there was an open air meeting on the town square; an art exhibition at Queens Park; and an evening celebration on the final day at the Carlsberg Suite, Crewe Alexandra FC.

Unfortunately the Free Fun Day was postponed due to wet weather, but it will now take place on Sunday 21st August 2016, from 2pm, at Queens Park, Crewe. It will include stalls, music, theatre and more.

Love Crewe Mission Week was supported by Crewe Town Council and allowed Crewe churches to promote a positive atmosphere within the town.

Phil Howell from Love Crewe said, “The overwhelming impression of Love Crewe was positive - many non-church goers became aware of it, heard of God's love for them and about all that happened. Some were healed! The intention is to do something similar next year - this is just the beginning!”

For further information please visit http://www.lovecrewe.co.uk/ , or contact Phil and Emma Howell on 07906616373 or 07525650483.

Walking routes to schools

 

At today’s children and families overview and scrutiny committee meeting of Cheshire East Council, members agreed to refer the matter of walking routes to school back to the Council’s Cabinet for further consideration. 

A Council spokesman said: “It is the responsibility of the Council to identify available walking routes to schools in accordance with government guidelines and policy.

“The Council’s decision was about fairly, equitably and consistently applying that policy.

“The policy also states that it is the responsibility of parents or carers to ensure that a child gets to school.

“The Council is not asking children or parents to do anything which is not already in place elsewhere in the country, where children walk to school in groups, are accompanied by parents, travel by car, public transport or who cycle.

“The Council is naturally concerned about personal safety but case law and government guidelines on walking routes to school only require consideration of road safety, which was stated at the meeting.

“The Council wishes to emphasise that parents who may suffer hardship as a result of the Council’s school transport policy, have a right of appeal to the school transport appeals sub-committee, on the grounds of exceptional circumstances that merit consideration on an individual basis.

“Parents should also be aware that there is a nine-month period in which they can enter into dialogue with the Council over any specific concerns or exceptional circumstances.” 

Mayor to shed weight to gain pounds for charities

 

The Mayor of Cheshire East has started a weight loss programme – and she’s looking for your support.

Councillor Olivia Hunter is supporting Cheshire Young Carers and The Christie charities over the course of her mayoral year and her first fundraiser will be a weight-loss programme.

Cllr Hunter said: “Deciding on which organisations to support was a very difficult decision. We are blessed in Cheshire East with so many charities doing incredible work and we should be very grateful for the time and effort they put into making a vital contribution to our communities.

Cheshire Young Carers is a children’s charity that provides respite and time out with other children, providing opportunities to make friends and have fun.

“It was when I discovered that children as young as six can become carers for parents or siblings losing their childhood. This can lead to them becoming isolated, both from other children and society in general.

“I don’t want these children to be forgotten and raising money for Cheshire Young Carers is my way of helping the future of these children in Cheshire East.

The Christie is one of only two centres in the country to have the new proton beam therapy treatment. The mayor’s weight-loss programme, along with other events to follow later in the mayoral year, will generate much needed funds to house the life-saving equipment needed to provide vital cancer treatments.

So the Mayor is asking for everyone to support her challenge and sponsor the pounds she loses in the next 14 weeks leading up to her charity ball. The more you offer, the greater the incentive to shun her beloved chips and prosecco.

To book places at the Mayor’s charity ball, which is being held on October 15 at Cranage Hall, near Holmes Chapel, please contact: Nicola.carberry@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Weekend of reflection and remembrance is ‘great comfort’ to Bosley

 

The people of Bosley, affected by the wood flour mill disaster a year ago, have hailed last weekend’s commemorative activities as a success that helped the community to come together to reflect and remember the events of July 17, 2015.

Four people – Dorothy Bailey, Williams Barks, Derek Moore and Jason Shingler – died    in explosions and a huge fire at the wood treatment plant, with many more injured, properties extensively damaged and employees put out of work.

A flower festival, a day of family activities and two religious services on Sunday were all well attended and an estimated 130 people attended a service in a marquee on Sunday morning, with a similar number present in the evening service at Bosley Chapel.

Sam Alston, chairman of Bosley Parish Council, said: “It went very well and the services were exceptionally well attended. 

“It was an important anniversary that needed the right approach and I think that to have the Sunday morning services in a marquee, in the outdoors, set precisely the right tone and atmosphere.”

The Rev John Harries, Vicar of Bosley, said: “The weekend of events provided a valuable opportunity for the community to come together in many ways and feel supported.

“The services on Sunday were of great comfort to all who attended. They provided an opportunity for us to reflect together on the devastating impact of the explosion on our lives, to remember loved ones and friends who lost their lives and to give thanks for all those who have shared our journey.”

Representatives from various agencies involved in dealing with the disaster, its aftermath and lending ongoing support to the community, joined in the religious services and took part in some of the activities, including a tug of war.

Jane Nixon, one of the organisers, said: “We were very pleased with the way all the events came together and with the overwhelming response we had from the people of Bosley and the wider community.

“We are very grateful to the press and broadcast organisations for respecting our wishes to allow us to carry out these events in private.

Members of Cheshire East Council’s partnerships and communities team continue to lend support to the people of Bosley and the wider community.

Councillor Paul Bates, Cabinet member for communities and health, said: “At the evening service, the minister commented on the work done by the Council’s community teams. This was very much appreciated.

“I would like the people of Bosley to be aware that they are not alone.  We will always be here for you and may the village of Bosley find peace and comfort in its own time.”

Council Chief Executive Mike Suarez, who took part in the family events, said: “The community has shown great resilience and dignity throughout this troubled year and we hope that this anniversary weekend will have helped those deeply affected by the tragedy, to find strength from each other and the resolve to rebuild their lives.”

Although the Bosley disaster fund, which had reached an amazing £240,000, has now officially closed, a further fundraising event is planned in aid of charities and organisations which played a part in supporting the community.

An all-stars football match will take place on Sunday (July 24), at Macclesfield Football Club.  Celebrities from television’s soaps Emmerdale and Coronation Street will help to raise money for the Air Ambulance service and other charities.

The Wistaston Singers

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

The Wistaston Singers performed a fund-raising concert at St Stephen’s Methodist Church, Gainsborough Road, Crewe on the afternoon of Saturday 16th July 2016.

Phil Houghton was the Musical Director and also introduced each song and soloist. During the concert Wistaston Singers sang songs from 42nd Street, Mamma Mia, and Les Miserables as part of an extensive programme. Conductor Phil Houghton also played the organ. Chris White sang and played his ukulele. Jane Hale was the Accompanist and also played the flute and alto saxophone. There were also many soloists within the choir. The audience was encouraged to sing along to the Last Night of the Proms finale which included Rule Britannia, Land of Hope and Glory and Jerusalem and to join in singing the National Anthem.

Drinks, cakes and strawberries were served during the interval.

Proceeds from the concert will go to Church and Choir funds.

Musical Director Phil Houghton said, “We were delighted to sing at St Stephen’s Methodist Church and thank them for their generous hospitality. It was an afternoon that was enjoyed by all and we thank everyone for their support.”

The Wistaston Singers were originally formed by members of the choir at St Mary's Parish Church, Wistaston in May 2000 and now number over forty-five members singing four-part harmony music. The choir perform a varied eclectic choice of music including choral church music and anthems, songs from the shows, Gershwin, John Rutter, and Gilbert and Sullivan; effectively encompassing from the 15th century to the 21st century. They perform up to seven concerts a year at various venues in south Cheshire and one concert out of area as an 'away day experience'. The choir is also available to perform at weddings in the area. The choir rehearse weekly in the parish rooms of St Mary's Church, Nantwich on a Wednesday evening from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. New members are welcome and further details may be obtained from Choir Secretary Jill Oakes, Tel: 01270 662940 and email: jillandjohnoakes@uwclub.net

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