Challenge to scale Mount Kilimanjaro

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

A man from Crewe is heading off on a 6 day hike up the highest mountain in Africa for a good cause.

Roy Price, aged 51 from Crewe, is embarking on the challenge to scale Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of the Macmillan Chemotherapy Suite at Leighton Hospital in Crewe. Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain on the African continent and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Roy is making the self-funded trip to Tanzania later this month.

Roy is raising money in memory of his wife - Ruth Price - who passed away in February this year from secondary breast cancer. Ruth was treated at the Macmillan Cancer Unit at Leighton Hospital and Roy saw how her care was second to none.

Roy and his friend Ian Jones, 46 also from Crewe, have already raised over £3,600 this year and have set a target of £5,000. The money raised has been via Roy pushing a 100kg wheelbarrow and Ian wearing a bear costume on a walk from Crewe to Nantwich and back, a garden party at The Woodside in Wistaston, a charity night at the Bombay Restaurant in Crewe, a tombola & raffle stall at The Co-operative Food in Shavington and by Roy hauling a wheelbarrow and Ian wearing a bear costume to walk up Snowdon mountain.

Roy will match the total raised via the Virgin Giving Money online page to make a personal donation to the local charity ‘The Shine Bright Foundation’ - http://www.shine-bright-foundation.org.uk/ - as this charity raises money to help fund trials for triple negative breast cancer and supports anybody receiving breast cancer treatment.

Roy Price said, “It still seems a bit surreal that on the 21st of September I’ll be on my way to Tanzania. When I booked this trip at the end of April, it was rare for me to walk much further than the garden gate to my van or my car. I’d never actually walked up a mountain until 27th May this year when I teamed up with EDGE Travel Worldwide - joining the UK ‘Sofa to Summit’ walks with them has been a fantastic experience.

When I first booked the trip to Mount Kilimanjaro, initial reactions off friends and family were you are mad. I don’t think anyone actually thought I’d train quite as hard as I have. Even now some of my closest friends say I’m crazy. I seem to have picked up the name The Crazy Wheelbarrow man! Adding the wheelbarrow into the training was about being different and a little crazy has not only helped boost the donations it’s helped people smile.

My aim has not just been to try smiling my way through the grief of losing Ruth whom I was with for 30 years, it’s been about making others smile too. My crazy fundraisers have made friends going through difficult times smile, and I’m so pleased to see them happy and having fun. We all know the saying “life is too short” and it really is, so I’m trying to encourage fun and laughter wherever I can.

Kilimanjaro, despite all the training, will be very difficult and no one can be sure of the affect of altitude, but hopefully I can battle through to the summit. We should reach the summit on what would have been my 27th wedding anniversary, so my emotions are likely to be running very high.

I guess to me the hardest thing will be returning when it’s over - that really is when a new chapter in my life will begin, it will be time to move forward for me. I will never forget the 30 years spent with Ruth but I know deep down she really would want me to move on and be happy. Throughout the last few months I’ve been convincing people there are happy times waiting around the corner for them, after Kilimanjaro I’ll be looking for my happy times that are hiding around the corner too.

The first thing I’ll do when I get home after ensuring my family and close friends are OK is to write the cheque for The Shine Bright Foundation - whatever is on the Virgin Giving Money online page on the 30th September I will match and make my personal donation to The Shine Bright Foundation. I wanted to be able to not only make people smile but to make a difference to people going through what my wife Ruth went through with triple negative breast cancer. So far the funds stand a little over £3,600, this will I’m sure make a big difference to many people and to both charities that I’m supporting.”

Carole Salmon, Community Fundraiser - ‎Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I wish Roy all the best for his Mount Kilimanjaro climb and urge the local community to help him boost his fundraising total if they are able.”

To donate, please visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RoyPrice2

Crewe Vagrants Hockey Club

Reporter Jonathan White

Crewe Vagrants Hockey Club presented a cheque for £1,041.46 to Liz and Mike Boffey from the charity ‘Bloodwise’, https://bloodwise.org.uk/ at The Vagrants Ground on Sunday 9th September 2018.

The money was raised by the club via a ‘Hockeython’ 12-hour hockey game that took place at The Vagrants Ground in Willaston earlier this year.

Bloodwise was the chosen charity as a Ladies 1st team member of Crewe Vagrants Hockey Club - Steph Thompson - was diagnosed with Leukaemia earlier this year. Steph is receiving treatment, so the club wanted to raise the profile of the charity and hopefully change the world for people diagnosed with blood cancers.

Liz Boffey from Bloodwise South Cheshire branch said, "Bloodwise South Cheshire are indebted to Crewe Vagrants for their fantastic 12 hour hockeython. All monies raised go directly into Blood Cancer research. As the local Bloodwise branch, it's great to be fund raising locally in this way. Further information of Bloodwise South Cheshire from Liz Boffey 01948871250 liz.boffey@btinternet.com and bloodwise.org .

Future local Bloodwise branch events:

-Thursday 18th October (8.30pm) - Bloodwise Quiz at The Vine Inn, Hospital St, Nantwich. £2 entry to include buffet. All welcome.

-Saturday 15th December (9am to 12noon) - Coffee Morning at Nantwich Parish Rooms, St Mary's Church, Nantwich. Entrance = £1 to include tea, coffee & biscuits with free refills. There will also be a cake stall and a £1 stall. All welcome.

Pride event celebrated in brilliant style!

Cheshire East Council hosted its first ever Pride in the Park Picnic event at Tatton Park on Sunday and the event was hailed a huge success.

Special guests Brazilian carnival drum and dance act Juba do Leão, jazz saxophonist Alex Clarke, an Abba tribute set from ‘The Twins’ and  performances from Proud Mary’s Choir and Rock Choir Cheshire all featured at the event, which celebrated and supported the LGBT+ community.

The fun-filled and brilliantly colourful event took place in the spectacular gardens at Tatton Park, in Knutsford and despite a little bit of mixed weather on the day, it was never enough to prevent everyone from celebrating a great day out.

While the focus was firmly on everyone enjoying each other’s company and having a fun day out, there was also a full and varied health and wellbeing marketplace, where guests were able to receive key help and support from organisations including Body Positive, Transforum Manchester and Diversity Role Models.

Council services which supported Pride included the adoption team, youth support and registration teams, as Cheshire East demonstrated its commitment to putting equality at the centre of everything it does.

Cheshire East partner agencies, including Cheshire police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, also attended. The fire service had a magnificent rainbow-coloured fire engine on display for the occasion!

Councillor Stewart Gardiner, Cheshire East Council member champion for equality and diversity, said: “Pride took a while in coming to our borough but I can genuinely say that the wait was completely worthwhile.

“I take my hat off to the army of volunteers who helped to make this a success, their hard work and dedication was absolutely key to the smooth running of the day and, judging by the number of happy faces I’ve seen today, that effort has been well rewarded.”

Councillor Liz Wardlaw, Cheshire East Council cabinet member with responsibility for equality and diversity, said: “I’d like to echo Stewart’s words.

“It was an absolutely fabulous day! The rain came down in bucketfuls but the show went on as it always does with Pride events. The entertainment was outstanding, and we made it our mission to enjoy the day.”

The council is already starting to plan a Pride event for next year, at a location to be decided.

Consultation begins on next phase of borough’s development plan

Public consultation has begun on the next phase of Cheshire East Council’s development plan.

The finalised document will provide the approved framework for housing, employment, and other key infrastructure sites up to 2030.

With the Local Plan Strategy adopted last year, the council has now launched a number of consultations, which will help identify further non-strategic sites for sustainable development, including housing. However, no final decisions will be made until the consultation process is concluded and all feedback considered.

The site allocations and development policy document (SADPD) follows a similar pathway to the Local Plan Strategy, with two rounds of six-week public consultations, supported by a range of evidence documents and followed up with a series of public hearings chaired by a government planning inspector.

When adopted, the SADPD will replace the policies of the three former borough local plans, covering Macclesfield, Congleton and Crewe and Nantwich.

The majority of development needs have already been provided for through the Local Plan Strategy. 

The sites in the SADPD will be non-strategic – generally sites of fewer than 150 homes or five hectares (12.4 acres) in size. Some will be focused in key employment areas in principal towns, or in smaller key service centres.

The council must also meet its obligation to provide affordable housing, Gypsy and Traveller sites and sites for Travelling Showpeople and, as part of the consultation process, is now calling for potential sites to be identified.

A further element of public consultation is the review of planning boundaries, such as those for greenbelt and built-up areas. But there will also be measures to protect land regarded as important for biodiversity and recreation.

Consultations on sustainability appraisal and habitats regulations have now begun, which look at the SADPD’s contribution to sustainable development and its impact on internationally-designated nature conservation sites.

Councillor Ainsley Arnold, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for housing, planning and regeneration, said: “I would urge all interested members of the community to get involved in this important consultation process.

“We know that Cheshire East is a truly great place to live, work, do business, raise a family and have access to good schools and quality housing. It is crucial that this next phase in the local plan process is open and transparent and that we encourage as many people as possible, including stakeholders and partners, to engage in this consultation process.

“Our Local Plan Strategy and the SADPD are absolutely central to the achievement of sustainable development in the borough – so I would urge people to get involved and have their say.”

The council is also consulting on a revised and updated ‘statement of community involvement’, which sets out how the council will engage with stakeholders and the wider public when preparing planning policies and considering planning applications.

As previously announced, this week also saw the start of a consultation on the draft supplementary planning document for the Garden Village at Handforth, which includes a masterplan and design guide to inform development on this important site.

The council will hold a consultation drop-in session at Handforth Library on Tuesday 25 September from 3pm-7pm, where more information will be available on this draft.

Links to all the consultation documents can be found by visiting the web page: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/localplan

The consultations run until 22 October 2018.

Council to introduce new wheelie bin delivery charges

Cheshire East Council has announced it is to introduce a charge for the supply of new and replacement waste and recycling bins.

The proposal was accepted, subject to consultation, at a meeting of full council in February 2018. The extensive public consultation took place between March and May 2018.

The charge for the supply of new and replacement standard 240-litre household bins will be £30 each for recycling, black residual and garden waste bin and £25 for a smaller-sized 140-litre residual, recycling and garden bin.

A 25 per cent concessionary rate will apply to residents on qualifying benefits, while any bins broken during the collection process will be replaced free of charge.

In the first instance of a bin being lost or stolen, a replacement will be provided free of charge but, if this recurs within three years, a charge will be made.

Councillor Glen Williams, Cheshire East Council deputy cabinet member for environment, said: “The council spent £300,000 on supplying bins and a further £64,000 for the delivery and administration of bins in 2017/18.
“With an ongoing reduced budget position and in order to continue to provide this service across the borough, it is necessary to start charging for the service to provide and deliver bins to properties.
“As has been the case in other local authority areas, our new bin charging policy will also have the added benefit of encouraging residents to take greater responsibility for their bins, as well as help to reduce demand for replacements in the future.”

New bins will be marked to identify them to a property to which they belong.

The council is advising householders, who have not already marked their existing bins, to do so with their door number and street name on the outside of each bin.
Charges for new and replacement bins will come in to effect from October 2018.

Nantwich towpath – no longer a muddy footbath!

A canal towpath is receiving a major overhaul to make it easier and more pleasant for members of the public to use.

The council is spending £55,000 – from developer contributions – to improve the towpath near Queen’s Drive in Nantwich on the Shropshire Canal which will make it far less muddy for passers-by.

The project will see significant improvements beside the canal towpath between bridge number 89 – the Red Stripes Bridge – through to bridge number 90 at Green Lane, where the upgrade will also include improvements to the steps at the north end.

The improved towpath will ensure the local community can use the canal-side for cycling, walking and fishing all year round. The improvements will also encourage boaters to stop and visit the town.

Councillor Ainsley Arnold, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for planning and regeneration, said: “We are delighted to be able to assist the Canal and River Trust with funding this important project. Members of the public should see a huge difference alongside the canal thanks to this important investment.”

Sarah Lalieu, enterprise manager at the Canal and River Trust, said: “The canal system is a tranquil haven but the towpath now is currently like a muddy puddle, making it difficult to walk along the canal.

“We know that being by the water can boost health and wellbeing so the work to improve the towpath will enable the local community to use this great asset on their doorstep.”

The project is the latest phase of improvements in Nantwich following the refurbishment of Nantwich Aqueduct and installation of the new play equipment at nearby Marsh Lane.

The improvements programme is a partnership initiative between the council and the Canal and River Trust. The work has started and scheduled for completion by November 2018.

For further information please visit the website at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

Laura Smith MP shows support for British farming in Crewe & Nantwich

Laura Smith MP has shown her support for British farming at Back British Farming Day in Westminster, recognising the crucial role farmers play in producing food and caring for the countryside.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) provided MPs with a Back British Farming wheat-pin badge to publicly display their support for the sector during Brexit negotiations and beyond leaving the EU.

Farming is the bedrock of the UK’s largest manufacturing sector – food and drink – which contributes over £110 billion to the economy and employs 3.8 million people.

Laura Smith MP said: “I am immensely proud to wear the Back British Farming pin badge in support of a sector that is so valuable to the country. Our farmers play a unique role in securing a plentiful supply of fabulous British food, looking after our iconic countryside and sustaining a dynamic rural economy.

“The decisions made in Parliament over the coming months are critical to the future of British food production. As one of the sectors that will be most affected by Britain’s departure from the EU, it is important that we as politicians create the right regulatory environment to ensure our farmers can continue to provide safe and affordable food for the nation.

“Food production is a vital part of everyday life and impacts on us all. I would encourage all MPs and members of the pubic to get behind this important campaign and Back British Farming.”

If you would like to find out more about how you can Back British Farming, you can join thousands of supporters of the NFU’s campaign here.

Further improvements to SEND provision in Cheshire East planned

A set of recommendations to improve services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities has been welcomed by Cheshire East Council’s cabinet.

A report, written by the authority’s children and families overview and scrutiny committee, sets out 17 recommendations, which aim to improve services since the introduction of new government legislation. This requires local authorities and health partners to reform the way they support and identify children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The recommendations include that:

● Any shortfalls in services for children and young people with moderate learning difficulties and autism are addressed;

● All schools are encouraged to welcome children with SEND; and

● The working relationship between schools, health service and the council continues to improve, particularly in the production of education, health and care plans (EHCPs)

The report follows a recent inspection of SEND services across the area by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission earlier this year. The inspectors recommended that Cheshire East produce and submit a written statement of action to explain how it will tackle: the timeliness, process and quality of EHCPs; the lack of an effective pathway for children and young people with autism; and unreasonable waiting times.

Councillor Jos Saunders, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for children and families, said: “We welcome the recommendations from this report as we recognise the significant challenges faced by families of children with special educational needs and disabilities. 

“We also know that some of our processes and support in Cheshire East are not to the standard that we all want and that our children and young people deserve.

“We welcome the work done to date, both by the members of the overview and scrutiny committee and our officers and are absolutely clear that any delay in either the council or partner processes must be addressed.

“I would like to thank the members of the scrutiny committee for their hard work and we look forward to continuing to work together to improve the experiences and outcomes for Cheshire East’s children and young people with SEND.”

Crewe men with wheelbarrow & bear conquer Snowdon

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

Roy Price, 51 from Crewe, and Ian Jones, 46 also from Crewe, conquered Snowdon during a charity walk up the Welsh mountain on Sunday 9th September 2018. Despite challenging weather conditions and punishing physical effort Roy hauled and carried his wheelbarrow and Ian wore his bear costume to the top of the highest mountain in Wales with an elevation of 1,085 metres above sea level.

Roy and Ian are raising money for the Macmillan Chemotherapy Suite at Leighton Hospital in Crewe. Roy in memory of his wife - Ruth Price - who passed away in February this year from secondary breast cancer. Ruth was treated at the Macmillan Cancer Unit at Leighton Hospital. Ian in memory of his mother - Janet Jones - who also passed away from cancer.

The pair have thus far this year raised over £3,600 via pushing a 100kg wheelbarrow and wearing a bear costume respectively on a fourteen mile walk from Crewe to Nantwich and back, a garden party at The Woodside in Wistaston, a charity night at the Bombay Restaurant in Crewe, a tombola & raffle stall at The Co-operative Food in Shavington and the walk up Snowdon. Their target is to raise £5,000.

Later this month Roy will aim to climb the Mount Kilimanjaro volcano in Tanzania - the highest mountain in Africa. Roy has self-funded his trip to Mount Kilimanjaro, so all money donated will go direct to the Macmillan Chemotherapy Suite at Leighton Hospital with no deductions. Roy will also match the total raised via the Virgin Giving Money online page to make a personal donation to the local charity ‘The Shine Bright Foundation’ - http://www.shine-bright-foundation.org.uk/ - as this charity raises money to help fund trials for triple negative breast cancer and supports anybody receiving breast cancer treatment.

In readiness for Kilimanjaro Roy is receiving training from EDGE Travel Worldwide via their ‘Sofa to Summit’ programme which includes health, nutrition, fitness and training along with UK walks. Roy’s latest challenge was another part of his intensive training.

Roy Price, after the Snowdon walk, said: “The support we’ve received throughout this fundraising journey has been amazing - now it’s becoming unbelievable! It’s hard to put into words how we feel - Ian the bear and I have had a couple of crazy adventures, but Snowdon with a wheelbarrow on my back and Ian in his bear costume, that meant he could hardly see beyond his nose, was really crazy.

We followed the Ranger Path up Snowdon in horrendous wind and rain with visibility becoming pretty poor in places. I believe this route on a normal day takes around 6 hours. However, due to the weather, we stopped at the top to try to dry off for approximately half an hour, but despite that we still completed the walk in six and a half hours. I think that’s an amazing achievement considering I had the wheelbarrow strapped to my back on the way up and the bear couldn’t see far.

We had a tremendous support team - Ian’s wife, Sarah; Ian’s sister in law, Clare Everall; Sam Simpson and her daughter Kyra Simpson. These ladies were the absolute best friends I could have supporting me, they have never done this before and they’d not trained, but they came to support me, and despite the weather giving everyone a severe beating they refused to give up. We started as a team and we finished as a team. We were led and looked after by John Walker from EDGE Travel Worldwide, without whom this would have been near impossible. Another member of my support crew that deserves a special mention is Ellie Foster, who designed all the posters and banners and all the promotional advertising - it’s all her fantastic work. Various events have been taking place to support this fundraiser but we had two sponsors for this actual event: Simpson & Edge Garage from Nantwich and Screed Giant Ltd from Winsford.

I’m not sure if Snowdon will be the last combined outing for Ian and me, but it is the last fundraiser before I head for Mount Kilimanjaro later this month on 21^st September. Ian is a fantastic friend that I’m so pleased to have around me. Since my wife Ruth passed away in February this year, Ian, Sarah and Clare have been there without question whenever I’ve needed support. They truly are the most fantastic friends, I could not have got where I am without them - for that I would like to express my grateful thanks.”

Carole Salmon, Community Fundraiser - ‎Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I would like to thank Roy and Ian for their continued ‘crazy’ fundraising projects for the Macmillan Unit. I wish Roy all the best for his Mount Kilimanjaro climb later this month and urge the local community to help him boost his fundraising total if they are able.”

To donate, please visit the Virgin Giving Money online page: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RoyPrice2

CREWE GOLF CLUBS FUNDRAISING FOR HOSPITAL CHARITY HITS A HOLE IN ONE

Crewe Golf Club’s year long fundraising has enabled them to donate £5422.35 to Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity. Their fundraising activities included a Captains Auction, Christmas Coffee morning and various golf competitions over a twelve month period.

For their year of 2017 Crewe Golf Captains Simon Davies and Carole Shapton looked for causes that all the club members could relate to and specifically those close to the home community of the Club. Following a talk given by the Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity they decided the final total raised will be divided between the Children’s Ward refurbishment fund, the Macmillan Unit and the ‘Everybody Knows Somebody’ dementia appeal.

Lady Captain Carole Shapton said: ‘The choice we made to support Mid Cheshire Hospitals

Charity in the outdoor and indoor environment projects for patients was driven by every golfer's appreciation of our own golf course and clubhouse. We know, if we are unable to play for any reason, the outdoors is what we miss most.

We would like to say "thank you, thank you!" for the shared commitment and contributions from our members and visitors. Thanks also to the fundraising team for their encouragement and participation in our activities during our year.  We wish them every success in completing their projects’.

Carole Salmon, MCH Community Fundraiser said: ‘We are delighted with the fantastic amount raised by the Club and its members. It is thanks to the kindness of local organisations such as Crewe Golf Club that we are able to enhance the provision of first class healthcare within Mid Cheshire Hospitals Foundation Trust’.

The Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity is keen to share information about how local groups and organisations can be supported in their fundraising efforts by them. Contact Carole Salmon, Community Fundraiser on 01270 273248 / carole.salmon@mcht.nhs.uk

The 6th ‘Crewe Rail Ale Festival’

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

The 6th ‘Crewe Rail Ale Festival’ - https://crewebeerfest.com/ - took place from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th September 2018 at Crewe Heritage Centre.

There was a choice of over 60 beers and ciders/perries in different styles and strengths, plus free soft drinks for children and designated drivers.

Live music was provided on Friday night from acoustic duo ‘The Crutwells’, https://www.thecrutwells.co.uk/ . There was also a visit from Matthew Jodrell and his ‘Britannia’ steam engine.

A live brewery demonstration from Sandstone brewery took place on Saturday.

Connoisseurs rated the beers and ciders via the ‘Untappd’ app on their smartphones.

Refreshments were available and there was indoor and outdoor seating.

Crewe Heritage Centre exhibits were open to visitors including miniature-gauge railway rides.

The festival charity this year was St John Ambulance, the nation's leading first aid charity http://www.sja.org.uk/

The sponsors were Electrical & Plumbing Solutions (Crewe and Nantwich), Mat White Financial Services, EMaC, The Bhurtpore Inn (Aston), The Lodge (Alsager), Sandstone Brewery, The White Bear (Middlewich), The Hop Pole (Crewe), Ebenezer’s (Nantwich) and The Raven Inn (Crewe).

The event was organised by CAMRA South Cheshire Branch - http://www.southcheshire.camra.org.uk/

Children’s mental health and well-being initiative up for award

An initiative to improve the emotional wellbeing of children and young people in schools has been shortlisted for a national award.

The scheme encourages young people to talk to trained school staff about their troubles and anxieties, so they can be addressed before they impact on the child’s health and wellbeing.

The project is an innovative response to address the mental health needs of children and young people across the borough and this has been recognised by the shortlisting judges at Positive Practice Mental Health Collaborative – a national organisation geared to highlight best practice in mental health and wellbeing.

A multi-agency group, called the Emotionally Healthy Schools’ project, was set up to tackle the issue back in 2016 and aims to develop teaching staff to ensure they meet the mental health and wellbeing needs of their students.

In Cheshire East, almost 12,500 children and young people are estimated to have a mental health disorder – this equates to 13 per cent of the population aged up to 24 years. It is also estimated that 20 young people injure themselves each day.

The partnership comprises: Cheshire East Council, local schools, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP), NHS Eastern Cheshire and South Cheshire CCGs and the charities Visyon and Just Drop In.

Their work is helping more children and young people to ‘feel good and function well’. The ethos of the group is to ensure children focus on improving their resilience and focuses on making it acceptable to ask for support.

There are almost 50 teaching staff based at schools across Cheshire East and they are trained to:

● Identify signs that might suggest someone is depressed or feeling extremely low;

● Recognise risk and identify key risk factors of unhappiness/low morale;

● Have increased confidence to ask direct questions about personal issues; and

● List key support services available for young people who feel depressed;

The shortlisting success recognises the success of health and social care bodies that adopt a strategic approach to meeting the needs of children and young people who need help and protection, including early intervention. 

Councillor Jos Saunders, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for children and families, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this prestigious national award. The mental health and wellbeing of our children and young people is vitally important to a good experience of childhood and determining long-term health into adulthood.

“The scale of our ambition in this area knows no bounds and I am so proud of the strength of our relationship with schools, the health service and other key agencies. 

“I am delighted that, through this innovative and collaborative partnership with schools, the National Health Service and the voluntary sector – the project has proved popular with young people and early indications have shown an improvement in the mental health and wellbeing in our children across the borough. This has meant we have been able to get to the root cause of problems, early on, so that mental health situations can be better managed by the right people in the right place.”

Robert Lupton, team co-ordinator for emotionally healthy schools links team Cheshire East, from CWP, said: “Emotionally Healthy Schools is playing an important role in equipping role in equipping teachers with the skills to respond to the social, emotional and mental health needs of the children and young people they work with.

“The project is something that is very close to my heart and to see it recognised in such a way just reinforces that we are making a positive difference.”

The awards ceremony will be held in Liverpool on 11 October.

Cigarettes and tobacco seized in crackdown on illegal trade

Cheshire East Council trading standards officers seized cigarettes and tobacco worth more than £9,000 during a swoop against a fraudster, a court heard.

Chester Crown Court was told 30,679 cigarettes and 24.3kg of rolling tobacco were uncovered during a raid on in a property in Macclesfield on 7 April 2017, by Cheshire East Council’s trading standards investigations team.

Officers found cigarettes and tobacco at the premises – at Mar Mar Market in Dukes Court, Macclesfield, where he was the sole proprietor – with further products found in the shop owner’s vehicle.

Adam Maczka, 53, of Briarwood Avenue, Macclesfield, received a six month custodial sentence for offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994 and a three-month jail sentence for offences under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, which have been suspended for two years.

Maczka will also have to carry out 150 hours’ unpaid work in the local community and work with the probationary service for a 20-day period.

In mitigation, the defence claimed Maczka was unaware of trade mark implications when purchasing the cigarettes and tobacco.

Councillor Janet Clowes, cabinet member for communities and health, said: “People who deal in illegal tobacco are more likely to encourage others, especially children and young adults, to smoke.

“All tobacco is harmful but the illegal black market in tobacco, and in particular the availability of cheap cigarettes, makes it harder for smokers to quit and remain smoke free.

“The council takes this very seriously and our trading standards officers are working hard to keep these illegal products off the streets and are cracking down on the businesses and individuals that flout the law. If you are doing anything illegal – we will make sure you are found and sent to court.”

The seizure included non-duty-paid tobacco and counterfeit tobacco, which cannot be legally sold in the UK.

Anyone with information about illegal tobacco can call the Tackling Illegal Tobacco hotline on 0300 999 0000 or report online at: www.keep-it-out.co.uk

Firelink Enewsletter - September 2018

Firelink Enewsletter - September 2018

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

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Official opening of Safety Central by The Princess Royal

Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal has officially opened Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Safety Central today, September 10 2018, taking a tour of the lifeskills education centre in Lymm, Cheshire as part of her visit. Her Royal Highness was welcomed to Safety Central by David Briggs, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, and Councillor Bob Rudd, Chair of Cheshire Fire Authority.

The High Sheriff of Cheshire, Mrs Alexis Redmond, local dignitaries and school children were also in attendance at the opening of the Service’s interactive lifeskills education centre, which gives people of all ages skills and knowledge they need to stay safe and well at home, on the road and in our community.

During the opening The Princess Royal was able to see what the £4.5m state-of-the-art indoor village has to offer in its four themed learning zones. Her Royal Highness met children from Latchford St James CE Primary School who were taking part in activities delivered by volunteer rangers, who also got the chance speak to The Princess about the contribution they make to the centre.

Find out more - Official opening of Safety Central by The Princess Royal

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New firefighter training centre planned for Winsford

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is planning to build a state-of-the-art firefighter training centre at its Sadler Road site.

The ambition is to build a state-of-the-art firefighter training centre that is fit for the future. It has been in the planning process for some time and a great deal of consideration has been given to ensure that there will be minimal disruption to you, our neighbours, during the building process.

The new training facility will provide ground-breaking technology and provide real-life scenarios, ranging from serious motorway collisions to dealing with building fires, keeping our Cheshire firefighters highly-skilled and equipped to deal with a myriad of life-saving situations.

Find out more - New firefighter training centre planned for Winsford

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Get your chimney ready for the winter

With the colder, winter months looming, people will begin to start using open fires and their chimneys again.  In order to keep you and your family safe from fire, you need to take necessary steps such as ensuring your chimney is swept regularly, depending upon what fuel you burn and we would urge all householders to have a working smoke alarm in their home.

For more information - Get your chimney ready for the winter

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Safeguarding and Young People's Conference

There are still a few tickets left for 100 Years Young - Futureproofing Generation Alpha, a not-to-be missed conference for anyone who works with young people.

Featuring an impressive line-up of expert speakers, the one day event on Wednesday 26 September at Safety Central, Lymm, Cheshire, will shine the spotlight on educating, engaging and safeguarding young people, in particular how we can target Generation Alpha, young people born after 2011 and predicted to be the most transformative generation ever.

The conference speakers have been drawn from the breadth of the sector and will explore issues such as firesetting, arson, anti-social behaviour, changing behaviours and how digital experiences can help futureproof the young.

Find out more - IFE Centenary Conference

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Join the Emergency Services…in song!

We are on the search for a Cheshire-based primary school to perform at our annual Emergency Services Carol Concert.

The concert will take place at the majestic Chester Cathedral on the evening of Tuesday, 4 December 2018 and will be free for the public to attend.

Our competition is free to enter and the winners will have the opportunity to perform at the concert where Cheshire Fire Choir and the Cheshire Constabulary Band are also performing.

Find out more - Join the Emergency Services…in song!

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Young people wanted for Prince's Trust Programmes

We're recruiting for Prince's Trust team members in Ellesmere Port, Halton, Chester, Crewe and Macclesfield.

Aged 16 to 25? Unemployed? Want to gain new skills and develop existing ones to help you get back into employment or education?

Find out more - Young people wanted for Prince's Trust Programmes

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Fire Station open days

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

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

Scam Alert - Fake Netflix Emails

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Plain Text version:
Watch out for these fake Netflix emails.
We’ve seen an increase in reports about fake Netflix emails claiming that there’s an issue with your account, or that your account has been suspended. The email states that you need to “update” your account details in order to resolve the problem. The link in the emails leads to genuine-looking Netflix phishing websites designed to steal your username and password, as well as payment details.
Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it’s a scam. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.
For more information on how to stay secure online, visit www.cyberaware.gov.uk

Cheshire Police And Crime Commissioner To Hold Events To Consult On Draft Rural Crime Strategy

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Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner is inviting residents in rural areas to meet with him and local officers to have their say on the county’s new rural crime strategy prior to its publication.
It has been developed in response to the local rural crime survey conducted in Cheshire over the summer and the recent national rural crime survey.
The strategy outlines the priorities for rural officers and sets out the ways police in Cheshire will tackle rural and wildlife crime from now until 2021.
There will be five events taking place across the county during October 2018 with each event led by PCC David Keane and the constabulary’s rural crime lead, chief inspector Simon Meegan.
Local residents will also have the opportunity to talk to their local policing team about issues in their area.
David said: “This strategy has been heavily influenced by the views of local residents who took their time to give us feedback as part of the rural crime survey. We have listened to what they told us but we want to ensure the strategy takes into account their priorities.
“The survey told us that more than two thirds of residents who live in Cheshire’s rural communities think police are doing a good job keeping their communities safe, but there is still more we can do to protect our more remote communities.
“Rural communities have their own unique crime related issues which can have a significant impact on residents or farming and businesses. It’s imperative for police to be specially equipped and trained to tackle these issues.
“As part of the plan, I’ve set five priorities for police in Cheshire to deliver over the next four years to ensure we tackle rural crime head on.”
The first two events will be held on Wednesday 3 October 2018, 7pm at Blaze Farm in Wildboarclough near Macclesfield and Thursday 4 October 2018, 7pm at Stockton Heath Police Station. Further events will be announced in due course.

Tatton’s Farm animals will be wriggling into their Sunday best for Harvest Festival weekend.

This annual festival, is a fantastic way to mark the end of summer and celebrate another successful season. The Farm has many things to be thankful for this year including the birth of 35 piglets, 49 lambs and 7 calves. The farming year has also seen the arrival of 4 new gorgeous goat kids - 2 Angoras and 2 Golden Guernseys, as well as a barn full of hay and a large crop of maize to help feed the animals through the coming winter months.

The Festival takes place on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th of September, when visitors will be invited to come along and join in. For those with pets it’s an opportunity to have them blessed at a special harvest blessing at 2pm by local minister Sharon Meyer , accompanied by the Preston Brook Brass Band.

Throughout the weekend visitors will also be able to see traditional spinning displays and take part in a number of harvest related craft activities, including making corn dollies and Harvest story time. The Cheshire Guild of Woodturners will demonstrate pole lathing and wood-turning and the traction engine will be running and on display.

There will also be autumnal cookery demos in our new Clydesdale Barn, using seasonal fruits collected from Tatton’s Gardens.

Farm manager Jayne Chapman said “Harvest is a very special event, a time to say thank you for all our new arrivals. This years’ service will welcome and bless our special new additions including our adorable goat kids and Molly’s Middle White piglets - this breed is currently one of the 4 rarest breeds of pigs in the UK so deserve an extra special blessing!”

Farm opening times and prices

The farm is open for high season (until October 30, 2016) Tuesday to Sunday from noon-5pm (last entry 4pm). During the rest of the year it is open weekends from 11am-4pm (last entry 3pm) and school holidays

Prices for single attraction entry: adult £7, child £5 (aged 4 to 15 years of age), family £19 (two adults and up to three children).

Totally Tatton Ticket (entry to three attractions: mansion, gardens and farm): Adult £13, child (aged 4 to 15) £7, family (two adults and up to three children) £33.

National Trust members pay 50 per cent entry to the farm. Park entry charge of £7 per car applies to all.

Please visit our website www.tattonpark.org.uk or call 01625 374400 for more information.

For further information about this release contact:

Marketing Department at tattonmarketing@cheshireeast.gov.uk