Wednesday, 4 September 2024

CRYSTAL AMAZE

The work of an Erewash artist who creates fantastical sculptures from scrap glass is to be showcased at the borough’s museum. Ric Raithby – who bills himself as “The Illumin Artist” – uses shards and offcuts that would otherwise end up among the 400 tonnes of glass sent to landfill every week just in the East MidlandsHis creations will feature in a free exhibition called Illuminate from 5th September to 12th October in the Erewash Museum’s Lally Gallery.

An invitation to residents reads: “Ric Raithby’s passion for repurposing glass comes to life in this stunning exhibition. “Join us for an immersive experience and explore his remarkable Shards of Light sculptures, illuminated mirrors and dragonglass art.” Ric, from Ilkeston, describes working with glass as his “life’s work”. He told how he chips, grinds and engraves chunks of crystal to create “colourful, crazy and exciting shapes”. Ric said he hoped his exhibition would “amaze” local people – adding: “I’m sure that my work will be like no other sculptures you have ever seen.” Erewash’s Deputy Leader Cllr Becca Everett, who is Lead Member for Community Engagement, said: “Ric’s glass art is truly spectacular – and is sure to have people flocking to our award-winning heritage and culture hub.” 

The Erewash Museum near Ilkeston Market Place is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 4pm. Refreshments are on sale at its Dalby House CafĂ©. 


September 3rd 2024

LONG EATON ROBBERY

Detectives are appealing for CCTV and dash cam footage after a robbery in Long Eaton. The incident happened at around 1.30pm in Market Place on Tuesday 3rd September when two motorcyclists approached a ‘cash for gold’ stall. The pillion passenger got off the bike and there was an altercation with the stallholder, which resulted in him being assaulted. The motorcyclists then made off empty handed. 

They are described as both wearing helmets and being dressed in black clothing, carrying a yellow JD Sports bag. They motorcyclists are believed to have been travelling on a grey and black Yamaha FZ8 with blue front forks and a blue cylinder head cover. 

Although this incident hasn’t been formally linked to a robbery in Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham shortly before 1.50pm yesterday, Detectives are investigating the circumstances of the two incidents given that the descriptions of those involved are similar. Anyone who witnessed the robbery in Long Eaton and who has dash cam, CCTV or mobile phone footage of those involved is asked to contact us with reference 24*525846. 

Pollice would also like to hear from anyone, with dash cam installed, who was travelling on Western Boulevard, Beechdale, in Nottinghamshire  shortly after 1.15pm as we believe a motorbike of a similar description was being ridden in the area. 

  • Facebook – send us a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page 

  • X (Twitter) – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact 

  • Phone – call us on 101  

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website. 


September 2nd 2024

EREWASH IN HUNT FOR OLYMPIC ACES 

THE next Simone Biles could come from Erewash – as the borough council backs a mission to find Olympic gymnasts of the future. A brand-new training centre has opened in the area just weeks after the finale of the Paris Games – and as the paralympics now get underway in the French capital. A grant given by the council to boost the local search is funding equipment, including a balance beam. 

Biles, 27, was aiming for her fourth gold medal of the Games when she dramatically fell during her beam routine. But the American remains the world’s most decorated gymnast – with a total of 11 Olympic medals plus 30 World Championship ones. Team GB could one day have someone to rival her thanks to the increasingly popular Erewash Valley Gymnastics Club, which is one of the largest in the East Midlands. 

It boasts two training centres staffed by a dedicated team of coaches. One of the schools is in Ilkeston’s Hallam Fields Road. The other in Long Eaton has just been completely rebuilt following demolition of the building in New Tythe Street where it was based. The club, which caters for all abilities, has spent the past year using temporary facilities in Long Eaton, including the council-owned West Park Leisure Centre. Both of the club’s hubs feature classes for men, women and children, including toddlers. The emphasis is on locals having fun while keeping fit – but club manager Hannah Gibbs says the sky is the limit for the most talented.  Hannah is a former gymnast herself. She said: “As a charity and community club we strive to offer as many opportunities as possible to all our members, from recreational competitions and festivals to Ilkeston twinning experiences and international trips. “Our men’s artistic have just returned from a training camp in Ireland, meeting Olympians and role models. Our Display team have recently returned from Norway where they took part in the European Gym for Life Challenge and Eurogym event. They returned with a silver medal.” The club successfully applied to Erewash Borough Council for a £1,500 “Fast Funding” community grant. These are aimed at enterprises that benefit local people – with volunteer organisations especially welcome to submit bids. The money is part of a government-funded initiative so does not come from council tax. Applying is easy. Simply visit the Erewash Borough Council website here: Community Grants (erewash.gov.uk) 

Erewash Valley Gymnastics Club, which has been existence for 50 years, needs £25,000 to fully kit out its new Long Eaton facility – and other sources of funding are being explored. The club’s website declares: “From beginners to experts, we help every gymnast reach their full potential.” Find out more here: Home - Erewash Valley Gymnastics Club (evgc.co.uk) 

Erewash council’s Deputy Leader Becca Everett, who is Lead Member for Community Engagement, said: “Everyone was gripped by the Paris Olympics – which saw success for Leeds gymnast Harry Hepworth in the vault and Cambridgeshire’s Jake Jarman in the men’s floor exercise. Both won bronze medals. It would be terrific for Team GB to include someone from the local area – and thanks to Erewash Valley Gymnastics Club we can keep our fingers crossed. Meanwhile I urge other organisations that benefit the community to consider applying for one of our Fast Funding Grants.” 

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