We would like to invite new members to join LENS committee - it is so important to have a wide range of knowledge and opinion on local issues. Click this link to read LENS Wildlife Watch all about LENS summer outings, outreach and local wildlife. Email lensnaturalhistory@gmail.com
Best wishes Marion Bryce, Hon Sec LENS Wildlife Group
Road closures as 771st Ilkeston Charter Fair takes over town
The countdown is on to one of the oldest and most spectacular street fairs in Europe – and residents in Ilkeston have been warned to brace for the usual road closures. While Nottingham’s more famous Goose Fair has long been consigned to an often muddy field, Ilkeston’s vast extravaganza continues to take over the entire town centre. Packed streets play host to candyfloss stalls and towering thrill rides that dwarf almost every building. Only the iconic St Mary’s church rises above the sights and sounds that lure fun-seekers from across the country and beyond.
Townsfolk are proud that the ancient spectacular is even older than Nottingham’s – dating back to 1252 when King Henry III granted a charter for it to be held. Erewash Borough Council spends months preparing for the event. The authority’s Lead Member for Community Engagement Councillor Becca Everett said: “The fair is a highlight of the borough’s calendar and thanks to our personnel working tirelessly it is an annual spectacle that we believe knocks the Goose Fair into a cocked hat for family fun. If you are from outside the town and have never been before – get yourself to Ilkeston for the time of your life. But don’t forget – parking is at a premium so we recommend using the rail station or catching a bus.”
The 771st Ilkeston Charter Fair runs from Wednesday 18th October when it kicks off at 6pm. It continues from 12 noon to 11pm for three more days until Saturday 21st October. It is free to walk around. The official opening is on the Thursday – 19th October – at a ceremony where crowds will gather at 11.15am to hear the charter read out in front of the town hall. Mayor of Erewash Councillor Frank Phillips will ring a bell to signal the revels. The Mayor – in full regalia including the chain of office – then usually heads for the dodgems. The road closures will be in place from 5am on Tuesday 17th October to allow the fair to set up. They will remain until noon on Sunday 22nd October.
The entire Market Place will be closed, along with South Street to its junction with Gladstone Street West. Gladstone Street is usually one-way traffic but will operate a two-way system. Bath Street will be shut as far as its junction with Wilmot Street. The tops of East Street, Pimlico, Burns Street and Market Street will be no-go to traffic – as will all of Queen Street. St Mary Street is also affected, while Wharncliffe Road will be shut from its junction with Albert Street. Residents’ parking bays will be suspended.
Some deliveries to local businesses will be allowed until 11am. But buses will use the same one-way diversions that have been in place for the past four years. Full details are being posted on the Erewash Borough Council website. Bin days will be altered for some residents. Those affected should have already received letters. Police will help enforce the road closures and ensure everything runs smoothly. They will be joined by Security and Neighbourhood Wardens acting as marshals.
Charity employee supports Moroccan earthquake survivors
%20and%20friends.jpeg) |
| Shamli (right) and friends |
Shamli and Nadia will be heading to Morocco with a group of friends, some of whom are Moroccan themselves. They will be supporting those affected by the disaster, providing them with basic essentials and medication, along with clothes and blankets for the cold winter ahead. Shamli says: “I don't know what to expect when we go out there. Being a mother myself, it makes me really sad to see the children struggling with not having food and shelter. I am just hoping that I can make a small difference for them. I would strongly recommend people to do this if they can. We can all donate to charity, but sometimes seeing it in person makes us realise how fortunate we are.”
Shamli works for Groundwork Five Counties, a regional charity that supports local people and communities by improving prospects, physical and mental health and wellbeing, encouraging the enjoyment and use of green spaces, and other sustainable initiatives. Each year, Groundwork staff members are allocated two days to spend on volunteering, which Shamli has taken up as part of her mission in Morocco. Penny Halewood, Head of Communities and Impact, says: “We are very proud of Shamli for doing this. Volunteering is at the heart of Shamli’s day to day, as she works closely with many who kindly give their time to us and we’re so grateful to each and every volunteer. Giving back is a huge part of what we stand for as a charity, and no doubt Shamli is going to make a big difference in the lives of the people who have been through this horrific ordeal.”
NOTTS ROAD DAD IS A BLOOMING HERO
An Ilkeston dad whose grown-up kids live in terraces either side of him has scooped a coveted Erewash in Bloom award after turning the fronts of all three homes into a riot of summer colour that was featured on telly. Widower Tony Christon was the talk of the town when a BBC news crew showcased his floral handiwork – which had left passers-by on busy Nottingham Road agog.
He was interviewed on East Midlands Today but refused to reveal the recipe he uses to feed his flowers, insisting: “It’s a secret.” Retired Tony, whose son lives on one side while his daughter has the other house, won a Special Award for Impact on Street scene at Erewash Borough Council’s annual ceremony attended by Mayor Councillor Frank Phillips. He also picked up gongs in other categories – including second prize for Best Hanging Baskets & Planters and joint third prize for Best Front Garden.
Another winner was this month Also featured on TV. All Saints Church in Kirk Hallam won joint second prize in the Business, Commercial and Places of Worship category. Its graveyard was the focus of a BBC news item.
The Erewash in Bloom Awards were held at Morley Hayes, which itself won first prize in the Pubs, Restaurants & Hotels category. Ilkeston’s Spanish Bar scooped a Special Award for Impact on the Town Centre. Other winners included Gloria Jackson of Boatmans Close in Ilkeston for Best Front Garden and Long Eaton’s Mark and Jill Prentice for Best Wildlife/Environment Garden. They live in Harrington Street.
Chaucer Junior School in Ilkeston bagged two awards – Best School Garden and Tallest Sunflower. Best Allotment Site was the one on Elm Street in Borrowash. The Borrowash in Bloom and Ockbrook in Bloom initiatives jointly won top prize for Best Community Area.The Best Business award was shared by Ashfield House Veterinary Hospital and Brooklands Court, both in Long Eaton.
Erewash in Bloom is one of the biggest gardening competitions in the East Midlands – and this year attracted a record 180 entries in 12 categories. Residents bagged cash prizes ranging up to £100.
Councillor Joel Bryan, who is Erewash’s Lead Member for Environment, said: “Congratulations to Tony and all our winners. The aim of Erewash in Bloom is to encourage people to take ownership of their surroundings and make a real difference. The record number of entries this year is something the entire borough can be proud of.”
During the visit, Maggie met with medical staff including hepatologists, nurses and other healthcare professionals to gain an insight into latest patient treatment and care. She also spoke with an advanced stage fatty liver disease patient to hear about their experiences and their journey from diagnosis to their present situation. Maggie commented: “It was great to visit Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust’s liver unit and meet the team that are doing a fantastic job to deliver exceptional specialist care to people with a range of liver conditions. During the visit I met a patient with advanced stage fatty liver disease. It was sad to see the reality of the liver disease crisis, which is at an all-time high. We must refocus all our efforts to help people live healthier lives. The patient I met wanted people to understand how important our liver is and how we should all do our best to look after our own liver, this means reducing fatty foods and keeping alcohol within recommended guidelines. Obesity is a key risk factor for developing fatty liver disease. We need to prioritise prevention measures to reduce the growing liver disease burden on the NHS. This means tackling rising obesity by addressing the broken food system and reducing foods high in fat, salt and sugar. I have raised awareness of this issue in Parliament, and I will continue to stand up for this important issue from the backbenches.”
Liver disease is a growing problem with more than 600,000 people in the UK living with a serious liver condition and in 2021, 11,400 people died from the disease, an increase of 21% since 2019. In the East Midlands, 8320 people were admitted to hospital in 2021/22 with a liver condition and 906 people sadly died of the disease. The liver unit at the hospital is renowned for its expertise in treating a wide range of liver conditions including non-alcohol related fatty liver disease, alcohol-related liver disease and liver cancer. The unit also has close links with the University of Nottingham through the NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, meaning patients are able to become involved in research.