DUCKS AWAY 2024

 The 32nd. Annual Duck Race will take place on Monday 1st January 2024 at Manor Park Toton. Starting at 1.00pm - courtesy of Broxtowe Borough Council and sponsored by Michael Key MOT, Servicing & Repair, Long Eaton . 

As usual we will be inviting the Mayor of Broxtowe, to start the race by releasing over 1300 plastic ducks into the River Erewash. They will swim down the river and be caught at the bridge approximately 600 yards downstream. The owners of the first 10 ducks to cross the winning line will receive a prize, all donated by local business. 

Since 2016 we have included a ‘Corporate’ race. We already have several local businesses sponsoring ducks and we are continuing to invite others to join this prestigious corporate event. For just £25 local business owners can sponsor a duck or 2 for the bargain price of £40. Each business will have an opportunity to win a prize to share around their employees. This race which takes place immediately before the main race has become a popular and integral part of the day!  

The Duck race is always a great day for all the family, with a number of fun things to do. We will be serving Mulled wine, mince pies, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, hot dogs and delicious doughnuts. There will be a tombola, prize every time cuddly toy stall and face painting for the children and a chance, for a small donation. to own one of our ‘retired ducks’. 

For just £1.50 people can have the opportunity to sponsor a duck and win a prize. 

We usually gather around 1pm and we aim to launch the ducks by 2pm. There is lots to keep everyone busy during the lead up to the race and we try to make sure that everyone who wants to purchase a ticket at just £1.50 can do so however it is possible to buy your ducks on line now to avoid the queue on the day. 

Angela Barnes, fundraising manager for Age UK Derby & Derbyshire said, “The Duck Race has become a tradition and attracts hundreds of local people and many family pets. It is one of the few events that all of the family can enjoy together. And there is always a great atmosphere. The people in the Toton/Beeston/Long Eaton/Sandiacre, Stapleford, Nottingham and Derby area now attend as a matter of course. After all what else can you do on New Years day? 

All of the money raised will be used to benefit local older people. 

To reserve a duck, go to our website: www.ageuk.org.uk/derbyandderbyshire or  

call Angela Barnes – 01773 766922/ 07745 191777 or email 

fundraisingteam@ageukdd.org.uk 

LONG EATON ROBBERY

 Police investigating a robbery in Long Eaton are appealing for witnesses and information. The robbery occurred between 6.30pm and 7pm on Thursday 5th October on Bridge Street when a man threatened a teenage boy with a knife and told him to hand his bike over. The man was wearing all black clothing and a black balaclava. Police have now released an image of the bike which was stolen in a bid to trace it. It is described as a Carrera Hustle 1 with a mostly grey coloured frame with green detailing. Officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have any information on the burglary as well as anyone who may have been offered the bike for sale. 

If you can help with the investigation, please contact police using any of the below methods, quoting the reference 23*619549: 

• Website – We have crime reporting tools on our website: use our online contact form  

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

• 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. 

Bulky waste fee waived for flood affected homes

FLOOD-hit residents in Erewash can get ruined furniture and other goods collected free by the borough’s waste crews – after the council rushed to aid the Storm Babet clean-up by waiving its usual charges. The suspension of fees for disposing of bulky items came as the Met Office warned that even more rain is looming – with a yellow weather alert for parts of Derbyshire. Residents needing to get rid of water-damaged goods are urged to first liaise with their insurance companies as some may require an inspection of items before they are removed. 

 

Dedicated crews from Erewash council were continuing to go out to areas impacted by Friday’s floods to collect items from homes. 

Residents can call the council’s contact centre on 0115 907 2244 to request a collection. An official said: “We do urge people to be patient and bear with us as we try to get to everyone as quickly as we can.” 

Councillor James Dawson, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, said: “The council continues to do all it can to help residents across Erewash whose lives have been adversely affected by Storm Babet. Our teams have been working around the clock to help those in the worse affected areas and I would urge residents to contact their insurance company and then get in touch with Erewash Borough Council if they have items to dispose of. We have staff on standby 24/7 to respond to emergencies such as these.” 
 
The Met Office warned more rain of up to 20mm was possible in some areas from today (Tuesday 24 October). A spokesman said: “There remains some uncertainty in the extent of the heavier rain, but given the already saturated conditions, where this occurs further impacts from flooding are possible.” 

Erewash residents who need to take precautions can collect empty sandbags from the town hall receptions in Ilkeston and Long Eaton during opening hours. In an emergency the council can deliver full sandbags to houses in imminent danger, where access allows. Go to erewash.gov.uk/floods for information and advice. 

Follow the council on Facebook for updates at facebook.com/erewashbc 

FLOODS

 Floods: Statement from Leader of Erewash Borough Council 

 Erewash Borough Council leader, Councillor James Dawson, has praised the residents of the borough for their enormous sense of community spirit following Storm Babet. Several areas of Erewash, particularly in the south of the borough, suffered significant flooding due to the heavy rain that Storm Babet brought, with many residents now left dealing with the aftermath.  

 
Teams from the council joined forces with partner agencies, including Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and Derbyshire County Council, to help residents to safety throughout the weekend. A rest centre was also in place at West Park, Long Eaton.  

Councillor Dawson said: “The last few days have been a very difficult time for those residents and businesses in Erewash who have been affected by flooding and my thoughts are with all those whose lives have been impacted as a result. I would like to thank the communities across Erewash who pulled together to help each other during what was a very stressful time for many. I’d also like to personally thank everyone who has been involved. My thanks go to the staff of Erewash Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and Derbyshire Constabulary who have worked tirelessly in very challenging conditions to deliver help to those who have needed it and those who continue to need help.” 
 
The council’s website has been updated with information for homeowners and tenants following a flood. Head to erewash.gov.uk/floods and follow the council on Facebook for updates at facebook.com/erewashbc 

Bump start! Mayor hops on dodgems as he opens fair

Pictured: Mayor of Erewash Councillor Frank Phillips in bumper car with High

Sheriff of Derbyshire Theresa Peltier

The historic Ilkeston Charter Fair’s grand opening saw hundreds of fun-lovers defy forecasts of dodgy weather – as they watched the mayor ring the traditional bells and head straight for the dodgems. Mayor of Erewash Councillor Frank Phillips rode the bumper cars in full regalia, including his heavy chain of office. He and Consort Councillor Pam Phillips – his wife -- were joined by dignitaries from across the region at the official opening of one of the oldest and biggest street fairs in the western world. Guests included the High Sheriff of Derbyshire Theresa Peltier and Deputy Lieutenant of Derbyshire Andrew Allsop. Derby, Chesterfield, Amber Valley and Broxtowe sent their own mayors and mayoresses. Civic leaders from the County of Derbyshire, Bolsover, Derbyshire Dales, North East Derbyshire and South Derbyshire were also present – along with Erewash MP Maggie Throup and representatives of the Showmen’s Guild. Ilkeston escaped the ravages of Storm Babet as the 771st Ilkeston Charter Fair was officially declared open amid mild weather at noon (Thursday 19 October). The extravaganza runs from midday until 11pm until Saturday. King Henry III granted permission for the first fair in 1252 – making Ilkeston’s spectacular older than Nottingham’s Goose Fair. These days the grand opening – which includes the ancient charter being read out – is live-streamed on Facebook and Instagram. The Mayor paid tribute to the way the town centre becomes a huge fairground every year. He described it as a “truly remarkable transformation”. The Mayor added: “There is something for everyone. We have over 70 rides and stalls.” Nestled among the towering thrill rides on the Market Place is the traditional Cakewalk. It has been owned by the family of Lawrence Bishton for 60 years. Mr Bishton, who is Vice Chair of the Showmen’s Guild, said: “I’ve been coming to Ilkeston fair since I was seven years old – and three of my own children were born in the town. “This is always an enjoyable event.”