MOTOR BIKE FAN IS A TRUE HERO

An old soldier with a passion for motorbikes will see his heroism during World War Two marked by a visit from civic dignitaries on Armistice Day – as he revs up for his 109th birthday. Ex-Desert Rat Donald Rose – the UK’s oldest surviving World War Two veteran – has been hailed as “one of a kind” by staff at Ilkeston’s Canal Vue care home. 
 
A public appeal for people to send him birthday cards last year when he turned 108 saw him get more than 150 – many from total strangers. Donald, whose birthday is on Christmas Eve, declared: “I’ve never had so many in all my life. It’s grand.” 
 
Erewash’s Mayor Councillor Frank Phillips will lead a delegation to honour him following Saturday’s Armistice Day ceremonies at Ilkeston’s Cenotaph and Long Eaton’s War Memorial. The poignant tributes ahead of Remembrance Sunday take place at 11am – the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Deputy Mayor Kate Fennelly, 53, who is the council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: "Having served in the RAF I feel our courageous old soldiers should never be forgotten, especially world war veterans like Donald. 

“There are fewer and fewer left who we can talk to face-to-face about their experiences. Donald lives in my home town, which makes it more special.” 
 
Donald is the world’s seventh-oldest surviving WW2 veteran. He was born in 1914 and served on the frontline with the 7th Armoured Division after joining the Queen’s Royal Regiment at age 25. He saw action in North Africa, Italy, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany – later training as a sniper. Last birthday he said when quizzed about his longevity: “Everyone asks this – there’s no secret.” He added: “It doesn’t feel like a milestone.” 
 
Donald recalled how the postman told him when he turned 100: “Somebody has got you a telegram.” The old soldier replied: “Yes, it’s from the Queen.” Mayor Cllr Phillips said:  
“The borough and the entire nation owe an immense debt of gratitude to Donald – as we also honour all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Lest we forget.” 
 
Father-of-one Donald, whose wife died in 2001, used to work for the gas board. Son David Rose, 74 – a retired NHS hospital technician living in West Hallam – described the response to the cards appeal as “a real lump in the throat moment”. He said: “We’re all gobsmacked.” His father’s medals include France’s highest award – the Legion D'Honneur. But David said: “He didn’t want the medals, he wanted no fuss and he just got on with it.” 

12M INVESTMENT IN EREWASH

A delivery giant that is building a huge new logistics centre in Erewash welcomed the mayor to the launch of its £12million project – as the first spades were put in the ground. The hub is at the New Stanton Park Industrial Estate on the edge of Ilkeston – formerly home to the famous ironworks. DX Group has become the first commercial tenant as the brownfield site is brought back into use. Planning permission for the new 25,000sq ft regional hub was granted as part of the nationwide delivery firm acquiring 4.5 acres. Mayor Councillor Frank Phillips was joined by Erewash council leader James Dawson and local MP Maggie Throup. Councillor Dawson said: “This is fantastic news for the borough. It means that the DX building alone will bring up to 138 jobs.” 

 The hub will include a raised dock to service DX’s parcel freight activities. The new site will also include a depot serving the local area. The Slough-based firm’s chief executive Paul Ibbetson said: “The investment will increase our capacity, drive efficiency improvements and enhance customer service.” 

The hub is expected to be constructed within a year. 

 

Picture caption: Erewash Mayor Councillor Frank Phillips is flanked by council leader James Dawson and local MP Maggie Throup as the first spades are put in the ground to build a £12million logistics hub at New Stanton Park 

STORM BABET

Erewash residents whose homes were deemed uninhabitable after Storm Babet can apply to the borough council for up to £500 towards their flood bills. The grants, coordinated by Erewash Borough Council, were announced after getting the green light from the Department for Levelling-up, Housing and Communities. The money – which the borough has been pushing the Government to allocate – is towards immediate costs for those households impacted. 

This is just one element of several flood relief schemes the government has launched in response to Storm Babet and is in addition to funding for council tax discounts and business rates relief. This will see council tax discount and business rate relief for a minimum of three months if flood water entered the property. Residents can report their flood damage and apply using the online forms on My Erewash where you will find more information on the schemes. Evidence must be provided via photos, video and insurance claim.  The property should be the person’s primary residence to be eligible, and flood water must have entered into habitable areas of the residence. Further details can be found at erewash.gov.uk 

 

In addition, the Department for Business and Trade is working on a business recovery grant scheme of up to £2,500 per flooded business – the details of the scheme and eligibility is currently still awaited from the Government and further information will be publicised when available.  Meanwhile, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs aims to help property owners beef up flood defences with up to £5,000 for residents and businesses through the Property Flood Resilience Scheme. Information on the resilience scheme, which will be led by Derbyshire County Council, will also be publicised when available. 

 

Erewash has been pulling out all the stops to assist flood-hit residents, some of whom have been unable to return to their homes. Around five hundred properties across the borough were affected. Household possessions were ruined – and the council rushed to waive its usual charges for taking away bulky items. Councillors have declared a full-scale climate emergency – a move they had already been planning before the storm hit. The authority’s leader Councillor James Dawson said: 

“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 the staff of Erewash Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, Derbyshire Constabulary and other partners who have worked tirelessly in very challenging conditions to deliver help to those who have needed it and those who continue to need help.” Advice on flooding can be found on the flooding pages. Those who need help to fill in the online form can contact the council on 0115 907 2244. 

POPPY SPECTACLE AT MUSEUM

Knitted poppies are among hundreds that have transformed the grounds of Erewash’s museum ahead of remembrance weekend – in a spectacular tribute masterminded by a stalwart of the heritage hub’s Social Stitching group. Norma Brown, who volunteers at the museum and works in the tearoom, also got other friends to grab their needles. Residents have been flocking to the museum near Ilkeston’s Market Place to see the colourful salute.As well as the stitching group’s poppies, others have come from a church. Yet more are from a display that previously graced the town’s Victoria Park.  Norma paid tribute to those who helped out, saying: “It was very much appreciated. “Four valiant ladies battled through the wind and rain on Saturday to create the display.” She added: “I hope it may encourage folk to come to Social Stitching. It is held on the first Saturday in the month – 11am to 3pm. Feel free to drop in any time.”  Councillor Becca Everett, who is Erewash council’s Lead Member for Community Engagement, said: “Norma has done a fantastic job organising what is a magnificent display. I encourage everyone to take a look.” Erewash Museum is open Thursdays to Saturdays from 11am to 4pm. Entry is free.

LENS

 

Join us at LENS on Wednesday 22nd November 2023 for our next Wildlife Talk: 
ORCA Whales & Dolphins of the UK. Our Speaker is Ruth Boulton 

For 10 years a Marine Mammal Surveyor for ORCA (Organisation Cetacea) leading a survey team on ferry and cruise ships, collecting scientific data of marine mammals. Ruth delivered wildlife presentations to passengers on cruises and provided wildlife guiding during public deck watches.  
  

Meetings start at 6.45 for 7.00 pm in the United Reformed Church, Midland Street, Long Eaton NG10 1HQ. Cost £1.50 for LENS members, visitors £2.50.  
 
Tea and biscuits at half-time, all welcome. Best wishes Marion 

Marion Bryce 

Hon Sec LENS Wildlife Group 
 
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