MAYOR SALUTES STROKE CLUB

 

A Pioneering club that was launched in Erewash 40 years ago is to get a visit from the borough’s mayor – as the social hub marks an amazing four decades of providing invaluable help and support to survivors of strokes. The independent Parklands Stroke Support Group has become a haven for people of all ages determined to rebuild their lives. It hosts events such as games, bingo, quizzes, sports and exercise. 

Over the years it has welcomed a string of guest speakers as part of its mission to offer practical advice. The group also organises meals and trips. Erewash Mayor Councillor Frank Phillips will help celebrate its 4th birthday by paying a visit on Friday 5th January with his wife Pamela – a fellow councillor who is the Mayor’s Consort. The couple will head to Petersham Hall in Long Eaton’s Grasmere Road, which is where the club meets. The Mayor said: 

“It is an honour to salute the Parklands Stroke Support Group, which has proved to be a terrific boon for so many people. It is somewhere for survivors to get crucial information as they seek to get on with their lives. People who have suffered strokes are always welcome for a cup of tea, a biscuit and a chat – plus there is support for carers and relatives.” 

The group, which is keen for new volunteers to help with its work, confirmed: “We are always happy for new members to join us.” 

For more information contact the group’s leader Anne Bartle on 07582 689772. 

The Mayor will also be paying a civic visit on Thursday 11 January to an Ilkeston firm that is a world leader in hi-tech fabrics. Baltex, based on Burr Lane, supplies a wide range of industries including healthcare and the military. Products range from medical scrubs and protective gear to Kevlar and even bomb blast netting for curtains. 

TOWN HALL AMBUSH

 Councillor saluted in Town Hall ‘ambush’ 

A Young councillor attending a town hall meeting was summoned from his seat to solemnly stand and face colleagues – unaware family and friends were hiding outside the chamber to “ambush” him with two top awards. Harry Atkinson, 24, was stunned as his fans suddenly flocked in at the invitation of Erewash’s mayor Councillor Frank Phillips, who was presiding at the start of proceedings. The delegation of around a dozen included members of Long Eaton Scouts and Sawley Explorer Scouts – which Harry has devoted his spare time to as a youth commissioner. 

He was presented with the movement’s highest honour – the King’s Scout Award – as family including his parents and grandparents looked on proudly. It was handed to him by District Commissioner Catherine Halls-Jukes and is the first such badge won locally since the coronation of King Charles. Harry also received a coveted Scout of the World Award for helping to raise £27,000 for the local troop to instal solar panels. The Long Eaton Scouts will combine with Ilkeston’s in the New Year to form a new Erewash Scouts. Councillors applauded at Ilkeston Town Hall as the Mayor declared of Harry: “It is a credit to him that so much has been achieved.” Harry represents Sawley as one of Erewash’s youngest councillors. Mayor Cllr Phillips said after the full meeting of the council: “We kept the presentation a secret and he had no idea what was about to happen.” 

COST OF LIVING FUND

 Erewash charities awarded nearly £100,000.00 in funding as part of the Government’s Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund 

Maggie Throup OBE MP, Member of Parliament for Erewash, has welcomed the news that the Canaan Trust and Every One Eats have been awarded funding as part of the Government’s Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund (CCLF). Of the £76 million available through the CCLF, the Canaan Trust received £71,169.00 and Every One Eats obtained £26,662.00. The £76 million package of funding aims to maintain and expand support for people and communities under pressure because of the increased cost of living, by distributing grants to critical frontline services seeing increased demand and increased delivery costs. 

Maggie commented: “Whether it is supporting those at risk of homelessness or preventing food poverty, charities and community organisations such as the Canaan Trust and Every One Eats provide vital support to many people across Erewash. I am absolutely delighted that the Canaan Trust and Every One Eats have been awarded £71,169.00 and £26,662.00 in funding respectively to provide further support to the most vulnerable across Erewash. Congratulations to all involved in securing successful grants for these organisations. I know this funding will be well received and shows that this Government is committed to supporting those most in need. I would also like to pay tribute to all of the staff and volunteers at the Canaan Trust and Every One Eats for the fantastic work they undertake and their dedication.” 

The £76 million CCLF fund is part of the £101.5 million package of support for charities and community organisations across England announced by the Chancellor in the Spring Budget 2023. 

LENS

 Meet Paul Dyson Wildlife Artist 

Paul will present a slideshow 
The Life and Travels of a Wildlife Artist 
 
Paul's Cards, pictures and calendars will be on sale at this meeting. 
Date Wednesday 24th January. 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. 
LENS committee will meet 7pm January 8th, members are invited to raise agenda items and join the committee.  

Email lensnaturalhistory@gmail.com 

Best wishes 

Marion Bryce 

Hon Sec LENS Wildlife Group 

FREE LUNCHES

 Free lunches for kids at New Year fun days  

Children who are exempt from paying for school meals can get free lunches before they head back to class after the Christmas holidays – thanks to fun days lined up by Erewash counci. lThe first of the New Year “It’s About Me” activity clubs is on Thursday 4 January at Rutland Sports Park Tennis Centre in Ilkeston – with a second the next day at The Long Eaton School in Thoresby Road. The sessions – which are overseen by the sports network StreetGames – run from 10am to 2pm and include a packed lunch. 

The fun days are open to children aged seven to 12 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. There may also be places for non-free school meal youngsters depending on demand. Families need to book in advance for what is billed as a “a brilliant mix of fun action-packed days and tasty food”. For more information – and to make bookings – visit  https://erewashboroughcouncil.coordinate.cloud/list  Ormcontact: communityhealthwellbeing@erewash.gov.uk (including for inquiries about non-free school meal places). 

Erewash teamed up with Derbyshire County Council to win funding for the initiative as part of the Department for Education’s holiday activities and food programme. 

As part of this funding, the council received 50 food hampers to supply to some of the families across Erewash in receipt of free school meals – no matter the age of the child. These were distributed in conjunction with local schools and included food for four meals for a family of four.Cllr Claire Marie Poole, Erewash’s Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:  “We are keen for children in the borough to be active during the holidays – and also want to do all we can for those who qualify for free school meals.”