CHURCH WILNE ROTARY CLUB

  Speaker Evening – Vic Handley – Solo Atlantic Row 

President Nigel welcomed Vic Handley, he gave an inspiring talk on undertaking the “World’s Toughest Row” https://vicsoloatlanticrow.com/ Vic plans to single handedly row the atlantic ocean at 70 years of age, starting on the 12th December 2024. It could take between 65 to 85 days, the record is 64 days. covering 3,000 miles. He plans to raise £200,000 for four main local charities. In Vic’s words “I want to inspire people of all ages by showing them it is never too late to pursue their dreams and ambitions”. The funds raised will support: Derby County Community Trust – harnessing the club to improve the lives of local people. https://www.derbycountycommunitytrust.com/ 

Umbrella – supporting disabled children. https://umbrella.uk.net/ Mind Derbyshire – helping people improve their mental health. https://www.derbyshiremind.org.uk/ Enthusiasm Trust – Derby based, helping young people in deprived areas. https://enthusiasm.org.uk/  Further details about Church Wilne Rotary may be found on our website here: https://www.churchwilnerotary.org.uk 

Or you may contact the Secretary at rccw1220@gmail.com 

Rotarian Dr John A Cook. 

STABLE JOY

A multi-million Pound project to open a state-of-the-art small business hub in Erewash has taken a huge leap forward. A building known as the old Stable Block is being refurbished by the borough council to become a centre for commerce and innovation. Work originally got under way last year but had to be put on hold when Nottingham construction giant J Tomlinson Ltd – which won the contract – rocked the building sector by going bust. Erewash Borough Council was among a string of local authorities and government bodies that were left having to find new builders to complete projects. It meant painstaking fresh negotiations – but the town hall’s search is now over. Derbyshire-based Trident Construction Services Ltd has been engaged to complete the work. The Stable Block project is being funded by government levelling-up cash as part of a £24.8million “Town Deal” that the council helped win for Long Eaton. Offices, meeting spaces and workshops will be available when the building next to Long Eaton Town Hall is transformed. The new business centre aims to create more than 30 jobs. Erewash Borough Council leader James Dawson said: “This showcase project is among several that will help transform Long Eaton thanks to the council securing huge government investment to revitalise the town. The collapse of the original builder was a blow but we are pleased to be back on course.” 

The old stables form part of what is known the “curtilage” of the Grade II* listed town hall – which was built in 1778 by Joseph Pickford of Derby. Back then the town hall was a house for “gentleman farmer” Henry Howitt. Richard Ledger, chair of the Long Eaton Town Deal Board, said: “We have been pulling out all the stops to minimise delays to the refurbishment of the old stables, which will enhance Long Eaton as a place to do business. The project will create the kind of modern hub that we know there is a demand for.” 

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

 Maggie hosts roundtable with the Business Minister and representatives from Erewash’s upholstery industry  

Maggie Throup OBE, Member of Parliament for Erewash successfully facilitated a crucial roundtable discussion with the Minister of State for Enterprise, Markets & Small Business, Kevin Hollinrake MP, alongside industry leaders representing upholstery and furniture manufacturers from Long Eaton. The focus of the discussion was the impending Smarter Regulation: Fire Safety of Domestic Upholstered Furniture. Erewash is home to a diverse mix of small and medium sized upholstery manufacturers that supply directly to retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. However, many within the sector are concerned about the practical implications of the new fire safety regulations set to be implemented on 1st October 2024. Recognising the significance of these concerns, Maggie took proactive steps to engage with the Business Minister, advocating for a visit to Erewash to meet with key industry figures and discuss the regulatory changes. On 9th May, Maggie facilitated a roundtable between the Business Minister and representatives from Erewash’s upholstery industry at Artistic Upholstery, Long Eaton. 

Maggie said: “Long Eaton is internationally recognised as the UK Centre of Excellence for Upholstery Manufacturing and is worth over £300 million per annum to our local economy. I would like to thank the Business Minister, Kevin Hollinrake MP, for meeting industry leaders in Erewash’s world-renowned upholstery sector to discuss the Government’s new fire regulations. I am pleased that positive discussions were held between the Government and representatives from the industry about how we can further reduce the amount of fire-retardant chemicals within the manufacturing process. It was a successful roundtable and the Business Minister’s visit to Long Eaton underlines the Government’s commitment to supporting our bespoke manufacturing sector.” 

Representatives from a range of upholstery businesses were invited to the roundtable. The Business Minister also had the opportunity to tour one of Long Eaton’s famous upholstery businesses, Artistic Upholstery.   

BRIGHT FUTURE WITH £245K LIGHTS

Experts make light work of installing new lampposts to illuminate an Erewash park – as a £245,000 project gets under way again after being hit by the wet winter. Erewash Borough Council appointed contractors last year for the boost to Long Eaton as part of its £25million Town Deal. But the stormy weather in 2023 meant work had to be paused after West Park was left flooded. A total of 42 lampposts will light up an extra 1,215 metres of pathways so residents can go walking, running and cycling after dark. Two gateways are among previously unlit sections that will be illuminated. The new low-energy lighting will complete a figure of eight pathway through the park. Power will also be installed at the bandstand. The Town Deal investment is money the council helped to secure from the government to regenerate Long Eaton.Richard Ledger, chair of the Long Eaton Town Deal Board, said: “Getting the West Park lighting project back on track really is brilliant news. Residents will soon be able to make even more use of what is a much-loved local amenity.” 

LENS

 Explore the woodland of Rosliston Forestry Centre with bird expert Tony Slater 

Monday May 20th  Birdwatching at Rosliston Forestry Centre: Meet 7pm in the car park (£1.50 charge) on Burton Road, DE12 8JX, for a walk on mostly good paths with some slopes. Leader Tony Slater. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing. Cost £1.50 for LENS members, guests £2.50. Queries - contact Joan Breakwell 07527 007280  Car share where possible. If you would like to join a LENS Whatsapp Car sharing group please respond with your phone number and locality, thank you. 

Best wishes Marion. Hon Sec LENS Wildlife Group