NEW COFFEE AND TRAVEL SHOP OPENS



Click pic above to enlarge

It is also good to hear of a new business taking to the streets of Long Eaton and the latest that we hear of is no exception. After the sale of their former family travel business back in 2014, new company managing director Martin Laver and his family launched a new escorted coach holiday venture in late 2016 and have now chosen Long Eaton to be home to their very first Travel Shop. However, there is a twist in every tale as they say and in this one the twist involves fresh Italian ground coffee, homemade cakes, freshly made sandwiches, toasted teacakes & much more too!

On 5th April 2018, "all about TOURS Ltd" opening the doors to their new shop, adjoining Rowlands Pharmacy on Midland Street, close to Asda. The event was advertised to their existing customers and over 130 attended in a little over 3 hours, with the earlier birds there to witness the cutting of the 'launch' ribbon by the deputy Mayor, Councillor Chris Corbett. Councillor Corbett expressed publicly his appreciation of the new company and ethics that it had in providing such a personal and attentive service. "I have never had a coffee and cake whilst booking a holiday before and certainly not where the company Director is happy to call me 'Chris!' There is an extremely friendly feel to 'all about TOURS' - one that we can certainly recommend."

The new travel shop, opposite the police station is unique in the midlands, as it houses "the COACH cafe" and as far as they are aware, it is only the 2nd such collaboration in the country! So whether you are booking a Round the World cruise, an escorted tour to Scotland, a short weekend's self-drive to Derbyshire - or simply fancy a quality cuppa and a sumptuously fresh bite to eat, we urge you to try the new Travel & Coffee Shop at 'all about TOURS' - where a friendly Laver family welcome is always assured.

MEDALS STOLEN FROM LONG EATON SCHOOL

Police are appealing for the public’s help reuniting the family of a decorated war veteran with his medals, after they were stolen from a Long Eaton school. The medals had belonged to Squadron Leader Gerald de Lucie Carver, an ex-pupil of Trent College, who served in bomber command during the Second World War. They had been on loan to the school since 2009 from Mr Carver’s family after his death in January 2008 at the age of 86. Mr Carver was a pupil at Trent College from 1936 to 1938. During the second world war he served as a bomber pilot on Wellingtons in No.37 Squadron and then Halifaxs in No. 78 Squadron, flying in 58 operations.

The medals, pictured, included a Distinguished Service Order (DSO), Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), 1939-1945 Star, The Air Crew Europe Star, The Africa Star, Defence Medal 1939-45, War Medal 1939-45 and the Malta 50th Anniversary Medal 1942-1992. The coveted DSO was awarded to the then Flight Lieutenant Gerald de Lucie Carver after the plane that he was flying became badly damaged, but despite this he continued with the mission. Reports stated: “This officer has displayed great courage and devotion to duty and his achievements have won great praise.” (London Gazette, Friday, December 10, 1943).The medals had been on display in a wooden, wall mounted case in the museum at the college on Derby Road in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, when sometime between Monday, February 19th and Thursday, February 22nd, they were stolen. The theft is being investigated by PC Helen Gallear from the Long Eaton Safer Neighbourhood Team, who said: “The theft was reported to us nearly two months after the medals had been found missing. We are now appealing for anyone who may recognise the medals from being on sale somewhere or having been offered them for sale in unusual circumstances.”

Melanie Harris, Mr Carver’s daughter, said: “My father was such a lovely man and the family are very proud of his war time efforts, particularly as he was so young at that time. He wanted the medals to be displayed at the school to help in teaching the pupils about the sacrifices that were made during war time. It is so sad that they have been stolen and we appeal for anyone who knows of their whereabouts to make contact with PC Gallear.”

If you have any information about this incident please contact PC Gallear on 101, quoting reference number 18*166566. You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org

 

 

TRENT LOCK HERITAGE

Residents are being asked for their views on granting conservation area status for Sawley’s popular tourist spot Trent Lock. A six-week public consultation was launched on Monday 30th April to find out if people agree the site should be granted the status to protect its heritage and history.

Trent Lock is at the confluence of three late 18th Century waterways – the Loughborough Navigation (1778), the Erewash Canal (1779) and the Trent Navigation (1787). If the conservation area proposal goes ahead it would also recognise the rarity value of a group of buildings at Trent Lock that date back to these waterways. The historic interest of Trent Lock is reflected in its inclusion in key gazetteers of industrial archaeology. The Canal & River Trust has also described it as one of the ‘particular highlights’ of the Erewash Canal and a site with ‘high heritage values’ – saying the lock chamber, the former Erewash Navigation Inn building and the former toll booths are all ‘significant’ features. Councillor Michael Powell, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Regeneration and Planning, says:

“It is vital that we protect our borough’s heritage and we firmly believe that Trent Lock – which is a popular and much-loved site - needs that protection for its important buildings that have great architectural and historic interest. We want to know if our residents agree with us and I encourage everyone to get involved with this consultation and give us their view.”

The consultation opened on Monday 30th April and will run until Friday 8th June. Residents can respond online at www.erewash.gov.uk/trentlock where a document giving more details about the proposal along with a map showing the designated area is also available. Alternatively, consultation forms and details are also available from Ilkeston and Long Eaton Town Halls and Ilkeston and Long Eaton libraries.

POLICE ISSUE CCTV

Police have issued a video showing the moment a group of men brazenly entered a store in Long Eaton and stole two motorbikes. The incident took place at Leisure Trail, Beech Avenue, Long Eaton between 1.40pm and 2pm on Friday, April 13th. You can view the footage by visiting the Derbyshire Constabulary website. 
Of the two bikes taken, one, a blue Honda has since been recovered. The whereabouts of the second, a blue Husqvarna, registration DK14 HPE remains unknown.
Police want to speak to all four of the men on the CCTV in connection with the incident. The footage also captures the same individuals browsing the shop just a few minutes prior to the thefts. If you recognise any of these men, have seen the missing motorbike, or have any information, please call PC Louise Munday on 101 quoting reference 18000166573. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

NEW SPORT IN THE PARK

Table tennis fans have been served an all-year-round sporting treat thanks to the installation of a new outdoor table tennis table at West Park in Long Eaton. Erewash Borough Council has installed the table near the play areas and it is free to use by all visitors to the popular 127-acre park.
Table tennis equipment is also available from the park’s West Perk café which is adjacent to the table and is open daily from 10am to 5pm during the summer - or visitors can take along their own. Table tennis is becoming increasingly popular and has great health benefits, especially as a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. When played regularly it improves reflexes, hand-eye coordination and balance, while toning and strengthening core muscles and helping to keep the heart strong and healthy.
It has also been recommended as a method of warding off Alzheimer's and for assisting in the treatment of dementia. Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says: 

“We’re delighted that we have this in place in time for the summer and we know that it will be used and enjoyed by visitors both young and old. It is another great addition to West Park, which has something for everyone – from enjoyable exercise or relaxing walks through to a whole range of sports facilities. It is packed full of things to do for all the family.”
West Park is a ‘Green Flag’ park and is the largest park in the borough offering sports and recreational facilities that include an outdoor gym, play areas and a Splashpad water park.

TIME TO BLOOM

Erewash gardeners can put their hoes and rakes on standby and dust down their mowers . . . it’s time to launch the ever-popular Erewash in Bloom gardening competition! The annual competition for green-fingered gurus is the flagship project of Erewash Borough Council’s Pride in Erewash campaign and sees residents, schoolchildren and businesses put some real flower power into the borough.

The 2018 contest will be launched with special ‘Bloom’ stalls in Ilkeston and Long Eaton town centres where residents can find out more and pick up an entry form:
· Wednesday 25th April – Long Eaton High Street, 10am-1pm
· Thursday 26th April – Ilkeston, Bath Street, 10am-1pm
This year’s competition has also seen Trent Barton get on board, with the bus company sponsoring the Front Garden Category. Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:
“Put the dates in your diaries and come along and visit our Bloom stalls - it’s time to sharpen your shears, spruce up your flower bed and bring out the baskets! We expect another record-breaking year for our Erewash in Bloom, which remains a summer-long favourite with residents of all ages in all corners of our borough.”
Residents will be able to enter on-line from Wednesday 25th April by visiting www.erewash.gov.uk/erewashinbloom or forms can be downloaded at www.erewash.gov.uk/pride The competition features a wide range of categories as gardening fans all compete to put on the best summertime displays and be crowned an Erewash in Bloom champion.    

 

DRUNK DRIVER CRASHES THROUGH WALL

A motorist who ploughed through a brick wall in his girlfriend's Saab was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Police say the man took the dark-coloured car without his girlfriend's consent at 11.10pm on April 8th before crashing through the wall in Risley near the Risley Hall Country House Hotel.

Officers attended the scene in Derby Road and the 31-year-old man from Stapleford was subsequently arrested after providing a breath test. He was later arrested on suspicion of driving without a licence or insurance and taking a vehicle without consent. The driver who hurt his leg in the collision was taken to Royal Derby Hospital for treatment. He was later released pending further investigation.

NEW BUTCHERS

A new butchers is to open on the High Street in Long Eaton. Willowtree Family Butchers are set to hold an opening ceremony on Saturday April 7th. Mary Hopkinson, the Mayor of Erewash will conduct the ceremony at 9am. Owner Reece Thornton said, “Come and give us a go, we are going to be a great asset to the community.”

Following the opening the first 75 customers will receive a free gift.

 

MAN ROBS LONG EATON HAIRDRESSER

An armed man has robbed a hairdresser in Long Eaton. At around 5.45pm on Monday, March 26th, a man walked into The Green Hairdressing Salon, Nottingham Road, and produced a knife. He demanded cash from the till and stole money before walking off along Conway Street. No one was injured. The robber is white, slim, about 5ft 5ins tall and in his mid-20s. He wore a royal blue hooded top with the hood up.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call DS Dan Burns on 101, quoting reference 18000137775. Alternatively, send him a message online by visiting the Contact Us section of our website. You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

FREE SCHOOL MEALS ARE CUT

On Tuesday March 13th Tory and DUP MPs voted for cuts to free school meals. In England Families on universal credit will see the income threshold for free school meals cut to £7,400 per year. Catherine Atkinson, Labour’s candidate for Erewash in the next general election had written to Maggie Throup urging her to put Derbyshire’s poorest children before Party loyalty, by voting against the Government plans. The appeal fell on deaf ears as Maggie Throup toed the party line and the sweeping cuts were waved through by 312 votes to 254. Speaking about the Government plans before the vote, Catherine said:

 

“The Tories are trying to leave over a million children without access to free school meals, that’s potentially 14,000 in our area alone. If Maggie Throup votes to literally take hot dinners away from the children of her constituents, I don’t know how she will be able to hold her head high in our towns.”