BUS SERVICES TO BE WITHDRAWN

Trentbarton are to withdraw a number of bus services due to the company being hit very hard by the coronavirus pandemic. They say that since the pandemic some routes have not recover their passenger levels. The bus operator says the return evening journeys after 7pm on the My15, from Ilkeston to Long Eaton, will no longer be running. There will be no change to the journeys between Ilkeston and East Midlands Airport. A new Sunday service will replace the 20 between Stapleford, Beeston Rylands and Nottingham. The changes will come into effect on October 2nd this year.

WILSTHORPE CELEBRATE

Students and staff at Wilsthorpe Sixth Form are celebrating after receiving outstanding A-level results, enabling them to secure places at their prestigious universities, on coveted apprenticeships and selected jobs.

The students at Wilsthorpe School, in Long Eaton, Derbyshire have achieved exceptional results, with higher grades than in previous academic years, reflecting the hard work and commitment shown throughout their studies.

Derek Hobbs, headteacher at Wilsthorpe School, said: "I am so proud of how our students rose to the challenge of their A-level exams. They have achieved record-breaking results, with well over half of all grades at A*, A or B. This is thanks to their own hard work and the outstanding teaching and support they have received from our staff. I am delighted to see so many individuals progress on to their first choice of university, training or employment. We wish them every success in the future and look forward to hearing about their next steps."

AUTUMN FOOTPRINTS AMBER VALLEY & EREWASH WALKING FESTIVAL

                   10th SEPTEMBER TO 25th SEPTEMBER 2022

Do join us to celebrate our annual Autumn Footprints Amber Valley & Erewash Walking Festival. Set in the heart of picturesque Derbyshire, enjoy sixteen days of walks, Saturday 10th September to Sunday 25th September 2022. This Walking Festival offers a range of 34 guided free walks over 16 days. The Walking Festival has proved to be very popular with both inexperienced and experienced walkers. The walks, led by volunteers and staff from over 20 organisations, will take place in Amber Valley and Erewash. These two areas are well known for their natural beauty, superb scenery, industrial heritage and attractive towns and villages. 

 The Walking Festival will begin on Saturday 10th September 2022 with the first walk of the festival at Shipley Country Park Visitor Centre. This first walk is a circular walk (3 miles) at 10.30am which looks at the history and wildlife of Shipley Country Park. 

Walking Festival Co-ordinator Marion Farrell from Groundwork, said:

“Walking is a wonderful way to make new friends, learn more about the area and get fitter. All the walks are free and are led by volunteers who are keen to share their knowledge of this beautiful part of Derbyshire.” 

 All the walks are free of charge, and will take place in areas of local heritage and natural history interest, taking walkers alongside rivers and canals as well as through towns and villages. The walks are of varying lengths and gradient, ranging in length from one mile to ten miles, offering something for everyone no matter what their interests or abilities. They are all led by knowledgeable local people who are enthusiastic to show off their local patch. Booking is advised for all walk and essential for some. To book your place for any walk, please check our website for details www.autumnfootprints.co.uk  or call Shipley Country Park Visitor Centre, Telephone 01629 533 991. This ever popular festival is jointly organised by Erewash Borough Council; Amber Valley Borough Council; Derbyshire County Council, several parish councils, community groups and Groundwork. 

 FURTHER INFORMATION …  For further information about this project please contact Marion Farrell at Groundwork Tel. 07801 122 494. Please take a look at the website for details www.autumnfootprints.co.uk  

 

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES … Photo opportunities will be available throughout the festival for further details please contact Marion Farrell, at Groundwork Tel 07801 122 494. 

ABOUT AUTUMN FOOTPRINTS …

‘Autumn Footprints’ is the annual autumn walking festival, held in the Derbyshire boroughs of Amber Valley and Erewash. A partnership between Groundwork, Amber Valley Borough Council, Erewash Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council. ‘Autumn Footprints’ provides a varied programme of walking activities, from gentle family rambles, to more strenuous hill walks for the more experienced walker. Both boroughs have extensive ranges of countryside walks leaflets, created in partnership with Groundwork.

 CONTACT INFORMATION …

Groundwork  Tel: 07801 122 494 – Marion Farrell, Walk Festival Co-ordinator (Based in Ripley Town Hall)
Amber Valley Borough Council:
Tel: 01773 841 485
Erewash Borough Council:
Tel: 0115 907 22 44
Derbyshire County Council - Shipley Country Park: 
Tel 01773 533 991

HAPPY PLANET WEEK

Residents are encouraged to channel their inner David Attenborough as Erewash Museum holds a week all about looking after our planet. From Monday 22nd to Saturday 27th August, the museum is hosting a range of activities for people of all ages focusing on eco-friendly practices. Throughout the week, there will be a trail running throughout the Georgian house in which children can match actions which harm the planet to environmentally friendly alternatives. There will be crafting sessions in The Hayloft which teach sustainable practices by having visitors create origami animals with waste paper. Children will also be able to write positive messages to Earth about their hopes for the future of the planet – these posts will be displayed in the museum to spread the word about helping our planet.

On Tuesday 23rd August Treehuggery will be hostin eco-conscious crafting sessions. Visitors can build a sculpture using household recycling, take a picture to preserve the experience, then knock the sculpture down so others can use the materials or leave for others to admire. The session will run from 11am until 2:30pm.

 On Wednesday 24th August local group Spiral Arts will be delivering workshops where children can build bug houses which can be taken home to give safe habitats for the smallest local wildlife. The session is £2.50 per participant and can be booked in advance by emailing museum@erewash.gov.uk. Also on Wednesday, children can bring in unwanted toys and book to exchange with others. Visitors are encouraged to bring in good condition items to swap with others and take home something preloved to enjoy. No electrical items please.

 Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, says: “It is incredibly important that we all take steps to be more environmentally conscious so it is wonderful that Erewash Museum is holding a whole week dedicated to looking after our planet. With all the exciting and innovative activities, children will be able to have tremendous fun while learning some vital practices on how to protect their future.”

Erewash Museum is just a short walk from Ilkeston Market Place. Admission is free. For more information, call 0115 907 1141, email museum@erewash.gov.uk  or visit the Facebook page facebook.com/erewashmuseum.

EXTRA INFLATABLE DAYS

Following the success of Erewash Borough Council’s summer inflatable fun days, an extra date has been added to the obstacle course tour. The event was originally set to conclude on Thursday 25th August, but an additional date now means young people have one more opportunity to experience the course. 

The extra session will be at Sawley Park, Sawley on Wednesday 31st August from 1pm until 4pm. It is to be delivered by Erewash Borough Council’s Sport and Health Development team in partnership with Sawley Youth Club. This is a free event and open to all children under the age of 13. All children must have written parental consent. No booking is required. Children will be allowed onto the course on a first come first served basis.

Over the summer, hundreds of children have played on the travelling inflatable obstacle course. The 42 feet long and 12 feet high course boasts all manner of fun obstacles including a tunnel, hurdle, and a slide to finish. The additional date is a great opportunity for any children who missed the original dates to experience the course and for those who have already loved the course to return. Councillor Paul Maginnis, Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing at Erewash Borough Council, says:

“The inflatable obstacle course has been one of the most popular attractions of the summer and I'm incredibly excited for the Sawley Session. This allows even more children the opportunity to take up the challenge and have great fun. I look forward to seeing you down there!”

FAST FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY

Community groups and projects in need of a helping hand to get started can apply for Fast Funding Community Grants from Erewash Borough Council. The grants are aimed at small community projects or groups who were seeking grants of up to £500 for fast start up or project support. Formerly known as ‘Community Chest Grants’ it is now much easier for residents to apply for the grants with a more streamlined online application and assessment process.

 The grants are available for projects and community groups that are seeking to improve the overall quality of life and wellbeing of Erewash residents as well as the fast start-up support. 

“The new process makes it easier for applicants to apply and ensures that applications are considered by an awarding panel as soon as possible. Approved grants payments can then be made at the earliest opportunity to support projects that deliver benefits and positive impacts for Erewash residents.”

Preference will be given to applications which meet the council’s current Corporate Plan priorities. Subject to the availability of funding, applications will be able to be submitted anytime until December 22nd. For more information please visit the Grants pages of our website or contact: ebcsmallgrants@erewash.gov.uk  

EREWASH JOBS & COMMUNITY FAIR 2022

Local MP Maggie Throup is delighted to announce the return of her Erewash Jobs and Community Fair, which this year will be held at the Chatsworth Arts Centre and Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton on Tuesday 27th September 2022 between 10am and 4pm.

Responding to calls for support to help recruit new staff and attract more apprentices and volunteers following the Coronavirus Pandemic, Maggie is once again organising the Fair with the aim of bringing together large and small local businesses as well as charities, voluntary groups and advice and support agencies all under one roof.  Speaking about the event, Maggie said:

“Despite unemployment across the Constituency remaining lower than the national average, there is a clear need for a central forum in Erewash where local businesses, charities and voluntary groups can exhibit the opportunities they have available to residents, which is why I am delighted to again be hosting the Erewash Jobs and Community Fair. The event, which is free to both exhibitors and members of the public to attend, will promote local job vacancies, apprenticeships, and volunteering opportunities, as well as help people to access services that offer support on benefits and welfare, CV writing and interview techniques. I hope that as many people as possible will be able to join me at the Duchess Theatre and support this ambitious project on the day.”

 Businesses and voluntary organisations across Erewash will shortly be receiving a letter including details of how to sign up to exhibit, with further information about opportunities available at the Fair being published at https://www.maggiethroup.com/erewash-jobs-community-fair-2022 on a rolling basis.

MUSIC PLEASE MAESTRO

Erewash residents can tune their instruments and get their dancing shoes on for music week at Erewash Museum! From Monday 15th August to Saturday 20th August, Erewash Museum is having a musical extravaganza. Children will be able to follow a music themed trail around the house with the aim of creating their own band. There will also be free crafting sessions where visitors can build their own bell bracelets to put on their wrists.

On Monday local musician Richard Arter will be holding one of his popular steel drum workshops where Children can learn to play the unique percussion instrument in a fun and creative session. The experience only costs £2.50 per child – please book in advance by contacting the museum by calling 0115 907 1141 or emailing museum@erewash.gov.uk.

On Saturday local six-piece band Deep Down Brass will be performing – the band has a set list containing favourite hits by Queen, Journey and Dolly Parton, all played with a brass twist!  Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, says:

 “Music week is certain to be brilliant fun, as all events at the museum are! The steel drum workshop is a fantastic opportunity for children to learn something new and play an instrument, some that they may have never seen before. Deep Down Brass has performed in Erewash many times before and I am so glad to see them return – they always put on a spectacular show and will be a triumphant end to a musical extravaganza!”

 The Erewash Museum is just a short stroll from Ilkeston Market Place. Admission is free. For more information, contact 0115 907 1141, email museum@erewash.gov.uk  or visit the Facebook page facebook.com/erewashmuseum. 

LATEST EDITION NOW ONLINE

 You can read the latest edition of the Website Extra, Issue 321 August 11th 2022, by clicking on 321 in the box top right.

PLANES TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

Vehicle enthusiasts will be excited to learn that Erewash Museum is hosting a transport week this month. During the summer holidays the museum will host a different themed event every week. From Monday 8th to Saturday 13th August, everyone is welcome to visit the museum and participate in a variety of activities. A trail in the museum’s Georgian house will give information about buses and their local routes. Crafting sessions will be held in the Hayloft where children will be able to design their own city and road layout that can be used as a personalised play mat for miniature toy cars.

On Wednesday August 10th, the Great British Car Journey will be traveling from Belper to showcase a variety of classic cars from the past 100 years in the museum’s car park. On Thursday August 11th and Friday August 12th, model railway exhibitions will be on display outside the Hayloft. 

Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, says: “I have no doubt that the Planes, Trains and Cars Week at the museum will be immensely popular with both the younger and older generations of Erewash. It is a fantastic opportunity for residents to see rare classic cars thanks to the Great British Car Journey and experience the intricacy of miniature model trains.”

Erewash Museum is located a short walk from Ilkeston’s Market Place. Admission is free for both the house and gardens. The volunteer-led tea room offers a variety of treats and drinks. For more information visit the Facebook page facebook.com/erewashmuseum, call 0115 907 1141, or email museum@erewash.gov.uk .

CLAN DERBY WALK

On Saturday, August 6th, Clan Derby are going to walk from Long Eaton to Derby to raise money for a veterans charity.  The Clan has members across the country and is one of the biggest groups outside Scotland. This is the third year and they are going to attempt to raise a higher amount of money as previous walks when they raised over one thousand pounds for charity. They will leave the Eaton Farm pub in Long Eaton and walk through Breaston, Borrowash, Spondon, and Chaddesden to Pride Park with some in wheelchairs and some walking. They will be collecting money along the way. They use the Freedom Tartan with some wearing their kilts traditionally. Website The TartanKilt.com advises underwear is "optional". If you own the kilt you are cleared to go commando; if you do not own the kilt, aka you rented or borrowed it, then boxer/briefs are mandatory.

PAEDOPHILE JAILED

Richard Buckley, of no fixed address, appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday August 3rd, where he pleaded guilty to two sexual assaults on two young girls in Sandiacre and Hucknall. Buckley, 48, was given a sentence of five years and three months, and remains on a sexual harm prevention order and sex offenders' register. The period of his licence was extended for four years.

TWO COUNCILLORS LOSE THEIR SEATS

 Two councillors have lost their seats on Stapleford Town Council for failing to attend meetings. At a meeting on Friday, July 29th, it was announced that two casual vacancies were now open after the ward councillors for Stapleford North and South-West were dismissed. Cllr Eileen Atherton (Cons), who also serves on Broxtowe Borough Council, will no longer be a Town Councillor for Stapleford North and Cllr Daniel Gibbs (Lab) will also lose his seat on the town council for Stapleford South-West ward. The meeting was told how the councillors had “fallen foul” of the Local Government Act and are immediately terminated. Neither councillor attended one meeting over a six-month period, which they are required to do so as part of the elected role.

ARTS AND CRAFTS WEEK

Erewash residents are encouraged to let their creative side free this summer with an Arts and Crafts week at the museum. From Monday 1st to Saturday 6th August, Erewash Museum is hosting arty activities for all the family. Children will be able to participate in a free craft session which where they can create and decorate a foam door hanger. There will be a colouring trail which takes visitors through a tour of the museum and will result in a seasonal picture perfect for hanging pride of place at home! The Erewash Beach will also be in the gardens for anyone who wants to take inspiration for their art from the sand and sun.

On Wednesday, local business Slightly Potty will be running workshops where people of all ages can paint and take home their own ceramic pot. The sessions are delivered at a small charge which is dependent on the pot chosen. Please book in advance by contacting the Facebook page facebook.com/erewashmuseum, by emailing museum@erewash.gov.uk  or calling 0115 907 1141.

Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, says: “I know there are many creative individuals in Erewash who will absolutely love the Arts and Crafts week! It is set to be a wonderful week where members of the community can visit the incredible museum, have fun making something creative, and return home with a treasured craft.”

Erewash Museum is located a short walk from Ilkeston’s Market Place. Admission is free for both the house and gardens. The volunteer-led tea room offers a variety of treats and drinks. For more information on events or the museum itself, visit the Facebook page facebook.com/erewashmuseum.