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HS2 in Stapleford
I had a very positive meeting this afternoon with the new Chair of Stapleford Town Council and various Borough Councillors from the town to discuss HS2. In short, we agreed that Stapleford must take full benefit from the East Midlands Hub at Toton Sidings which is within the town’s boundary. HS2 is not just about providing more rail capacity and improving the network between some of our greatest cities. It is widely accepted it will bring huge growth (job) opportunities to Broxtowe and beyond.
We also agreed that the Town’s Neighbourhood Plan needs an urgent overhaul to make sure the town benefits from HS2, including better roads and more opportunity for generations to come. My thanks to Councillors Tim Hallam, John McGrath, Richard MacRae, Ella Kearney and Jan Goold for a first rate discussion. There were a number of actions I undertook including working with HS2 on compensation claims and encouraging them to improve communications with all residents.
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Awsworth Primary wins Gold
Congratulations to Awsworth Primary School who have achieved the Gold Award for Unicef's 'Rights Respecting' schools campaign. They are only 1 in 437 schools across the UK to achieve the top award which acknowledges the learning of rights and equalities. I was delighted to present Head Teacher Jane Mainprize and teacher Claire Watson with the award.
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It was also a great pleasure to attend Awsworth Primary's Leavers' Assembly where I heard all of the fantastic achievements made by the Year 6 children who will be going onto secondary school in September. Well done!
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This morning I took up an invitation to “Take your MP to work” organised by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Legal Aid. I spent time at the Nottingham Law Centre in Hyson Green and met senior solicitor Sally Denton who runs a team of 9 staff and many volunteers. The Centre does mainly Housing work funded by legal aid. As a former criminal barrister I fully appreciate the value of legal aid. I have campaigned for extra funding as it is critical we have full access to our justice system. Meanwhile if you would like to get involved with the Nottingham Law Centre please visit their website here. |
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Nuthall Horse Fair and travellers
This weekend’s Horse Fair will take place in Nuthall this weekend amid some controversy as it is set to attract a number of travellers. Some residents fear they will cause trouble and create mess. There have also been a number of illegal camps in Broxtowe and on our borders in the last few days and a number of constituents have emailed me to complain.
I think we need to have an honest debate about the rights or otherwise, of people to lead a longstanding traditional lifestyle. Trespassing is wrong - indeed it is unlawful, but mainly not a criminal offence. This means the land owner, often at considerable cost, must take legal action to evict travellers on their land. Leaving mess, especially human waste, is also clearly wrong.
As part of my attempt to have an informed and honest debate about what is a problem across our country, I think it is important to note that there is a distinction between Romany gypsies who have for centuries lived their traditional life mainly in the countryside and travellers of Irish descent who tend to lead their lives in more urban and suburban areas.
I also want to be equally honest in taking considerable exception to the stereotyping of any community. Frankly, some of the calls to my office and emails have verged on blatantly offensive nonsense about travellers. It is equally unacceptable for community leaders and people with a political interest to stoke fears and prejudices for their own advantage.
The question is; can we reconcile a travellers lifestyle in today’s Britain? Providing legal traveller sites with washing and lavatory facilities is part of the answer but in order to ensure we can accommodate travellers in that way, we undoubtedly need tougher sanctions to protect the rights of landowners. I welcome your views on this issue.
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A worthy cause ...
Congratulations to Beeston’s WEA creative writing group who have raised over £300 for the Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of one of their former members, Jenny Smith, who sadly died last August of a brain tumour at just 24. My pal Ginny Hartman told me about Jenny who was a remarkable and talented young woman. The Teenage Cancer Trust provided Jenny with terrific support during her illness. If you would like to donate in her memory please do so by clicking here.
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In Parliament
It feels as if we have had a General Election with a new Government - a new party in power. And that is what has happened except that only 160,000 decided who would be our Prime Minister, and then he alone in turn chose our new Government. Boris Johnson in effect insisted every new Minister, notably those in his Cabinet, “signs the pledge”. Every one of them has agreed that, “do or die”, we will leave the EU at the end of October. The people Johnson has hired, notably Dominic Cummings and other architects of the Leave campaign, have led many sensible Conservative supporters to conclude their party has not only become the party of Brexit, it is implementing the manifesto of the Brexit Party.
The leader of the opposition gave a woefully inept performance in the House of Commons yesterday. Both main political parties are now firmly in the grip of the political extremes. What distinguishes Labour from the Conservatives is that at least the majority of Labour MPs do not support their leader and did not vote for him. Whether anyone from either party will have the courage to leave and help people like me to create something new, remains to be seen.
Boris seems determined we will leave the EU without a deal, which would be a disaster for our economy and peace in Northern Ireland. As his answer to my question revealed, he’s preparing for that crash out with no intention of involving Parliament.
Watch my question here or read it here |
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Sunset Yoga on Beeston Beach
Classes until Tuesday 20th August 2019
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: Beeston Beach, Old Bus Station, Beeston
What's On: Free yoga classes for over-16s on Beeston beach. Ideal way to unwind at the end of the day. Booking is advised. Please click here for more information.
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Fun Dog Show
Colliers Wood Nature Reserve, NG16 2FF
12:00pm - 3:30pm
What's On: Come and enjoy the annual Fun Dog Show held at Colliers Wood Nature Reserve. All dogs welcome!
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Nottinghamshire 47th Annual Fuchsia Show
Saturday 10th - Sunday 11th August 2019
Saturday: 1:30pm - 5:00pm, Sunday: 9am - 4pm
Where: Attenborough Village Hall
What's On: Fuchsia displays, plant sales, homemade cakes, a tombola and a variety of stalls. Show is open to the public, admission is £1 (under 15s enter free when accompanied by an adult). For more information, contact Jayne Daykin on 0115 8758928.
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Sunday 8th September 2019
Fine Food and Craft Market
10am - 3pm
Where: The Garage, Chilwell, Bartons. 63 High Road Chilwell, Nottingham, NG9 4AJ
What's On: Coffee, cake and craft. Sprawling market with up to 50 stall holders, all of which are independently run businesses. Ideal way to spend Sunday morning with the family. To find out more, please click here.
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Term Time: Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays
2nd Beeston Sea Scouts
Mondays: 6:45pm - 8:15pm Cubs (8-10.5 year olds)
Thursdays: 6:15pm - 7:30pm Beavers (6-8 year olds)
Fridays: 7:30pm - 9pm Scouts (10.5-14 year olds)
Where: 2nd Beeston Sea Scout Land HQ, Lilac Grove, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 1PP.
What's On: Scouts aims to build and develop young people’s confidence, sense of adventure and outdoor skills, as well as encouraging them to explore their beliefs and attitudes and be creative. It offers them the independence to put these skills into practice at camps and even on international trips. To find out more, please click here.
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Every Monday
Monday Munch Club
Arrive by 12:15pm for 12:30pm lunch
Where: The Temple Centre, Nottingham Road, Nuthall, NG16 1DP
What's On: Come and enjoy a meal at the Temple Centre. As well as food, there are regular speakers and games such as quizzes and bingo for everyone to enjoy. Please call or email Sue on 0115 9519717 or [email protected].
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Every Monday
Chilwell Age Concern Club
10am - 3pm
Where: The Scout Hall, Attenborough Lane, NG9 5JN
What's On: Club that cares for the elderly in a safe and friendly environment. Enjoy games and events, lunch can be provided. For further information, call Eileen on 0115 9677260.
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Every Monday
Trowell Adult Activities Club (Badminton)
7pm - 10pm
Where: Trowell Parish Hall, Trowell
What's On: Badminton and table tennis in a fun, friendly social atmosphere. Open to all over 18 years old. Tickets cost £3.50. Call 07870216510 for further details.
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Every Monday and Wednesday
Beeston Job Club
10.00am - 12.00pm
Where: Hope House, Boundary Road, Beeston, NG9 2RF
What's On: Drop in sessions to get guidance, help and support in any search for employment.
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Every Tuesday
Beeston Job Club
10.00am - 12.00pm
Where: Beeston Library, Foster Avenue NG9 1AE
What's On: Drop in sessions to get guidance, help and support in any search for employment.
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Every Tuesday and Thursday
Wander the Waterways in Beeston
11:00am - 12:30pm
Where: Meet at Canalside Heritage Centre, Beeston, BG9 1LZ
What's On: Come and enjoy a walk along the canal in Beeston. All footpaths are suitable for wheelchairs and abilities. Children are welcome to come along too. Contact [email protected] or phone 0115 9221773 for more information.
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Last Tuesday and Second Wednesday of every Month
Heart 2 Heart Cardiac Support Group
Where: Tuesday - 10am - 12 noon, Toton Tesco Community Room, Swiney Way, Toton, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 6QX.
Wednesday - 7pm - 9pm, Highfields Fire Station, Hassocks Lane, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 2GQ.
What's On: Meeting group where those suffering from heart conditions or those who are caring for someone can share their stories and advice in a safe environment. Cardiac nurses from Primary Integrated Community Services attend each meeting, giving advice and one-to-one talks.
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Wednesdays
Lunch Club
10:30am
Where: The Spinney Day Centre, Laurel Crescent, Nuthall NG16 1EW
What's On: A great opportunity to make new friends, play games and chat with coffee and biscuits. Lunch is provided and transport is available. Call Shelia on 0115 9382862 for further information.
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Wednesdays
New Beginnings Art Group
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Where: The Oasis Centre, Union Street, Beeston, NG9 2LU.
What's On: New Beginnings Art Group meets weekly, bringing together people who are unable to work anymore owing to illness or injury, and are interested in art (Fees may apply). Please click here for more information, or call Greg on 07847096141.
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Alternate Wednesdays
Friendship Group for retired and senior citizens
2pm-4pm
Where: St Helens Church, Stapleford
What's On: A chance to socialise and have lunch together. There are quizzes and speakers are arranged to speak to the group. Please contact St Helens Parish Office on 0115 939 9958 for more information.
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First Wednesday of every Month
Stapleford & District U3A Monthly Meetings
2-4pm
Where: Stapleford Methodist Church, Eaton's Road, NG9 7EA
What's On: Are you retired or work part time? Do you want to share fun, friendship and informal learning in a vibrant, enjoyable and varied way? Then why not come along to find out what the U3A is about and join in the activities which includes monthly meetings, speakers and a wide range of interest groups. For more information click here.
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Every other Wednesday (Fortnightly)
WIGWAM Cancer and Wellbeing Support
10:45am - 12:15
Where: Middle Street Resource Centre, Middle Street, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 2AR.
What's On: In association with charity, Yes To Life, which is at the forefront of a new movement to revolutionise the way cancer is viewed and treated in the UK, WIGWAM provides a place to learn and share. The meeting aims to provide a safe place for people to receive flexible, non-prescriptive support. For further information please click here.
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Every other Wednesday (Fortnightly)
Knit'n'Stitch'n'Natter
7pm-9pm
Where: Cliffe Hill House, 22-26 Nottingham Road, Stapleford, NG9 8AA.
What's On: Gathering for needlecrafters to share their projects and learn from each other. Please come along to discuss what you would like to see happen at future meetings. Parking as available at the back of the building via Cliffe Hill Avenue.
The cost is £3 and hot drinks and biscuits are included.
Contact [email protected] or phone 07850 985349 for more information.
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Thursday
Haven Eagles
2pm-4pm
Where: Haven Centre, Wadsworth Road, Stapleford, NG9 8BD
What's On: The Eagles is a Seniors Group that meet for talks, singalongs and trips out. Anyone over 50 is welcome.
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Thursdays
Outdoor Walking Netball
1:30pm - 3pm
Where: Chilwell Memorial Hall Grass Courts, 129 High Rd, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 4AT
What's On: Walking Netball is a slowed down version of the game of netball, designed for anyone looking to exercise in a relaxed, supportive and friendly environment. Current our sessions are facilitated by an England Netball coach to provide encouragement and support. Contact for further information: [email protected] or 07791878766.
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Second Thursday of Every Month
Attenborough District Probus Club
10am - 12pm
Where: Bowls Club Pavilion, Attenborough.
What's On: Attenborough District Probus Club currently has vacancies for new members. We welcome retired or semi-retired business or professional men to enjoy a friendly monthly meeting with a variety of informal talks, following which several of us take lunch together at a local pub. To find out more contact Richard Coupland, on 0115 925 7720 or the Secretary, Martin Lippmann on 07504 068302.
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Every third Saturday
Beeston Parkinson's Café
10am - 12pm
Where: Catholic Church Hall, Foster Avenue, Beeston, NG9 1AE.
What's On: Friendly, informal gatherings offering information and mutual support for people with Parkinson's disease. Drop in, no need to book.
For more details please call 07851 651 988
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Every First Sunday
Free Sunday Breakfast Club
9am
Where: The Temple Centre, 44 Nottingham Road, Nuthall, Nottingham, NG16 1DP.
What's On: Run by the United Family International Church at the Temple Centre (Next to the Methodist Church) , this monthly group meets on the first Sunday at 9am to share a freshly cooked English breakfast.
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TENNIS CLUB
Do you like playing Tennis ?
There are now places available at Chilwell Memorial Hall. There are three courts to play on, open over the summer period. All ages are welcome.
Cost including membership of Memorial Hall £80.00 + £2 each per session.
Please contact :- Christine Ball 01159225708.
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