. June 2019 - Page 2 of 3 - Wilcop Media

June 2019

Nottingham News

Children and care home residents have celebrated the launch of Rushcliffe Roots, a new campaign designed to help residents connect with their food roots and discover local, healthy and sustainable food. Members of Serendipity’s Nursery and Beauvale Care Home in Rushcliffe visited ‘All Things Magic’ on 9 May, a self-contained allotment style farm area in Screveton. The facility promotes the physical and mental benefits of gardening whilst providing opportunities for guests to understand the origins of their food.

Guests of all ages were invited to help one another plant fruit, flowers and vegetables as part of an educational exercise that introduced them to the joys of farming local, healthy and sustainable food. Young children in the group were particularly excited to meet a range of friendly farmyard animals, including chickens, goats and sheep during their visit, as they discovered the origins of food production in the UK.

Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Executive Manager for Communities Dave Mitchell said: “Understanding the journey our food takes is extremely important in helping us all to make healthier, more sustainable lifestyle choices. “Rushcliffe Roots will provide fantastic opportunities for carers, nursery children, care home residents and schools to discover their food roots through educational sessions designed to cater for all ages and backgrounds and I would encourage everyone to get involved.”

Organisations or groups can find out more by visiting www.rushcliffe.gov.uk or calling 0115 981 9911.

Nottingham News, Notts Health & Care

A new adoption agency will offer children in care the stability and security they need to achieve their potential. The launch of the Regional Adoption Agency (RAA), part of Adoption East Midlands, will transform the lives of children and their adoptive families. Every year the RAA will be looking for families for approximately 160 children.

The Government’s vision behind the regionalisation of adoption services is to accelerate the pace of change to ensure those children, for whom adoption is the right path, are given the best chance of finding a loving and stable family as quickly as possible.

Incorporating Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council, the Regional Adoption Agency (RAA) will work collaboratively across the East Midlands to encourage more people to become adopters, which in turn leads to markedly improving the life chances of children in care.

As well as the RAA, Adoption East Midlands comprises a regional partnership incorporating Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, Lincolnshire County Council and Rutland County Council and two voluntary adoption agencies, CORAM East Midlands and Faith in Families.
Shelagh Mitchell, Group Manager Adoption East Midlands, said: “We want every child to be in the loving, stable home that’s right for them, and adoption can transform the lives of these vulnerable children – and their adoptive families – in a remarkable way.

“By coming together and joining forces through the work of RAAs, councils can use the network to match children with the right families much more quickly.”

“RAAs will be the platform on which a modernised adoption service is built; providing better support to adopters and to meet the needs of children waiting for adoption.” A key aim of the RAA is to encourage more people who express an interest in adoption to attend information events and hear from people who have already gone through the process.

Shelagh added: “We need to celebrate adoption success stories and show at first-hand how loving families change the lives of children in care.” “We will also give people expressing an interest in adoption the information they need to make a life-changing decision. This will include dispelling a number of myths surrounding the adoption process and challenging unhelpful perceptions.”

Across the East Midlands adopters are needed for sibling groups of two or three children, children with additional needs, children from a BME background and school age children. “Although we have priority needs in different regions, our message is clear, we welcome anyone who has interest in adopting children and who wants to make a difference to children’s lives,” Shelagh added. Kyle and Steven, from Rushcliffe, decided to adopt siblings after they knew they wanted more than one child.

Steven said: “Our main motivation for adopting was that we both came from large families and we knew that we wanted to have a busy household with all the energy and fun that children create. “We love the idea of keeping siblings together and to be honest they probably settled a bit better quicker because there was that sense that wherever the others were, they were meant to be.”

Kyle admitted the experience was not without its challenges: “There are always challenges having three young children of a similar age in terms of meeting all their needs… but it’s also wonderful, exciting and keeps you young, and something we’d not change at all.”

The couple both agreed adopting siblings has been one of the best decisions they made with Steven adding: “If you’ve got the time, and the energy, and the space, to adopt siblings it’s an amazing and wonderful thing to do because they have each other, you are keeping a family together and you have a ready-made family that have that established connection. We’ve never regretted it for a single moment.

See Steven and Kyle at home discussing why they adopted and why it could be right for you at www.adoptioneastmidlands.org.uk/stories
Paula and Tim, from Rushcliffe, had two teenage daughters when they adopted a five-year-old girl.

Paula said: “We involved our teenagers throughout the adoption process as we felt it was important that they were on board from the start.
“If you’ve got birth children and you’re thinking of adopting, what’s important is to talk to them about it quite openly, find out what they feel and what they think.

“Our birth daughters are exceptionally proud and protective of their little sister. If you ask them they think we should adopt more children.” Paula and Tim also praised the support they received from the local authority. Tim added: “If you need help and support it is there, so don’t be afraid to ask for it. We found ourselves in situations where the advice we received was invaluable and it helped us deal with issues and move on to the next stage.” Tim and Paula discuss their adoption journey, see their video here www.adoptioneastmidlands.org.uk/stories

Find out more about adoption at www.adoptioneastmidlands.org.uk or come along to an information event (details are available on the website) and have a chat about how adoption could create the family you’ve always wanted.

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

Save the date, Sunday 14th July, it’s the 28th annual Disability Awareness Day at Walton Hall Gardens, and it’s set to be a cracker. More than 25,000 visitors are expected to attend this year’s DAD, the world’s largest not-for-profit, voluntary-led, pan-disability exhibition, which will once again be hosted at Walton Hall Gardens. Organisers Warrington Disability Partnership is proud to announce their new joint principal sponsors, Expanse Learning Group and Harry Fairclough Construction.

A huge tented village will house over 220 exhibitors – including equipment suppliers; transport; holidays; leisure and employment providers; and support groups and services – is set to attract visitors to travel from all over the UK and beyond. Inclusive Arts is just one of the highlights, plus a free fully accessible Sports Zone with have-a-go events, and a main arena and children’s rides and entertainment.

Checkout the website for details on the free accessible Park and Ride service, plus a free bus service from Warrington Bus Interchange, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, scooter / wheelchair loans. The big day on Sunday 14th July from 10am to 5pm – will be a fitting finale to a week comprising a variety of complementary daytime and evening events to savour, including:

Tuesday 9th July 6.15pm – 9.30pm Frogtastic in the Park – Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: Featuring fantastic Tribute Artists ‘Robbie Williams / UB40 / The 80’s & Swing’ plus special guests including DJ’s from the famous Frogtastic Club Night. Come and enjoy a great evening of Live Music, Dance Floor and Licenced Bar, bring your own food. Advanced Tickets £6.00 call 07875 142233 or online at www.ldok.net/shop, £8 on the door.  

Wednesday 10th July 7pm – 10pm – “Ella’s Summer Time Special” – Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: The Ella Performance Group, one of the UK’s leading inclusive drama groups will be performing thrilling and entertaining songs from their recent productions. Adult tickets £8.00 and children’s tickets £5.00 from The Ella Team on 01928 713877 or Kate 01925 240064.

Thursday 11th July 6pm- 9.30pm – Children’s Party in the Park – Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: Warrington Wolves Foundation & Warrington Disability Partnership present a fun filled evening for disabled children/young people, their families and friends. Sports, Arts, Dance, chill out and fun areas. Free admission: Contact Craig 01925 248894.

Friday 12th July. 7.30pm – 11.30pm DAD Mega Quiz Night, Charity Auction with Hot Food, Arts Marquee, Walton Gardens: Teams of up to 8 people, hundreds of £’s worth of prizes, fun quiz, great food, licensed bar and a charity auction. Tickets £8.00 (includes hot food). Contact Kate on 01925 240064.

For more details on exhibiting or attending #DAD2019 and our ‘DAD Week’ events, please contact Warrington Disability Partnership on 01925 240064 or visit www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

Staff working for Personal Care Services Limited are going the extra mile to make a difference for their clients.

For a team from Personal Care Services Limited will walk 27.2 miles along the canal from Liverpool to Parbold in a strenuous fund-raiser.

A team of 30 walkers is made up of staff from the Skelmersdale-based firm, which provides domiciliary and palliative care across Wigan and other parts of the North West, along with family, friends and staff from Wigan Council.

Every year the firm supports a charity that helps their clients in some way and this time employees will raise for money Breast Cancer Care.

The team at PCS Personal Care Services Ltd are not shy of getting dressed up, getting mucked in and raising awareness and funds for amazing causes … Despite how silly they may look!

This Event will not be of any exception, as even the male employees, husbands, family members and friends will all walk just over a marathon length of 27.2 miles dressed as Pink Fairies.

The planned route will take in the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, the starting point will be the end of the canal in Liverpool and will walk alongside the canal through to The Wayfarer Parbold where the pink fairies will enjoy some well deserved cold beverages and food.

Personal Care Services have set a target of £100 per mile, hence the rather specific goal amount and are hoping everyone will get behind them and sponsor the walk!

If you would like to join the walk, you can Reserve your Spot on their Facebook Event. This Event is open to the public and anyone that would like to join will be kindly requested to make a small donation to help raise funds for this amazing charity.

If you can’t join but would like to show some support, you can sponsor the walkers by donating via our their JustGiving Page.

Donate Here – https://www.justgiving.com/fundrais…/pcspersonalcareservices

Nottingham News, Notts What's On

A rare and exciting exhibition of paintings entitled ‘Father and Son’ by Kip and Richard Combes is currently on display at Bassetlaw Museum. Kip Combes (1924-2013) was a prominent figure on the local art scene and a president of the Worksop Society of Artists, while his son Richard is a highly respected New York-based artist who has exhibited internationally and has work in major private collections worldwide.

Donated by Richard, the exhibition has 17 paintings from both artists whose styles have been influenced by their surroundings and life experiences. During the early stages of World War II, Kip Combes was evacuated to Retford with his family and, apart from a period of living in Manchester, he remained in the town for the rest of his life.

Richard Combes, said: “Being originally from Norfolk Kip’s work is very much influenced by the Norwich School of Painters, and this can be seen in the atmospheric moody watercolours and oil renderings of his much loved local landscape.” Richard was brought up in Retford and worked as an architect in the UK before moving to New York City. There he earned Master’s degree in painting at the New York Academy of Art and his remarkable skills and mastery of techniques have earned him multiple awards and a full membership of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters.

Although many of Richard’s works are realistic representations of people and objects, they are not just skilful depictions of subjects. His art transports viewers into the middle of an intriguing, unfinished story and makes them wonder about how it continues. This exceptional artistry transforms everyday spaces and objects into extraordinary images that are both absorbing and haunting. Richard said: “I am definitely interested in perspective, light and architectural details and the relationship between single figures, still life and empty spaces. I would like to thank the museum on behalf of my father and myself for this opportunity to show our work together. I know he would have been greatly honoured, as I am myself.” The ‘Father and Son’ exhibition runs until Saturday 10th August at Bassetlaw Museum, Grove Street, Retford and is open Monday to Saturday 10am-4.30pm. Admission is free.

Father and Son. Paintings by Kip and Richard Combes
Saturday 18th May – Saturday 10th August

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

one inspirational Blackburn couple have shared their experiences to help encourage more people to consider giving a child a loving and stable home. At the age of 70, retired caretaker Frank Tomlinson and his wife Bernie, could well be forgiven for wanting to put their feet-up and enjoy a slower-paced retired lifestyle. But the Tomlinsons say they wouldn’t have it any other way and fostering is one of the “best things they’ve ever done”. Marking the start of Fostering Fortnight, Bernie and Frank are sharing their story to help others consider making a difference to vulnerable children and young people who cannot live with their families.

And whilst becoming ‘empty nest’ foster carers certainly isn’t without its stresses, Bernie says it has quite simply transformed their lives. The inspiring couple are currently caring for a seven-month-old baby, her four-year-old sister and a 15-year-old boy.

I honestly think it’s the best thing we’ve ever done,’ says Bernie, who has four children of her own and 10 grandchildren. ‘It makes us feel young and has definitely brought us closer together as a couple. Seeing the change in the children is just so rewarding when you get them into a routine you see them thrive.

Bernie said: We had one little lad who wouldn’t come out from behind the settee at first, very quickly he changed and became a lovely, confident little boy because of the support and encouragement we gave him, for some children they’ve just never had that.

For Bernie it was a natural thing to do, having spent her earlier career working as a childminder, she was asked to look after a child in foster care whilst the child’s grandmother continued to work. I’ve always fancied it and it didn’t take long to convince Frank either, Bernie recalled.

The couple have been fostering for 15 years and have looked after almost 40 babies, toddlers and teenagers. There’s never a dull moment in this house,” said Frank, who spent 20 years working at Blackburn College. “It definitely keeps you busy, active and your brain working that’s for sure. It was good for our son too, he showed real maturity and empathy and the children related to him as he was closer to their age.

There are many different types of fostering, from providing part time respite care to full-time fostering arrangements.

Director of Children’s Services Jayne Ivory said:
What’s important is not age, but the ability to provide love, stability and security, as well as having a strong motivation to foster. There’s a need for all types of foster carers, particularly for teenagers, sibling groups and disabled children but recently we’ve seen an increase the number of babies needing carers. We need to recruit an extra 30 foster carers over the next twelve months.

Jayne added:
Foster carers have the capacity to help children who have had a bad start in life overcome their early life traumas, and as such they help improve children’s outcomes in the most significant way. There are many different types of fostering from long-term fostering, often until a child is 21. Others may prefer the idea of shorter-term care, including short-breaks care, emergency care (where you might get a call in the middle of the night because of a home alone situation) or short-term care (where a single parent might need to go into hospital or someone might be waiting to be adopted). You can also specialise, for example in, neonatal care, children with disabilities or mother and baby placements.

Approved foster carers receive a generous allowance, full training package and ongoing support is provided with a strong foster carer network to share experiences with.

Nottingham News

A community group have been praised as ‘High Street Heroes’ for their work litter picking around their local shops, cafes and restaurants to help keep their village tidy. The East Leake Tidy Team use social media to help coordinate their services and ensure volunteers have access to all the equipment they need to keep the village welcoming for visitors and residents alike.

Volunteers meet regularly to scour the village for unwanted crisp packets, drinks bottles, or waste and are always keen to add more members to their group.

Rushcliffe Borough Council has praised the group as part of their High Street Heroes campaign that aims to celebrate the efforts local business groups and individuals go to in encouraging businesses to thrive.
The authority’s Executive Manager for Neighbourhoods, Dave Banks is thrilled by the community group’s work, which is supported by the council’s ground maintenance contractors Streetwise Environmental Services Limited.

He said: “The East Leake Tidy Team represent yet another fantastic community group working together to keep their High Street clean, tidy and inviting.

“We know there are lots of volunteers across Rushcliffe who are joining forces to ensure their community, and their High Street, thrives and we will support their efforts wherever possible.” East Leake Tidy Team organiser Mel Roper said: “We love our village and it’s always great to find like-minded people who want to care for our High Streets and help support the local, independent businesses who call East Leake home.

“Our group offers residents the opportunity to care for their community safely and in their own time – we’ve even had some civic-minded young people spend their school holidays tidying up the village!” Find out more about the High Street Heroes campaign by emailing media@rushcliffe.gov.uk or calling 0115 9148 555.

Lancashire News

Proposals for 28 large, luxury residential apartments and a first of its kind 11,500 sq ft rooftop terrace at Barrow House have been approved for planning permission today by award winning developer, Luxor Group. Barrow House, which is located on the corner of Claughton Street and Barrow Street in St Helens, was purchased by Luxor Group towards the end of 2018 and details of its transformation into Nicholson Plaza and Nicholson Place have now been announced. The latest project, adjacent to the recently completed Nicholson House development, will spearhead the urban-led regeneration of St Helens’ newest neighbourhood, nestled in the professional quarter of the town centre.

Phase A of this groundbreaking project will be known as Nicholson Plaza. It will comprise 12 modern one bedroom apartments, with the largest apartment being a sizable 68 sq m. This is set to be completed by summer 2019.

Phase B will be known as Nicholson Place. This will be made up of 14 one bedroom apartments and two spacious two bedroom apartments, which is earmarked for completion at the beginning of 2020. A selection of the apartments in this phase will benefit from breath-taking floor to ceiling windows. Topping off this landmark development, Luxor Group has detailed plans for a private rooftop terrace, a first of its kind for the borough. Offering residents 11,500 sq ft of outdoor space to enjoy with unobstructed panoramic views, it will boast landscaped gardens and relaxing seating areas for tenants of both Nicholson Plaza and Nicholson Place.

The 34,500 sq. ft. former office building also includes basement and ground floor commercial space which is fully let by local businesses MD Productions, The Dean Champagne Bar and Restaurant and Laguna Tanning. Paul Nicholson, CEO of Luxor Group, said: “We’re pleased to submit our ambitious plans for Barrow House. This building has a lot of potential which we are keen to unleash. We will be adding to our usual impressive specification with modern touches such as Wi-Fi wall heaters which can be managed from a mobile phone app. The CGI visuals speak for themselves in illustrating our vision for the building.

“The success of Nicholson Lofts and Nicholson House and the continued demand for our product has fuelled our ambition for town centre development and we are looking to fulfil this gap in the market. We are in discussions to secure other buildings to fulfil our project pipeline and hope that our future plans can come to fruition through our aggressive acquisition programme. “St Helens Council has been supportive with all of our developments so far and we hope with their backing, we can deliver both of the schemes on time. There is a variety of investment coming into St Helens which is giving it a great buzz and will change the landscape of the local economy for the better.” Paul adds:

“We have already secured tenants for all of the commercial units at this mixed use scheme, which shows there is confidence in the town centre for fellow entrepreneurs to invest. We are determined for St Helens’ high street to flourish and providing some more much needed footfall in the town centre can only be a positive step.” The developer has also submitted plans for change of use at Unit 4 Nicholson House (previously part of Keith Park Solicitors which occupies Unit 3) and will now function as the resident’s concierge desk, giving Luxor Group physical high-street presence in the town centre and showing its commitment to both residents and to St Helens town centre.

An animation and full specification of Nicholson Plaza and Nicholson Place can be found at: www.nicholsonwa10.com, where you can also reserve an apartment and see its progress develop with weekly and personal construction updates for the tenant which reserves thie new luxury home.

Nottingham News

The County Council has approved £2.9m to secure additional secondary school places across the Gedling area from this September and over the next five years. The funding was approved by the Council’s Policy Committee on (22 May), and will see the planned expansion of The Carlton Academy to accommodate 300 permanent secondary places. The plan to expand the school will be undertaken by the Redhill Trust, effectively future-proofing the school and meeting the need for places until 2027.

Councillor Philip Owen, Children and Young people’s Committee Chairman said: “The County Council is committed to providing places at good and popular schools and the expansion of The Carlton Academy, with an additional 300 places, demonstrates this.

“We are working with a number of academies in the Gedling district to secure places for both the short and longer term, to make sure that these school places are available where they are needed. The Council’s Place Planning officers are experts are analysing various data to predict when and where to plan for future needs.”

Lancashire News, Lancs What's On

The National Festival of Making has just revealed its food and drink line-up for 2019 and it’s enough to make your stomach rumble!

Vendors from right across the North West will turn out to Blackburn’s biggest event of the year over the weekend of 15 and 16 June. With top food and drink being the essential ingredient of any award-winning event, festival organisers have signed up renowned culinary producers to tickle the taste buds of its 40,000 visitors. From pear drop liqueur to Hanky Panky Pancakes and delicious homemade pies, there’ll be something to suit almost every palate and the Taste Lancashire marquee will be back for a second year too.

The line-up includes:
Shirley’s Pies – tasty, homemade, traditional pies
Ginger’s Comfort Emporium – piles and piles of decadent puddings
Hanky Panky Pancakes – syrup smothered, stacked pancakes
Sleazy Tiger – South Indian thalis, street food the way it’s eaten in Kerala
Wah Wahs – deep fried Mexican churros, hot chocolate and spicy treats
Pie Mezzanae – the famous Lancashire-baked pies with surprising twists
Belgian Waffle Tuk – does what it says on the tin – delicious Belgian waffles!
Chicken Little – crispy, tender chicken pieces served from a cute tuk tuk
Burger and Lobster Brothers – doing what they do very well, this is the place for burgers and lobster
Deli Delite – festival regulars bringing the spice with their curries and wraps
Nasi Lemak Manchester – absolutely irresistible, authentic Malaysian dishes to savour
Wignalls Yallo – Rapeseed oil from Standish Hall Farm
Batch Gin – multi award winning gin made in Burnley
The Bee Centre – honey products from Lancashire bees
Bowland Food Hall at Holmes Mill – a selection of what’s on offer regularly at the popular foodie destination
Bowland Brewery – described as ales of outstanding natural beauty, brewed in the picturesque heart of Lancashire
Cuckoo Gin – gin made on a farm in Brindle
Calyx Drinks – soft drinks made from flowers in Burnley
Heritage Kitchen – chutneys, relishes and marmalades made in Bacup
Black Powder Gin – gin distilled at Preece Hall Estate, Preston
Mr Fitzpatricks – vintage cordials produced in Rossendale
Our Paula’s – flavoured butters produced in Chorley
Hoyle Bottom Spirits – producing Tinker Brook Gin
Nowt Poncy – low sugar/healthy cooking sauces from Rossendale
Panache Natural Flavour Infusions – producing flavour infusions, an ingredient popular with budding and expert mixologists
Love Cheesecakes – handcrafted cheesecakes from Poulton
Pretzel and Spelt, Bolton – Bavarian goodies and Alpine bakes from Bolton
Ripplehead Ices – a traditional ice cream van
The festival, sponsored by Blackburn with Darwen Council, scooped Best Non-Music Festival at the UK Festival Awards as well as Visit Lancashire’s Large Event of the Year.
Stretching right across the town centre, there’s fun for all the family with everything from workshops to a BBC stage, live music, works from national and international artists, a Maker’s Market, street food, performances, tours and talks.
For more information, visit: www.festivalofmaking.co.uk