I hope you find my update interesting and informative.

Please see the tribute to Walter Grauberg and the information on how to engage in the Greater Nottingham area’s Core Strategy consultation and the consultation on the future public transport options in Nottinghamshire. There are some highways issues that you might like to read about and there are also numerous upcoming events and activities that you may like to engage in.

Please contact me if you have any questions or comments on any of these news items.

Bramwell Care Home

Readers will recall that Nottinghamshire County Council previously owned the Bramwell Care Home on the border between Bramcote and Chilwell but, despite considerable opposition, the home was sold to Runwood Homes some months ago.

I attended a meeting of the Friends of Bramwell on the 12th July with about 50 people present, mostly relatives of people who stay at Bramwell. For the first time that I can remember, and I have attended nearly every meeting of the Friends held over the last 2/3 years, the tone of the meeting was about unhappiness with current arrangements.

The problem seems to be reduced staffing levels. Several members of staff have left the employment of Runwood Homes and it is taking time to re-appoint, apparently because of things like the time needed for CRB checks. Existing staff, many of whom are the dedicate staff who remained following the transfer, simply can’t be in two places at one time.

David Parry, a manager for Runwood Homes, did say “I think we have got it wrong here”, but went on to promise that things will get back to normal very quickly. The Friends of Bramwell, chaired by Ken Burton, will continue to monitor the situation at Bramwell and we hope to bring better news in a couple of months’ time.

Recent Decisions, Initiatives & News

Tribute to Walter Grauberg

To thank Walter Grauberg for his untiring work on behalf of Bramcote Hills Community Association (BHCA), the Friends of Bramcote Ridge and the people of Bramcote, a bench has been installed by the BHCA on the Bramcote Ridge. The Bench has a dedicated plaque and is sited at the top viewpoint.

I have known Walter for many years and I am aware of his considerable contributions to the Bramcote community, which include helping initiate the very first Hemlock Happening to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee back in 2002. Walter is still a regular attender and contributor at the meetings of the Bramcote Community Action Team

Congratulations to Bethany

Congratulations to Bethany Griffin from George Spencer Academy in Stapleford who has been awarded a sought-after Arkwright Engineering Scholarship that identifies her as one of the country’s future leaders in engineering and related areas of design. The Scholarships are respected by leading universities and industrial companies and are supported by top engineering employers such as Rolls Royce, BT, BAE Systems, National Grid, Balfour Beatty, Microsoft Research, Thales, The Royal Air Force and The Royal Navy.

Bethany had to successfully complete a rigorous selection process consisting of a detailed application form, a two hour aptitude paper and an interview hosted at a top engineering university. The Scholarship/s will be formally presented at a ceremony hosted by The Institution of Engineering and Technology later in the year.

Have your say

Core Strategy Consultation

Comments on The Core Strategy which, among other things, outlines the proposed allocations of land for housing in the Greater Nottingham area over the next 15 years, need to be returned by Monday 23rd July. The Strategy can be viewed at www.broxtowe.gov.uk and also in local libraries.

Consultation on Public Transport

I would like to encourage everyone to complete the questionnaire on public transport in Nottinghamshire which is now available. At the end of the form there is the opportunity to suggest how local services can be improved. I am asked frequently about the L10 that goes to and from Beeston via Bramcote Hills; I know that many people would like this service to be more frequent and extended into the evening. Also, display of proper real time information at bus stops (rather than just the timetable) would be an improvement. Perhaps those with an interest in these or other aspects of public transport will use this opportunity to let the County Council know what they think. To take part in the consultation please complete an online questionnaire, call the Customer Service Centre on 08449 808080 or visit your local library to complete an online or paper questionnaire.

Beeston Rail Station

Improved access for disabled people is to be provided on Platform 2 at Beeston rail station, together with better parking facilities. I am pleased to say that these changes have been achieved through discussions initiated by the Environment Department at Broxtowe Borough Council.

Highways Issues in Bramcote and Stapleford

Cliffe Hill Avenue in Stapleford now has double yellow lines. It has taken a considerable time to achieve this, but finally common sense has prevailed. Inconsiderate parking is occurring at the junction of West Avenue and Nottingham Road and the chip shop is displaying a poster about the perils of this. There are ongoing problems on Wadsworth Road despite a walking bus now in place to reduce the number of parents taking children to school by car. Messages have been sent to parents. Motorists use the junction of Arundel Drive and Thoresby Road to U-turn and no one has ever come up with a solution to this. I believe it is mainly cars from the Leisure Centre.

Parking at the junction of Church Street and Town Street in Bramcote is being highlighted as a concern, as is the junction of Chapel Street and Church Street. It has been suggested that yellow lines might help in these two locations. It is also suggested that the zig-zag lines outside schools in the area should be subject to road traffic orders such that parking on them become illegal.

Gritting Routes Review

The County Council has reviewed the winter gritting routes and this has resulted in Cow Lane, Bramcote being added to the list. There are no other additions in the Bramcote and Stapleford area, despite proposals for other routes being put forward. We are told that other routes did not reach a high enough priority. I have expressed my disappointment that Deddington Lane and Eastcote Avenue are not included as these generate a number of complaints every year.

Repaving – Derby Road, Stapleford

Funding has been approved to carry out footway works to improve the quality of surfacing either side of Derby Road at the Brookhill Street end. The repaving will be in the same style as the already-completed sections further towards the town centre. The work will be carried out in August this year.

See it and Report it

Are the grass verges a bit long in your area? Do the weeds need a bit more attention? Are there potholes that require attention? If so you should report it to the County Council either by telephone on 04849 808080 or online at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk.

Local Crime

There has been a reduction of 11.1% in serious acquisitive crime locally in the year to date and overall all crime is down 12.5%. One third of burglaries are a result of insecurities and the biggest problem is sheds and garages viz stolen bikes! Please ensure your sheds and garages are secure as well as your houses and make sure keys are not visible.

Broxtowe Warm Zone

For a limited time Borough residents can take advantage of free loft insulation. The scheme will run up to the end of September. Telephone 08455 390390 or visit www.broxtowewarmzone.com.

Events & Opportunities

Hickings Lane Skate Park

The new skate boarding area was officially opened on 19th May as part of the Jam in the Park Event. It was so successful that the young people plan to repeat the event next year.

Bramcote Today Poetry Competition

I was delighted to be one of the judges of this year’s competition for local schools organised by the editors of the Bramcote Today website. The other judges were Lynne Billingsley and Claire Morrell. The schools taking part were Bramcote C of E Primary, Bramcote Hills Primary, Bramcote Park and the Foxwood School. I can tell you that the entries were of a very high standard indeed. The results will be announced at http://bramcotetoday.org.uk on Friday 13th July following the presentation of the prizes on the same day.

Summer Swimming and Sports

All kinds of opportunities are available for children of all ages at Bramcote Leisure centre over the coming months, including free swimming from 27th July for those aged 15 and under (a Leisure Card is required so please do get one of these early.) Tel 0115 9173000 for details. Various other sports activities are also available. Details can be accessed at www.broxtowe.gov.uk

The Return of Tales From The Priory

Tales from the Priory will be held at Beauvale Priory on Sunday 22nd July from 11am – 3pm, as part of the Eastwood Arts Festival. Each session lasts for 30 minutes and visitors will be escorted around the abbey by local actors, each highlighting a piece of the history of the Abbey. Come and see who you recognise!

Heritage Open Days 2012

The programme for the Heritage Open Days organised by the Beeston and District Civic Society is now available. All events are in early September. They include activities at the Bramcote Old Church Tower on 8th-9th September with tours to Bramcote Hall from the Tower site on Town Street/Moss Drive, Bramcote.

Early Music Events

Saturday September 8th, 2.30pm

Concert by local ensemble saraBande of Brandenburg Concertos nos. 1, 2 and 3 by J.S. Bach, at St Michael’s Church, Bramcote.Tea following the concert. Free entrance, retiring collection.

Saturday September 29th, 11.00am

Concert by local ensemble saraBande of Brandenburg Concertos nos. 4, 5 and 6 at St Leonard’s Church, Wollaton. Pre-concert talk, with coffee to follow the concert. Free entrance, retiring collection.

Saturday September 29th, 7.30pm

Bramcote Methodist Church, Chapel Street, Bramcote. Concert with Clare Devine (soprano), songs for lute, flute and viols by Dowland, Campion, and Crequillon, harpsichord solos, and arias by Bach and Handel. Tickets £8 to include refreshments (tel 0115 9226631), or on the door.

These early music events are supported by Nottinghamshire County Council.

Action Boot Camp

The company Action Boot Camp will use Bramcote Hills Park for outdoor fitness training. The facilities in the park are ideal for this activity, which also brings in additional income to Broxtowe Borough Council.

Bramcote “Love Where You Live” Event

Many thanks to those who helped with litter picking in Bramcote Hills Park. This was just prior to the judging for continuation of Green Flag status (hopefully good news soon) and also before the Hemlock Happening. Your efforts were well appreciated.

Wildlife Guardian 2012

Broxtowe Borough Council has been awarded the honour of Wildlife Guardian 2012 in recognition of the strong and fruitful partnership with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. Twelve nature reserves have now been created in Broxtowe through partnership working with the Trust

Patient Participation Groups

As part of the changes in healthcare every local surgery is to have a Patient Participation Group aimed at increasing patient involvement in decision-making. Patient Participation Groups talk to the doctors about things that matter to patients. Recently Richard Eade, a local resident, came to the Bramcote CAT meeting to encourage people who may not be long term patients to get involved. Richard chairs the group at the Bramcote surgery. All those interested should contact the practice manager at their own surgery.

Bramcote Community Action Team

We are very grateful to the owners of the Bramcote Hills Care Home for hosting our meeting in early July. Anyone wishing to look round the home can make arrangements to do so by contacting Mr Akhter on 0796 609 4646. The next meeting will be held at the usual venue, Bramcote Memorial Hall, Church Street, Bramcote. It is on Monday 1st October, 7-9pm. All welcome.

Hemlock Happening 2013

Put the date in your diary now – next year’s Hemlock Happening is on Saturday 8th June. If you missed it this year, you missed a fantastic day out for all the family. The rain stayed away and it was the best attended Hemlock Happening ever.  Thanks to all those who took part in presentations and particularly in the activities to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and to the many thousands who simply came to enjoy the day.

Thanks also to those who supported the South Broxtowe Jubilee Beacon Event, which attracted over 500 people. The event was sponsored by several local organisations: Beeston and District Civic Society, Bramcote Hills Community Association, Bramcote Tower Group, Broxtowe Borough Council, East Midlands Airport, Helping Hands Church Group, Hemlockstone Lions, Nottinghamshire County Council, St Michael’s Church Bramcote and the University of Nottingham. The detailed organisation was provided by the local scouts and guides.