Poppy Trail around Maurice Lea Park

As part of the World War One Centenary commemorations the below picture and links refer to the Poppy Trail around Maurice Lea Park in Church Gresley. 

The booklet, which is well worth a read, can be found in the Tourist Information Centre at Sharpes Pottery in Swadlincote and is also available online via the South Derbyshire District Council website at the bottom of the following link:

http://www.south-derbys.gov.uk/community_and_living/community_events/fwwc/default.asp

The booklet provides some excellent and interesting information about Maurice Lea, Herbert Lea as well as about the development of the park.  It also provides some information on some of the groups involved in publishing the leaflet and those involved in the commemoration events.

Improvement to footpath helps with link to schools

Over the summer holidays the footpath from Gresleywood Road through to Pennine Way was closed for upgrading.

The results as shown are a big improvement and this now allows those with pushchairs and wheelchairs to use the path.  This cuts a significant distance out to get to the 2 schools on Pennine Way and encourages more people to walk.  The section shown is the
narrowest part and it does widen towards Pennine Way. 

The 2 photos are not taken from exactly the same point but do indicate the improvements.

This section is one of several that need upgrading to allow people to walk from Wyedale and Castleton Park estates.

After - much improved surface



Before - very narrow and impassable with pushchair.

 

Half Term Activities at Rosliston Forestry Centre

Please see below 2 posters advertising the cycling activities taking place at Rosliston Forestry Centre over the half term break.



Tips for managing Christmas from Citizens Advice Bureau

As Christmas time approaches, it is worth reminding ourselves that it can be a testing time financially for many.

Our local Citizens Advice Bureau has shared the following Prezi presentation to give tips and advice on how to manage through Christmas.

There are also some links to other generic information relating to the CAB.

We hope you find this useful.

http://prezi.com/a0xthffsgogm/12-christmas-top-tips-part-1/

Review of Safer Neighoods and Area Forum Meeting

The most recent Area 4 (Church Gresley, Swadlincote, Woodville & Hartshorne) Safer Neighbourhoods  and Area Forum Meetings took place at Sharpes Pottery on 23rd September.

A summary of points can be found below:

Safer Neighbourhoods Meeting:

• New members of the Police Safer Neighbourhoods Team introduced themselves.  Sergeant Graham Summers is the new SNT sergeant covering all 6 areas.  Also introduced were new Gresley PC Kevin Cassidy and PCSO Lee Walker.  We have already mentioned Lee on the blog and would like to take the chance to welcome Kevin to Gresley.
• The year on year crime figures were down around 10% in Area 4 whereas most other areas saw an increase. This included a 5% decrease in non dwelling burglaries.
• An increase was noted in sexual crimes but these were mainly due to the actions of one individual who has been caught.
• More funding has been secured for better lighting at the skate park.  Funding was agreed to be put towards a Fire service cadet scheme.  A scheme to show youngsters the perils of prison called "Prison me - no way" has taken place in the districts secondary schools. There will also be a number plate security event at Toons Furniture shop on 15th October from 3pm to 6pm.
• Issues raised included parking issues on Belmont Street and around Church Gresley,  large and speeding vehicles around Coppice Side, antisocial behaviour around Gresley Old Hall.

Area Forum Meeting:

• Severn Trent Water Company were in attendance and were grilled by Woodville councillor Steve Taylor in relation to issues around Hartshorne Road following 2 years of unacceptable flooding issues.  In a lively debate there were several generic responses from Severn Trent and it was also noted that more phonecalls relating to an issue would mean a more likely prioritisation of response.
• Presentations were given by Kate Allies relating to the Swadlincote Townscape project and the  Environmental Volunteering project. Kate has recently been nominated for a lifetime award for out of classroom learning.  If you would like to nominate her, please follow this link http://www.lotc.org.uk/news-and-events/awards-for-outstanding-contribution-to-lotc/
• A presentation was also given by Adam from the Quad in Derby with a view to setting up a partnership with South Derbyshire to bring more cultural events to the area.

The next meetings will take place on 27th January at Swadlincote Town Hall.

Footpath cleared up

Before

Following feedback from residents, the section of path between Spring Street and Colliery Row has been tidied up.  This had become overgrown and was becoming difficult to pass due to nettles.

The extra foliage was also hiding discarded litter, despite there being a bin at the bottom.

We requested that the council look at the path and they have strimmed it an tidied it as can be seen in the below picture.  We are grateful to the staff who did this as it is a vast improvement.

After

Church Appeal

A noticeable addition to the landscape of the village has been the erection of scaffolding around the tower of St George & St Mary's church.  The church is in need of repair and some of the work has been started partly due to some funding recently gained after much work to gain it.

 

The below image is one of several displayed around the church in an effort to attract more funding to do further work to ensure that this wonderful building is maintained.

 

Any donations would be gratefully received.