wilmslow.co.uk News

Love food hate waste

2010-03-15T11:07:13+00:00

Cheshire East Council is taking its "Love Food Hate Waste" campaign on a spring roadshow later this month, and will be visiting Sainsbury's in Wilmslow this Saturday, March 20th. Fronted by celebrity chef Nigel Brown, who owns his own cookery academy and is a star of Ready Steady Cook, the campaign will encourage local residents to make the most of the food they buy. Nigel will complete quick-fire cooking demonstrations on how to make more of food that would usually be thrown away. Phil Sherratt, Head of Environmental Services, said: “So many of us don’t realise just how much food we throw away on a weekly basis. Our roadshows will show people just how easy it is to cut food waste, simply by planning meals better, storing food more efficiently and being a little more creative with leftovers." We throw away 8.3 million tonnes of food and drink in the UK every year. The average UK family could make a saving of £50 a month by cutting down on food waste and by reducing the amount of food that we waste, and therefore send to landfills, we can also have an environmental impact. Nigel Brown added: "A great deal of effort goes into producing and delivering our food and it's sad to think so much of it ends up in the bin. If I can help people really use everything they buy, they can reduce their weekly spend on groceries and eat healthy imaginative meals. It's what our mum's and grannies have been telling us for years, "waste not, want not", it's time we started listening and acting on their excellent advice." The Love Food Hate Waste Roadshow will be at Sainsbury's on Alderley Road between 10am and 4pm on Saturday March 20th. Further information and tips on how to enjoy food but reduce food waste can be found online. Picture: Nigel Brown, celebrity chef.

Fewer victims of crime

2010-03-15T10:23:07+00:00

Nearly four hundred fewer people in Wilmslow and Alderley Edge have been victims of crime in the past 12 months than in the previous year. This represents a drop of 15% and means that just 6 crimes a day have been recorded across the whole of the Wilmslow Neighbourhood Policing Unit (NPU). Police Officers say the trend continues across East Cheshire where three thousand fewer people have been victims of crime in the past year. A year-on-year reduction has seen crime in Cheshire Police Eastern Area cut by nearly thirty per cent since Cheshire Police was re-organized on neighbourhood policing lines in 2005. Here are some more interesting stats for the current financial year (01/04/2009 to 15/03/2010). These are the figures recorded across the whole of the Wilmslow NPU, which covers Alderley Edge, Handforth, Styal and Wilmslow. 76 less victims of serious acquisitive crime 90% less business robberies 80 less victims of violent crime 25% fewer serious sexual crimes 60 less victims of vehicle crime 20% or 400 fewer reports of anti-social behaviour. Burglary offences are stable at last years levels where the rest of the region are looking at an increase. Inspector Welsted said "The statistics speak for themselves and should reinforce the fact that Wilmslow and Alderley Edge are very safe places to live and work. We still have our problems to solve and that is exactly what my officers are doing. "Next year is going to be a real challenge to continue such excellent performance particularly in the current financial climate. However, by identifying problems early; working effectively with the public and our partners and by maximising the visibility of my officers, I am confidence these successes will continue". The number of crimes recorded since April 1st 2009 across East Cheshire is expected to be marginally over 20,000 by March 31st. The corresponding figure last year was 23,256. Detective Chief Inspector Darren Hebden, Cheshire Police Eastern Area Crime Manager, said, "The continuing reduction shows the strength of our approach to policing. Investigation teams focus on areas where patterns of crime emerge and target the criminals we know are responsible for a high percentage of offences such as burglary, theft and vehicle crime. “The introduction of neighbourhood policing brought much closer links between Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers and the public they serve. That has resulted in a much better flow of information for us to act on." You can follow many aspects of policing in Cheshire, including the month by month crime trends in the area around your home, on the Cheshire Police website.

Frustrated, determined, jobless

2010-03-14T12:44:57+00:00

It has taken me a few days to come to terms with what has happened following Famous, Rich & Jobless being televised last week. I am an everyday family man, and being honest feeling desperate, this is a situation I have not been in before. As a last chance I have taken a massive gamble to go public, thanks to local people the response has been positive, but I do feel I have been let down by the BBC. I know people will say well this is the chance you take which I agree with, but the truth is the bigger story that has never been told. I feel the BBC decided to focus on a family, who for their own reasons have already given up, with nothing to lose. I have everything to lose, my family, pride and any chance of a future. Larry Lamb as an intelligent man realised the programme was flawed from day one, hence his reaction to people asking him to seek work. If Larry Lamb presented himself on your door step with a camera crew in tow you would offer him work. As a business man this is a fact , it would be the cheapest advert in town. I feel Larry decided to focus on the issues, which a programme on unemployment should be all about. I also know Larry was aware this would make him unpopular with the programme makers, but did he care? - no. Did he care about me Maria and Jack? - yes he did. We filmed for 4 days, Larry was so frustrated about the issues he found; premium rate numbers to ring job centres, poorly trained staff, government initiatives which staff know nothing about etc, etc. I am sorry but I am so frustrated, we really had a story, but because of ratings it was not told. Famous Rich Jobless peaked at 4.2 million viewers, a programme shown after which got to the issues peaked at 1.75 million. I do feel people should be aware of the real issues, I was a tax payer since I was 17 years old. As it stands the facts will never be shown on television because it is not entertaining, but in recent months I have campaigned on my own about the issues. At first I thought it was just me, but I was finally given contacts via Sarah Brown, the Prime Minister's wife, who dually said she cannot get involved, which I fully understand. I have in recent weeks received a full letter from the Department of Work and Pensions apologising for the failings of Wilmslow Job Centre Plus. I have a meeting arranged this week with the acting Northern Director, none of which was shown in the show. I do feel in some respect the programme may well have taken the lid off a can of worms, but that is only due to my persistence in getting to the truth. I will be meeting with these people this week, but I have lost 12 months out of my life, 6 of which I spent thinking I was expecting too much. I will keep everyone in touch with my progress, but on a positive side I have an interview with Virgin Media very soon, which was all down to wilmslow.co.uk. I also would like to thank all the local people for their kind words and support. I arrived home after taking Jack to school the day after the show in tears, so many people stopped me and said you did well. I thank you all so much, from the bottom of our hearts, and feel sure I will not give in. I only ask, I need your help for my story to be told, I have no political views at this moment, but I do feel this is an important subject which should not be hidden prior to an upcoming election. I put my faith into the BBC to tell the whole story which has not happened. I need your help, speak to your MP and let them know the real facts. I appreciate all that Lisa has done at wilmslow.co.uk, without her input I would not have been given the publicity, but believe me my fight has only just started. I am open to any help and advice people can provide and I must also stress that these are my thoughts and not associated with wilmslow.co.uk.

Join Sainsbury’s in supporting Sport Relief

2010-03-14T07:14:26+00:00

Steve Morris store manager at Sainsbury's on Alderley Road has informed us that a number of activities have been organised for the coming week, all in support of Sport Relief, one of the UK’s biggest fundraising events which helps transform the lives of poor and vulnerable people, both at home and across the world’s poorest countries. On Monday (15th) Deputy Manager Gary Beresford will be swimming 100 lengths of the pool at Wilmslow Leisure Centre between 2 and 4pm. Gary will swim the first 50 lengths in his old Sainsbury's uniform and the second 50 lengths in his new uniform. Then on Thursday Steve Morris and HR Manager Catherine Dibble will cycle on a tandem from Wilmslow to Cheadle. Several activities will then take place at the store on Saturday (20th) when Ruth Stiegler, leader of the 4th Wilmslow Scout and Beaver Group, will be supporting Sport Relief & Sainsbury's in a table tennis challenge. Customers will also have the opportunity to win prizes by participate in a shooting baskets competition. Steve Morris said "We will be holding an egg and spoon race as well around the store, and maybe a three legged race with customers, and throughout all this activity the Wilmslow Scout and Beaver Group will be cycling on an exercise bike." In addition to the events taking place at the Wilmslow store this week the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile will take place on Sunday at Macclesfield Leisure Centre and Sainsbury’s will be selling all the sport relief merchandise, which they have helped to develop - including socks, wristband, waterbottle, bouncy ball and phone sock.

Police put their foot in the door of distraction burglars

2010-03-14T06:14:10+00:00

Not Sure?…Don’t Open The Door’ is the message at the heart of a national campaign to raise awareness about distraction burglars who trick their way into houses, or distract an occupant in order to gain entry to the premises before committing burglary. Cheshire Police are participating in this campaign which is sponsored by the Energy Retail Association and aims to make people aware of the tactics used by distraction burglars and how they can prevent themselves from becoming potential victims. Detective Inspector Nigel Groom, of the Eastern Area Burglary Team, said: "We treat distraction burglary as a very serious crime and the emotional impact on the victim can be considerable. "Making arrests and seeing offenders convicted and sentenced, provides a great deal of job satisfaction, but there is still a victim. We know prevention is the best answer of all which is why we urge people to always question if the person at their door is who they say they are." Crime prevention tips: If you’re not sure who is at your door, don’t open it. Check the identity of the caller by calling the company they are purporting to be from. Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller, as they may be bogus. Many utility service providers like gas, electricity and water, provide password schemes for customers, sign up to these. When unannounced callers claiming to be from these utility providers call at your door they should know the password if they are genuine. 'Water Boards' no longer exist, it is an obsolete phrase used only by bogus callers. Don’t keep large quantities of cash at home, put it in the bank where it is safe. Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times. Ensure that if you do let somebody in to your home, that you close the door behind them – distraction burglars often work in teams, where one will distract you whilst others sneak in through the insecure door. If somebody asks for your help (i.e. needs to make a telephone call, lost a ball in your garden, needs a drink or pen and paper) refer them to a younger neighbour, assist them through a closed door or call a friend or neighbour to come and help. If you suspect a bogus caller is at your door call the police immediately. To find how to sign up to your energy supplier’s Priority Service Register and Password Scheme call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99.

Emirates announce 60 new jobs in Wilmslow

2010-03-12T14:51:48+00:00

Emirates Airline today announced the creation of 60 new jobs at its call centre in Wilmslow. This will increase staff numbers at Wilmslow from 240 to 300 as the centre celebrates its 10th anniversary. The centre handles inquiries from Emirates customers throughout Europe and the expansion follows the airline’s planned launch of new services from Amsterdam, Prague and Madrid, as well as its growing popularity in the UK. The multilingual staff already speak more than 20 different languages and the hunt is now on for more Spanish, Dutch and Czech speakers. Local MP George Osborne today sent his congratulations to staff at the centre in Riverside Court, Bollin Walk, and said: "I would like to congratulate Emirates for its long term commitment to investment and jobs in this area – I’m delighted the airline has been able to share its success with the local community." Angie Robinson, chief executive of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “The new jobs for the centre is great news for the area and reinforces Emirates commitment to the expansion of its services out of Manchester Airport and to the North West economy.” The centre opened in March 2000 with an initial staff of 50 and has grown along with the award-wining airline’s global network. The team has taken more than 10 million calls in the 10 years since it opened. Calls from throughout Europe are channelled through to the centre between 7.30am and 8.30pm on 365 days a year. Ahead of this latest recruitment drive, Emirates already employs a total of 380 staff in the North West which includes its Manchester Airport team managing Emirates’ twice-daily flights; its Northern regional office looking after sales in the North, Midlands and Scotland and a team responsible for the airline’s cargo operations. Laurie Berryman, Emirates’ Area Manager UK North, said: "We have a locally-sourced United Nations of talent at our customers’ disposal at the contact centre and are proud that we have been able to grow the business and offer more opportunities for talented linguists. "We never ceased to be amazed at the number of multi-lingual people available to us in the Greater Manchester area. Just when we think we may face a challenge finding speakers of a particular language, the applications come flooding in – there are more Czech speakers in the Manchester area than you might think." Today’s news follows Emirates’ £1.5 million investment in a luxurious new lounge at Manchester Airport, which opened to its premium passengers and frequent flyers in October last year. Emirates operates twice-daily services from Manchester to Dubai and onwards to worldwide destinations including Australia, South Africa, the Indian sub-continent and Far East.

Twickenham here we come

2010-03-12T07:11:53+00:00

Wilmslow High School progressed to the final of the Daily Mail Under 15 Competition following a nail biting semi final win over QEGS Wakefield. Wilmslow now move on to play Wellington College at Twickenham on 31st of March in what I’m sure will be a keenly contested game between two teams who look to play a dynamic running style of rugby. The semi final played at the neutral venue of Broadstreet Rugby Club, Coventry, in front of a vocal horde of Wilmslow supporters was scoreless at half time. Wilmslow shaded the half in terms of territory and possession but were unable to get over the whitewash. A neat half break from Callum Westaway put Sam Broster into space midway through the first half and what looked like a clear scoring opportunity was only prevented by some last gasp Wakefield cover defence. In another try scoring situation, Lewis Bundy Davies was tackled just short when a try looked the likely outcome of some swift backline handing in the Wakefield 22 metre area. Some improved forward play in the second half saw Wilmslow get their phase play game going and in a repeat of the first half, dominated territorially. The increasing pressure on the Wakefield defence finally told as some concerted forward drives saw number 8, Oskar Hirsky Douglas go over for the first Wilmslow try. A second Wilmslow try followed shortly after as right wing, Nathan Budd put pressure on a Wakefield defender, charging down his kick, regathering the ball and scampering around under the posts for a try converted by scrum half Will Batterbury. At 12 – 0 down Wakefield attempted to put more width on their game, with both wingers and full back looking dangerous, but the Wilmslow defence, as it had been in previous rounds, was outstanding in its organisation and commitment. A third Wilmslow try followed with Oskar Hirsky Douglas grabbing his second of the game. With time ticking down and a win virtually assured, all seven of the Wilmslow substitutes were introduced, eager to put some pressure on the 15 who had started the game for a place at Twickenham. Some sustained pressure late in the game saw Wakefield score a converted try, awarded following a lengthy discussion between referee and linesman. As the conversion sailed through the posts to bring the score to 19 points to 7 the referee blew his final whistle prompting mass hysteria from the Wilmslow players and supporters. Wilmslow Scorers: Oskar Hirsky Douglas - Try, Nathan Budd – Try, Will Batterbury – Conversion, Oskar Hirsky Douglas – Try, Will Batterbury - Conversion. Match report by U15 rugby coach Huw Williams.

O2 is Thinking Big

2010-03-12T05:59:41+00:00

Following a very successful Wilmslow Community Cup I would like to highlight a new & very positive programme supported by O2 and O2 Wilmslow. Young people today get a bad rap. Amazingly, research shows that 46 per cent of adults believe there is a negative view of young people in society. It’s not fair. And more importantly, it’s not accurate. That’s why today, I’m delighted to unveil O2’s new Think Big youth programme. Quite simply, it’s about believing in young people and backing them to make a difference in their communities. From today, young people aged 13-25 across the UK will have the opportunity to apply for a cash grant of £300 to support a project of their choosing in their local community. If successful, young people will also receive a package of training and support to help them make the most of the cash investment. But we won’t stop there. We will also offer successful applicants the opportunity to re-apply for a further £2,500 cash injection. It might sound simple and that’s because it is. We’re listening to young people and putting cash into their hands to help them take positive action in their local area. We’ll be supporting a huge variety of projects – from starting a local youth group to building a skate park, we’ll be encouraging young people to Think Big. We believe a little investment can make a big difference in the hands of a young person. In fact, our research shows that giving £300 to one young person who is passionate about making a genuine change in their community could deliver up £3,300 in tangible benefits for the local community. Take 18 year-old Jamie Coley from Huddersfield who runs a bike recycling scheme in his home town. Not only does Jamie fix damaged bikes that have been donated by West Yorkshire Police, he also trains other young people to do the same. Jamie’s got big plans for his bike recycling scheme, that’s why O2 are backing him with a £300 grant. If you want to get involved, check out the website where you can find out how you can get involved with supporting the Think Big youth programme. Alternatively, give me a call on 01625 538 882 to discuss your Big Plans.

Smokers Get Hypnotised online

2010-03-12T04:30:11+00:00

Wilmslow based charity and international non-profit organisation NoSmokingAgain.org has created an online Hypnotherapy Website where smokers who want to kick the habit can register to receive free-of-charge clinical cognitive hypnotherapy via the Internet. Smokers undergo hypnosis sessions to quit whilst sitting in front of their PC’s in order to become non-smokers for life. The smoking cessation website is the brainchild of Clinical Hypnotherapist and IT specialist John Wesdorp. John is a former smoker who believes that scaring smokers with impending health problems is more likely to discourage them from giving up. "Our approach is different and is based on converting smokers into non-smokers by persuading them to give up because "life-after-smoking" is far better than life as a "nicotine slave" and giving up is the best any smoker can do for a number of very good reasons of which improving health is only one", claims John. The website asks smokers some questions to determine their desire and motivation to give up. If the smoker fulfils the minimum criteria, he/she is given immediate online access to 2 hypnotherapy sessions that turn them into non-smokers for life with minimal, if any, cravings or withdrawal symptoms. Since its recent inception, smokers from across the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa and other English speaking countries have used NoSmokingAgain to become non-smokers. John says: "We take full advantage of the Internet and we brought smoking cessation hypnosis into the 21st century. There are over 1 billion smokers in the world and 12 million in the UK of which the majority wants to quit but can’t and need help to do so. We offer that help free-of charge and our organisation’s primary goal is to assist 1,000,000 smokers a year to stop smoking for life." For further information contact John Wesdorp on 084 500 99 500 or visit NoSmokingAgain.org.

Google Street View now launched in Wilmslow

2010-03-11T14:37:13+00:00

As from today, Google Street View now covers in Wilmslow, enabling you to a take a virtual tour of the town. The images were taken from a height of about 2.5 metres by a distinctive black Google Street View car, with a camera mounted on its roof - providing users with 360° horizontal and 290° vertical panoramic street level views within Google Maps. Whilst faces and license plates are blurred, users are able to zoom right in to see individual houses and gardens. My husband has just spotted our friend walking down her garden path! - I wonder what else we will find? Google’s controversial service was launched in the US in May 2007 to allow users to explore the world through images and it came to the UK in March last year. Initially only 25 UK cities were covered but the service has gradually expanded to now include 238,000 miles of imagery from the UK. Street View has raised concerns about privacy issues. Check out Wilmslow on Street View above using the arrows keys top left of the image. To view full screen click top right of the image. Let us know your thoughts via the comment box below. Is it an intrusion into people’s privacy? Have you spotted anyone you know or any strange sights?