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Parish Clerk’s Corner

1. Veterans Day Outing Tuesday 24 June 2008 to National War Museum/Arboretum @ Alrewas , Staffs. - we have had a good response so far but there are still seats available . Please contact the Clerk on 01623 490358 .
2. Parish Plan - The Consultants are currently analysing all the responses . The next planned Meeting of the Steering Group has had to be moved from 28th April to 12 May 2008 @ Rookwood Centre at 7.30pm due to other commitments .
The draws for the winners of the competitions for the first responses drawn out , will be made at the Parish Council AGM Meeting on 15 May 2008 , and the presentation of these awards will then be made at the Community Day Event on 18 June 2008 at St Andrews Hall between 2pm and 7pm .
3. Public Toilets , Mansfield Road , Blidworth - these toilets are now closed and are to be demolished as soon as the necessary technical arrangements have been completed . This decision was reached because NSDC wanted to close several toilet sites within the District as at 31 March 2008 to save money . They offered the opportunity for the building to remain open only if BPC agreed to bear all the costs .However , due to the fact that in recent months there had been continual problems with blocked drains at this site , forcing us to close the site on various occasions , BPC agreed the building should be closed and demolished as at 31 March 2008 , after gaining the approval that the toilets at the Blidworth Community Centre ( which is due to be extended in the near future ) , can be classed as Public Toilets .
4 . Allotments - At the moment there is one vacant site . If interested please contact The Clerk .
5 . Blidworth in Bloom - BPC are currently finalising arrangements, both for the forthcoming Annual Competition, and for permanent floral decorations in Blidworth

Blidworth & Rainworth WI
April Meeting

The Blidworth and Rainworth W. I celebrated their 76th Anniversary on April 3rd,

The President Pam Berry welcomed members, guests and guest of honour W.I. adviser Joan Cretney. After a faith supper we were entertained by the Dukeries (U3A) Handbell ringers.
At the next meeting May 1st we discuss the resolutions to give an indication of our views to be taken by our delegate to the national A.G.M. at Liverpool in June, followed by a talk from a member of the Blidworth fire service.
The Blidworth and Rainworth W.I. meet on the 1st Thursday of the month in the Blidworth community centre new members are always very welcome
 

U3A

Have you heard of the organisation called the U3A? It is the fastest growing organisation in the U.K
This marvellous organisation is going from strength to strength, with new branches opening all the time.
In your local area there are three U3A branches, Dukeries at Ollerton, Ashfield at Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Mansfield and Sherwood at Mansfield Woodhouse.
Currently, Mansfield have closed their books, and there are no vacancies, but Dukeries, Sherwood and Ashfield would welcome new members.
Each U3A is autonomous and therefore somewhat different from the others, but all are run on similar lines with the same ethos of being a group of like-minded people and self-help groups.
Each U3A has monthly meetings with interesting speakers at each meeting. There are numerous interest groups, all of which are run by the members for the benefit of fellow members. These interest groups are mostly free to join, with sometimes a contribution towards room-hire the only charge.
Holidays and outings are arranged, as well as special events such as Quiz Nights with a Pie & Pea supper. Murder, Mystery suppers, Theatre visits and trips on a Jazz Cruise down the Trent etc.
Interest groups cover almost any activity from Art to Family History to Walking and Wine -Appreciation. There are almost 50 different interest groups to choose from.
Below shows the Dukeries U3A's hand-bell ringers performing recently at the Blidworth and Rainworth W.I's birthday party in the Community Centre.
If you would like more information about the U3A, please contact Jill Pullan on 01623 400545 or email:- jill.pullan@ntlworld.com

Neighbourhood Watch

Blidworth’s Neighbour hood Watch website can be found at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/t.hurst1/

PALs

A correction to our article in the last issue. The next meeting of PALs will be on 12th May, and not as was previously stated, 6th May.

Dog Show

Jerry Green Dog Rescue, Warsop Lane, Blidworth is having a Companion Dog Show and Open Day on 5th May. Starts 11am. £1 on gate. Further details. 01623 792886 or email notts@jerryDog Show. Take a look at the new charity's website. www.jerrygreendogs.org.uk . There is also a collecting bin now in Tesco Express Blidworth for donations of dog food.

On Safari

A Blidworth couple’s son’s chance of a lifetime has been brought to effect by the Journey Of A Lifetime Trust (JOLT), 14year old Jordan Dibble, Diagnosed partially sighted only a couple of years ago won his place alongside 23 other candidates with disabilities to go on the trip across Africa in July.
We wish him well and look forward to hearing of his adventures on his return.
Fundraising events are being organised, further details 01623 491270

Blidworth Doctors Surgery

Protected Learning Time,
The surgery will be closed from 12 noon every second Wednesday in the month except in August and December. Next half day closing will be on Wednesday 14th May.

 

Hollyoaks hunks challenge
local football team to rematch
 

The lads from Hollyoaks are set to take on AC Broxtowe again after being thrashed 14-4 by the Sunday league side last summer.
The TV stars blamed partying too hard in the city centre the night before the match for their poor performance last year, with player-manager Nick Pickard, who plays Tony Hutchinson, taking himself off after just ten minutes.
But the actors may have the same problem this year as the match has been fixed for 5.30pm on April 19, after the actors have made personal appearances at Oceana nightclub the evening before
Proceeds from the match will go towards ChildLine Nottingham, AC Broxtowe and Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
Over 1,000 tickets were sold last year as hordes of teenage girls turned out to see the male celebrities play at HSBC Siemens in Beeston so the Notts County ground at Meadow Lane has been booked this year to deal with the demand.
Nick Pickard said at the time: "The match went terribly for us. They were a good side but I think it is fair to say we would have done better if we weren't out the night before."
And AC Broxtowe manager, Winston Blackwood, said that the Hollyoaks lads will have to work hard to win this time.
He said: “I think that the Hollyoaks lads underestimated us last year because they went out for quite a heavy night before the match thinking they could still have a good go at it.
“I've heard that they have been pushing themselves on the training as they want to beat us this year but we'll be ready for them. We play quite a fast-paced passing game, keeping the ball close to the ground so they'll have some competition.”
He added: “It's good for our boys to be doing something to put money back into the team and into the local ChildLine base while having fun at the same time.”
AC Broxtowe sponsors Care Fertility, who are organising the match, said that ticket sales were going well.
Wanda Georgiades said: “We've sold hundreds and hundreds of tickets so far so I think that it's going to be a great turn out, last year we raised around £3,000 so we are hoping to beat that this year. We've got one stand at the stadium and that holds 8,000 and, if it's anything like last year, I'm sure there'll be lots of fans clambering to see the stars.”
Jo Dale, community corporate manager for ChildLine Nottingham, said: “This will be a great day out for all of the family while helping to raise vital money for ChildLine's free 24-hour helpline for children in danger or distress, along with other causes.”
Tickets cost £4 and are available on the internet, by phone, at the Nottingham County FC ticket office or at the turnstiles on the day. Under-fives go free.
Call 0115 955 7204 or visit www.nottscountyfc.co.uk and go to tickets, then on-line tickets and click on the AC Broxtowe vs Hollyoaks sign.

     

 

 


V.Leach www.lakehead@aol.com

A Silent Cause Of Blindness

The fluid in the eye circulates and the outlet for the fluid some times becomes blocked, causing an increase in pressure in the eye. This increase in pressure damages the optic nerve. The optic nerve is the main nerve that carries information from the eye to the brain. The brain then interprets and improves the image, rather like putting information from a digital camera into a computer for manipulation and storage. The damage to the optic nerve is gradual and initially affects only peripheral vision. The person may not be aware of oncoming traffic or have difficulty seeing stairs and curbstones. Falls become more common. In this time the person may not be aware that there is a fault in their vision. Initially central vision used in looking straight ahead and in reading is not affected. This is called tunnel vision. Gradually the central vision is affected and eventually blindness is the result. There are no symptoms such as pain with the condition. The national Institute for the Blind estimate that 1 in a hundred people over 40 and 5 in a hundred of people over 60 will suffer from the condition.
The fundamental cause of glaucoma is not known. There can be glaucoma as a result of other eye diseases such as extreme short sight or diabetes. The pressure in the eye increases with age and the only other major factor is that it is an inherited disease. In susceptible families the condition may start in the 40's.
There are three main factors in the diagnosis.
The simplest method is to measure the pressure in the eye. A puff of air or a direct pressure on the eye may be used. Unfortunately this does not show an increase in pressure only the pressure at that time. The person may normally have a low pressure. The next test is to measure the fields of vision. Whilst looking at a central spot the optician shines small specks of light around the area of sight. This does indicate if there is significant damage to the optic nerve.
The ultimate test is to see and measure any damage to the optic nerve, in the form of cupping of the nerve. This may be done by direct vision or by photographic retinoscopy. A photograph is taken of the retina. The photograph can be examined at leisure and a second opinion obtained, if need be. This technique is now used as a routine screening procedure to detect diabetic eye damage.
Tests for glaucoma are routine examinations by opticians.
The treatment for glaucoma is initially in the form of eye drops that encourage drainage of the eye fluid. If there is an inadequate response then a simple operation may be performed.
Unfortunately, when the condition tends to occur in the older age groups people are liable to assume that their poor vision is due to age until it is too late.
Prevention is always better than cure and the prevention is quite simple; frequent eye examinations by an optician. If there is a family history of glaucoma then annual eye tests are free. If there are no problems then over the counter or internet purchase of spectacles is reasonable.
Many opticians are now offering photographic retinosopy for about £11 to £15 for people without glaucoma or diabetes. Many diseases can be diagnosed by examination of the retina and every few year it is worth having the examination.
Sight is precious do not lose it by failing to have regular checkups

First Responders

I do hope your campaign to increase support is successful. The early use of the defibrillator is essential in saving lives after a heart attack. Time is of the essence and do not think there is nothing to do until the defibrillator arrives on the scene. Recent research has shown that chest compression should be used up to fifteen minutes and even at that time defibrillation can be successful. Interestingly, the results show that very little, if any, mouth to mouth resuscitation is necessary in a heart attack. Every one should have confidence to carry out chest compression until the defibrillator arrives.
V, Leach

A Day At The Cornwater Club No Charge

Blidworth's senior citizens are being offered a chance to experience a full day at a highly successful social club - at no cost.
The Cornwater Club is to have a special Open Day on Wednesday May 28 at Ravenshead Village Hall. Senior citizens are invited to book in for the “taster” day which includes lunch, a range of activities, and transport if required, all free of charge. Alternatively, anyone can drop in to see what goes on, have lunch, join in the activities, or just have a chat and a cup of tea.
For the full day with or without transport, or for lunch only, it is necessary to book. Please see the panel below.
The day's programme will start at 10 am with coffee or tea and biscuits, then continue with movement to music and an art class. Lunch from 12 to 1 pm is followed by flower arranging and a second art class, to end the day's session at about 2.15. A manicuring service will be available during the morning, and massage in the afternoon.
Maxine Dakin, the Cornwater Club manager, said: “Everyone knows someone a relative, friend, neighbour, or a carer - who could benefit by coming to the club. The accent is on interest, activity, friendship and stimulation. The Open Day is a wonderful chance for an older person to give it a try, with no commitment to continue, and at no cost.”
As well as welcoming potential new members, the Cornwater Club is looking for volunteers who might give up a few hours every one or two weeks to help at the club sessions or as escorts on the minibuses that collect members and take them home again. The club meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Ravenshead Leisure Centre.

 

The Minister’s Word

I have now been the Minister at Blidworth Methodist Church, and in a number of other villages around, since last September. I come originally from Rochdale in Lancashire, a much larger town than Mansfield, let alone Blidworth. More recently, I have lived in Warrington, Chester, and most recently in a place called Greasby near Birkenhead, on the Wirral. I am slowly beginning to understand what it means to live in a smaller community such as Blidworth, and particularly one that was centred around one main place of work (the pit).
One of the first lessons I have learned is the great sense of community. How people worked together at the pit and how much support there was for each other. I have met families who occupied a whole end of a street with aunty living two doors down one way and grandma opposite and her sister just around the corner. This formed a huge support network. Growing up and living in larger towns and cities I have not met such close family ties before. A number of my Grandad's generation worked in Rochdale's cotton mills, but not in the same one and their houses were scattered across the town.
(I have also learned to be careful what I say about anybody to someone else, because I will probably find out that they are some form of cousin or related by marriage.)
I get the impression that because people now travel further, in different directions, to get to work that, whilst the community spirit is still strong, it cannot be as close as it was.
The churches of Blidworth and Rainworth are planning a number of events across the Summer and into the Autumn. These will include a the trial of a Holiday Club which, if successful, may well expand in future years. The main event will be towards the end of August and will be a day when the whole community can come together as one, and it doesn't matter which part of the village you live in, or where you work or which school you go to or went to. And it will be free, including the food we hope. Look out for the adverts and posters as the Summer draws near.
The churches already host many groups: uniformed organisations, slimming, art classes, etc. And are looking for more ways we can serve both God and our community. Let us know if there is something we could do that we aren't doing at the moment.
David Greenwood (01623 491474)

New Venue for Dial Advice Sessions.
Blidworth Library

Starting from April 2008 Dial (Disability Information Advice Line) outreach sessions will be moving from the Community Centre and will be held at the Library until further notice.
The sessions will be arranged on an appointments basis for Monday mornings between 10am and 12 noon.
Apart from these arranged sessions Kevin Robson the Dial Community Support Worker will be at the library every second and fourth Monday of the month between 10am and 11am to help with enquiries, advice and information about his project and volunteering with Dial.
For further information ask for a leaflet in the library or call Kevin on 01623 658060 mobile 07952881390 or e-mail kevin@dialmansfield.org.uk

 

Stray Dogs

There was a change in the law which came into effect on 6 April 2008 - section 68 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act. .
The Police no longer have the responsibility for handling stray dogs - they will no longer collect or accept them from members of the public. The Police do however retain their responsibilities in respect of dogs worrying livestock and dangerous dogs. They should still have stolen or lost dogs reported to them.
Local authorities now solely bear this responsibility for handling stray dogs. Local Authorities statutory duties in regard to stray dogs is given in section 149, 150, 151 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. (c.43)
Under the new arrangements during office hours (8am to 5 pm) the local authority dog warden service should contacted. The telephone number of the Newark and Sherwood Dog Warden service is 01636 655571. If the dog has identification ( required by law in the form of a collar and tag bearing the owners details but may also include a microchip or tattoo) the Dog Warden service personnel will attempt to contact the owner so they can be reunited. If this is not possible the dog will be taken to NSDC Depot Holding Kennels, Brunel Drive, in Newark and then subsequently to Lincolnshire Rescue kennels, Cliff Farmhouse, Ingham, Lincoln LN1 2YQ Tel 01522 730502
Local authorities have been given a Revenue Support Grant (£4m nationally) to cover the costs of an out of hours service. In our District an arrangement has been made with a private kennels in Newark. Contact details are Val Hosegood, High Park Farm, Swinderby Road, Collingham, Newark, Notts NG23 7NZ Tel 07808003152. Members of the public can take a stray dog there after contacting the kennels owner by phone to check someone is available. Alternatively they may detain the dog overnight and contact the Dog Warden in the morning for it to be collected.
If the dog has identification the authority is required by law to write to the owner informing them that they have the dog. They are required to keep the dog for 7 days following service of the letter. The dog owner will have to pay all relevant local authority fees and charges before they can reclaim the dog.
If the dog is not claimed at the end of the 7 days according to the law the dog may be sold, given away (eg passed to the ownership of a rescue kennel for rehoming )or destroyed (depending on local authority policy - several northern council dog pounds destroy perfectly healthy dogs on the 8th day).
Please remember to also contact neighbouring town or district authorities dog warden service if you have lost a dog.
Some strays are dogs which has been callously abandoned. Some are dogs which have been stolen but subsequently dumped. Some are pets allowed to roam. Others are family pets who may just have escaped when a door has been inadvertently let open.
Don't let your dog become a stray statistic.

On the 29th March 2008, from 10-3pm, at the Blidworth Community Centre, we held an experience day to enable many disadvantaged young people opportunities for experiencing different cultures and their customs.
Many young people turned up to take part in the many activities that were taking place. The activities included:
- Drums, Face Painting, - Balloon Modelling, - Cooking Food From Around The World, - Musical Statues, (for The Younger Children), - T-shirt Design And Printing, - Dance, - Origami, - Jewellery Making, - Rangoli (decorations Made From Indian Dried Food), - Card- Making
There were also advice stands from Nottinghamshire Training Network and Face It. The Police also attended and allowed the young people to try on their uniforms and have a go at the mobile speed cameras.
Free refreshments were available all day (sandwiches, cakes and drinks).
The whole day was absolutely free to all who attended.
It was a real success!!!
Many thanks to Tom Whalley from BBC Radio Nottingham for all his help, and huge thanks to the student volunteers from Nottingham Trent University (organised by Catie Smith) who gave up their day to help out.

 

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