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Shocking report exposes long term abuse of children in care
This week saw the publication of a report into child abuse at chidren’s care homes in Nottinghamshire and Nottingham. Its findings are as shocking as they are distressing though when I read it, I also felt angry. You can read the report here.
When the state removes a child from its birth family it is a very serious matter. It requires an order from a Judge after careful consideration, usually involving numerous court hearings and careful examination of what is in the child’s best interests. I know there will be people reading this who have fostered or adopted children born into the most terrible of circumstances - babies born addicted to heroin or alcohol, toddlers physically and emotionally abused children and babies who have been sexually abused. With few exceptions, we can be confident every child placed in care is vulnerable and invariably damaged so he or she is in particular need of being provided with the love, support and opportunities the vast majority of us have benefitted from in our own families.
But instead, and for decades, hundreds of children in the care of Nottinghamshire County and Nottingham City Council found the abuse and brutality they’d been born into continued at the hands of the very people who were meant to be caring for them.
The horrors of this abuse are outlined in the report, along with a succession of profound failings by both Councils, their officials, workers and councillors.
The report (and I confess this was the part that made me angry) identifies that even by 2011, and up to a few years ago, the police and both Councils were failing the victims.
There are no excuses and none have mercifully been offered. Instead the leaders of both Councils (and in particular Nottinghamshire County Council’s Kay Cutts) have apologised and promised they will act on the report's recommendations.
I urge anyone with any evidence - victim or former employee of either council - to contact me if I can advise or assist them in providing evidence to the police whose enquiries continue.
Working with other local MPs, I will also meet with the leaders and Chief Executives of both Councils, the Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner to get more answers to a number of outstanding questions and to ensure swift action on all the recommendations. |
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Nuthall Horse Fair
I visited the Nuthall Horse Fair on Saturday and found it to be full of... horses. The main event was on Sunday when the horses were traded, notwithstanding the dreadful weather. I am told the weekend passed off with little, if any, of the predicted trouble. I have had a number of complaints about the effect on local traffic with queues stretching way down the A610, which is more of a weekday problem than at the weekend. I will raise those concerns with our new senior police officer, Inspector Pete Brand.
It also appears local pubs and restaurants opened as normal, enjoying the extra trade from travellers and visitors to the Fair.
I am bound to ask whether we would see such vociferous opposition to the Horse Fair if antiques rather than traveller’s horses had been on sale.
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Universal Credit in Broxtowe
Universal Credit for new claimants in Broxtowe started last November. In preparation for the new benefit I organised a meeting of officials and Councillors from Broxtowe Borough Council and our Citizen's Advice Bureau. Together they have been highly effective in helping people claiming UC for the first time. However, the UC system has some important failings meaning some claimants are seriously short of money and others face long waits on busy telephone lines. I have taken up these problems with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and you can read my letter to Amber Rudd here.
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The Star Inn, 'LocAle' Pub of the Year
Congratulations to the Star Inn, Beeston who have won the 2019 Nottingham LocAle Pub of the Year Award. The 2019 Competition featured a public vote and then scoring by judges. The Award will be presented to the Inn on Friday 9th August at 8pm.
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Pride defied the rain!
I joined the People’s Vote campaign at Saturday’s Pride event in Nottingham. It was a great day with people of all backgrounds and every persuasion in rainbow colours celebrating the rich diversity of the City and surrounding area.
The rain did not dampen spirits and we received an excellent response on the People’s Vote stall.
Check out Nottingham People’s Vote here.
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Lib Dems win with all party support
I took time out on Tuesday to campaign for Jane Dodds who won yesterday’s by-election in Brecon and Radnorshire. This Lib Dem / Conservative marginal seat went to the polls after the Conservative MP pleaded guilty to two expenses connected criminal offences. Political parties campaigning against a disastrous “no deal” Brexit and for a People’s Vote stood aside to give the Lib Dems a clear run - most notably Plaid Cymru as well as my party TIG for Change and the Greens. Jane Dodds won well. Looking at the swing, it’s clear she attracted Conservative voters disaffected with their party’s shift to the right and support for “no deal”, and Labour voters appalled at the state of Corbyn’s Labour Party, who backed the only “remain” candidate. Like it or not (and I very much do like it) British politics is changing and I am pleased to be playing a part in that much needed change.
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Sunday 4th August
Fun Dog Show
12:00pm - 3:30pm
Where: Colliers Wood Nature Reserve, NG16 2FF
What's On: Come and enjoy the annual Fun Dog Show held at Colliers Wood Nature Reserve. All dogs welcome!
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Nottinghamshire 47th Annual Fuchsia Show
Saturday 10th - Sunday 11th August 2019
Saturday: 1:30pm - 5:00pm, Sunday: 9am - 4pm
Where: Attenborough Village Hall
What's On: Fuchsia displays, plant sales, homemade cakes, a tombola and a variety of stalls. Show is open to the public, admission is £1 (under 15s enter free when accompanied by an adult). For more information, contact Jayne Daykin on 0115 8758928.
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Sunset Yoga on Beeston Beach
Classes until Tuesday 20th August 2019
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: Beeston Beach, Old Bus Station, Beeston
What's On: Free yoga classes for over-16s on Beeston beach. Ideal way to unwind at the end of the day. Booking is advised. Please click here for more information.
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Sunday 8th September 2019
Fine Food and Craft Market
10am - 3pm
Where: The Garage, Chilwell, Bartons. 63 High Road Chilwell, Nottingham, NG9 4AJ
What's On: Coffee, cake and craft. Sprawling market with up to 50 stall holders, all of which are independently run businesses. Ideal way to spend Sunday morning with the family. To find out more, please click here.
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Tuesday 10th September 2019
Let's Talk about Broxtowe Roadshow
7pm - 8:30pm
Where: Christ Church, 6 College Rd, Chilwell, Nottingham NG9 4AS
What's On: Public meeting to give residents the opportunity to discuss the future of Broxtowe and to give their ideas for new initiatives.
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Friday 20th September
Mayor's Charity Golf Day
11:30am - 8pm
Where: Chilwell Manor Golf Club, Meadow Lane, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 5AE
What's On: A charity golf day hosted by the Mayor of Broxtowe at Chilwell Manor Golf Club in aid of Nottingham Hospitals Charity, especially the Trent Cardiac Unit . For more information, please click here.
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Term Time: Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays
2nd Beeston Sea Scouts
Mondays: 6:45pm - 8:15pm Cubs (8-10.5 year olds)
Thursdays: 6:15pm - 7:30pm Beavers (6-8 year olds)
Fridays: 7:30pm - 9pm Scouts (10.5-14 year olds)
Where: 2nd Beeston Sea Scout Land HQ, Lilac Grove, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 1PP.
What's On: Scouts aims to build and develop young people’s confidence, sense of adventure and outdoor skills, as well as encouraging them to explore their beliefs and attitudes and be creative. It offers them the independence to put these skills into practice at camps and even on international trips. To find out more, please click here.
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Every Monday
Monday Munch Club
Arrive by 12:15pm for 12:30pm lunch
Where: The Temple Centre, Nottingham Road, Nuthall, NG16 1DP
What's On: Come and enjoy a meal at the Temple Centre. As well as food, there are regular speakers and games such as quizzes and bingo for everyone to enjoy. Please call or email Sue on 0115 9519717 or [email protected].
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Every Monday
Chilwell Age Concern Club
10am - 3pm
Where: The Scout Hall, Attenborough Lane, NG9 5JN
What's On: Club that cares for the elderly in a safe and friendly environment. Enjoy games and events, lunch can be provided. For further information, call Eileen on 0115 9677260.
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Every Monday
Trowell Adult Activities Club (Badminton)
7pm - 10pm
Where: Trowell Parish Hall, Trowell
What's On: Badminton and table tennis in a fun, friendly social atmosphere. Open to all over 18 years old. Tickets cost £3.50. Call 07870216510 for further details.
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Every Monday and Wednesday
Beeston Job Club
10.00am - 12.00pm
Where: Hope House, Boundary Road, Beeston, NG9 2RF
What's On: Drop in sessions to get guidance, help and support in any search for employment.
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Every Tuesday
Beeston Job Club
10.00am - 12.00pm
Where: Beeston Library, Foster Avenue NG9 1AE
What's On: Drop in sessions to get guidance, help and support in any search for employment.
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Every Tuesday and Thursday
Wander the Waterways in Beeston
11:00am - 12:30pm
Where: Meet at Canalside Heritage Centre, Beeston, BG9 1LZ
What's On: Come and enjoy a walk along the canal in Beeston. All footpaths are suitable for wheelchairs and abilities. Children are welcome to come along too. Contact [email protected] or phone 0115 9221773 for more information.
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Last Tuesday and Second Wednesday of every Month
Heart 2 Heart Cardiac Support Group
Where: Tuesday - 10am - 12 noon, Toton Tesco Community Room, Swiney Way, Toton, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 6QX.
Wednesday - 7pm - 9pm, Highfields Fire Station, Hassocks Lane, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 2GQ.
What's On: Meeting group where those suffering from heart conditions or those who are caring for someone can share their stories and advice in a safe environment. Cardiac nurses from Primary Integrated Community Services attend each meeting, giving advice and one-to-one talks.
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Wednesdays
Lunch Club
10:30am
Where: The Spinney Day Centre, Laurel Crescent, Nuthall NG16 1EW
What's On: A great opportunity to make new friends, play games and chat with coffee and biscuits. Lunch is provided and transport is available. Call Shelia on 0115 9382862 for further information.
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Wednesdays
New Beginnings Art Group
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Where: The Oasis Centre, Union Street, Beeston, NG9 2LU.
What's On: New Beginnings Art Group meets weekly, bringing together people who are unable to work anymore owing to illness or injury, and are interested in art (Fees may apply). Please click here for more information, or call Greg on 07847096141.
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Alternate Wednesdays
Friendship Group for retired and senior citizens
2pm-4pm
Where: St Helens Church, Stapleford
What's On: A chance to socialise and have lunch together. There are quizzes and speakers are arranged to speak to the group. Please contact St Helens Parish Office on 0115 939 9958 for more information.
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First Wednesday of every Month
Stapleford & District U3A Monthly Meetings
2-4pm
Where: Stapleford Methodist Church, Eaton's Road, NG9 7EA
What's On: Are you retired or work part time? Do you want to share fun, friendship and informal learning in a vibrant, enjoyable and varied way? Then why not come along to find out what the U3A is about and join in the activities which includes monthly meetings, speakers and a wide range of interest groups. For more information click here.
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Every other Wednesday (Fortnightly)
WIGWAM Cancer and Wellbeing Support
10:45am - 12:15
Where: Middle Street Resource Centre, Middle Street, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 2AR.
What's On: In association with charity, Yes To Life, which is at the forefront of a new movement to revolutionise the way cancer is viewed and treated in the UK, WIGWAM provides a place to learn and share. The meeting aims to provide a safe place for people to receive flexible, non-prescriptive support. For further information please click here.
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Every other Wednesday (Fortnightly)
Knit'n'Stitch'n'Natter
7pm-9pm
Where: Cliffe Hill House, 22-26 Nottingham Road, Stapleford, NG9 8AA.
What's On: Gathering for needlecrafters to share their projects and learn from each other. Please come along to discuss what you would like to see happen at future meetings. Parking as available at the back of the building via Cliffe Hill Avenue.
The cost is £3 and hot drinks and biscuits are included.
Contact [email protected] or phone 07850 985349 for more information.
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Thursday
Haven Eagles
2pm-4pm
Where: Haven Centre, Wadsworth Road, Stapleford, NG9 8BD
What's On: The Eagles is a Seniors Group that meet for talks, singalongs and trips out. Anyone over 50 is welcome.
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Thursdays
Outdoor Walking Netball
1:30pm - 3pm
Where: Chilwell Memorial Hall Grass Courts, 129 High Rd, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 4AT
What's On: Walking Netball is a slowed down version of the game of netball, designed for anyone looking to exercise in a relaxed, supportive and friendly environment. Current our sessions are facilitated by an England Netball coach to provide encouragement and support. Contact for further information: [email protected] or 07791878766.
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Second Thursday of Every Month
Attenborough District Probus Club
10am - 12pm
Where: Bowls Club Pavilion, Attenborough.
What's On: Attenborough District Probus Club currently has vacancies for new members. We welcome retired or semi-retired business or professional men to enjoy a friendly monthly meeting with a variety of informal talks, following which several of us take lunch together at a local pub. To find out more contact Richard Coupland, on 0115 925 7720 or the Secretary, Martin Lippmann on 07504 068302.
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Every third Saturday
Beeston Parkinson's Café
10am - 12pm
Where: Catholic Church Hall, Foster Avenue, Beeston, NG9 1AE.
What's On: Friendly, informal gatherings offering information and mutual support for people with Parkinson's disease. Drop in, no need to book.
For more details please call 07851 651 988
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Every First Sunday
Free Sunday Breakfast Club
9am
Where: The Temple Centre, 44 Nottingham Road, Nuthall, Nottingham, NG16 1DP.
What's On: Run by the United Family International Church at the Temple Centre (Next to the Methodist Church) , this monthly group meets on the first Sunday at 9am to share a freshly cooked English breakfast.
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TENNIS CLUB
Do you like playing Tennis ?
There are now places available at Chilwell Memorial Hall. There are three courts to play on, open over the summer period. All ages are welcome.
Cost including membership of Memorial Hall £80.00 + £2 each per session.
Please contact :- Christine Ball 01159225708.
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