Parish Newsletter Summer 2021

What’s Inside... Exciting Development • Blackwell Parish Council planned for Blackwell

• Blackwell Residents The planned development in Blackwell through the Action Group Homes programme is to address the • Newton Carnival difficulties of future high maintenance costs, insulation of the properties to current standards and • Greater Creative upgrading of fire protection to properties of non- • Dog Poop Bins traditional construction.

• HELP Group Within the existing site it is planned to construct a • Westhouses new Independent living scheme, bungalows, houses and in collaboration with Blackwell Parish Council, Residents Action a new community centre fit for the next generation Group and beyond. • Newton & Blackwell Article continued on page 4... Football Club • HS2 Update • Wildflowers in Westhouses. • Newton Community Association • Blackwell Youth Club • Newton OAP Club • The Bad Boy of Blackwell... • How to access the Planning Portal • And much more...

Blackwell Parish Council is now on Facebook! Find us @Blackwellpc

Your Blackwell Parish Councillors

Parish Clerk Newton Ward Mrs Jayne Simpson Chairman Parish Office Dexter Bullock Blackwell Community Briar House Centre , 55 Main Street Woburn Close Newton Blackwell

01773 810181 07881 562354 Also District Councillor

Blackwell Ward Clive Moesby 38 Thurgaton Way Vice Chairman Newton Ian Newham

Glen Vine 01773 872067 Pendean Close Also District Councillor Blackwell

01773 813552 Debbie

Marshall-Curtis

72 Charnwood

Crescent

Newton Paula Wilkinson

50 Road 07966 416831 Westhouses

DE55 5AH

John Thorley 07916 339436 1A Alfreton Road Newton

07539 660648

Tony Gascoyne 23 Wilson Ave Blackwell Ross Marshall 07968 971015 Newton

07597 186381

2 Blackwell Parish Council working for the community Your Blackwell Parish Councillors

Westhouses Ward Hilcote Ward

Hayley Pell Brian Stocks 1 Bolden Terrace 1 Fairfield Avenue Westhouses Hilcote

07775 661450 01773 860671

Peter Knott Stephen Knox MBE 2 Bolden Terrace 113 New Lane Westhouses Hilcote

07974 433084 07968 486665

PARISH OFFICES During the pandemic, staff have been working from home where possible. If restrictions have been lifted, staff will be back in the office. Please find below the opening times for both offices. If there are still restrictions in place, you can check out the website for information - www.blackwellpc.org.uk - or staff can be contacted via e-mail (opening hours denote working hours)... Council Office Council Office at Blackwell Community Centre at Hilcote Community Centre

Jayne Simpson, Parish Clerk & RFO Kate Poynter, Admin Assistant

Opening hours: Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10am-3pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am-2pm

T: 01773 810181 T: 01773 580002 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Please contact for concerns about the Please contact to book a community Parish centre.

Please note that inclusion of any articles or advertisements in this newsletter does not in anyway signify endorsement of any product or service by Blackwell Parish Council. The material and information in this newsletter is designed to provide general information. Every effort is made to ensure this information is accurate but the parish council does not take any liability for any errors or omissions.

Blackwell Community Centre — Woburn Close, Blackwell DE55 5HH 3 Hilcote Community Centre — 544 New Street, Hilcote DE55 5HU Blackwell Development (continued from front page)

The scheme will be phased to allow the Residents should have been contacted relocation of existing residents and to by the Housing Management Team but minimise disruption to those already if you have any further questions or living and working in properties on the concerns please contact 01246 242424 site and further evidences the council’s commitment to deliver high quality Below is the front elevation of the homes for our district. proposed new community centre.

New County Councillor — James Barron

Welcome to our new Derbyshire County Councillor, James Barron. He has already attended several of the Parish Council meetings to give updates on items and projects that specifically affect Blackwell Parish.

If you would like to contact Councillor Barron, or would like to find out more about his role at the county council. you can find his details on the Derbyshire County Council website - www.derbyshire.gov.uk.

Thank you to Councillor Clive Moesby for his many years of service to the parish as Derbyshire County Councillor. Clive still represents Blackwell Parish on the Parish Council and on Council. Clive’s contact details can be found on page 2.

4 For county-wide information, visit: www.derbyshire.gov.uk Blackwell Parish Council

By the time this newsletter hits your Covid-19 guidelines. The Parish Council doormat, there is the hope that the would like to thank them for their hard country is in a place where the final work in these difficult times. stage of lockdown has been eased and Parish Council Meetings everyone can start to get back to a more The first face to social way of life. In the meantime, face meeting during lockdown, Blackwell Parish since March Council has been as busy as ever… 2020 was the Parish Ranger Annual Parish It is with sadness Meeting and that the Parish Annual Parish Council says Council Meeting which took place in May goodbye to the at Blackwell Community Centre. The Parish Ranger, main hall was set up to allow for social Steve distancing, and everyone followed the Chamberlain. guidelines. As well as the maximum Steve has done a fantastic job number of members of public that were maintaining parish facilities and parks able to attend (apologies to anyone who and keeping the parish tidy. Steve is now had to be turned away due to space self-employed and makes hand-made restrictions), the new County Councillor, bespoke wooden items. James Barron, and two representatives The Parish Council would like to thank from the police were also present. Steve for all his hard work over the past Information about upcoming Parish three years and wish him the very best Council meetings and Minutes from for the future. previous meetings can be found on the Parish Council website. The good news is that the council have already recruited a new Parish Ranger Annual Parish Council Audit and would like to welcome Martin The Parish Rhodes to the team. Martin started work Council is pleased at the beginning of July and you may to announce that it have already seen him about the parish. has passed the New Caretaker at Newton annual internal audit with flying colours. Thank you to the Clerk, Jayne, for all of Community Centre her hard work. If you would like to know Blackwell Parish Council would also like more, you can find the audit documents to welcome Simon Newbold to the on the Parish Council website. team. Simon is the new caretaker for Newton Community Centre. Along with Westhouses Playground Bev (who is the caretaker for Blackwell Westhouses Playground has recently and Hilcote Community Centres), they undergone a full inspection and a piece have been working hard to keep the of much loved play equipment was community centres clean in line with removed for safety issues. At the June

Blackwell Parish Council, working for the Community 5 Blackwell Parish Council (cont’d)

Parish Council Summer Activities Meeting, an Exciting news for the exciting summer holidays - the replacement council has confirmed was approved the booking of the for purchase and it has Balanceability been placed Course and on order. It is scheduled Extreme for installation on 7th September 2021, Wheels.

so, look out for the new Play Tower Balanceability combines unique coming to a park near you soon! ergononic balance bikes with a programme of activity that builds Hanging Baskets confidence, spatial awareness and The beautiful hanging dynamic balance skills enabling young baskets started to go children to cycle without ever needing up at the beginning of stabilisers. These sessions will take June. Following a place for children aged 3 to 7 years old number of requests to every Friday from 23rd July until 27th spread the cheer even August at Blackwell Community Centre. further, the Parish The sessions are FREE. You will need to Council have paid for book — details on the council Facebook additional lamppost baskets this year. page and website, or see page 27. Have you spotted the new ones? Thank you to Joe and his team at Woolley Moor Nursery.

@blackwellpc Blackwell Parish Council is delighted to announce that it has joined Facebook. The Parish Council page can be found by searching for @blackwellpc or by Extreme Wheels will take place on following the link at the bottom of our Thursdays, 1pm-3pm at Scanderlands Skate Park on Gloves Lane, over the website homepage: blackwellpc.org.uk summer holidays. Just give us a like to receive the latest news on the parish and information Please note that these sessions are subject to any government Covid about meetings and events. guidelines. For more information and updates on dates and times, keep checking our website - blackwellpc.org.uk - and our Facebook page - @Blackwellpc or visit www.bolsover.gov.uk/extreme-wheels

6 Blackwell Parish Council, working for the Community Blackwell Parish Council (cont’d)

Red Phone Box Defibrillator guidelines. As the restrictions Project Update have been The order has been placed for gradually lifted, the Red K6 phone boxes for groups who fit Newton and Westhouses and within the they will hopefully be installed in guidance have been returning to use the September. centres again, with the necessary risk The Planning Department and assessments in place to make sure that BT have been contacted and it all users are as safe as possible. Thank has been formally expressed you to everyone who has been following that the council would like to adopt the the guidelines and working with the phone box opposite the convenience Parish Council during this time. store on Alfreton Road in Blackwell. The Whilst the centres were closed, the consultation for this will end in July. opportunity was been taken to make various repairs and upgrades - Newton Covid-19 Memorial Plans Community Centre now has new fire The last year and a half has been difficult doors and the bar at Hilcote has new for many reasons. It has been proposed shutters. As reported in the last that a memorial be established in each newsletter, CCTV is now installed in village to commemorate those we have each community centre and at the two lost during this time. The council are pavilions. Each of the buildings has also working on a engraved bench being undergone a deep clean. As it is an installed in each village in memory. essential service, The Post Office Please look out for them in the coming continued to operate out of Blackwell months. Community Centre throughout.

Provisional bookings have been taken for Flagpole Project parties and events, and when restrictions The flagpole on Newton are lifted, these bookings can then be Community Centre is in need confirmed to go ahead. of replacement and it has Information about booking any of the been proposed that community centres can be found on the Blackwell, Hilcote and website: Westhouses should have a blackwellpc.org.uk/community- flag pole installed as well. centres or you can contact Kate via Please see page 20 for [email protected]. details on how you can have your say… Thank you to everyone for working with the Parish Council over the last 18 Community Centre Update months. Here’s hoping that the next year Staff have been working continuously and a half will prove a little easier for over lockdown to make sure that the everyone. You can stay in touch with three community centres remain Covid what is happening by using the Parish safe and adhere to Government Council contact details on Page 3.

Find us on Facebook - @ Blackwellpc 7 Westhouses Community Association

As we are almost halfway through 2021 already we thought we would share some of what we have been doing in Westhouses...

Our Knit & Natter group have been working hard at home making some wonderful things for our “yarn bombing” projects which will be displayed at various times over the year.

At Easter we had an egg hunt with a difference, where we challenged residents to find and un-scramble letters to reveal hidden words, lots of prizes were given away!

The children from Westhouses Primary School helped make decorations that were displayed on the Community Tree

Work started on the Community Garden – we have a group of volunteers looking forward to working on the area

Going forward into the year, we are planning to start our coffee mornings again soon and we will be having more competitions for everyone to join in with and plenty of fun along the way!

We would like to thank everyone who has joined in with our activities and showing great community spirit!

For future events, keep a look out for our notices and on our 8 Facebook page: Westhouses Community Association Newton Carnival Team

Hello from us all at Newton Carnival, events later hope you are enjoying this lovely in the year. weather we are having. As our planned For regular carnival date approached, we felt very updates, follow us on Facebook — just uneasy about staging a major event search for ‘Newton Carnival Team’. within our community. As with neighbouring organisations, it was with Save the date for 2022 much sadness that this years carnival Saturday 9th July is when you will see could not take place. The decision was Newton Carnival return in style! not an easy one, but will all the variants From all of us at Newton Carnival Team, sweeping across the world, we would continue to take care - together we can rather be safe than sorry. beat this. We will keep you updated about planned Stay Safe, Newton Carnival Team.

Newton Methodist Church Newton Methodist Church is open for decisions by the Government but the Sunday worship at 5.45pm each Sunday plan is to resume all pre covid activities where covid restrictions apply. Masks to from 27th of August 2021 be worn and no singing. This means Thursday Coffee Every Thursday at 11am we hold Mornings , the Monthly Breakfast and Thursday Fellowship. (A lighter version Afternoon Teas or lunches. of Sunday worship) See Facebook and our notice board We are of course subject to future when we get the go ahead.. The Post Office Because it provides an essential service, throughout the whole pandemic the Post Office has been and will continue to be open on a Tuesday and Thursday morning, at Blackwell Community Centre, 9am-1pm, for all of your regular Post Office services and needs.

You can find information about local community groups on the Blackwell 9 Parish Council website - www.blackwellpc.org.uk/community-links

Greater Creative

Hello, Greater Creative here! We’re Stephanie Sian Coley) Blackwell Parish’s team of voluntary were commissioned to residents working with local community each design, create, and arts organisation Platform Thirty1 to install a window display bring creativity opportunities and for a public spectacle in collaborations to our parish to celebrate one of the community and commemorate our people and spaces in each village / places. Our core group of volunteers is hamlet which stood still our Working Party, and we have been and empty due to COVID generously supported by individual - 19. Window spaces: residents and community groups in the Hilcote Arms parish since 2019. Westhouses Social Club

Our funding comes from a national Blackwell Community Centre Newton Community Centre programme called Creative Civic Change (2019–2022). This investment is not for Each of the artists also made mini any capital (EG buildings) or statutory activity packs that mirrored some of the (EG street lights) expenditure in the content in their display (snowflake parish. quilling, drawing on windows using

Here’s our latest update on our Greater stencils, building paper villages with Creative projects: lighting and 3D angels). The 320 Winter Windows packs were - December 2020 bundled into 80 luxury free Four local artists (Emma Reynard, Christmas Activity Nichola Wadsworth, Lise Bennett & Packs for local residents to order. All 80 packs were ordered and delivered within a week thanks to the working party!

Each of the 2,300 households in the parish received a ‘window trail’ card to encourage everyone to go out and spot both the artist and resident window displays. Two families won the competition by finding all of the windows and were rewarded with locally-made hot chocolate mugs from the pottery at Alfreton.

10 Greater Creative (cont’d)

Past & Five Wood Sculptures Installed Present Across the Parish - Colouring Spring 2020 to January 2021

Book - Thank you to you all for your warm Winter 2020 feedback on seeing the amazing wood sculptures installed across the parish. We wanted to The competition design winners have got commemorate to see their drawings come to life the buildings and through the talented Crich-based wood spaces of our past and present in the sculptor Andrew Frost. parish and create something that could be interacted with across generations; Here’s them in situ. These beautiful from old-time family residents to newly photos were taken by parish resident moved in residents. Thanks to all of you amateur photographer Lee Rhodes. who submitted your favourite pictures which got transferred into colouring pages by artist Alex Rubes from arts organisation Graffwerk. The Greater Creative working party, resident volunteers and Blackwell Youth Club worked tirelessly to package and deliver 2,300 copies of the 23 page colouring books. Households also got a bespoke Christmas Card in the package, as this treat got posted out to every doorstep in the parish just before Christmas.

We received so many appreciation notes, comments and posts for this project and we got to see some Bunny Art Packs absolutely beautiful colouring of the (Hopping Hungry Bunnies DIY pages across generations. Board Game) - Easter 2021

This After the success of the Winter Windows project was packs, residents match started asking when funded by the next activity packs The were coming out. In National truth, the Winter Lottery Window packs were a Community Plan B for what should Fund. have been face-to- face workshops with

Article continued over the page... 11 Greater Creative (cont’d)

Artists but packs had to suffice due to visited three garden gatherings and a restrictions. green space to brew up future ideas. In response to your interest, 100 creative June and Brenda are currently writing packs were designed and packaged by up the ideas from the 230+ people they based artist Lisa Bennett have worked with, before sharing them for the Easter holidays. The feedback with the Greater Creative working party received was to guide our future projects. positive with people praising What Are We Working On Now? the playful element of the 5 interpretation boards: activity which We’re developing local heritage boards could be played to celebrate the people and places at the with time and heart of our ex-industrial heritage time again once made. The Secret Picnic: We’re delivering a fun-filled day for residents to come and enjoy some art activities and performances on a local Nah Then (Creative Consultation) greenspace whilst enjoying a gorgeous picnic basket of treats - May 2021

Tea ladies June and Brenda have been Roots to Routes social heritage making their way across the parish to resource: creatively consult with residents about We’re developing a digital app to capture what possibili-TEA’s people want for the the parish’s rich social and ex-industrial parish. past Professional performers Maison Foo took their tea bar on wheels and mischievous Bring The Paint to Blackwell fun and frolics into all of our primary Parish: school playgrounds and We’re working with residents, Blackwell

12 Greater Creative (cont’d)

and Newton Primary Schools to design friendly bunch, with a mix of personal murals for local storage containers and interests and experience, a balance of Blackwell Skate Park. This is match men and women, and we’re aged from funded by Arts Council 14years to 70-odd! Get in touch: www.facebook.com/GreaterCreative Face-to-face workshops: or We’re beginning to plan participatory art [email protected] workshops for the community for later in the year Are you a constituted community group that’s interested to apply for Winter Windows 2021: funding for a parish project or event? We’re currently in the throes of seeking Do you need some friendly help, advice further investment to put on a bigger and and guidance to do this? Platform Thirty1 more ambitious version of this project for have over 16 years of fundraising this winter experience for community projects, from £200 to £200,000! Platform Thirty1 are How Can You Support The Parish keen to support the community to thrive Too? and are offering a free session to help

Are you a resident in the parish that groups on their way. Get in touch if you wants to be more involved? We’re a very are interested: [email protected]

Newton WI Newton WI

Newton Women’s Institute meets every third Wednesday (except August), 7-9pm at Newton Community Centre.

We host regular speakers and visitors, organise trips out and love to welcome new members.

If you would like to know more about what Newton WI is all about, please call into any meeting.

There is an annual national subscription for the year for £43, and as part of that, you will receive a copy of the WI Life Magazine eight times a year, directly to your door.

If you would like to know more about the WI in general, please visit the national website at: www.thewi.org.uk

If you are unsure whether there are any remaining Covid restrictions when 13 attending a group or event, please contact the organiser for more information. Newton Community Association

As everyone is tired of hearing, the last fifteen months have been difficult for everyone including our association, but our Facebook page has continued to gain members linked to the village and surrounding area. Our working party has met on Zoom to discuss any pressing matters, but otherwise like the rest of the world, we have been on hold, holding our breath and waiting for the sunshine to return. We have launched our page in May on We are looking forward to be able to the Bolsover Good Causes Lottery and return to our litter picking mornings, and are pleased to be able to use funds from hope evenings such as Quiz Night and that to support The Toddler Group and Race Night can also be organised before The OAP Club. If you have a voluntary too long. Maybe even a themed Cinema group in educational, social or sporting Night at the Community Centre during activities and would welcome the Autumn? Please send us any more contributions to a project we may be able ideas you have. to help you too. Please contact us at: [email protected]

14 Community

Lady Saved from Fire in Blackwell by Brave Passerby Lauren was walking her son to school on walks with a Zimmer frame - in the the morning in question, when she lounge. She was unable to move as the noticed smoke and flames coming from heat from the flames had made her frame one of the OAP bungalows on Alfreton too hot to hold onto.

Road, Blackwell. She passed her son to Lauren held the ladies arms and lead her a friend who was also walking to school, to safety outside the property. Minutes and ran to the bungalow. She could hear later the lounge window blew out and the the lady occupant shouting for help, so roof above the lounge collapsed. The she kicked the lady was taken to hospital for treatment door down and and was then moved to respite care. ran into the Lauren also attended hospital and was property, treated for smoke inhalation, and was where she discharged later that day. found the lady - who is 91 Thank you, Lauren, for your quick years old and thinking, bravery and selflessness. Solar Lights in Westhouses

It is often asked why solar lights were a viable and chosen for the playing field in affordable option with Westhouses. Because they are powered the added advantage by the sun, it means that they are of being weather dependent and maybe aren't environmentally always on as hoped. friendly. The cost of installing electric to The reason solar lights were chosen was the site would have been prohibitive. because there was no electricity on the The money to pay for the lights was from playing field and solar was a considered the 106 agreement from the opencast. Note about Covid-19 Restrictions

Please note that all the adverts and all. articles in this newsletter were written at So, please be understanding if the a time when the Covid-19 restrictions pandemic situation changes again and were in place. All the contributors to this events and social activities talked about newsletter have done a fantastic job of don’t happen quite as it is hoped in these trying to remain positive about things to pages. If in doubt, please contact the come whilst acknowledging the situation organisers. at the time of writing. Thank you to them Thank you.

Find out what is happening in the parish, visit www.blackwellpc.org.uk 15 Blackwell Parish 2020 Review Painting Hilcote ‘Red’

HELP GROUP Volunteers, in A bit of background: In partnership with the Community 2012, a nationwide scheme to Heartbeat Trust and the British install life-saving defibrillators

Coatings Federation (BCF), in rural phone boxes; which with the help of Crown Paints, are a significant part of our Paints the Village ‘RED’ national heritage. Community Heartbeat Trust, had the In July 2018 the HELP GROUP original idea behind the volunteers working in partnership scheme to have its red phone with the Community Heartbeat box refurbished under the Trust and Blackwell Parish scheme, courtesy of free paint Council installed the red from British Coatings telephone box, housing a Federation member HMG life-saving defibrillator in the Paints. The British Coatings village of Hilcote. However, the Federation’s members will passing years have left their provide a paint system of mark and telephone box had undercoat and traditional red become tired and in need of topcoat to local communities refurbishment. So, the volunteers that install a defibrillator in contacted the Community their phone box. Heartbeat Trust and the British The Chief Executive Officer of Coatings Federation who the British Coatings generously provided a voucher Federation said: “We are so for ‘Crown Paint’; 2.5ltr of under- proud to be involved in this coat and gloss paint to ground-breaking scheme in refurbish the telephone box. The partnership with BT and the volunteers worked tirelessly in Community Heartbeat Trust. preparing, cleaning and painting Together we will continue to the telephone box, which is now encourage local communities back to its original, pristine to make a difference to the condition. Thus, allowing the emergency service response defibrillator to be housed in a provided to rural parts of the hygienic setting. The HELP country.” Whilst the British GROUP would like to thank the Coatings Federation British Coatings Federation provide the paint system that (BCF) and the Community has revitalise the kiosk, BT Heartbeat Trust for their takes on board the cost of generous support, which is very maintaining the electricity much appreciated by the whole supply to the phone boxes, so village and wider parish the equipment will be community. available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

16 Check out the update on page 7 about the Red Phone Box defibrillators for Blackwell, Newton & Westhouses... Blackwell Parish 2020 Review We are NewtonH.E.L.P. & Blackwell Group Football Club!

What a year we all had in 2020. In the last fifteen months, HELP Group have been safely working with Creative Arts and a totem pole sculpture has gone on Royal Oak Meadow and Woodlands - it looks absolutely brilliant. There has been a bit of vandalism on interpretation boards on Blackwell trail and waterside way, these are expensive items to renew, but thanks to Blackwell Parish Council, Bev from Glendair Dental Practice, and Hilcote Welcome Club, funds were found to renew these items, we are currently awaiting delivery, Duck Day his scheduled for Saturday 14th August from 12noon. The Christmas light switch on is on Saturday 27th November, and will be followed by a disco and buffet. Lets keep our finger crossed that these can happen. Every one keep safe and look after yourselves, Brian Newton & District OAP Club

Newton & District OAP Club are looking forward to welcoming current and new members when conditions allow. We feature regular quality live entertainment occasional Bingo and bring and buy sales. We also organise outings and holidays. We meet every Monday evening from 7pm to 9pm with refreshments included

in the £2.50 entrance fee. For further details contact Melvyn on 01773 873414 or [email protected] Meetings will resume when HM Government conditions allow. We are closed all of August

Stay Covid-safe - Keep up to date with guidance on the 17 government website: www.gov.uk Blackwell Parish 2020 Review The Big Issue: Dog Poo

The issue of what BLACKWELL: people do with the Alfreton Road (opposite 261) poo left by their dogs Alfreton Road (opposite 261) whilst on a walk has Alfreton Road (bus stop) been a bug bear for Alfreton Road (junction with Central Dr) a long time, but as Central Drive (junction with Cromwell Av) people have been Gloves Lane (opposite 21-23) required to stay at home during the Gloves Lane (entrance to footpath) pandemic, there has been a increase in Primrose Hill (junction with Alfreton Rd) the use of the walks in our beautiful parish with pet pooches. HILCOTE: Dog poo poses a serious health risk - Hilcote Lane (near bridge) even if it is bagged up. (All the gory New Lane (junction of Pasture Ln) details on how dog poo can affect your New Lane (outside old Post Office) health, can be found on the Derbyshire New Street (opposite Pasture View) County Council website.) New Street (next to community centre) Bolsover District Council, states that it is New Street (next to community centre) an offence to not clean up after your dog Pasture Lane (Royal Oak Meadow) if it fouls in an open space. Litter and dog Pasture Lane (Royal Oak Meadow) waste bins are provided and you can put bagged dog waste in your household bin. NEWTON: If you do not dispose of this waste in the Alfreton Road (outside 1A) correct way and are caught in the act, Alfreton Road (Five Pits Trail) you could receive a fixed penalty notice Charnwood Crescent (junction Wire Ln) of £100 which could result in a fine of Charnwood Crescent (junction Wire Ln) £1,000 if you are prosecuted or do not Littlemoor Lane (outside 18) pay the initial fine. Bolsover District Littlemoor Lane (near war memorial) Council litter bins can also be used for Littlemoor Lane (outside 30) safe disposal. Littlemoor Lane (junction with Wire Ln) Main Street (near junction with New St) What can we do? Main Street (outside New Inn) FREE dog poo bags can be picked up Main Street (opposite 51) from either of the Parish Council offices Main Street (outside old Post Office) (see the bottom of the page for opening Main Street (outside 65) hours) or from the Parish Ranger, if you Manor Close (adjacent to Pennine Cl) see Martin out and about in the parish Meadow Grove (junction with Green Cl) council van. Town Lane (opposite 17) If you are unsure of where local bins are, opposite is a list of all the locations of WESTHOUSES: dog poo and litter bins across the parish Alfreton Road (junction Park Mill Dr) so you can plan your walk with a bin en Alfreton Road (between Westhouses route (blue denotes general bins, bold and Blackwell) indicates dog poo bins). Alfreton Road (outside 8) A big thank you to everyone who Recreation Ground - two of disposes of dog poo responsibly. Tibshelf Road (opposite 40-45)

18 Blackwell Community Centre: Mon/Wed/Fri 10am-3pm Hilcote Community Centre: Mon/Wed/Fri 9am-2pm Blackwell Parish 2020 Review We BRAG are (BlackwellNewton & ResidentsBlackwell ActionFootball Group) Club!

In April 2021, it was the 10th anniversary of the opening of the ‘A’ Winning mining monument. Although we were unable to celebrate this with an event due to lockdown restrictions, the monument continues to commemorate all those who worked at the colliery, which was at the heart of the village for so many years.

Later this year, when Covid restrictions ease, we hope to open up for regular coffee mornings on Tuesday and Thursdays at the snack bar in Blackwell Community Centre. Wendy and all the team of volunteers are looking forward to welcoming you back. To stay up-to- date with our latest plans, join our Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bragderbyshire Wildflowers in Westhouses

After a very late start for the flower seed due to the bad weather, the wildflowers are starting to bed in at Bolden Terrace in Westhouses and can now be seen to be flowering.

If you find yourself down that way this summer, stop and take a look for a moment at nature at it’s finest.

For information on contacting the Parish Council, see page 3. 19 Blackwell Parish 2020 Review Flagpole Project

the project more cost-efficient, and easier to install); • Is the location somewhere of significance to the village...

If you have any (relevant) ideas, please visit our Facebook page - @Blackwellpc - and look for the Flagpole Project post pinned to the top of the page to have your say (and give us a ‘Like’ whilst you are there!). The flagpole on Newton Community Centre has provided outstanding Alternatively, you can e-mail your service to the community over the suggestions to Kate via years but seen better days, and the [email protected] - just put decision was taken at a recent the subject as ‘Flagpole Project’ and include which village you live in, please. Parish Council meeting that not only should the Newton flagpole be There are also plans to involve local replaced, but that flagpoles should children in the design of the first flags also be installed at Blackwell, Hilcote that are flown from the flag poles - keep and Westhouses. an eye on the council website or

The process for costing the project Facebook page for details. has begun, and whilst it was agreed that the Newton flagpole that is being replaced outside the community centre, should stay at the same location (as it is at a central point, on the main road and near the memorial), the question remains as to where the flagpoles for Blackwell, Hilcote and Westhouses should be installed. This is where we need your help.

Whilst acknowledging that this is a potentially amusing topic, the Parish Council are looking for suggestions for placement in each of the villages. Considerations could include: • that the flag pole will need to be visible to lots of people (possibly on busy routes); • preferably somewhere it can be installed into soft ground (it makes

20 Have your say - visit us on Facebook @Blackwellpc Blackwell Parish 2020 Review WeBlackwell are Newton Youth & Blackwell Club Football Club!

Blackwell Youth Club will be re-opening once the restrictions are lifted to a point where we can start again and everyone can be safe. We celebrated our 15th Birthday in May, and our Annual Residential trip to Kingswood Peak Venture went ahead over the Whit Bank holiday, with 21 children and 4 volunteers taking part. Next years trip is now in the planning stage. Make a note in your diary for the Fashion Show Fundraiser on Tuesday 28 September, 5pm at Blackwell Community Centre

News from St Werburgh’s

We can report that the re-slating of the social distancing which we have worked South side of the nave and chancel roof out at 48. was completed in November by We are hoping that Coffee Mornings at W Howlett & Sons of Kirkby in Ashfield Newton Community Centre will resume who specialise in historic and soon but that will all depend on the ecclesiastical building restoration. Under Roadmap decisions and of course when the governments Listed Places of the centre can be used again. We have Worship scheme that allows the Vat to all missed so much in the last 14 months be reclaimed, we are at present waiting and let's pray that it will not be long to have the porch re-slated which this re before we are together at community claim will fund. This work has now made events again. the church a little bit more comfortable and the tiles no longer rattle like mad when the wind get's up which as you know is quite of- ten! The church is now fully open for Sunday Worship, Weddings, Funerals and Baptisms. Restrictions, however, are still in place and whilst attendance numbers have been increased it now depends on the size of the building and has to allow for

21 Blackwell Parish 2020 Review Planning - how to have your say...

Have you ever been curious about what been decided and then granted or not developments are happing in the parish, granted). or you have an opinion about a planning application, but you’re not sure on how to go about it online? Here is a basic guide on how to have your say on planning issues… • Go to the Bolsover District Council (BDC) website • To view the documents involved in the Bolsover.gov.uk application, click on the ‘Documents’ • Click on the tab. ‘Planning’ square: • Click on ‘Search Planning Applications’: • To view any of these documents, click • Click on ‘planning applications’ written on the little ‘view’ icon at the end of the in blue in the first line under the title of row. the page:

• To make a comment on an active • This is the planning portal. Under application, click on the ‘comments’ ‘simple search’, enter the planning tab. Then click on ‘make a comment’ number (if known), postcode or line of an address. I.e., if you type in ‘Primrose Hill’ it will take you to all planning applications relating to that street, If you want to look up a street with a common name, you will need to put the street name followed by the village. • To make a comment, you will have to register. • If you then • Click on the application that you would clock on ‘Make like to look at, and you will be taken to a Comment’, it will fill out an auto form summary page where you can see with your details from registration and when the application was made and the you will be given space to make status (for example, whether it has comments on that application.

22 https://publicaccess.bolsover.gov.uk/online-applications/ Blackwell Parish 2020 Review We are Newton & Blackwell Football Club!

Find Friends of Doe Hill Park on Facebook: @FODHP 23 Blackwell Parish 2020 Review Britain’s Most Wanted Man... a Blackwell lad.

101 years ago on 9th June 1920, organised a group of lads to go around Blackwell’s most notorious son was shot opening outside lavatory doors. He dead near Penrith in Cumbria. Francis opened one such door only to find a lady Percy Toplis was almost 24 years old sitting there. when he earnt the title of Britain’s Most This was thought to be typical of the Wanted Man, following the murder of a pranks he got up to, along with stealing taxi driver in Andover believed to be at rhubarb from the allotments and filling up the hands of Percy. his trouser pockets with sweets from the Born in Chesterfield in 1896 to Herbert local shops. and Rejoice Toplis, Percy lived with his Percy’s childhood was not exactly a grandmother in Skegby, before moving happy one. His father was said to be a to Blackwell when his father became a cruel man who used to thrash him and tie miner at A Winning Colliery. From an him to the table leg if he did not do as he early age Percy is said to have been a was told. It isn’t any wonder that he wild child, but one who used to great preferred living with his grandmother, effect his cunning, wit and charm. Alice Webster. Jaynie Bilton’s well researched book, Percy was a comical lad and would often Chasing Percy, is the most authoritative amuse others by mimicking the higher- record of Percy’s life, dispelling the myth class accents of the people who had that he was the leader of a mutiny, and punished him.” here is an extract which describes him as This mimicry proved of use to Percy in a boy at Blackwell. his later career, including returning to “A lady from Blackwell remembers Percy Blackwell claiming to have gained the as a lovable lad with a crop of ginger hair position of Captain in the Army during who loved to play the piano. A neighbour the first World War, fooling the in Colliery Row owned a piano and Percy management of A Winning, and leading used to go and play it, as he didn’t have them in exercises on the Sports Ground. one of his own. Younger children from Percy served at Gallipoli in WW1 in the the Colliery houses would go and sit on Royal Army Medical Corps, and his his knee while he played. (His mates mother believed that what he nicknamed him “Bronzy” due to his experienced there was the cause of his ginger hair.) transformation from rascal and petty As a child Percy was a good-looking, criminal to the adventurous lad who made friends darker side. easily. He craved adventure and Percy was never anything risky or hazardous seemed to tried for the murder please him. From an early age he of the taxi driver, showed the characteristics of a leader. apparently inviting a His commands were regularly obeyed shoot out rather both by younger and older boys, and than facing trial, but early in life he showed a fondness for the there seems little girls. doubt that he was Percy liked to play boyish pranks with his responsible. friends and one night in Stanton Hill he Tony Mellors

Jaynie Bilton’s book “Chasing Percy” 24 is available for loan at Alfreton Library. Blackwell Parish 2020 Review We areThe Newton Rise of &Mindless Blackwell Vandalism... Football Club!

Over the past couple of months, incidents of mindless vandalism in the parish seem to be on the increase - including the destruction of the fence that protects path users from the steep incline to the stream behind the community centre in Hilcote, the trashing of the playground and skate park at the Scanderlands Rec in Blackwell, and fire damage caused to play equipment. Not only is there a significant monetary and time cost to the villages in terms of repairing damage and cleaning up areas after vandalism, but there is also the problem of the potentially dangerous hazards that are caused as a result of damage for other users. There is CCTV installed at all three community centres and at both of the pavilions, and where it is applicable, incidents are reported to the Police. If you see anyone causing damage to any public property, please report it to the Police by dialling 101, and / or to Blackwell Parish Council by calling 01773 810181 or by e-mailing [email protected]. Invariably, it will be the Parish Council who will have to arrange and pay for repairs, potentially using money that would have otherwise been used for more positive community initiatives.

Thank you.

www.derbyshire.police.uk 25 HS2Blackwell Blackwell Parish Group 2020 Review Update

The government are maintaining that the Phase 2b including the routes through Blackwell Parish will not be scrapped and the start of construction may be speeded up. This is the line taken by Transport Minister Grant Shapps in a speech on May 27th. The Rail Minister Andrew Stephenson also said that “Today’s announcement is just a down payment ahead of our integrated rail plan…” but failed to say when that much delayed plan would be published, although it is believed to have been ready for several weeks. The implication of this announcement if it were to be confirmed would have the serious consequences our group have District Council meetings for 18 months, recognised since 2016. There will be although from 2017 to 2019, both have many years before any actual been assured of the total rejection of construction takes place, leaving families HS2 by our community. We have met and homes in continuing blight. It is clear with our new County Councillor, James that the Western route of the phase 2b to Barron in similar vein. We will take up the Manchester will be the priority for work to battle again as covid restrictions allow. In begin. And when construction does the meantime we urge everyone to actually start we will suffer years of contact their MP and Councillors homes demolished, roads closed and our individually so that they may not be in countryside laid waste and lost for ever. doubt about your opposition to HS2 and The argument that such disruption will be your concerns about our communities. mitigated should be disregarded. There If you need contact information, you may is no possible adequate mitigation for the contact us by any of the following: absolute devastation of our communities. Facebook and Messenger: We have met and put our case to the HS2blackwellgroup Bolsover MP Mark Fletcher since he Email: replaced Dennis Skinner. Covid has [email protected] restricted our ability to attend County and

Newton & Blackwell Allotment & Leisure Gardeners’ Association

Blackwell Allotments have got a couple of allotments spare - the rent is £24 a year as well as £5 key deposit. Contact Emma Smith 07724371613

26 If in doubt about Covid guidance at an event, contact the organiser. Blackwell Parish 2020 Review We are NewtonBalanceability & Blackwell Football Club!

Balanceability is the UK’s only own pedal bike. Can Association for Physical Education bring own helmet. approved learn to ride programme. It is Classes held at designed by child development experts Blackwell Community and cycling professionals. Centre. Please bring a drink and wear FREE 6 week programme will begin on suitable clothing that won’t get caught on Friday 23rd July. the bikes. No open toes footwear. Level 1 session: 1.45 to 2.30pm For more information and to book a Children 3-7 years, not able to ride. place in advance, contact Balance bikes (provided) can bring their [email protected] or call own balance bikes (no pedals). Helmets 07912 950520. provided (can bring own). This is part of Blackwell Parish Council’s Level 2 session: 2.30 to 3.15pm Active Communities Programme. Children 3-7 years old who have attained Maximum numbers 8 participants per Balanceability level 1 or are able to ride session. Waiting list after 8 registrations. but need improvement. Need to bring Parents to assist.

Do you recognise where this new Greater Creative Mural is?

For up to date information on school holidays initiatives running through the 27 Parish Council, please check out the website and Facebook page. Blackwell Parish Newsletter

Summer 2021