18 The Chronicle, Thursday, 19th November, 2009. www.chronicleseries.co.uk

Make jobless young people do community work, says MP

Young people who are fi t and well and not working should be forced to do community work, a local MP has told Parliament.

Ann Winterton said the number of young people in that situation had reached an “absolutely terrible” level when she was given fi gures in Parliament recently.

Lady Winterton had

asked a Parliamentary question on the numbers of people under the age of 24 who were not in education, employment or training.

Further education, skills and apprenticeships minister Kevin Brennan told her that in the second quarter of 2009, there were 959,000 people not in education, employment or training aged 16 to 24.

“This includes young mothers with children, those who are seriously ill or have pro

found disabilities, and young people who have a course or job that has not yet started, including those on a gap year,” he said.

Lady Winterton said: “Those are absolutely terrible fi gures and much higher than one would have expected, especially as so much taxpayers’ money has been focused on getting young people into education, employment or training.

“Young people who are fi t and well and not included in those three sectors should be encouraged — in fact, made — to work for the local community on

worthwhile projects.

“Our towns and cities are fi lthy: it is about time that everybody in the local community helped to put that sort of thing right.”

Mr Brennan said he could remember being unemployed in 1982 when he left university, and said that there were now “far more opportunities” provided by the Government for young people who are out of work than there ever were at that time.

He added: “The Conservatives have refused to commit to the education maintenance allowance or to match our commitments to job training and places, so those are hollow words.”

Dane Valley team is ‘the main reason why scout group thrives’

From left, Mr Eden, Mrs Millington, Mrs Broad, and Mr Millington.

At a recent meeting of the scout leaders and Group Executive Committee of Dane Valley Scout Group at Rope Walk, Congleton, the district commissioner for Scouts, Mark Eden, presented the Chief Scout’s Award for 25 years’ service to Heather Millington, assistant Cub Scout leader; Ken Broad, assistant Cub Scout leader; Andy Millington, skills instructor and stage director Congleton Scout and Guide Gang Show.

In presenting the awards and thanking the leaders for their continued service, Mr Eden said that the success of any Scout group depended on the commitment of its leaders and supporters and that was “well demonstrated” at Dane

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Valley Scout Group, where scouting for young people from six upwards “is offered to the highest standards”.

Neil Dutton, group Scout leader at Dane Valley, added his personal thanks to the trio for their long service to the young people.

He commented that the existing leadership team at Dane Valley Scout Group had given a total of 385 years’ service to the group “and this dedication was the main reason why Scouting at the group continues to thrive and expand”.

Mr Dutton gave an update on the building project planned to provide additional facilities for the group and announced that the Big Lottery Fund, Congleton Inclosure Trust and Congleton Town Council had recently confi rmed fi nancial support for the project meaning that building could now start in the new year although funds were still needed to complete the fi tting out of the new extension.

This extension will enable the group to expand it membership further and any one interested in joining Beavers, Cubs or Scouts at the group or offering to help as a leader or supporter should contact 07831 796273 or 01260 280237 for further information.

(Submitted photograph).

CONGLETON DISABLED CLUB

Happy not to be subjected to the ancient remedies

For the October meeting, Congleton Disabled Club invited local historian Lyndon Murgatroyd to give one of his interesting talks.

He talked about ancient forms of medicine and healing. Members were amazed at some of the incredible medicines and methods, many of which seemed to bring certain death.

The members were truly appreciative of the NHS after learning about some of the treatment they would have received in the past.

Mr Murgatroyd described modern medicines that had their origins in plants and herbs that we used hundreds of years ago.

The club is now selling raffl e tickets for its big winter draw and will be in town on Saturday and in West Heath Precinct on Friday 4th and Saturday, 5th December. Members also have tickets to sell. Prizes include £200-worth of vouchers from Somerfi eld, a case of wine and a bumper hamper.

Anyone wanting information about the club should contact Richard Thomson on 01260 272605.

Acclaimed musician returns

Johnson and Lenehan will perform on Saturday. The third concert in Holmes Chapel Music Society’s 2009/2010 season features a return visit by internationally acclaimed clarinettist Emma Johnson, who will be accompanied on the piano by John Lenehan.

her career went from strength to strength. She will play a mixed programme of works ranging from an arrangement by Gordon Jacob of a concertino by 18th century composer Tartini to a sonata by Leonard Bernstein.

Johnson was the winner of the BBC young musician of the year competition in 1984 from where

The concert starts at 8pm on Saturday in the Small Hall o Holmes Chapel Leisure Centre.

(Photograph: Joe Bangay)

Harvey tells church how he forgave Brighton bomber

Mr Thomas and Mr Jarvis.

More than 60 people gathered at Wellspring Methodist Church in Congleton recently to listen to a talk from Harvey Thomas CBE.

Mr Thomas was welcomed to Congleton by the Rev Paul Withington of St Peter’s Church.

His main theme was the work of African Enterprise, which he co-ordinates in Britain. He spoke of the evangelistic outreach, education about HIV/AIDS, social work, and reconciliation in African countries among rival tribes. He mentioned work done in Rwanda, and the present situation in Zimbabwe, where tribal differences have added to the problem.

As an international public relations consultant he said he had travelled many times to Africa, and recently has joined the African Enterprise Board as national co-ordinator.

He emphasised the need for reconciliation in his own experience. He worked for Margaret Thatcher during her years as

Prime Minister, and was just fi ve feet away from the bomb that exploded in Brighton. He escaped with minor injuries.

Some years later he was lecturing in the US on forgiveness and reconciliation when he realised he needed to forgive Brighton bomber Patrick Magee. He contacted him in prison, and after his release, invited him to his home.

He became a good friend o the family and they appeared together at a church meeting in London, chaired by Jeremy Vine, when people could put questions to them. He said that Christians had to take a lead in reconciliation, putting their own lives and church affairs right fi rst.

There was a warm response at the close of the meeting, and there was a retiring collection fo African Enterprise, as well as a sale of its books.

Further events at the Canal Street church have been organised by the Rev Keith Jarvis during the winter.

(Submitted photograph).

Police warn drivers over icy morning multi-tasking

Saving time on de-frosting by leaving the car engine running and then going back inside the house is an invitation to thieves, Cheshire Police warns.

Det Ch Insp Darren Hebden, strategic lead for vehicle crime said: “The arrival of frost-filled mornings normally brings a series of de-frosting thefts of cars which have been left with their engines running to defrost the windscreens.

“For years opportunist thieves have been seizing the opportunity to steal cars whenever they are left unattended for a few minutes — whether from

petrol station forecourts or outside schools and shops. Now they have caught on to the idea of nipping in while motorists try to multi task and save time in the mornings. As the driver pops into the house for a quick cup of tea or to grab a packed lunch, leaving the car engine running, the thief makes off with the vehicle, complete with keys.”

He added an extra warning: “When making an insurance claim in a situation where a driver has left a vehicle unattended insurers may argue that reasonable care has not been taken. This invalidates the claim.” The Chronicle, Thursday, 19th November, 2009. www.chronicleseries.co.uk 19

Stay safe in cyberspace is the anti-bullying message

The NSPCC is calling for parents to help their children stay safe in cyberspace, as part of anti bullying week.

forms of bullying because it can be so hard to escape. It can follow children around 24 hours a day, targeting them whenever they are online or on their mobile phone, even at home.

ChildLine because he was being bullied and he got hit by a group of boys in the park. He told ChildLine he felt sad because he didn’t know what to do about it and just wanted it to stop.

review content on their sites and make it easy for users to report inappropriate content so that it can be taken down quickly.”

The NSPCC has the following advice for parents or carers:

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It is being held as fi gres show that more than 2,000 children and young

eople in the North West dialled Childline last year to speak to counsellors about bullying.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA), which is co-ordinating the awareness week, is made up of over 60 UK-wide organisations, including the

SPCC. Chris Cloke, head of child rotection awareness and chairman of the Anti-Bullying Alliance said: “Cyber bullying is one of the worst, most menacing

“It is especially worrying that some children are still not reporting it. I would urge any young person to tell someone they trust, like a teacher or a parent or ChildLine. Bullying online is as serious as bullying in the real world and it must not be tolerated.

“This year’s anti-bullying week focuses on encouraging children to stay safe in cyberspace. But adults also have to underline the message that cyber bullying is wrong.”

Last year 2,129 children and young people (1,211 girls and 918 boys) spoke to counsellors at ChildLine North West, based in Liverpool and Manchester, about bullying.

One young boy called

Another call was from a young girl who was also being bullied at school and felt other children were putting her down and weren’t listening to her. She said people were calling her names and ignoring her. She told ChildLine that all she wanted was to be friends with the other children but no one wanted to get to know her.

Mr Cloke added: “Parents can help by making sure their children know how to use the internet safely. Building relationships and trust from an early stage can make children more willing to talk about any problems or nasty material they see online.

“Internet service providers must also respond quickly when children report bullying. Social networking sites should regularly

● Go on the internet with your child and agree what sites are OK to visit. Regularly check that they are staying within the agreed limits.

● Encourage your child to talk to you about what they have been doing on the internet. Make sure they feel able to speak to you if they ever feel uncomfortable, upset or threatened by anything they see online · Encourage children to look out for each other when they’re online. Explain that it’s all part of staying safe and having fun together.

● Explain to children that it’s not safe to reveal personal information, such as their name, address or phone number on the internet. Encourage them to use a cool nickname rather than their own name.

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New committee elected

at annual meeting of disabled access group

Congleton Disabled Access Group held its recent annual meeting at the Unicorn pub, West Heath.

Reports from retiring offi cers were read out to members and visitors from Crewe and

antwich dial-a-ride, who also cover the Congleton area.

The following were elected: chairman John Wray, vice-chairman Ernest Penlington; secretary Janet Gross-Nicklaus; treasurer Margaret Andrews, fund-raising offi cer Dawn Allen, public relations offi cer Sue Thorley and allotment manager Roy Sample.

Lunch followed the voting and the landlord and his staff were thanked for the welcome the group always receives and for the use of the room.

Discussions followed about

activities over the previous year, out-going offi cers were thanked and there were updates on the Shopmobility project.

The next meeting is on Tuesday 1st December, noon2pm, at the Unicorn, where requests for allotment plots will be taken. There is no meeting in January.

Members of the public are always welcome at meetings where there is often a guest speaker. Lunches are available from the bar and the venue is fully accessible.

For information, contact Sue Thorley on 07759480900 (offi ce hours only), email wthorley@btinternet.com, write to CDAG C/O 24 Greengate Road, Church Lawton, ST7 3EG, or call in at any meeting.

Magnifi -cent donation

Stunning views will be enjoyed on border walk

Countryside rangers are inviting people to join them on an exciting journey along the border of Staffordshire and Cheshire on Sunday.

The team from Staffordshire County Council will lead visitors along the Staffordshire Way, up and over the Cloud and on to Rushton Spencer before returning to Timbersbrook via Bridestones.

The ramble will span seven miles and take approximately four hours to complete if the weather is good. If the weather is poor, the distance covered will be reduced to four miles, which is expected to take around two hours.

People should wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear and bring a packed lunch.

The walk will start at 10am from the village car park at Timbersbrook.

Local county councillor Gill Heath said: “This is quite a lengthy walk but it is guaranteed to take in some amazing views of the Staffordshire Way and the surrounding area. Ramblers will cover a vast range of terrain during the trek and will defi nitely be able to burn off some calories ahead of Christmas.”

The cost is £2 for adults but free for children.

For more information call 01782 302030.

Invitation to join Our Gang at the Daneside Theatre

The Scouts and Guides of Congleton are presenting their biennial gang show “Our gang” at the Daneside Theatre opening on Saturday, 28th November and continuing from Monday 30th November to Saturday, 5th December.

Tickets are available for all performances by contacting the ticket secretary on 01260 299264 or 07896 835725.

● Attachments and weblinks on emails can contain viruses and may expose children to inappropriate material. Teach children to only open attachments or click on links from people they know.

The recent expansion of ChildLine means that there are even more ways for children and young people to access the help and support they need — by phone or online at childline.org.uk

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Left, Lion president Pat Wiltshier with Mrs Holland and the magnifi er.

Congleton Lions Club recently donated £350 to Congleton resident Marilyn Holland to help her purchase an electronic magnifi er.

Despite having serious visual im airment she does lots of vol

untary work with sight-impaired people and the local talking newspaper.

The machine will help her with many everyday tasks as well as reading.

(Submitted photograph).

GOT A STORY?Call the Newsdesk01260 273 737

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