Remembrance Sunday - Give a little more for your Poppy, Please

A London bus bombed out during the Blitz..

Many of our ex-servicemen observed their own private two minutes silence at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day, some now too frail to stand out in the cold; but they still silently  said a prayer remembering their friends during the two minute silence. Some soldiers were only aged 17, who fell in the Great War and another generation followed in the Second World War.

Since that time, there have been more than 1,000 wars (since 1945) of all kinds, some justified, many not.  On Sunday, a Service of Remembrance will take place at the existing War Memorial within the Peterborough Cathedral precincts from 10:45am.

If you can attend then please do so, but if not, simply remember those who have protected our country and through injury or loss now need your financial support, we suggest even in these troubled times, contribute a little more for your Poppy.

In fact, if you see a collector, just put whatever you can afford in that tin, as an additional thank you for all that our servicemen and servicewomen do. We shall remember them.
Thank you

.. (C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ..... ALL ENQUIRIES LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE: 0345 4564564 OR Dial 999. If you have information about crime contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to Court. >> Broadcast Quality ISDN 01733 555319 ISDN Codecs G722 & ATX >> Media Enquiries: JULIAN BRAY 01733 345581 www.tinyurl.com/STANGROUNDPFNW

Sleeping Bags Appeal

(In case you missed this, I think it's worth while repeating this appeal. It appeared in the ET on wednesday. A lot of ex service personnel sadly find themselves in this position, here's something practical we can do to help a little).

By MATTHEW REVILLE,
Published on Wednesday 9 November 2011 09:57 
Courtesy Peterborough Evening Telegraph

Rough sleepers have been given a boost after residents answered Peterborough shelter’s lifesaving appeal for sleeping bags.

Peterborough Streets, in Adderley, North Bretton, made the appeal in the ET on October 21 amid concerns for the city’s homeless as the winter draws in.

They have now received more than 30 sleeping bags – both second-hand and new – and although the charity is extremely grateful for the public’s generosity it still hopes to take in more donations for its clients.

Centre manager Diane Bentley said: “These donations could save people’s lives this winter – especially as it’s supposed to be a cold one.

“Whenever any of our clients have been given the donated sleeping bags they are incredibly thankful for them. People’s kindness in helping out really is appreciated.

“We have had more than 30 sleeping bags donated so far, which is absolutely fantastic.

“Some people even phoned up and asked what we needed, then went out and bought exactly what we described.

“But just as well received are the second-hand sleeping bags. We can stitch up rips and give dirty bags a good clean.

“It is important that we get as many as possible because then we can clean our clients’ wet or dirty sleeping bags, and give them a replacement in the meantime.

“Not only is it demoralising for someone to sleep in a wet sleeping bag, it can be dangerous to their health.”

Although the appeal is going well, the demand is still high for more donations to be sent to the charity to redistribute among the homeless.

Diane added: “We have not set a target, it is more a case of we can’t get too many.

“We are constantly being asked by our clients for sleeping bags, but the need is definitely greater during the winter months.”

One person donating a sleeping bag, who asked not to be named, said: “When I heard about the appeal I thought it was a really good idea. I had an old sleeping bag that hadn’t been used in a few years, so I dropped it off at the centre. It is a worry for everyone when the weather starts to get cold, but the concerns I have are nothing compared to those of people who sleep outdoors.”

People who want to donate a sleeping bag to Peterborough Streets can take it to either the day centre at Adderley, North Bretton, or the shop in Park Road or call 01733 785871 to organise collection.

(C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ..... ALL ENQUIRIES LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE: 0345 4564564 OR Dial 999. If you have information about crime contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to Court. >> Broadcast Quality ISDN 01733 555319 ISDN Codecs G722 & ATX >> Media Enquiries: JULIAN BRAY 01733 345581 www.tinyurl.com/STANGROUNDPFNW

Park Farm Crescent to host POLICE SURGERY 15th Nov 6-8pm

This is one of the lowest rating areas for the number of incidents of reported crime, and the police neighbourhood team who help keep the crime figures well under check would really like to meet you. 

If you've yet to meet your Stanground & Park Farm Neighbourhood policing team then just wrap up warm and meet them at Park Farm Crescent - the road in front of Heritage Park School - on Tuesday November 15th  from 6pm to 8pm. This is an ideal opportunity to raise any issues or concerns or just spend the time chatting informally with your local 'beat' officers and PCSO's.

( In some news reports, the address is given as Heritage Crescent - they mean Park Farm Crescent )

.. (C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ..... ALL ENQUIRIES LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE: 0345 4564564 OR Dial 999. If you have information about crime contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to Court. >> Broadcast Quality ISDN 01733 555319 ISDN Codecs G722 & ATX >> Media Enquiries: JULIAN BRAY 01733 345581 www.tinyurl.com/STANGROUNDPFNW

Cross Keys Homes signs £3.8 million deal with the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) to deliver 700 affordable rent homes over the next 4 years.

Dr Angus Kelly Chairman Cross Keys Homes
seals the £3.8 million agreement with the Home & Communities Agency
to include 79 apartments for Stanground. 

Cross Keys Homes has signed a £3.8 million deal with the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to deliver 700 social housing homes over the next four years.

The money from the HCA will provide funding for 400 homes, whilst the Peterborough-based landlord will also use private funding to provide a further 300. The agreement includes a 79-apartment 'extra care' social housing scheme in Stanground.

Chairman of Cross Keys Homes, Dr Angus Kennedy, said: “ Our team has succeeded in showing to the HCA that we have the capacity and willingness to build more new homes and have brought vital extra government funds to Peterborough as a result.”

.. (C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ..... ALL ENQUIRIES LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE: 0345 4564564 OR Dial 999. If you have information about crime contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to Court. >> Broadcast Quality ISDN 01733 555319 ISDN Codecs G722 & ATX >> Media Enquiries: JULIAN BRAY 01733 345581 www.tinyurl.com/STANGROUNDPFNW

Bobby Roberts' Circus, Crown takes over Cruelty Prosecution of Mr & Mrs Roberts

Bobby & Moira Roberts ( Roberts Circus, Peterborough) former owners of Anne the Elephant (aged 58) facing CPS cruelty charges before Corby Magistrates in Northamptonshire, on 16 November.

Anne the 58 year old Elephant moved to a place of safety
at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire

 Two circus owners Bobby  & Moira Roberts have been charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an elephant.

The elderly elephant Anne was moved to 'a place of safety' at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire. The legal action was originally brought by Animal Defenders International which investigated the elephant's welfare at Bobby Roberts' circus in Peterborough. 

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it had now taken over the prosecution of both husband and wife Bobby and Moira Roberts, who run the circus who have Winter animal sheds near Peterborough.

Mr and Mrs Bobby Roberts will appear before Corby Magistrates in Northamptonshire, on 16 November.

Bobby and Moira Roberts  are charged with keeping the 58-year-old elephant chained to the ground at all times. They are also accused of failing to prevent an employee from repeatedly beating Anne. The beating was captured on CCTV set up by Animal Defenders International and widely shown on the Internet.  The elephant Anne was brought from Sri Lanka to The Bobby Roberts Super Circus in Peterborough in the 1950s. (In addition to live circus animal performances, the Roberts family also hire out live animals for film and tv productions)

A CPS spokesman said: "Given the public concern over the case, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer QC, has now agreed that the Crown takes over and continue the legal proceedings against Bobby and Moira Roberts."

.. (C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ..... ALL ENQUIRIES LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE: 0345 4564564 OR Dial 999. If you have information about crime contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to Court. >> Broadcast Quality ISDN 01733 555319 ISDN Codecs G722 & ATX >> Media Enquiries: JULIAN BRAY 01733 345581 www.tinyurl.com/STANGROUNDPFNW  E&OE

Latest OFSTED report on Peterbrough Childrens Services Released

'Bungle' from ITVs MAGPIE

Interim Executive Director of Children's Services Adrian Loades claimed the annual performance assessment by Ofsted for Peterborough City Council provided a sound reflection of the council's strengths and weaknesses.

Peterborough's annual children’s services performance assessment, published  8 November 2011 by Government inspectors Ofsted, paints a stark overview of children's services performance in Peterborough, based upon published findings gathered from inspections throughout the past 12 months. The assessment does not take into account conditions since the inspections.  Peterborough could only receive a performing poorly judgement because safeguarding was judged as inadequate following an inspection of safeguarding services in August.

Mr Loades, who is on loan to Peterborough for 12 weeks, said: “It is important to remember this assessment is not based on new information, it is a reflection of all the Ofsted inspections carried out throughout the year including the safeguarding inspection in August. I believe it is a fair synopsis of Peterborough and I am pleased to see that our key strengths are outlined. Unfortunately because we received an inadequate judgement in the safeguarding inspection we couldn’t receive any other overall judgement than performing poorly.

“We recognised these weaknesses and took immediate and direct action and are already starting to work through a robust improvement plan to ensure children in Peterborough are being safeguarded properly.”

Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Councillor Sheila Scott who refused several calls for her resignation said: "It has been a difficult year for Peterborough but we have never hidden away from that."

Read the OFSTED report in full by clicking on the headline above.....

.. (C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ..... ALL ENQUIRIES LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE: 0345 4564564 OR Dial 999. If you have information about crime contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to Court. >> Broadcast Quality ISDN 01733 555319 ISDN Codecs G722 & ATX >> Media Enquiries: JULIAN BRAY 01733 345581 www.tinyurl.com/STANGROUNDPFNW

Community Champions launched by Cambs Fire and Rescue

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) is launching a pilot Community Champion scheme in South Cambridgeshire to encourage residents to carry out safety checks on their homes.

Community Champions will be recruited to speak to local communities about home fire safety and escape plans. They will also referring those people who don't feel confident about undertaking a check of their own home. The volunteers may also be asked to complement the service already being delivered by attending community events and providing support.

Community Champions will participate in training to enable them to develop interpersonal skills, enhance their CVs, make new friends and improve their knowledge of the work undertaken by the CFRS.   No previous qualifications or specific skills are needed as CFRS are seeking people from diverse backgrounds.   CFRS is working in association with Cambridgeshire ACRE, a community charity, to deliver the scheme.

 Graham Stagg Chief Fire Officer said: "Having Community Champions from the local population gives us an ideal opportunity to reach into local communities and increase fire safety awareness. Community Champions will help to spread the message about the importance of completing a home fire safety check and of having an escape plan that the whole family know how to follow in the event of an emergency.  By recruiting local people who know the area where they live, we are aiming to reach all of the community and particularly those people who would not normally think about fire safety."

If the pilot scheme is successful, it will be rolled out across the County.

• Anyone interested in becoming a Community Champion or in finding out more should telephone Lynda Bubb on 01353 865037 quote PFNW         

.. (C) Stanground & Park Farm News 2011 E&OE Tel: 01733 345581 ..... ALL ENQUIRIES LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE: 0345 4564564 OR Dial 999. If you have information about crime contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to Court. >> Broadcast Quality ISDN 01733 555319 ISDN Codecs G722 & ATX >> Media Enquiries: JULIAN BRAY 01733 345581 www.tinyurl.com/STANGROUNDPFNW