Community bulk oil buying scheme
They have had three successful orders and have just placed another one. The scheme currently has just over 170 members across the whole county.
People join the scheme as either domestic (£20), community building (£30) or business(£100) members. This is an annual membership. Every month we then invite the members to place their heating order with us. The orders are then collated together and passed to a negotiating team, who will then negotiate the cheapest price that they can get. Once the order has been placed we will then contact members letting them know the price and supplier details and any information about delivery. Payment is made to the suppliers and delivery will be within 3-10 days.
The more people that join the scheme the stronger their negotiating power will be helping to bring the prices down further.
For more information and to look at past prices please visit their website (link expired)
HS2 Phase 2 route maps
The maps published on Monday 28th January 2013 show an “initial preferred route” which passes close to the southern edge of Stockwell Heath.
An overview of the section HSM03 shows the local section of route with seven supporting drawings expanding the detail.
Find out more about NHS 111 Service
Ten events are taking place across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent to inform people about and gain feedback on the new NHS 111 service, which aims to offer a fast and easy way to get the right help, whatever the time.
People should use the NHS 111 service if they urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation/999 emergency.
The service, which will be staffed by a team of fully trained advisers and supported by experienced nurses, will ask people questions to assess their symptoms, then give them the healthcare advice they need or direct them straightaway to the local service that can help them best. That could be A&E, an out-of-hours doctor, a walk-in centre or urgent care centre, a community nurse, an emergency dentist or a late-opening chemist. (If an ambulance is needed, one will be sent just as quickly as if someone had dialled 999.)
NHS111 is expected to be available across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent from March 2013, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls will be free from landlines and mobile phones.
See the leaflet for dates and locations of the events you can attend.
Neightbourhood Watch: Step up security warning
Chief Inspector Steve Maskrey, East Staffordshire Local Policing Team Commander, said: “We are urging residents to look at their property through the eyes of a burglar and make adjustments if there are weak security spots. Keep burglars out by shutting windows and locking doors, even when you are in the house or the garden. Residents are asked to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious activity or vehicles immediately by ringing 999.”
To keep burglars at bay:
- secure passageways and side entrances, make sure sheds and garages are fitted with proper security locks, and put tools away so they can’t be used to break in to your home
- if you have to leave ladders outside, make sure they’re on their side and securely fixed to a wall or permanent fixture
- keep wheelie bins secure and away from your property to stop thieves using them to get through first floor windows, or setting fire to them
- when darkness falls close curtains and blinds to stop would-be intruders window shopping
- mark items with your postcode and house number using an ‘invisible’ pen available from DIY stores. This makes stolen property easier to identify
- ensure valuable items are not left in plain view and keep them away from windows and doors
- fit mortise locks to all front and back doors and locks to windows that are in easy reach
- keep house and car keys safe and away from doors, windows and letterboxes – NEVER leave your car running while it’s defrosting
- keep garages and sheds secure
- fit low cost security lighting as a deterrent.
For further information, visit the ‘advice zone’ section of Staffordshire Police’s website www.staffordshire.police.uk, or ring the non emergency number 101.
St Nicholas Church – Fund Raising
From just three main events, Bar B Q, Quiz Night and Gift Aid weekend, plus numerous smaller activities such as penny jars, raffles and bell ringing at Christmas, culminating in a Christmas Tree Festival held inside St Nicholas Church, the funds raised were quite impressive.
The sum raised from August 31st – December 31st 2012 was £5692.69
So much were the events welcomed within the village, that a plan of social events has been put together for 2013, starting with a Ceilidh Evening to be held at the village hall on Saturday 2nd February.
We look forward to a full year of fun and fellowship, making a difference and ensuring our Church benefits from us as we do from it.
Martin Godfrey
