Please remember for all the latest on our services visit rushcliffe.gov.uk
Get great discounts and prizes when you combat climate change with Green Rewards!
 We're encouraging all to join Green Rewards and earn great discounts, vouchers and prizes at local businesses and projects in their community for playing their part to combat climate change and achieve net zero!
Sign up for free now or download the Green Rewards app on iOS and Android. Search for ‘Notts; Green Rewards’ in your device’s app store.
We and all fellow eight local Councils in Notts have joined forces to fund the app and web platform, building on the success of similar campaigns at local universities.
It means our residents can accumulate points and earn discounts and vouchers at local businesses for many activities they do every day at home or out and about that help lower their carbon footprint, supporting our our Carbon Clever project and Climate Change Strategy.
In similar fashion to rewards points at retailers, all you need to do is log your day to day activities that highlight how you are decreasing the amount of carbon you create, such as:
- Walking to work or school instead of taking the car
- Cycling or using public transport
- Putting your recycling bin out with all the correct recyclables
- Switching off a light or switch at home
- Taking a shower of four minutes or less and many, many more!
Here in the Borough, accumulating 10,000 points will equal a 10 per cent or other discount at many local businesses, with offers varying from district to district. The list of participating Rushcliffe businesses is at www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/greenrewards.
There’s also £20 worth of vouchers for the top two residents in each council area who earn the most points each month, to claim at the local businesses, donate to worthwhile causes or projects and in some districts and Boroughs there’s prizes too for the top points earning wards.
It means in Notts we are the first County in the country to see all major local authority and education partners collaborate on a climate change reduction project in this way.
For any questions please email media@rushcliffe.gov.uk
Devolution vision for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
 Leaders from the nine councils in the County have set out their ambitious joint vision for devolved powers to improve investment in the economy, the environment and health.
In a paper to the joint City of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Economic Prosperity Committee, councils have outlined how they would work in partnership to help boost economic investment, improve the environment, and tackle health and educational inequalities across the city and county.
The City and County are aiming to be one of the government’s pathfinder sites for devolution deals, the details of which will be outlined in the much anticipated ‘levelling-up’ white paper expected this autumn.
Read more on our website.
Have your say on proposed boundary changes for the Borough
 The next stage of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) Review of Rushcliffe has launched and is seeking your views on the proposed changes to Rushcliffe Borough Council wards in the Borough.
Please view their report following the first stage of consultation which ran earlier this year.
In short it proposes:
- Council to stay at 44 councillors
- 21 new wards – four fewer than there are now
- More multi-member wards than currently
- Boundaries of most wards changing (three stay the same)
- Names of some wards changing
- Two town / parish councils affected (Bingham and Radcliffe)
To view an interactive map of the draft recommendations, visit the consultation area. You can view both the existing and proposed boundaries, search by area or postcode, and have your say. A non-interactive image of the proposed ward boundaries is also available.
The second stage of consultation asks for feedback on the proposals in advance of the December 13 deadline. Final arrangements will be published on March 1, 2022.
Feedback on the proposals should be made directly to the LGBCE but if you have any questions about the process, then please do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing media@rushcliffe.gov.uk.
A reminder to everyone to keep testing this Autumn
 We're continuing to remind everyone to take a COVID-19 regular lateral flow test at home or at one of our Community Testing sites until further notice.
Remember if anyone has symptoms they should book a test.
Those eligible can also get a vaccine without an appointment and those who have had their first dose 56 days ago (eight weeks) can walk in for their second dose. You can find your nearest vaccination site and book an appointment on the NHS website or by calling 119.
People can walk in for a booster vaccine at selected sites if they are eligible and have received notification from the NHS to do so.
The public are also being reminded to come forward for their flu jab to maximise their protection ahead of winter. You can find out more about who is eligible and where to get a flu vaccine here.
For all enquiries on Vaccination appointments please visit Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s CCG website.
For any questions, please email media@rushcliffe.gov.uk.
Free Pop-up Pumpkin Patch Event this Saturday
 There will be a free pop-up pumpkin event taking place on the Croquet Lawn in West Bridgford on Saturday October 30 from 11am to 4pm, to help those who wish to craft a spooky pumpkin and get into the Halloween spirit, courtesy of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
We are hosting the ghoulish session for all ages to come and have a go at carving their own creation and receive tips and skills from a local artist who can highlight great techniques to make you proud of your pumpkin!
Residents are encouraged to bring their own pumpkin and requested to hollow them out at home before they arrive so they can start carving without delay to create a feature that would take pride of place in any window or door.
Left over pumpkin carved out from the items will be turned into delicious treats by a local kitchen. Pancakes and cupcakes will be available for those looking for some Halloween snacks and costumed street performers, The Howlers, will entertain the crowds and continue the spooky spirit throughout the event.
There will also be a ‘find the pumpkin’ Halloween trail for children and families where participants who complete the trail can receive a Halloween themed goody bag.
Read more on our website.
Welcome Andrew Ashcroft as our new Interim Head of Planning
 Our Director for Development and Economic Growth Leanne Ashmore emailed Borough Councillors recently to give an update on our Planning Manager Andrew Pegram.
Leanne said: "Andrew is awaiting a date for an operation within the next four weeks, which will require a recuperation period of four to six weeks and possibly further treatment. With a view to supporting Andrew during this time and also maintaining an operational service, I have appointed a temporary Head of Planning for the next six months."
Therefore, Andrew Ashcroft started with us on Wednesday October 20 as Interim Head of Planning with a significant amount of experience managing a Planning Service.
He will be taking over the day to day management of the service and will be your new point of contact aashcroft@rushcliffe.gov.uk or call 0115 9148 373 instead of Andrew Pegram, although please do continue to contact the relevant Principal or case officer.
Exercise programme for adults with additional needs receives vital funding
 An exercise group that organises classes for adults with additional needs have received vital funding from Reach Rushcliffe to extend the provision into the upcoming winter months.
Working as part of the Meet, Greet and Eat project, the ‘Project Believe’ exercise class organisers have received the funds from our project that will assist with costs of the qualified trainer, the purchase of equipment and the cost of hiring a venue.
The classes provide participants with physical activity training to improve their mental health and reduce social isolation and to also to give helpful information on weight loss and management, health and nutrition and how to improve balance and coordination.
They meet every Thursday at All Hallows Church Hall in Lady Bay in West Bridgford and are inviting new members to join the classes.
Read more on our website.
Edwalton Golf Centre celebrates its 40th anniversary
 Golfers joined together to celebrate the 40-year anniversary of Edwalton Golf Centre last Sunday, October 17 and braved the elements for a special round at the venue.
Deputy Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire Mick Burrows teed off, as his predecessor Lord Lieutenant Franklin did in 1981, to celebrate the milestone and start a special 18-hole competition in aid of charity hosted by ourselves, Edwalton Golf Club Committee and partners Glendale Golf.
The course in Edwalton was designed by renowned international golf course architect Frank Pennink, whose work includes designing the Vilamoura in Portugal and Noordwijk in Holland which are considered to be some of the best in the world.
The competition and other activities supported worthy charities as 64 players and 15 teams battled it out in testing weather conditions overseen by the club’s Captain, Peter Standring.
The shotgun start saw all players begin at the same time with all participants taking around four hours to complete the course.
Once the scores were counted the winners were announced and the prizes handed over.
Read more on our website.
University students living in Rushcliffe given community safety advice
 Students living in Rushcliffe have received doorstop advice on personal safety, fire safety, accommodation security and social responsibility in a new drive from local partners.
Our Community Safety Team visited over 200 properties across West Bridgford to give advice on safety, security and crime prevention and a local area guide as well as a practical crime prevention kit.
They were also joined by representatives from Nottinghamshire Police, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, Nottingham Trent University and Victim Care to share the key messages on staying safe whilst residing in the town.
The crime prevention items include 24-hour timers for lights, a window or laptop vibration alarm to deter thieves, key concealers, toaster bags to reduce fire risk and personal attack alarms.
Read more on our website.
Take five to stop fraud
 We're reminding everyone to take five to stop fraud and ensure they do not fall victim to a fraudulent attack by phone, text, email or online.
You should always take five minutes to reflect and step back from the situation if a phone call, message or online exchange requests personal or financial information.
Even if an individual says they are the bank or other trusted organisation, you still need to take the time to stop and think about what’s really going on.
That’s the message from Nottinghamshire Police, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue and Nottinghamshire local councils, all represented on The Safer Nottinghamshire Board.
Always take a step back to take the five minutes and follow these key steps to avoid falling victim to fraud:
- A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your PIN, full password or to move money to another account. Only give out your personal or financial details to use a service that you have given your consent to, that you trust and that you are expecting to be contacted by.
- Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.
- If you’re approached with a request for personal information, don’t provide it. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.
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Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic. Just because someone knows your basic details such as your name and address or even your mother’s maiden name, it doesn’t mean they are genuine.
- Be mindful of who you trust – criminals may try and trick you into their confidence by telling you that you’ve been a victim of fraud. They can also make any telephone number appear on your phone handset so even if you recognise it or it seems authentic, do not use it as verification they are genuine.
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Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision. Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or some other trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot. They would never ask you to transfer money into another account for fraud reasons.
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Listen to your instincts. If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it.
Stay in control. Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information. It’s easy to feel embarrassed when faced with unexpected or complex conversations. But it’s okay to stop the discussion if you do not feel in control of it.
Also remember to #Tell2 and simply tell two friends or family members to be mindful of scams too, especially those who may be vulnerable or elderly.
Find out more on Parish Council support for village halls
 Rural Community Action Nottinghamshire (RCAN) regularly works with both village halls and local councils and often comes across local parish and town authorities that wear both hats, as sole trustees of their village hall.
The venues are one of the major forms of community facilities in rural areas, providing a meeting place at low cost for a wide variety of local organisations and promoting community activities in general.
For this reason, the relationship between village halls and their local council is important as local councils play a key role in representing and meeting the needs of local people. The past couple of years have shown just how valuable and essential this relationship is.
With precept planning on the agenda, local councils can work with halls to ease the financial burden of running or improving premises, whether through maintenance or to support the community’s wellbeing by stimulating new community activities. There are several ways that you can help:
- Helping the governance of the hall by appointing a parish councillor onto the management committee, who can set a good example to others by participating actively at committee meetings and encouraging others to do so, offering practical assistance and reporting back to the council.
- Regularly providing funding for hall maintenance from the precept so that the management committee plan more effectively for both regular and intermittent expenditure.
- Providing capital funding towards repairs or extensions through loans and grants.
- Using the hall for committee or public meetings and recognising the need to pay a full rent.
- Helping to identify local needs through village appraisals or parish plans.
- Helping to develop new activities by arranging joint meetings or providing small pump priming grants to those who want to take ideas forward.
Whether or not local councils help financially, village hall management committees can find it impossible to carry on running the village hall. Rather than wind up the venue, management committees usually ask the local council to take over the management. A local council has power to do this, but it is under no obligation to do so.
If you would like to find out in more detail, the ways in which your local council can address the above issues. Please get in touch with Rural Community Action Nottinghamshire.
As ACRE Network members they have access to a wide range of information that can help. For more information email enquiries@rcan.org.uk or visit RCAN – Rural Community Action Nottinghamshire
Afghanistan Resettlement Programme
 We are working collaboratively with Government Office and other key partners to assist newly arriving Afghanistan citizens who qualify for assistance under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy.
For those wishing to offer accommodation, follow the information on the government’s web pages.
Locally, residents can make donations such as clothing toys etc via Care4Calais, The Refuge Council and the British Red Cross who are appealing for donations and supporting many newly arrived families from Afghanistan. More locally, Host Nottingham are accepting donations for asylum seekers or refugees which may include assistance for Afghanistan citizens.
The list of donations being sought is:
Women's items:
- Tops, leggings, hoodies / warm tops and sportswear (All sizes 6-18 nothing larger)
Men's Items:
- T-shirts, jeans, joggers, jackets, trainers (sizes 8,9,10 and half sizes), sportswear (Medium and Large).
Underwear and socks for men and women: (brand new in packets)
(Men’s pants Medium and Large - Women’s size 10 - 16)
Toiletries for men and women (unopened):
Shower gels, deodorants and body sprays
Extra items:
Phones - unlocked, wiped and working and rucksacks and wheeled suitcases.
For more information and to arrange delivery, please email hostaccompanying@gmail.com or call 07735 551362 or 07986 012013.
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