Creative partnerships project in Annesley · Fri, 20th Apr · 

Ashfield MP Rt. Hon Geoff Hoon got all creative by seeing an innovative programme in local schools that is transforming teaching for children and young people.

Puzzles were top of the agenda for the Minister when he visited Annesley Primary School on Friday 20th April to see how both teachers and pupils are using creativity in learning.

Creative Partnerships is a national scheme aimed at boosting school curriculum activities through creative industries ranging from dance and art to film and design.

Developing new approaches to creative learning in 36 areas of England, one of which is Bolsover, Ashfield & Mansfield (BAM), the Creative Partnerships national programme recently received a glowing OFSTED report for creating lasting partnerships that 'transform schools and lives'.

Running for at least 4 years locally, the scheme is making a significant impact in 20 schools in the Bolsover, Ashfield & Mansfield area and starting to develop new projects involving a wider group of schools.

Creative Partnerships BAM invited the Ashfield MP to visit one of the schools involved to see the scheme in action.

'Creative Partnerships is all about exciting minds and these partnerships are bringing real benefits for young people and teachers alike. For pupils, it brings improvements in achievement, confidence, motivation, enjoyment and engagement with learning. Teachers have been invigorated, enthused and introduced to new ideas,' said Creative Partnerships BAM Director, Chris Batstone.

At Annesley Primary School, the Puzzle Space project aims to use a quadrangle space at the centre of the school to explore and shape its development as a space for learning. Visual artist Steve Pool is putting various objects in the quad. Exercises are designed to provide learning opportunities especially around constructing narratives and thinking imaginatively and links to the school's exploration of practical literacy skills. It is hoped that this approach will stimulate debate amongst staff and students.

All year groups will be challenged to explore and generate ideas around puzzles and problems with ideas feeding into a Puzzle Week in the summer term. Pupils will be encouraged to become involved in selecting additional art forms and practitioners to work alongside them during an intensive week in June.

'We very much want to share these success stories with the wider community and the young people involved are more than pleased to be able to show their MP just what they have achieved,' added Mr Batstone.

Following his visit, Geoff Hoon said: 'I am delighted that Creative Partnerships is able to deliver its programme across Ashfield through hub schools such as Annesley Primary.

'At Annesley Primary School I have experienced one of the many innovative and creative projects which are being developed as part of the Creative Partnerships programme. I am confident that the programme will continue to make a real difference to teaching and learning in local schools.'

Company's new workshop and office complex · Fri, 20th Apr · 

Minister for Europe and MP for Ashfield Geoff Hoon paid tribute to the job creating investment made by local company Caunton Engineering and supported by the European Development Fund when he opened Caunton's new workshop and office complex at Moorgreen.

The new building, called the Plane Building, is a £5M expansion and will create new full time jobs at the £35M turnover structural steelwork specialist. This is the first major expansion at the former British Coal colliery site since Caunton moved there in 1990 from Kirkby.

Company Managing Director Simon Bingham said: 'The new building offers us more space for manufacturing structural steelwork for the construction industry, and also allows us to adopt more sustainable methods. A state of the art surface water treatment system has been installed for example, along with energy saving features like solar thermal panels to heat water and roof lights to maximise natural daylight. The latest 'grey water' equipment has also been installed.'

Caunton has made a planning application for installing a wind turbine at the new building, in line with government objectives to produce 10% of the UK's energy from renewable sources by 2010. 'We make constant efforts to maximise sustainability in all our activities,' says Mr Bingham.

Funding for the new development was driven by Caunton's parent company Maplebeck, Broxtowe Borough Council and the European Development Fund.

Mr Hoon said: 'I am delighted to see a local company achieving success and expanding its operations particularly as this should create further jobs in the area. I also welcome Caunton's efforts to become more sustainable. I very much hope that the company can continue to make an important contribution to the local economy.'

County councillor backs local organisation · Fri, 20th Apr · 

County Councillor Yvonne Davidson has secured £1000 from Nottinghamshire County Council for Ashfield Friends of the Blind, a local organisation which supports people who are blind or have problems with their sight. The money was made available from a fund which County Councillors can request to use in their local area.

£500 will be contributed directly to a trust fund which has been set up by Ashfield Friends of the Blind to support Bradley McKnight, a 16 month-old baby from Kirkby who was born blind.

The remaining £500 will be donated to Ashfield Friends of the Blind to assist them with future projects and campaigns.

The presentation of the cheques was made by Ashfield MP Geoff Hoon, who is patron of Ashfield Friends of the Blind.

Yvonne Davidson said: 'County councillors are allocated a certain amount of funding to support local people, projects or organisations. Ashfield Friends of the Blind continue to undertake some very worthwhile work across the Ashfield area and I am very pleased to be able to assist them through this contribution.'

Barry Jones, Secretary of Ashfield Friends of the Blind said. 'On behalf of Ashfield Friends of the Blind I would like to sincerely thank Yvonne for her efforts to secure this money. The money will enable Ashfield Friends of the Blind to continue to support people in a similar position to Bradley.'

Geoff Hoon said: 'I am delighted that Yvonne has chosen to support Bradley McKnight and Ashfield Friends of the Blind. I very much welcome this contribution. '

Ashfield Friend of the Blind is providing a holiday for Bradley and his family to Butlins in Skegness this June.