Ashfield MP Geoff Hoon has visited Lawn Park Care Home in Sutton following the completion of an extensive refurbishment programme.

The care home, which is owned by Four Seasons Health Care, has a total of 48 beds and provides both Nursing and Residential Care.

Over the last six months the home has undergone extensive refurbishment including the redecoration of all communal areas, new carpets and furniture and the installation of a new Parker Bath.

The Ashfield MP was invited by the Home Manager, Rosalind Kennedy-Brown, to view the improvements and during his visit he took the opportunity to meet staff and residents.

Geoff Hoon said:

'I was very grateful for the invitation to the Lawn Park Care Home and was delighted to meet staff and residents. Some significant improvements have been made to the facilities at the home and I am sure that this will benefit current and future residents.'

Rosalind Kennedy-Brown said:

'We were very pleased to welcome Mr Hoon to the home and to have the opportunity to discuss a number of current issues at the fore-front of the care industry today. It was an enjoyable afternoon and the residents were clearly delighted to meet their local MP.'

MP takes part in school's European project · Fri, 22nd June · 

Ashfield MP and Minister for Europe, Geoff Hoon has taken part in a special project about Europe at Ashfield School in Kirkby.

The school are currently undertaking a three-week cross-curricular project in Geography and French where Year 9 students will be taught about the geography of Europe in French.

Geoff Hoon joined one of the project lessons and talked to pupils about their work. He also took part in a question and answer session with pupils on his experiences of the European Union.

Next year the school hopes to expand the project to incorporate other aspects of the European Union such as European citizenship and the Euro.

Geoff Hoon said:

'The UK's membership of the European Union affects our everyday lives in many different ways. For example, it affects the quality of the water that we drink and standard of the food that we eat. Therefore, it is very important for schools to give their pupils the opportunity to learn about other cultures, countries and languages in Europe and about what it means to be part of the EU. This project gives students at Ashfield School the perfect chance to develop their understanding of these issues.'

Ashfield MP Geoff Hoon has visited Hayley Combe, a registered childminder in Kirkby, to mark National Childminding Week.

The annual week is coordinated by the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and runs from 16 - 23 June. This year's theme is 'Supporting Families.' Through its 48,000 members, the NCMA is aiming to raise awareness of the support registered childminders and nannies can provide to families.

The Ashfield MP was invited to meet Hayley Combe and discuss her work, including the range of support services she offers parents.

Hayley Combe said: 'Parents can really benefit from registered childminders and nannies. We can offer flexible hours to fit around work. We also cater for children's individual needs as we offer care on a one-to-one basis.'

Geoff Hoon said: 'I am very pleased to support National Childminding Week. Home-based childcare is one of a number of childcare options. I was delighted to meet Hayley and hear more about the range of benefits that home-based childcare can offer parents.'

Ashfield MP Geoff Hoon has welcomed the announcement that Bevin Boys will be formally recognised for their contribution to World War Two and its aftermath.

The Bevin Boys, named after the then Minister for Labour and National Service, Ernest Bevin, were some 48,000 miners who volunteered or were conscripted to serve in the mining industry between 1943 and 1948. They were drafted to fill the gap left by miners entering the armed forces and other industries.

Over five thousand Bevin Boys were directed to Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, serving in pits such as New Hucknall at Huthwaite, Clipstone and Cresswell.

On 20 June 2007 the Prime Minister, Tony Blair announced that former Bevin Boys will be entitled to apply for a special lapel Badge, similar to the Armed Forces Veteran's Badge. The badge will be introduced in March next year to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the demobbing of the last Bevin Boy.

Last year Geoff Hoon, then Leader of the House of Commons, welcomed the idea of providing recognition for the Bevin Boys when the issue was raised in Parliament.

In response to the announcement Geoff Hoon said:

'Former Ashfield MP Frank Hayes was a Bevin Boy. He and thousands of others provided a vital and honourable service to the country by keeping the coalfields going through the war and up until 1948. It is only right that their tremendous contribution is formally recognised. I would encourage those people in Ashfield and across Nottinghamshire who served under the Bevin Boy scheme to apply for a badge later on this year.'

Teversal Manor Room Project is Launched · Fri, 15th June · 

More that 40 people, including many residents of Teversal, celebrated the completion of a major project which has involved the restoration of the Teversal Manor Room, the launch of a book detailing the history of the building, exhibitions and a DVD about village life over the past few decades.

The Heritage Lottery Fund and Ashfield District Council provided the resources to restore this grade ll listed building and finance the booklet and video, while members of the community advised on the finer details and future use of the building and ran the heritage project.

Chairman of Ashfield District Council, Cllr. Harry Toseland, said: 'Thanks go to the Teversal Manor Room Group and the Teversal Heritage Group who, as volunteers, have spent many hours researching, writing and guiding aspects of the whole project. Their help was essential in obtaining the required funds, completing the history project and offering that all important community imput.'

Mr Geoff Hoon MP commented: 'It is a real pleasure to see the Teversal Manor Room realizing its potential. The hard work of the Heritage Group has provided a fantastic opportunity for the community to celebrate its history from within and I am sure residents will reap the benefits of the Manor Room project for many years to come'.

The Manor Room, which is set in idyllic surroundings, is now one of the most prestigious community rooms in the district, boasting the most up to date equipment and facilities, and can be hired by contacting Ashfield District Council on 01623 457091.

The Room's history dates back to the early 1700s when it was first constructed as a barn by the lord of the manor. In 1880, it was converted into the village school, as the small cottage next door could no longer cope with the growing number of children in the village.

In 1906, the school vacated the building into a purpose built building in the village. From this date, the Manor Room has been used as a Community Hall.

Copies of the Booklet and DVD can be purchased from the Teversal Heritage Group via Denis Hill at Ashfield District Council on 01623 457426.