Hatton Carnival

I attended Hatton Carnival Saturday 18th July. I so hoped the rain would stay away they deserved good weather after last year when it threw it down but even then it was a great event.

What a relief bits of cloud and bits of blue sky. I particularly enjoyed the birds of prey. They were magnificent. Another interesting stall was the hydro-electric project that might be placed on the Mill-Stream between Tutbury and Hatton. This would be an amazing project if it can be achieved and might enhance the flow of the river further along by the wonderfully community run Thistley Meadow. It will be interesting to watch this idea grow and mature into a fully fledged scheme. The thought that both sides of the river could benefit from ‘green’ electricity is tantalising.

Well done to everyone involved in the Carnival especially, Andy, Alan and Andy, but really especially well done to all connected with the village.


This year the neighbouring retained fire officers from the Staffordshire side were in attendance this time and Heather is photographed with the fire engine.

Etwall Leisure centre official opening

I attended the official opening of our wonderful new Etwall Leisure centre on Friday 17th July. 18 long years waiting finally a reality. I am so sorry Frank Briggs the Acting Head Teacher is unwell and had to miss the event. I wish him a swift recovery.

The opening went splendidly. The place, a £7.8m venue, is wonderful and the staff great. Well done all that kept believing that it would ever be built. The Gala standard swimming pool, 6 court badminton hall and the fitness suite really are something special.
Donna Kellogg our world beating badminton competitor from Derby kindly cut the ribbon. Donna played her first representative match for England against China at the World Championships 1997 in Scotland. The best performances of her career are winning the European Women's Doubles Gold medal in 2000 with Jo Goode and in 2006 with Gail Emms. She lives the dream that so many of our South Derbyshire keen sportsmen aspire to.
Go along and register to use it, you will not be dissapointed.

Rural Action Plan

We have recently published a new document entitled "Rural Action: A Conservative Agenda for Rural Communities." It outlines the party's plans for the countryside should it win the General Election. Rural Action focuses on four fronts:
1. Respect rural people - by regulating only where self-regulation fails
2. Power to rural communities - by reversing the centralised Whitehall decision making process
3. Protect rural services - by recognising social value alongside economic and environmental value
4. Revive the rural economy - by delivering sustainable jobs by reducing barriers to business growth
You can read the document here.
I hope you enjoy reading it and want to get involved with us.

KEEP TRADE LOCAL

I was invited to the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire Federation of Small Business Conference at Eastwood Hall on Friday 10th July 2009. This body have over 215,000 members and are the largest ‘trade’ group in the country.

Amongst the hard working team I was delighted to meet our local Branch representative who lives in Findern.

It is interesting that 95% of businesses in our area employ fewer than 200 people. They are the driving force in our economy and for innovation here in South Derbyshire.
It is hugely important that we nurture small business and lift the burden of red-tape that constricts their sustainability and growth.

I am sure that we will work closely together in future.


Shown in the photo at the event :- Heather Wheeler at the Federation of Small Business Conference ‘Keep Trade Local’ Campaign Eastwood Hall
Friday 10th July 2009.