Friday, 6 May 2011
Election 2011 - Derby
Friday, 18 March 2011
Young woman murdered in Somercotes
The people of Somercotes and the surrounding area are left reeling at the death of a talented young business analyst who was found murdered in local woodland.
Jia Ashton, 25, worked at Thorntons chocolate factory next to the A38 between Somercotes and Alfreton and was last seen leaving work at 5pm last Thursday.
Mrs Ashton, who was only 4' 10", was dragged into the woods adjoining Thorntons and beaten to death. No weapon was used and the offence was not sexually motivated.
A 26 year old man was arrested but released after questioning and police are now appealing for more information.
Many people walk their dogs in the woods and some were spotted during the day Mrs Ashton was murdered, but so far none have come forward with any information.
The police are warning people not to go out alone after dark.
Monday, 15 November 2010
Remembrance Day in Heanor, Derbyshire
I hope you enjoy it.
Saturday, 7 August 2010
Blue John Cavern & Mines
The second in my list of places of interest to visit in derbyshire is the Blue John mines.
The Blue John mines in, Castleton, Hope Valley , is the only place in the world where Blue John stone can be found and there are 14 different veins of Blue John stone The name comes from the French for ‘Blue and Yellow’ which is ‘Bleu and Jaune’
Miners in the 1750's constructed a tunnel using only hand tools to reach the Blue John Stone deposits inside the hill. Veins of Blue John Stone across the cave roof, and 'The Pillar', are the largest piece ever found. Fossils in the limestone rock formed in the hillside 330 million years ago.
The mysterious Witch's Cave has even richer deposits of Blue John Stone are revealed. As you descend even deeper into the hill you will experience the wonder of underground limestone cave formations. Multi-coloured flowstone adorns the walls of Aladdin's Cave. Stalactites and stalagmites decorate Fairyland and the Dream Cave. The most famous formation is 'The Stork', standing on one leg!
During your tour the guide will explain where Blue John Stone came from, how rushing water made the caverns, and how stalactites are formed. Back on the outside, you can enjoy tea and coffee made from water collected inside the cavern, or browse in the shop where there is a selection of jewellery and ornaments made from Blue John Stone.
Treak Cliff Cavern is of international fame and geological importance. It has been a designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for many years and by agreement with English Nature all the Blue John Stone deposits on the visitor route are preserved. However, Blue John Stone is regularly mined in Treak Cliff Cavern, from areas not seen by visitors. This is then crafted into fine jewellery, small bowls, ornaments and other decorative items.
Open 9:30am - 5pm in summer and 9:30am - dusk in winter
Prices: Adults £8, Children £4, Family £22, OAPs & Students £6
Tel: 01433 620642
More information can be found HERE
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Swadlincote - Islamists to protest at Mercians' march
ISLAMISTS are to mark The Mercian Regiment’s first march through Swadlincote by holding a counter-demonstration demanding ‘the withdrawal of British troops from Muslim lands’.
The planned protest emerged 48 hours after the Mail revealed that the battalions would parade through the town after accepting an invitation to receive the freedom of South Derbyshire.
Zakeel Abbas, the former Midlands spokesman of banned web-based group Islam4UK, said:
“We as Muslims living in Britain will be holding a counter-demonstration against these soldiers as a voice for all those innocent men, women and children killed and murdered by these socalled heroes.
The presence of British soldiers in the Muslim lands has caused outrage and unease in the Muslim community, especially the youth, which has led to a mass increase in radicalisation.
As a Muslim living in Britain I believe I have a covenant of security as long as my life, wealth and honour are protected. As we have seen, some don’t believe this and an example is 7/7.
The only solution is that the British Government withdraw its troops from the Muslim lands now.”
Thousands of protesters from throughout Europe could join the demonstration, predicted Mr Abbas, a 33-year-old with no fixed address who spends time in Burton.
Waving banners bearing slogans, they would hold a peaceful rally which would target soldiers who, although acting on the Government’s instructions, were ‘not robots’ but people with thoughts and emotions capable of distinguishing between right and wrong.
Mr Abbas said he would contact the authority about the demonstration.
However, council leader Bob Wheeler said: “We are very proud the Mercian Regiment has accepted the invitation and I expect that pride is felt by the overwhelming majority of the people of South Derbyshire. I understand there may be those that don’t agree and they have a right to their opinions and they also have a perfect right to peaceful protest.”
Opposition Labour group leader Kevin Richards said: “It upsets me because we have all forms of race and religion within the armed forces and they are all out there doing their jobs, whether they are in Afghanistan or other countries.”
Council chief executive Frank McArdle said: “I can confirm we have received a telephone call regarding the proposed parade. The caller indicated his objection and stated he intended to organise a demonstration in protest."
No date has been set by the regiment for the parade. The public will be kept informed as soon as it has been arranged.
Source
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Crich, Sunday 4th July - A service for our soldiers
Servicemen and women past and present and their families will gather at the war memorial in Crich for a service of remembrance this week.
The annual regimental pilgrimage for the Mercian Regiment will take place on Sunday, 4th July.
It will commemorate the lives of those members of the regiment who have given their lives in service to the country.
Hundreds of serving and former members of the regiment are expected to turn out to the event, which will kick off at the landmark memorial at 3pm.
More than 50 local dignitaries, including deputy mayor of Amber Valley, Cllr Ron Ashton, have been invited to attend the event.
Lieutenant Colonel Keith Seddon, who is responsible for the event, said: "Normally if we have got a memorial it's a case of the longer it's there the less population will visit it, but it always turns out to be the opposite here. More and more people come to the pilgrimage every year, come rain, wind or shine.
"The support for the regiment is fantastic at the moment."
The pilgrimage will be led by the colonel of the regiment, Brigadier A R D Sharpe OBE and the main service will be led by the Right Rev Paul Butler, who is the Bishop of Southwel and Nottingham Families of those soldiers who have recently lost their lives in Afghanistan will later gather at the dedicated post-1945 memorial for a small ceremony of remembrance.
The Mercian Regiment includes soldiers from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
Ripley and Heanor News
Monday, 26 April 2010
Terrorism, Crime and Immigration in Derby - Police Report
There is only one party that can sort this mess out - THE BRITISH NATIONAL PARTY
Friday, 2 April 2010
Easter 1940's weekend at Crich Tramway Museum & Carnfield Show
You will be going back to the war years, surrounded by military vehicles, soldiers and civillians. Trams will be ready for war and street re-enactments are throughout the day.
All guests are handed an I.D card and ration book on arrival to prevent spys.
Crich Tramway Village, nr Matlock,
Derbyshire,
DE4 5DP.
Telephone: 01773 854321
Fax: 01773 854320
Carnfield Show, 3rd – 5th April 2010: Join us over Easter Bank Holiday for a fun-packed show with a rural theme. With trade stands, displays and main ring entertainment there’s sure to be something to interest the whole family. Admission: £5 Adults, £4 OAPs, £3 Children. Amber Sound radio roadshow will also be there.
Carnfield Hall
South Normanton
Derbyshire
DE55 2BE
01773 520084
Click here to visit the show website.
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Dominic Heale on the 'so-called' freedom march
Heanor West Councillor Allsebrook called round to see me this evening. We were chatting away and catching up on some paperwork when the BBC’s East Midlands Today news slot started.
The television had been playing away to itself when suddenly we caught sight of our soldiers marching through a town somewhere in the east Midlands.
The 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment, who in September returned from a six month tour in Afghanistan, were marching through Ashbourne, Derbyshire.
What startled Lewis and I was the ignorance of the presenter, Dominic Heale.
It was his choice of words that attracted our attention. He used the words ‘so-called freedom march’.
‘So-called’? What is that supposed to mean?
Those brave soldiers are fighting for the freedom for the likes of Heale so yes, it IS a freedom march and they thoroughly deserve freedom of the borough status.
Our brave servicemen and women are losing their lives on a daily basis and Heale sits in front of a camera uttering what can only be described as a derogatory remark?
Does he think they enjoy being shot at and blown up by EID’s?
Does he think they enjoy seeing their friends dying at the hands of barbarians?
Does he think they really want to be in places like Afghanistan and Iraq when they could be at home protecting OUR borders instead of fighting a useless war the present government illegally started?
The government that has blood on their hands and our forces are out there carrying out their dirty work.
Heale needs to be aiming his snide remarks at the Labour Party. They need to be held accountable for their actions and one day they will.
But what do you expect from the BBC.
And what do you expect from a man whose hero is Labour MP for Bolsover, Dennis Skinner and who states:
‘I consider myself lucky to have stumbled on a career that combines many of my early passions - playing around with microphones and bits of wire, spreading malicious gossip’
Look to the right of this blog, scroll down a little and click on the TPUC link.
Stop paying your TV licence NOW!
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Mercian Regiment march in Ripley
On 26th January 2010, the Mercian Regiment was granted Freedom of the Borough and yesterday they marched through Ripley, Derbyshire.
The soldiers assembled in Ripley market place and marched down Church Street, along Nottingham Road, up Grosvenor Road and down Derby Road and ended at Ripley Leisure Centre, where a special reception was held for the Regiment.
The public showed our heroes huge support as can be seen in the video.
Monday, 1 February 2010
General Election Candidate – Amber Valley British National Party
Michael ClarkeLocal activist Michael Clarke has been selected as our Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the forthcoming General Election.
Michael is 53 years old, married to wife Jane for 30 years and has 3 children and one grandchild. He has spent most of his working life as a Furniture Designer and Upholsterer, winning nine national awards for his sofa designs.
Michael says:
“I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to promote our common sense policies. I will be campaigning on the nation changing issues that the other parties fear to address. Mass Immigration, the European Union and the loss of our Christian heritage will be my priorities, along with the illegal war in Afghanistan, a better deal for our pensioners and crime.
We are now the third party in Amber Valley, having beaten the Lib Dems in both the Euro and County elections in June, and we are closing fast on the Tories and Labour. To win the seat will be a monumental task but if we work hard and keep to our strategy I genuinely believe it is possible.
Our last two MPs have been outsiders who have put Amber Valley second to their own political careers. Being born and bred in the heart of the constituency, Amber Valley means more to me than just a meal ticket and I will be fighting for the good of the area to my utmost ability.”
Footnote:
It's time the communist, Judy mallaber, was sent packing. Good luck Michael. We are behind you all the way.
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Best Ever Poppy Appeal in Derbyshire
Generous people from across the county have helped to raise more than £562,218 with money still pouring in.
Organisers of the Poppy Appeal had hoped to improve on the 2008 total of £519,000 but feared that the credit crunch would hamper their efforts.
But thanks to the army of volunteers who were out in force selling poppies and collecting donations in the run up to Remembrance Sunday last year the appeal has raised a record-breaking amount with eight months still left to go.
Derbyshire co-ordinator Colin Picken said: "We are very happy, it's a marvellous total, especially from a year when people have been feeling hard- up. We didn't expect to do this well."
Money raised by the poppy appeal provides financial, social and emotional support to former and current servicemen and women, and their families.
The cash is used to help fund a range of services from counselling and job retraining to nursing care and war grave visits.
As part of the appeal in Derbyshire a series of poppy walks were held across the county which helped boost the appeal by £1,670.
Christine Selden, community fund-raiser for Derbyshire, said: "I am delighted that the walks have raised so much. The efforts of all the walk leaders in organising these events, the walkers and their sponsors are truly appreciated."
Former Army engineer Ivan Warwick was helped by the Royal British Legion after he was made redundant from his job as a lorry driver. The charity came up with the cash to pay his gas and electricity bills, council tax arrears and bankruptcy fees.
The 46-year-old, of Mackworth, welcomed the news that the appeal had been so successful and said he intended to sell poppies this year.
Call 07973 750816 or email cselden@britishlegion.org.uk.
Article courtesy of Derbyshire News
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Would you like to contribute to the Derby Patriot?
Blogging takes up a hell of a lot of time, especially if you are doing it single-handed, so I'd like to take this opportunity to invite you to contribute to the Derby Patriot.
News is what it is all about, whether it be the approval of building on greenbelt or a day care centre being closed.
Do you enjoy scouring the newspapers every day?
Do you like to get out and about in Derbyshire?
Do you enjoy digging deeper into stories, finding facts and figures to support or discredit them?
Do you prefer humourous article writing?
Do you prefer gathering facts and leaving the writing up to someone else?
Whichever way you like to write you will have something to offer the Derby Patriot, so why not get in touch at DerbyPatriot@live.com
Saturday, 14 November 2009
Ombudsman's response to Red, White & Blue opposer
BNP Councillor, Mr Cliff RoperScouring the internet tonight took me to Councillor Cliff Roper's blog.
Mr Roper was elected as a British National Party councillor for the Heanor East ward of Amber Valley Borough Council in May 2008.
What caught my eye on Mr Roper's blog was his article on a BNP opposers correspondence with the Local Government Ombudsman.
Apparently the BNP opposer gave a whole list of reasons for not wanting the BNP's Red, White and Blue festival to go ahead.
It makes very interesting reading and you can view the ombudsman's response and rebuttal here
Friday, 13 November 2009
Campaign launched to keep BNP festival away from Denby
A CAMPAIGN to stop the BNP holding its annual festival in Amber Valley has been started by a local anti-fascist organisation.Amber Valley Campaign Against Racism and Fascism has plans to fight the right-wing party with a 'No BNP here, thank you' campaign, which it is hoping will be taken up by other people in the borough and around the county.
The group plans on setting up a huge petition, signed by thousands of people, which it hopes will keep the event out of the area.
The group said it set up the campaign in response to the £500,000 which was spent on policing this year's Red, White and Blue festival, and the protest march of more than 1,000 people which took place in Codnor on the same weekend in August.
John Kimberley, spokesman for the group, said: "We felt most local people did not want the BNP holding its international fascist festival in our community.
"Talking with local people over the past few months it is clear they hate the bad name the BNP gives our area.
"Plus, police money could be better spent on community relations, fighting crime and supporting victims.
"We believe the best solution is that the BNP do not hold its festival here again."
A spokesman for the BNP said the party had discussed moving the three-day event elsewhere in the country following this year's festival, but no decisions had yet been made on the location for next year, which will be the party's 11th rally.
The petition against the Amber Valley rally, which has been held on land off Codnor-Denby Lane for three years, will be set up online within months.
Ripley & Heanor News
Mr Clarke sums it up nicely in the comments section when he says:
A few things people may wish to consider. At the first festival with only one solitary protester, all the usual suspects raised bogus fears about the event. But there were no traffic problems, no major complaints about noise and certainly no trouble.
Enter the protesters and problems occur. Now, those same people have to talk as though the festival and protest are one event so as to try and equate trouble with the BNP and thus perpetuate the myths that surround the party.
The festival and protest are TWO SEPARATE events. Let the protesters stomp around Codnor Rec if they want to march but keep them from blocking roads.
As for Kimberley and chum. Setting up an online petition? Why not just get off your backside and ask LOCAL people to sign on a piece of paper? An online petition will get people from all over the country to sign, maybe even some silly student types from Exeter Uni!
Finally, two quick points. Does the fact that from the whole of Denby, Codnor, Waingroves and Loscoe only nineteen people (of which, four were BNP supporters) bothered to turn up to the recent public meeting arranged by the police, give some indication as to the 'outrage' felt by local residents?
Kimberley should perhaps take a look at the local ambervalleymatters blog to see that the BNP is now the third biggest political party in Amber Valley, and closing fast on the Tories and Labour.
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Police hope BNP festival moves away from Denby village
DERBYSHIRE police say they hope the British National Party will confirm an alternative venue for its annual Red, White and Blue festival.
Speaking after a meeting last night, Superintendent Howard Veigas said the event, held for the past three years in Denby, led to "the same community suffering year after year" from the upheaval it brings to local residents.
Supt Veigas said: "The police do not feel it is a suitable location for the festival.
"We have great concerns that it is such an imposition and a huge disruption to the local community.
"But if it has to come back we will have to take on the organisation."
His comments came after BNP councillor Lewis Allsebrook told the meeting at Denby Church of England School, in Church Street, that the party was looking at "two or three alternative locations" for the event.
Mr Allsebrook, who represents Heanor West on Amber Valley Borough Council, reiterated that the party may move its festival away from Derbyshire.
He said: "The BNP is looking at alternative sites. The decision would be made at a central level.
"We came here to listen to what everyone has had to say and we are going to take on board their views."
Around 20 villagers turned up at last night's meeting.
Almost all praised the police for the way they handled this year's event, which saw 18 people arrested – four supporters of the BNP and 14 protesters. One man, who did not wish to be named, said: "It was a fantastic job by the police. I felt very secure knowing they were there."
Another resident told the meeting: "I think the police response was absolutely excellent in the way they handled the different interest groups."
Villagers at the meeting, which was organised by the police to seek residents' views on the way the force handled the event, were shown video footage taken from a police helicopter.
It showed demonstrators, marshalled by officers and police on horseback, as they marched down Heanor Road to a designated protest point on Codnor-Denby Lane.
Police formed a cordon but were pushed back twice as the protesters shoved their way through.
Chief Superintendent Garry Sherwood, Commander for the Constabulary's A Division, which covers Amber Valley, told the meeting: "It reminded me of when I started policing more than 20 years ago – a thin blue line with arms linked."
See This is Derbyshire for comments
Monday, 2 November 2009
Derby rapist on the loose
Derby rapist Imtiaz Hussain
An illegal immigrant rapist was on the run today after escaping guards while being taken to the toilet.
Imtiaz Hussain, 44, said to be a 'serious threat to women', was being escorted to the Pakistan High Commission in London when he fled.
He had been at a meeting to get a new passport so he could be deported at the end of nine-year sentence for trying to rape two women at knifepoint.
Hussain was being escorted by security guards from G4S Care and Justice Services when he fled the building through a window on Friday afternoon.
He was last seen running across Sloane Square.
A Home Office spokesman said they could not confirm whether he had been handcuffed at the time, or how many security officers were with him before he escaped.
DCI Brent Lancaster said: 'This individual is believed to be very dangerous and we need to apprehend him as soon as possible.
'If anyone sees him, please don’t approach him, but alert the police immediately.”
Hussain, a failed asylum seeker, is described as Asian, around 5ft 5in tall and of medium to chubby build with dark, short hair. He was wearing a blue T-shirt, blue jeans and white trainers.
He was jailed for rape and false imprisonment after the two attacks, which took place in the space of a week in Derby in 2004.
Sentencing him at the time, Judge David Pugsley said: 'I am concerned that he presents a serious threat to women.'
Anyone with any information has been asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
