December 2011 - Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

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16 The Shuttle DECEMBER2011 Building Schools for the Future - PICTURE SPECIAL Community 4The Mayor Councillor Karimeh Foster, Mayoress Mary Foster, head teacher Robin Campbell, Councillor Bateson and two pupils at Pleckgate community day. Clockwise - The Darwen Vale School time capsule ceremony Dancers perform at Darwen Vale A young chap enjoys the facilities at Pleckgate BIG FUN AT BSF BASHES By Kate Grieves Big celebrations were the order of the day at two of Blackburn’s BSF schools. Residents got the fi rst look at the community uses for Pleckgate High School at a special open day and students danced for joy at a ceremony to mark construction progress at Darwen Vale High School. All the BSF schools will be open for community use and as Pleckgate was the original school to open in September, this was the fi rst glimpse of the facilities for people in the borough. STATE-OF-THE-ART Visitors were greeted by head teacher Robin Campbell, chair of governors Ruth Pimley and the Mayor of Blackburn and Darwen, Councillor Karimeh Foster, and could look around all the state-of-the-art attractions, including a gym and fi tness studio, library and learning resource centre and IT rooms. At Darwen Vale, students, staff and councillors held a time capsule burial ceremony and dance celebration to mark the mid point in the new school’s construction. Students performed two dances and speeches were given by interim head teacher John Lawson, Councillor Maureen Bateson, the Council’s Executive Member for Children’s Services, project manager Andy Ferguson and chair of the Local Education Partnership Phil Watson. Darwen Vale High School is being rebuilt and remodelled, keeping the historic and well known 1930s frontage, and will be fi nished in summer 2012 with staff and students walking through the doors that September. Councillor Bateson said in her speech: "This new building will make such a difference to the lives of the students and will be a school everyone can be proud of. “Darwen Vale has quite a history and this new school will be a testament to that history, and a testament to all of you." DECEMBER2011
For more information about all Council Services see www.blackburn.gov.uk The Shuttle 17 TV RECOGNITION FOR COMMUNITY CHAMPION By Shuttle Staff When a film crew came to film at Ivy Street Community Centre, Christine Connell thought they were doing a film about a local ward councillor’s MBE. Christine was interviewed by an ITV crew about Councillor Maureen Bateson, who had just received a gong from Buckingham Palace. The tv people also interviewed a host of other volunteers and MP Jack Straw at the centre. Little did she know that the film crew were making a film about her and the whole thing was a giant ruse, which her friends, family, fellow volunteers, Councillor Bateson and Jack Straw were all in on it. Christine only found out that she was the star of the show when she was in a tv studio watching the filming of Jeremy Kyle’s Five days of Christmas. She said: “I was in the studio and they announced my name. I had no idea at all. It was a total surprise.” Christine was brought up to the stage while a short film of people who know her paying tribute to her was played. The volunteer, who has been involved in running Ivy Street Community Centre for nearly 30 years, was named Jeremy Kyle’s unsung hero of 2011. “Jeremy was great. He is really nice. I was given a plaque and also some nice stuff such as a pamper set but the show also gave lots of things to the centre. “That for me was the best thing, the stuff we got for the centre. “That is the biggest thing for me. I don’t worry about recognition for me - it’s recognition for the centre and the people who volunteer here that is the most important.” As part of the award, Christine and her colleagues got a guided tour round the Coronation Street film set. Christine’s an “unsung hero” Plumbase score new football kit for local school By Shuttle Staff When Lower Darwen Primary School appealed for a sponsor for their new football kit, a local plumbers merchant came forward. Plumbase in Green Street, Darwen, have sponsored the new kit for the Year 6 girls and boys team at the school in Milking Lane. Andy Hirst, Plumbase Regional Manager, and Darwen branch manager Denis Wale visited the school recently to meet the pupils and see the new kit for himself. Mr Hirst said: "It is nice to be They met up with Katherine Kelly, who plays Becky McDonald, Ben Price, who plays Nick Tilsley and Jack P Shepherd, who plays David Platt. Councillor Bateson said: “It was difficult to keep everything secret but we managed. “Even in the studio right before they said her name she had no idea. given the opportunity to give something back to the community and we were only too happy to support one of our local schools. It is great to see the children in their football kits and lets hope it bring them luck on the pitch.” Lower Darwen Headteacher Steve Cumbo added: “The kit looks fantastic and the children are thrilled with it. The strip incorporates the school's colours and is modelled on the classic Barcelona look.” Team manager, Laura Cook is hoping there are a few budding Lionel Messis in the Lower Darwen team who can now look and play in the Barcelona style. But modest as always she sees it as recognition for the centre, not herself. “But she deserves to be praised for all the work she has done for her community.” Christine and her fellow volunteers were also invited to the Mayor’s Parlour for tea and cakes with the Mayor Councillor Karimeh Foster. The volunteers were joined by Ewood ward members Councillors Bateson, Florence Oldfield and Joe Smith. More pictures on www.flickr. com/blackburn-with-darwen The show will be aired over Christmas. Lower Darwen Primary School football team with (from left) Darwen Branch Manager Denis Wale, Assistant Manager of Plumbase Nelson, John Higham, whose two children attend the school, Plumbase Regional Manager Andy Hirst and headteacher Steve Cumbo. MBE for Maureen Dedicated Blackburn councillor, Maureen Bateson has been honoured with an MBE. The borough’s executive member for children’s services was recognised for decades of service to Blackburn with Darwen Council. Councillor Bateson, an Ewood member, has been a councillor for 28 years and was Mayor in 1995/1996. The prestigious award comes as part of The Queen’s birthday celebrations. Councillor Bateson travelled to London to be awarded the Member of the British Empire award on Friday from Prince Charles. She said: “I had a lovely day and it was made extra special by the fact I was there with my son and daughters. It was really good to be able to listen to all the other stories and to be made to feel so special. “Prince Charles congratulated me and we spoke about the times he has visited Blackburn previously and all the work taking place in Burnley which he was thrilled about. “The greatest reward for me is representing the constituents of Ewood but I’m honoured to have been recognised in this way. Doing this role I meet so many terrific and dedicated people working for the community in this borough.” Rt Hon Jack Straw MP congratulated Councillor Bateson. He said: “Maureen has lived and worked in the borough all of her life. She knows the place inside out and she knows its people. She works tirelessly to get the best for them. “This award is a great recognition of Maureen’s hard work over many years and is testament to her dedication and commitment to this borough and its people, especially young people, for whom she is a great advocate. I am delighted that she has been recognised in this way. Christine Connell, who volunteers at Ivy Street community centre, Blackburn, said of Maureen’s achievement “it’s been a long time coming”. Maureen has been heavily involved with the centre for many years and has regularly volunteered at events when the centre has been short staffed. Christine added: “She should have been honoured a lot sooner. She works so hard and is always there for the community. “Maureen always does her utmost to fight for what is important in the community and thoroughly deserves this recognition.” More pictures can be found at www.flickr.com/blackburn-with-darwen DECEMBER2011
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December 2011 - Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

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