It is frightening how quickly the time goes by. We are coming up to Christmas again. I have had a very busy year as my regular readers will know. Well so it carries on this last week I have just taken part in the opening of Loughborough Fair. This popular, annual Charnwood Borough Council-organised event in which approximately 100 individual show people attend each year, Amongst the pleasure rides presented this year will be the old favourites such as Waltzers, Twist, Dodgems, Galloping Horses together with the more spectacular rides such as the Freak Out, Top Scan, Wild Mouse, High Roller, Kiddies` Corner and the Extreme Ride, game and novelty stalls, and the usual popular refreshment stands. If you did not want to ride then it was great to sample the general fairground atmosphere and observe the various spectacles, which are visibly stunning, particularly at night, when they are all lit up. This was proved on the opening night when we were invited to have a go on some of the rides. Fairs have been held in Loughborough for centuries, the first official Charter being granted to the Lord of the Manor, Hugh le Despenser, in 1221 by King Henry III. The Fair was then held on St Peter`s Day and, assuming it has been held annually, will have been coming to the town for 789 years.
Big Switch Off
Energy has been saved in Charnwood after residents took part in this year’s Big Switch Off. People across the borough made an extra effort to unplug chargers that weren’t being used, turn off stand-by buttons on TVs and computers and switch off unnecessary lights during the campaign which took place from 12th to 18th October.
Figures show that between them, Charnwood Borough Council’s offices in Southfield Road, Loughborough and Loughborough Town Hall managed to reduce their energy consumption by approximately 10.5 per cent compared to the previous week, enough electricity to power the town’s leisure centre for more than seven days. Loughborough as a whole made a 30.8 megawatt saving, which equates to roughly 308,000 100 watt light bulbs being switched off for an hour. Power company Central Networks estimated that if the switch off was repeated all year round it would save consumers £2.6m. Leicestershire County Council cut its energy consumption at its Glenfield offices by nearly five per cent per cent. Over a year, it would be a saving of £18,283. Switching off electrical appliances paid dividends for households, schools, councils and companies. All we need to do is to continue the actions for the future.
Corporate Games
The bid for the 2011 Corporate Games was successfully made through a partnership between Loughborough University, Charnwood Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council. The UK Corporate Games is Europe’s largest corporate multi-sports festival and brings business’ together to build employee confidence, loyalty and team spirit. The competition covers 23 different sports including volleyball, hockey, dragon boat racing and football. As Loughborough is renowned for its sporting excellence and its facilities, it seems fitting that the UK Corporate Games will be held here. We are looking forward to hosting what will be an exciting event and welcome the boost it will bring to the town.
Sports Awards
I was asked to open this event where talented sports stars young and old celebrated their achievements at the Charnwood Sports Awards 2009. It was the first of its kind organised by Charnwood’s Leisure Service team and saw a host of talent pick up awards across 13 categories at a glittering ceremony at Loughborough Town Hall. More than 100 nominations were received. The evening was hosted by BBC East Midlands Today Sports Organiser Mark Shardlow whose enthusiasm helped make the evening a truly memorable one.
As well as recognition for elite performers based at Loughborough University, awards were given to people from all areas of sport, from community heroes and coaches to those who have contributed to school sport at grass roots level. The evening was a tremendous success and it was inspiring to see the depth of sporting talent and volunteering achievement of local sports people, both disabled and non disabled and teams from across the borough.
A Campaign has been launched in a Bid to Reduce Burglary in South Charnwood.
It is getting near to Christmas so extra vigilance is required around the home so:-
Lock doors and windows · Don’t leave car keys or handbags near doors and windows · If you are going away, use a timer to switch lights on and off · Don’t open the door to unexpected callers, use a door chain and check them out first · If you have an alarm – use it · Look out for your neighbours and their property · Report ANY suspicious activity to the Police (day or night) on 01162 222 222 or 999.
Finally thank you for your support over the past year and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and A Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Mike Preston
Contact Details:
If you want to get into contact with me then please use one of the following methods:
Telephone: 01664 424647 Fax 01664 424647 (Please Telephone First)
E-Mail Mike@mepreston.com or Try www.telmike.com
