Hi
This is my first newsletter to keep you informed on the work that I have been doing and to introduce the Birley Ward Labour Candidate for the next election Matt Dwyer who has been working alongside me.
November has been a time for reflection remembering and honouring those who lost their lives in war and conflict and to thank those who continue to put themselves forward to keep us safe.
On Monday 23rd October when myself and Labour Candidate Matt Dwyer gave assistance in putting up poppies along Birley Moor Road. We were joined by Pat Davey from the Royal British Legion, Geoff Daykin from the Guards Association and officers from the Local Area Committee
Several times prior to Remembrance Sunday Karen and Matt supported the Frecheville Royal British Legion by selling poppies in Crystal Peaks.
On 11 November Labour’s Candidate Matt Dwyer attended the service at the Frecheville Memorial, placing a wreath on behalf of the Birley Ward Labour Party.
I joined our MP Clive Betts and Matt Dwyer at the Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Barker’s Pool on Sunday 12 November.
Karen was contacted by a local resident who wanted to look into the placement of a metal soldier on Frecheville pond close the war memorial. Karen arranged a meeting with officers and Councillor Lodge to explore locations.
Many will have seen the work we did as a response to concerns from local residents about the grass verge issues on Heathfield and Smalldale Road (outside Frecheville library). Amey have re-seeded the grassed areas. Stakes have been inserted all along the grass verges informing people not to park on the grass due to the memorial trees. We feel many visitors to the area won’t be aware of the significance of this location. This approach seems to have worked in helping educate visitors, protect the memorial trees and improve our local community. We are now looking into the longer term options to continue to protect this space.
As councillors we are also looking into funding a Memorial Bench on Heathfield Road – so look out for when this has been installed.
Karen and Matt feel strongly that all the above work is important in terms of both supporting former members of the armed forces and in helping us remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice whilst serving during periods of conflict.