Phil Hope MP - News archive: Sept

News Archive Sept - Oct 2008

Oct 2008

Recognition for The Women's Land Army, The Women's Timber Corps and The Bevin Boys

This year Phil has had the privilege of recognising the contribution of two very special groups of people. The Women's Land Army and the Women's Timber Corps and The Bevin Boys.

The Women’s Land Army
Ohil with Mrs Moon
Phil with Mrs Doreen Moon
The Women's Land Army and the Women's Timber Corps, known colloquially as the Land Girls and Lumber Jills, worked on farms to feed the nation and fell timber, as the men went to war. At its peak in 1943 there were some 80,000 women working on the land, and it was continued after the war, finally being disbanded in 1950.With their uniform of green ties and jumpers and brown felt slouch hats, they worked from dawn to dusk each day, milking cows, digging ditches, sowing seeds and harvesting crops. They supplied the nation with food, supporting the war effort and avoiding food shortages.
At a special event organised by Mrs Doreen Moon a former Land Girl Phil Hope MP chatted with 27 ladies from his constituency who had work in and around this area during the war and then later presented them with their badges or recognition and special certificates signed by the prime minister.
Phil quipped that the most important success of the Women’s Land Army was its service as a dating agency as most of the ladies he had spoken to during the event seemed to have met their husbands – ‘down on the farm’.

Phil Hope MP said:
"I am delighted to have been asked to honour the veterans of the Women’s Land Army we owe each of them a huge debt of thanks. During the war they worked on farms to support the war effort and feed the nation. I believe it’s absolutely right that we recognise their efforts by presenting them with this long awaited veterans badge and paying tribute to their determination, hard work and commitment to serving the country."
When the girls joined the Women’s Land Army they had to sign a pledge promising to abide by the conditions of their training, to up hold its good name and to make the home fields their battlefield. A copy of Mrs Elsie Box’s, nee Hogarth, pledge is reproduced below.
land_army_pledge

The Bevin Boys
Phil with Bevin Boys
Phil with George Ralston and Jim Lochart
The Bevin Boys, were named after the Minister of Labour and National Defence, Ernest Bevin. In December 1943, due to the urgent need for coal for the War Effort, it was decided that a certain percentage of the conscripted men would have to be assigned to the mines. This caused a great deal of upset as the many of the young men wanted to join the fighting forces and many felt that they were not valued. In his speech to the conscripted miners, Bevin referred to them as his boys, hence the name, 'Bevin Boys'. Many suffered taunts as they wore no uniform and were wrongly assumed to be avoiding serving in the armed forces. Many were not released from their work until several years after the war ended, long after their counterparts in the armed forces had returned to civilian life.

Earlier this year Phil Hope MP presented commemorative badges of honour to veteran Bevin Boys in his constituency who had been conscripted or volunteered to serve in the mines during World War II.
Phil Hope MP said:
"I am pleased that the Bevan Boys have finally received recognition for the extremely important part they took in the war effort.
I am honoured to present George Ralston and Jim Lochart with their ‘Bevan Boy’ badges. I think it’s right that their individual contributions should be celebrated, and would like to take this opportunity to thank them both for the service they gave to our country."
24/10/08

Phil Hope welcomes new development at Nassington Village Hall

Nassington Village Hall celebrated its 25th birthday by opening its new kitchen. The re-fit which boasts new and improved facilities was funded by Village Events and the County Council’s Empowering Councillors Fund.
Phil Hope MP said:
"Village halls play an essential part in maintaining community life in the rural areas of Northamptonshire; it is good news that Nassington Village Hall has had this upgrade, I hope it will encourage villagers to come together and support each other.
I have worked closely ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) to support applications for funding and will continue to do so, as I believe that village halls play a huge part in maintaining social links in rural areas."
27/10/08

Phil Hope 'Dives In'

pool Phil Hope is launching a campaign to bring free swimming to children under 16 and people over 60 in East Northamptonshire.
He has written to East Northamptonshire District Council calling on them to take up the Government’s offer of a grant to help pay for the service and to constituents in East Northamptonshire asking them to support his campaign by signing a petition. Phil says:

"The Government recently offered East Northamptonshire a considerable grant to help pay for a free swimming programme for children under 16 and people over 60. The council have not taken up this offer which means children, young people and older people in parts of my constituency will lose out. I find this especially disappointing as 85% of councils in the country have decided to apply for the subsidy.

"I strongly support the Government’s aim to improve the health of people across the country. More people get involved in swimming than almost any other sport, swimming appeals to everyone and is a great way for people from all backgrounds and all ages to take part in a physical activity. Regular swimming is an excellent form of exercise as it builds stamina, muscle strength and a healthier heart. It is a low impact activity so is ideal for the elderly and of course it is vital that children learn to swim for their health and safety.

"Free swimming would offer families an excellent opportunity to enjoy time together and encourage the whole family to take part in a physical activity. This scheme would help grandparents and grandchildren to go to their local swimming pool and spend time together with no cost to the family.

"I believe that it is unfair for East Northamptonshire Council to deny people the opportunity to enjoy free swimming. If you would like to support my campaign to bring free swimming to all residents of East Northamptonshire who are under 16 and over 60 please come and sign the petition on Friday the 28th of November at 1.00 pm when I will be outside the Thrapston Swimming Pool."

Phil will be outside the Thrapston Swimming Pool on Friday the 28th of November at 1.00 pm to collect signatures on his petition. People who want to support his campaign can have a petition sent to them by telephoning his office on 01536 443325 or they can log their support on this website.

Phil Hope re-opens the 1st Irthlingborough Scout Group's Headquarters.

Irthlingborough scouts
Phil unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the re-opening of the 1st Irthingborough Scout Group's recently refurbished headquarters and joined them in their centenary celebrations.
Phil Hope MP says:
"It is testament to all the scouts both past and present that the group has continued to give the young people of Irthlingborough the chance to take part in all sorts of exciting activities promoting their physical, intellectual and social well-being for a hundred years.
"I want to congratulate the group on the wonderful refurbishment of their headquarters which shows us why they have been so successful, not only are they committed to the Scouts of today but are always planning for the Scouts of the future."
This years sees the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Scouting in Irthlingborough, just a year after Baden-Powell had conducted his first camp at Brownsea Island in August 1907.
The group celebrated with many special events. On Friday the 3rd of October they held the official re-opening of their headquarters, and on Saturday the 4th of October there was a grand reunion during which there was an exhibition of memorabilia.
01/10/08

Phil Hope launches 2008 Poppy Appeal

Phil Hope with Eric Dayton
Phil launched the Corby British Legion Poppy Appeal on Saturday. The Poppy Appeal which takes place in the two-week run up to Remembrance Sunday on November 9th and Armistice Day on November 11th provides welfare services for both Serving and Ex-Service people and their families.
The British Legion hopes to exceed last year's record sum of £30 million. 2008 marks the 90th anniversary of the Armistice which brought an end to the First World War, however the British Legion want to make to make this year's appeal about the new generation servicing in the armed forces today.
Phil Hope said:
"I am honoured to launch the British Legion Poppy Appeal in Corby this year. Remembrance Sunday is the time we mourn and honour those who have given their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today. This year we want in particular to support those men and women serving in our armed forces today as well as ex-Services and their dependants."
Andrew Shaw of Corby British Legion said:
"There are many people from Corby serving in Iraq and Afghanistan today. This year we want to show our support for the work and sacrifices they are making to create a safer world for us all."
For more information about the poppy appeal, visit the British Legion website. Enter The British Legion's Weekly Poppy Draw and you could win a cash prize
27/10/08

Phil asks shoppers to "keep your cool at Christmas"

Christmas street Phil Hope joined shopworkers at Westminster to call on customers to "keep your cool at Christmas" in support of the campaign by retail trade union Usdaw to cut down on the abuse and assaults suffered by shop staff during the Christmas shopping period.
Phil Hope MP said:
"I am shocked that Usdaw's most recent survey shows that two thirds of shop staff have been abused in the last year and nearly 10% have suffered physical assault. A major cause is angry customers and reports of 'trolley rage' incidents are on the increase. The shop staff that I met told me that Christmas is the time when they suffer most anger and abuse.
"Christmas shopping can be exciting but stressful. I urge all customers not to take out their frustration on shop staff who have to work hard, often for long hours at this time when shops are at their busiest. I was touched by the testimony of shopworkers who say that verbal abuse from customers is very hurtful and can leave staff upset and depressed.
"Both verbal abuse and threats are anti-social behaviour and I am encouraging retailers and police in Corby and East Northamptonshire to work together to make sure that the Government's anti-social behaviour measures are used where necessary to protect shop staff."
John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary said:
"Shopworkers in Corby and East Northamptonshire are delighted to have the support of Phil Hope MP for our campaign. Too many customers seem to forget that shop staff have feelings too, and treat them without any respect.
"Christmas can be a very stressful time, but we are calling on all customers to think twice before they abuse staff, and by staying calm they will help retailers to give them a better service. Hopefully, with the high profile support of Phil Hope MP, shoppers and staff in Corby and East Northamptonshire can all enjoy Christmas shopping."
20/10/08

Phil says "Stop the pre-payment meter rip-off"

Last week, the energy regulator OFGEM highlighted the overcharging of millions of those on pre-payment meters and similar overcharging of 4m electricity customers in areas not connected to the gas main.
Phil Hope said:
"I think it is completely wrong that millions of people who use pre-payment meters for their energy have been overcharged.
Ed Miliband the Climate Change Secretary has reassured me that he thinks this is unacceptable and has made it clear to the big six utility companies that he expects them to take action.
If the utility companies don't act, Ed Miliband has said he'll bring forward legislation to prevent unfair pricing difficulties. I will support these moves to stop this rip off."
17/10/08

Phil Hope praises Kettering General

The Healthcare Commission, England's healthcare watchdog, has today published its Annual Health Check – the toughest and most comprehensive assessment of the NHS which inspects every trust to ensure that they meet the standards expected.
The report shows significant improvements across the health service, Kettering General has been rated as 'excellent' for quality and 'good' for use of resources.
There are significant improvements across the health service with 42 trusts rated as 'excellent' for both quality and finance, over twice as many as last year only six trusts receiving a 'weak' rating for both quality and finance, a reduction from 20 on the previous Health Check.
Phil Hope MP said:
"I want to thank and congratulate the whole team at Kettering General I am thrilled that they have been rated so highly by the Healthcare Commission. These ratings give a clear picture about quality of services, which is what matters most to patients, everyone working within the trust has pulled their weight to achieve an 'excellent' rating.
"A 'Good' rating too for use of resources is no mean achievement, the management of the hospital is also to be congratulated for the rigorous control of their finances.
"Kettering General has seen all round improvements this year, only last month the Health Protection Agency reported continued falls in the number of MRSA cases there, I for one am very proud of our local hospital."

Secretary of State for Health Alan Johnson said:
"The progress being made by the NHS at both ends of the scale means real benefits for patients in the quality of care they receive. Sixty percent of Trusts are now rated as excellent to good - two years ago 60 percent were fair or poor. I congratulate those trusts that have achieved top ratings and thank all staff involved for their hard work and dedication to raising standards.
"I also thank the Healthcare Commission for its commitment to improving Healthcare. The success highlighted in this report would not be possible without its rigorous monitoring and ongoing support. We will now work with the healthcare Commission to address any areas of weakness which still exist to ensure all patients receive high quality care."
16/10/08

Phil celebrates with Friends of East Carlton Park

Friends of East Carlton Park with cheque
The National Lottery has awarded £8,395 to the Friends of East Carlton Park to pay for a French style petanque court. Phil joined the celebrations with Mary Butcher, Corby's Mayor, who officially handed the cheque from the National Lottery over to the delighted group.
Phil Hope said:
"Friends of East Carlton park have seen an opportunity to introduce an engaging sport which can be played by anyone, encouraging people to get out in the fresh air and improve their fitness, I want to congratulate them on winning the funding for it from the National Lottery.
The new Petanque Court will be a great asset to park which is already our most popular local leisure facility and my favourite place in Corby and East Northamptonshire. I'm really looking forward to playing my first game here in the spring."
The new court will have three lanes, the sport is played by teams of either three, two or as a head-to-head competition between single players. The object of the game is to throw a boule as close to the jack at the end of the lane.
14/10/08

Phil Hope gives help to weather the economic storm

I know that these are worrying times for Corby and East Northamptonshire homeowners and people with savings. Small businesses in the town are also concerned that their loans will cost more and reduce their profit margins.
So it is right that the government is taking decisive and radical action to deal with the unprecedented economic storm blown in from abroad. In return for its investment in the banking system the government will own shares in the banks, receive dividends on those shares and levy appropriate charges for the use of the loan guarantee, to ensure that the taxpayer is appropriately rewarded.
The priority now is to ensure the stability of the banking system and to get money flowing again. We need to ensure that people's savings are protected, mortgages and loans are kept at affordable levels and credit is available to businesses who need to invest to protect jobs. We must get the economic wheels turning and have taken action to prevent the irresponsible behaviour we have seen in some parts of the banking system.
These measures come on top of the homeowners' support package announced earlier this year to help first time buyers and homeowners who are struggling to keep up their mortgage repayments.
If you are struggling with problems of debt, paying your mortgage or keeping your business afloat then expert advice is available from a number of places including:

the national homeless service at www.nhas.org.uk
the financial service authority at www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk
Business Link at www.businesslink.gov.uk
Our local Citizens Advice Bureau on 01536 265501 (Corby) or 08448552122 (Northamptonshire) who give free and impartial advice on debt management.

Please also feel free to contact me if you would like to know more about the measure the government is taking or other possible sources of advise to help you weather this current difficult time. Ring me on 01536 443325 or contact me via my website.

13/10/08

Phil delighted by New Ministerial Role

Phil Hope has been appointed Minister of State for Care Services within the Department of Health in Prime Minister Gordon Brown's reshuffle. The role is a newly-created one with responsibility for social care for older people, people with learning and physical disabilities and mental health problems. Phil still keeps his role as Minister for the East Midlands but has left his former post of Minister for the Third Sector.
Minister of State for Care Services, Phil Hope said:
"I have seen some of the great improvements in social care as MP for Corby and as Minister for the East Midlands
"I am looking forward to learning more and getting stuck into the challenges of my new role. Ensuring that all older people are treated with dignity and respect, creating a fair funding system for social care, and making sure that people with mental health problems and people with learning and physical disabilities get the help they need are all issues that I am keen to get involved in.
"I will work hard in my new post to bring about real improvements for people who use care services."
7/10/08

Sept 2008

Phil Hope pledges to be there 'as long as it takes'

Phil signs Action for Children pledge
Phil has shown his support for vulnerable children and young people by pledging to be there 'as long as it takes' as he signed up to a new campaign from children's charity Action for Children. Writing out lines in an oversized jotter, Phil took the pledge when he found out more about the work of Action for Children.
Phil Hope MP said:
"We all know that children need love and support throughout their childhoods so that they have the best chances in life. All of us need to be there to help the most vulnerable, that is why I am happy to sign up to be there 'as long as it takes.'
It was interesting finding out about the work that Action for Children is doing on the ground to achieve just this. It is imperative that we all now follow their lead."
25/09/08

Phil Hope says "I support action on housing"

house for sale Phil has welcomed the £1 billion homeowners support package and Stamp Duty holiday announced by the Government. There will be a one-year Stamp Duty holiday for all houses costing under £175,000. This means that half of all house purchases across the country will be exempt from stamp duty.
Phil said:
"I am determined that people who work hard and play by the rules won't be left alone to bear the impact of the unprecedented problems facing global financial markets.
"I will do all I can to help ordinary families through this downturn. First time buyers and homeowners who find themselves in trouble because of international financial developments can count on me to fight for them. Hard working people deserve support from the Government and action to protect them from problems that started far beyond our shores.
"So I will support the £1 billion homeowners support package and Stamp Duty holiday announced by the Government as I think its good for people. For further details please contact my constituency office on 01536 443325."
17/09/08

Phil Hope helps create a Huge Stir

Phil promotes Mamillan Coffee Morning
Phil is pictured promoting the Macmillan coffee morning earlier in the week
Phil Hope MP joined the children and staff at Weldon Cof E Primary School on Friday morning for their Macmillan Coffee morning to raise funds for their work to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. The event was held at the school from 9.45 – 11.00 am when the Coffee and homemade cakes specially made by the parents and children was served to guests by the year six pupils.
Phil Hope MP says:
"I'd like to thank the staff, children and their parents of Weldon Primary School for supporting the Macmillan Cancer Support by hosting their Coffee Morning today, and I'd like to congratulate them on a great event where they made almost £200 which will go towards helping people affected by cancer. Macmillan is aiming to raise £8.5 million today so every penny raised is crucial to them reaching their target."
The Coffee Morning is Macmillan Cancer Supports flagship fundraising event last year over 50,000 people held a coffee morning to help people living with cancer. Together with their friends, families and colleagues they raised an incredible £7.5 million! This year we're aiming to raise £8.5 million to help support more people living with cancer.
26/09/08

Phil Hope celebrated a double opening at Irthlingborough Nursery and Infants School

Phil cuts the ribbon at Irthlingborough Children's Centre
Phil Hope MP visited Irthlingborough Nursery and Infants School on Friday the 19th of September to open two brand new classrooms and the new Irthlingborough Children's Centre which is in the grounds of the School.
The new class room have been built to enhance the teaching and learning facilities of the school.
The new Children's Centre has now been successfully running for two months giving support to families with children from 0 – 5. There are lots of different services on offer giving early learning to the children themselves and parenting advice to their families and carers. These include, Play and Stay, Messy Play, Baby Massage and a Child Minders Support group called Happy Hands. The centre works closely with Job Centre Plus helping parents to find training and work.
Phil Hope MP says:
"I am delighted to be opening the New Children's Centre and the new Teaching and Learning facilities at Irthlingborough Nursery and Primary School. Both new facilities are an investment in the future of our children.
"The Children's Centre will help parents in Irthlingborough give their children the best possible start in life, encouraging positive parenting and a good learning environment at home preparing them for starting school.
"I've always enjoyed visiting Irthlingborough Infants School, it's great to see it growing these new class rooms will provide a modern safe and welcoming Teaching and Learning environment to make sure that the child will continue to do well and have the best possible start in life to reach their fullest potential."
17/09/08

Phil Hope says "I support action on energy bills

Phil Hope MP has welcomed the £1bn energy saving package announced by the Government.
From now on, everyone in Corby and East Northamptonshire will be eligible for at least 50% off loft and cavity wall insulation, with everyone on low incomes and all pensioners able to get these for free, and cold weather payments for the most vulnerable will be increased from £8.50 to £25 a week.
Phil Hope MP said:
"We've all been hit by high energy prices, so I am determined that people in Corby and East Northamptonshire get as much help as possible to save energy and cut their bills. That's why I'm backing a new £910m Government levy on energy companies that will mean people in Corby and East Northamptonshire get much cheaper insulation.
"Thanks to the extra help this will provide, people could save as much as £250 to £300 a year, every year, on their fuel bills. Insulation is now free for pensioners and people on certain benefits, and is half price for everyone else. I think this kind of practical help will make a huge difference.
"So I'm asking all my constituents to call 0800 512 012, and ask what help is available for them."
11/09/08

Visit to Lakelands Hospice Advice and Information Centre

Bet Hughes (Nursing Manager), Jodie Jelley (Fundraising Manager), Phil, Vic Hardy (Trustee) and Shaun Forde (Community Fundraiser)
Phil Hope recently visited the newly opened Lakelands Hospice Advice and Information Centre. This centre offers support for anyone who is affected by any life-limiting illness including cancer, heart failure, multiple sclerosis, and motor neuron disease.
It is a place where people can turn for information about diseases, find advice on living with them, on financial or welfare rights or can just drop in and talk to a health care professional.
Phil Hope MP said:
"This is a wonderful new facility, giving people emotional support and practical advice when they need it most. There are specialist nurses and trained volunteers available to talk to people who have been diagnosed with a major illness, their families and carers. I know personally how important it is to have helpful accurate information about your illness and about the tools to enable you to cope with it."
The advice and information centre is based on the grounds of the Lakelands Hospice and is open from Tuesday to Friday 10 am – 4 pm.
02/09/08

Spire Homes helps local people back to work

LEP signing
Spire Homes has signed up to a Local Employment Partnership with Jobcentre Plus. This means they have agreed to, and set targets around a series of employment initiatives, all designed to help local people back to work.
Phil Hope, who is a strong advocate of the LEP and attended the signing said "Local Employment Partnerships are a great new way to help people who are out of work to gain the skills they need to get a job and keep a job. I am delighted that Spire Homes in East Northamptonshire is the first housing association to sign up to such a partnership. I hope that local people who may have been overlooked by employers will find new opportunities for work with Spire Homes that provides much needed affordable homes for local people."
The initiatives include:
Advertising all our vacancies through Jobcentre Plus, as well as through our usual means
Recruiting at least one person a year through New Deal – open to candidates who have been out of work for a long time, or who are disabled or lone parents, by ring-fencing a vacancy just for this group
Work Trials – providing the opportunity of a 3 week trial for a successful candidate to allow them, and us, to be certain they are suitable for the job, without affecting their benefits
Job Interview Guarantee – for candidates who have been out of work for a long time, or who are disabled or lone parents, we will offer them an interview for any job they apply for and meet at least 50% of the criteria
Providing one to one mentoring for people looking to return to work, through out staff who are willing to volunteer for this
Pre-Employment Training – attending a 'prepare to work' training course to talk about Spire Homes, what we do and what attributes we look for when we recruit
Katy Sagoe, Director of Housing Services said "We are hopeful this will have positive benefits for those people returning to work and we will ensure we are doing our best to enhance skills and opportunities in the communities we work in. This has the full backing of our Board and managers and team leaders at committed to putting the extra effort into recruitment through the LEP."
Rob Cooper, Leicestershire & Northamptonshire Senior External Relations Manager from Jobcentre Plus said
"This is an excellent example of business working in partnership with Jobcentre Plus to bring jobs and opportunities to unemployed people in the local community. It's great to have Spire Homes signed up to LEP."