Welcome to Broxtowe Enews, brought to you by the Liberal Democrats and edited by David Watts, on behalf of the Lib-Dems in Broxtowe.

1. Local Election results
Nottinghamshire County Council is under no overall political control after the results of Thursdays elections. For the Lib Dems, especially here in Broxtowe, the results were a prime example of why our electoral system needs reforming. We increased our vote share but ended up with 4 less seats than previously! In Broxtowe Steve Carr won the Bramcote and Beeston North for the Lib Dems, but that was the only victory that we had. Equally Labour only won one seat and the other 7 went to the Tories. Nevertheless the Lib Dem vote in Broxtowe leapt from 4% in 2015 to 16%, just a little lower than the national average of 18% that we polled, far above the ratings that the opinion polls had been putting us on. We also now have more members, both nationally and in Broxtowe, than ever before. Our membership here has gone up by 150% in just over three years.

2. General Election Candidates
I need to correct a bit of the biography I published about the Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate Tim Hallam last week. I said that Tim was raised in Stapleford when in fact he lived in Bramcote as a child. He does live in Stapleford now. Whilst mentioning the general election one of the most interesting pieces of news locally this week was that the Labour party chose not to reselect Nick Palmer but have replaced him with a new candidate, Greg Marshall. Greg is on the very left wing of the Labour Party.

3. Election Dates
The key dates for the general election are:
Register to vote. Midnight on 22nd May
Postal Vote. 5pm 23rd May
Proxy vote. 5pm 31st May

4. First Election Hustings
The first hustings for the current election has been organised by Britain in Europe and will take place on Monday of this week, 8th May, at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Middle Street, Beeston NG9 1GA. The three declared candidates so far will all be taking place.

5. Canalside Heritage Centre
The Canalside Heritage Centre in Beeston will open on Saturday 24th June, with the celebrations starting at 10.30am. The centre is at Weir Cottages, Canalside, Beeston Rylands, NG9 1LZ. The centre has been put together over the last few years by a dedicated and determined team, and I am looking forward to seeing it open.

6. Broxtowe Council Selling Off Public land
Broxtowe Borough Council are currently selling off public open space to developers without public consultation. Residents of Redwood Crescent, Beeston, were shocked when the council secretly decided to sell off the open space at the heart of our community and street in September 2016. They kept this decision from residents until March 2017, when a private developer submitted a planning application. The residents have now launched a petition to oppose the sale. This can be viewed and signed at https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-sale-of-public-open-space-by-broxtowe-borough-council.

7. Craft and Produce Fair
Stapleford Salvation Army will be holding a Craft and Produce Market on Saturday 13 May from 10am – 1pm at their hall in Albert Avenue. Entrance is free and open to all not just members of the Army. There will be over 15 stalls selling a variety of high quality hand-crafted items including jams, wood turning, clocks and jewellery. The quality and range of crafts is excellent. Teas, coffees and home-made cakes will also be available to buy. The proceeds of the refreshments will go towards the work of the Salvation Army in the local area. It would be lovely to see you at the Craft and Produce Market in May as you shop for upcoming birthdays, or weddings! Contact the Stapleford Salvation Army, Albert Avenue. dawn_pollard1@hotmail.com 07972262828 for further details.

8. Mindfulness Course
Mel Wraight of www.stillpointmindfulness.co.uk will teach this 8 week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course. This is the gold standard course for learning to practice mindfulness. In use for 30 years this course is proven to help people cope with life, stress, anxiety, chronic pain and many other issues. At the end of 8 weeks participants (in research studies) show measurable positive changes in the brain and in their ability to cope with life and it’s ups and downs. Over 8 weeks of 2 hourly sessions and regular practice at home we will cover: Introducing mindfulness Handling stress The power of being present Patterns of reactivity to stress Responding not reacting Stressful communications and interpersonal mindfulness Lifestyle choices Keeping your mindfulness alive Then there will be a one day retreat to practice deepening our mindfulness. Each class includes practices, teaching, experiential exercises and thoughtful enquiry into your experience. There are also gentle exercises some weeks. You will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire before the course to ensure it is suitable for you, but generally most people can benefit. 18+ only. If you would like to have a friendly chat with Mel about the course call: 0754 5577 077 Cost £210 this is an 8 week course with a retreat day included. The course will be held at Middle Street Resource Centre, Beeston, email thestillpoint@gmx.com, tel 0754 5577 077.

9. Outside Edge
Beeston Players present Outside Edge by Richard Harris, an amateur production in association with Samuel French Ltd, on Thursday & Friday 11 & 12 May 2017 at 7.30 pm & Saturday (matinee) 13 May 2017 at 2.30 pm AT Round Hill School, Foster Avenue, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 1AE, (2 minutes walk from the Beeston Tram & Bus Interchange). There will be a licensed bar and complimentary Tea & Coffee. Book on line to reserve seats at www.beestonplayers.org Or telephone 01159223977. Tickets are also available on the door at a cost of Adults £7 Concessions £6.

10. Family Orienteering
Step outdoors and join Nottinghamshire Orienteering Club for family fun! Learn map reading skills and find the hidden locations at Bramcote Hills Park! Meet in the car park at Bramcote Leisure Centre on Saturday 27th May. This will be delivered in partnership with Liberty Leisure and Broxtowe Borough Council. Details are available from new@noc-uk.org or by ringing 01623 405 962.

11. Broxtowe Community Celebration Event
BCCG’s (Broxtowe Community Celebration Group) summer event will be held on Saturday 1 July from 11:00-4:00 at Roundhill Primary School, Beeston, NG9 1AE. This is a free event for all ages: activities, workshops, performances, tasting food around the world. Volunteers are also welcome. Contact Hiroko for more details: hirokoclark@hotmail.com, 07749 226 274, facebook: Broxtowe Community Celebration Group – BCCG or https://www.facebook.com/Broxtowe-Community-Celebration-Group-BCCG-231278617044610/.

As ever thank you for your support for this newsletter. Any feedback is gratefully received.

Best wishes

David
www.davidwatts.org.uk
www.broxtoweliberaldemocrats.org.uk
Follow me on Twitter @davidwatts12.