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03 May 2024
After seven years of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to the Lieutenancy of Northamptonshire, Mrs Morcea Walker, Vice Lord- Lieutenant, has announced her decision to retire, due to reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75 for Deputy Lieutenants (DL).
Mrs Walker's journey with the Lieutenancy began with a surprise invitation:
In a lifetime, you have a number of surprises that take your breath away after the initial reaction of having doubts that the information/request is real. When I received a letter inviting me to become a Deputy Lieutenant, I did ignore it believing it was 'not real' but a follow-up request meant I had to take the matter a bit more seriously.
During her time in office, Morcea had numerous responsibilities, from attending ceremonial events to representing the Lieutenancy with dignity and grace to nominating people and organisations for various awards, garden parties and royal events.
Reflecting on her tenure, Morcea shared:
From the role of Deputy Lieutenant to that of Vice Lord Lieutenant, I have had a wonderful time. I never anticipated the privilege of serving as Vice Lord Lieutenant, but it has been a journey filled with both challenges and triumphs. Attending events as the representative of the Lord-Lieutenant and in turn that of the Queen was a real privilege. From chairing meetings to engaging with communities and hosting royal visits, every moment has been both frightening and inspiring.
As Mrs Walker transitions into retirement, she looks forward to exploring new opportunities and continuing her passion for community engagement. Whether through involvement in local initiatives, pursuing personal interests, or spending quality time with family and friends, Morcea remains committed to making a positive impact in her community and beyond.
Morcea Walker's dedication and passion for serving the people of Northamptonshire have been truly commendable.His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson EsqOver the years, Morcea’s contributions have been key in developing deeper connections between the Lieutenancy and various community organisations. Her efforts have significantly raised the profile of the Lieutenancy and enhanced its engagement with the residents of Northamptonshire.
Morcea’s departure leaves behind a legacy of excellence, compassion, and unwavering dedication to community service. Her commitment to inclusivity and community involvement has left an indelible mark on the area. Her impact will be felt for years to come, serving as an inspiration for all those who follow in her steps.
On behalf of the Lieutenancy, I extend our heartfelt thanks for her years of service and wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement.
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01 May 2024
The market town of Towcester boasts a long and fascinating history and features a variety of distinctive businesses, boutiques, eateries, and expansive green spaces.
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is keen to establish a clear vision for building on Towcester’s strengths to ultimately enhance the community and sustainably grow the economy.
Residents and visitors are being asked to share their ideas about enhancing Towcester Town Centre and any improvements they would like to see made.
Nationally, high streets across the UK are facing a variety of challenges and many people are using them differently to how they have done in the past. Now is the time to reflect on the future of the high street and particularly how Towcester can prosper.
WNC’s Towcester Town Centre Manager has been working closely with local businesses, organisations, and Towcester Town Council to champion the local community, to harness the pride in the town and to establish opportunities to improve the Town Centre and benefit every local resident, business and visitor.
We need your help to shape ideas for these improvements and have set out a series of questions to understand your current and future uses of Towcester Town Centre and how you’d like to see it improved.
Some of the ideas already suggested include:
- An improved marketing strategy to raise awareness around what is available to residents and promote the town to visitors
- Working alongside landlords and commercial agents to encourage leasing of empty premises and provide more choice to prospective businesses and investors
- Attracting more independent businesses to relocate to or open additional branches in Towcester
- Tailored support & guidance to nurture new business start-ups
- Delivery of more town centre events; including music, pavement dining and activities for families
- Additional markets and stalls to provide more choice and attract people to the town
- Considering the introduction of a Town Gift Card or loyalty scheme to encourage people to spend locally
We are aware that traffic is a key issue for many people in Towcester and there are currently projects underway to improve traffic flow including pedestrian and cycle routes, the Towcester Relief Road and National Highways improvements to the Town Centre, therefore we have not included any questions around this in the survey.
“Towcester has a rich historical past and is an important part of our county’s heritage. The town also offers a wide variety of unique shops, cafes, attractions and small businesses which provide the perfect day out for visitors.Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration & Growth“I encourage everyone with a view to take part in this survey and help us gather ideas to shape and develop Towcester town centre and provide an enhanced experience for all residents, visitors, businesses and investors.”
Take part in the survey by visiting the WNC Consultation Hub by midnight on Sunday, 9 June.
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01 May 2024
People across West Northamptonshire are invited to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Everdon Outdoor Learning Centre, Daventry by joining two open days on 5th and 6th May from 1pm – 5pm.
Everdon is marking 50 years since opening its doors as an Outdoor Learning Centre. To celebrate this significant milestone there will be two open days on 5th and 6th May from 1-5pm, providing people with an opportunity to look around the centre, see the new outdoor classroom and take a trip down memory lane for those who have previously visited. There will also be the chance to cook some marshmallows with the rangers onsite.
The commemorative book that has been made specifically for the 50th anniversary detailing the history of this old Victorian building and how it has evolved over the years will be available to purchase on the day with lots of photographs and memories included.
The centre offers residential overnight stays and day trips for schools, Forest School Level 3 training & CPD courses for adults and a space for community events. The surrounding countryside provides contrasting landscapes, making it the ideal spot for studying geography, science, and the environment.
“Having visited Everdon Outdoor Learning Centre several times over the past three years, it is great to see that we are celebrating this important milestone in the journey of this fantastic facility. The centre is a unique place that offers activities such as river studies, woodland survival, orienteering, and work with nurture groups.Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste“The wonderful team at the centre pride themselves on creating a homely atmosphere and making everyone who visits feel welcome. I would encourage people to join us at one of the open days to find out more about the centre and mark this anniversary.”
There will also be an opportunity to buy tea and homemade cakes at the Village Hall who are also celebrating their 50th anniversary.
Find out more about the centre.
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01 May 2024
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) are asking for local carers or someone supporting a carer to share their views and feedback on the newly drafted five-year Carer Strategy.
The draft strategy is for all unpaid carers that live in, or care for someone that lives in West Northants, and has been developed together with local carers, ensuring their voices drive forward progress over the next few years to provide the right support and information for them.
Chosen by our local carers, 17 priorities have been identified to focus on improving over the next five years as well as specific measurements to track progress which the Council would like to seek views on. Each priority has a set of actions that will support achieving the priority over the five year period. More details on each of the priorities and how they will be achieved can be found in the strategy.
“Being a carer is a truly selfless role and many carers do not even recognise themselves as a carer – often putting the needs of a loved one before their own. Speaking to local carers, we have heard firsthand of the demand both on our carers themselves and care system – and they are set to continue to grow.Cllr Matt Golby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health“Carers play such an increasingly important role in our society and vital in supporting people to stay as healthy as they can be and live fulfilling lives, but we know carers need looking after too. Together with them and our partners, the Council is committed to improving the help and support available with this strategy aiming to take forward these improvements. That’s why it is so important we get it right and we can only do this by receiving feedback from as many local carers as possible. I really do encourage carers to please take the time to have their say – it will be listened too.”
Please tell us your views by completing this online questionnaire via the online consultation survey. The council will review all feedback with our group of local carers and make any necessary changes, before taking it to Cabinet for final approval.
Your feedback will be part of reports with other people’s feedback, so you will not be personally identified.
The survey will close at midnight on Thursday 30 May 2024.
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01 May 2024
The UK have been showing their support for Northamptonshire choir Northants Sings Out (NSO) following their showstopping audition on last weekend’s Britain’s Got Talent where judge Amanda Holden referred to them as the ‘best choir ever’.
The choir, made up of local people aged 25 – 65 years old from all walks of life and careers from nurses and accountants to teachers, foster carers and adoptive families, recently performed alongside Royal Wedding conductor Karen Gibson MBE as part of West Northamptonshire Council's (WNC) sell-out show ChoirFest at Northampton’s Royal and Derngate theatre.
On Saturday (27 April), 66 members of the 200 strong choir performed a rendition of It Is Well with My Soul followed by 1990’s pop classic Show Me Love, led by Choir Director Gareth Fuller on Saturday night’s show.
The Denim clad choir, dubbed a ‘gap advert’ by a member of the crowd, wowed all four judges with their showstopping vocal skills and performance, leading co-host Declan Donnelly to remark “Now that’s a choir!” in appreciation.
And Northamptonshire agreed. Taking to Facebook, one person said “You were all fantastic. Just brilliant. Well done. Best choir to ever be on BGT (and there have been some good ones!)”
Another fan wrote, “You were incredible, from NN7.”
This followed, “you were AMAZING, super proud! Best wishes…from Rothwell NN14 – neighbours.”
“I started my musical journey with training at Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust (NMPAT). Going on to teach adults and children across Northants the positive benefits of music and group singing, it’s a pleasure to now share my passion with the nation!”NSO founder and Choir Director Gareth Fuller
“The Choir has meant everything to me. I thought I had learnt all there was to learn and had all the great experiences in life I needed until I started singing in one of Gareth’s choirs. I’ve been taught to believe in myself again through singing. It truly has been life changing.”NSO choir member
You can show your support by following, liking and sharing NSO’s social media posts and pages, as well as liking and commenting on their YouTube audition video. And don’t forget to tune in to Britain’s Got Talent on ITV at 7.30pm on Saturdays and keep your eyes peeled for Northants Sings Out.
Let’s get behind NSO and show the UK that Northamptonshire is proud of its home-grown musical talent, and hopefully we may see the county represented in the finals!
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