YOU CALL AND WE COME RUNNING 66% OF PEOPLE THAT ARE ARRESTED DO NOT ASK FOR A SOLICITOR. FIRST DEFENCE SOLICITORS ARE SPECIALISTS IN CRIMINAL DEFENCE AND COVER CORBY, KETTERING AND WELLINGBOROUGH POLICE STATIONS AND COURTS EVERY DAY. AS SOON AS YOU ASK FOR US WE WILL BE THERE, WE OFFER ALL OUR CLIENTS A COMPLETELY FREE SERVICE, 24 HOURS A DAY 365 DAYS YEAR. WE CAN BE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY FROM THE POLICE STATION THROUGH TO THE COURT.
Northampton Office 23 Albion Place Northampton NN1 2UD
Wellingborough Office 4 Sheep Street Wellingborough NN8 1BL
Bedford Office 30-32 Bromham Road Bedford MK40 2QD
Tel: 01604 745474 Fax: 01604 628816
Tel: 01933 442666 Fax: 01933 442070
Tel: 01234 263263 Fax: 01234 263239
Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. SRA no: 421296
www.firstdefencesolicitors.co.uk
On the cover: This year’s highland gathering cheiftain. Photo taken by Sean Spooner at the Corby Highland Gathering.
Corby Magazine issue 6
WELCOME TO CORBY MAGAZINE ISSUE SIX
Thanks you for picking up the summer edition of Corby Magazine. This is issue number six. This issue we have a look at all of the redevelopment which is happening in Corby right now, as well as the summer fun which has taken place across Corby over the past few months. We take a look at the new Tresham Campus, which opened at the beginning of September, as well as the opening of Corby Town Football Club’s new stadium Steel Park. We hope that you enjoy this issue of Corby Magazine - it’s been a great summer!
|
Contents
8
Summer Fun
26
Regeneration
10
MLG Corby
28
Street Lights
11
Steel Park
32
Editors Page
13
Reader Offer 1
34
Signing Off
14
Business Boost
17
Summer photos
21
Reader Offer 2
22
Chuck’s Corner
24
New Tresham
Regards
SeanSpooner Sean Spooner Editor
Corby Magazine is produced by Sean Spooner and Louis Porter, who can be contacted by post at 95 Wheatly Avenue, Corby, Northants, NN17 1TE. The editor of Corby Magazine - Sean Spooner - can be emailed at sean@biggishmedia.com, and the business development director - Louis Porter - can be emailed at louis@biggishmedia.com. 2,000 copies of Corby Magazine are produced and distributed every three months, with an estimated readership of 10,000 people here in Corby. www.corbymagazine.com
events
Corby’s Summer of Fun We look back at the two months of fun which Corby has enjoyed - The Highland Gathering, Weldon Fest and the Corby Carnival. Over the past three months here in Corby there have been a range of fun events for the whole family. The Weldon Fest got the ball rolling back in June, with 4,000 people crammed into Weldon Football Club for the annual event. This year’s music festival was bigger than ever, with two stages, an acoustic tent and a dance tent, staging some of the finest local music talent. Though the weather started off bad on the morning of the event, festival goers were happy to see that it soon changed, bringing with it an afternoon full of sunshine and great music. Some of the bands on the main stage included Corruption, Octopus Garden, Black Hills, B Movie Britz, Shandy Mac and Dirty Money, each playing a set to the excited and enthusiastic crowds.
//08
The dance tent - which got off to a slow, but sure start in the morning, soon picked up with local talent including Slider Man, M.I.L.D, Rev Amp, Jermaine Jones and the huge DJ Neil Bad Boy. If you wanted to avoid all of the noise, and head somewhere a little more relaxing, the acoustic tent was the place for you. Craig Garden, Crabby and the Boys and Adelle Kirk just some of the artists performing in the tent. This year the PA and audio equipment was also first class, as Peavey the famous audio manufacturers supplied it - making the bands sound even better! The event, which is now in its fifth year - as well as giving local people a good day out- raises money for community projects and local charities.
Another great event where charities and local groups and organisations took part was this year’s carnival. Event organisers say that this year’s event - which started at Snatch Hill, and made its way down to West Glebe Park was one of the biggest ever.
outside of West Glebe Park. Inside the park crowds basked in the many attractions put on by local stall holders, and fundraisers - with the local radio station providing music through-out the day.
Terri Meechan, a founding member of Corby Carnival Association said:
July 10th saw the 42nd Highland Gathering, in Charter Field, Corby Old Village.
“July 9th saw the biggest and best Corby Carnival in a good many years and we at Corby Carnival Association would like to thank everyone who supported our event.”
This year - like all others - was another great success, with pipe bands from across the UK coming to Corby to compete in the main event in the central field.
“July 9th saw the biggest and best Corby Carnival in a good many years and we at Corby Carnival Association would like to thank everyone who supported our event.” Terri Meechan “We’d like to thank the Transport companies who supplied over 20 lorries and drivers, Corby Radio, Hampton by Hilton and many more – but our biggest thanks go to the people of Corby who got into the Spirit of Carnival and took part on the day” The parade, which included over 20 entries started on Snatch Hill near the Oakley Vale estate, before making its way along Dunedin Road, Gainsborough Road and Elizabeth Street, before coming to a stop, surrounded by supportive crowds of locals just
This year a vast number of stall holders were out and about, displaying the great work which they’re doing in Corby. Stall holders included the Lexi Leggi fund, Northants Police, and Bombay Dynasty who took an untraditional slant on the Scottish theme, serving curry to the crowds of people. All three events were a huge success, bringing both people an economy into Corby, and proving great fun for the whole family. See centre pages for photos of the events.
//09
enterprise
Young People’s Business event
F
ounders of Corby Magazine, Sean Spooner and Louis Porter
hosted a business event at the Corby Enterprise Centre back in June for a select number of enterprising young people. Students from Brooke Weston Academy, Corby Business Academy and The Kingswood School took part in the one day event, which was set up to promote entrepreneurial spirit within young people. The day was split into two sessions. The AM session saw successful young business people from across the country, including past Brooke Weston student Christian Owens from Corby, speak about their businesses, and how to make it in business. Other speakers included Andrew Brackin, who was then working on a startup called Tune Bundle, how-
ever since moved on to work with Christian on a
//10
discounted digital goods company, GetDealy. There were also short speaks from Sean and Louis, about their work on Corby Magazine, and other projects.
including a brand new film streaming service, a wall hanger product which will replace the traditional greetings card, and a gift selection, wrapping a delivery service - all of which impressed the judges greatly.
The PM session then saw the young students take the advice of the speakers and
at the end of the event, and after half an hour of heated debate from the judges the
branded goods thanks to Lion Heart 2012, and mentoring from the top speaker at the event, Tony Godwin, who owns Antal Group, an international multi million pound company. The BBC covered the event on the day - online - saying: “Two Corby teenagers who were named as the UK’s youngest publishers are celebrating their magazine’s first anniversary with a business day. Now the teenagers want to pass on their knowledge to other young people hoping to start their own business. “
Winner, 16 year old Carly Allen of Brooke Weston as she is given the good news. put in into practice, as they were given three hours to devise a product idea, business plan, and prepare to pitch it to the speakers. Many ideas came from the three hour session,
winner was sixteen year old Carly Allen, a Brook Weston Student with her wall hangers idea. She won free printing thanks to Quantum Print Corby, free embroidery and
Corby Magazine’s Sean said: “We’d like to thank all of the kind companies who supplied the prizes, InCuisine for the amazing buffet, all of the great speakers - but most of all the young people for beig so engaged, poaitive and making the day one to remember. We’re looking into a 2012 event.“ More images online at: www.mlgencorby.com
sports
Solid Start at Steel Park
T
he new era at Steel Park has so far started in some style for the Steel
when the new Corby Town lmen. The first ever match at the new £3.5m stadium was a pre-season friendly against the world’s oldest league club, Notts County. On 25th July, Graham Drury’s side ran out 2-0 winners over the npower League 1 side thanks to second half goals from Nick Rogan and Sam Ives. It was a dream start for everyone connected with the club and we were pleased to follow that up with a draw against Stevenage eight days later. Boro were promoted to the same division as the Magpies after winning the npower League 2 Play-Offs at Old Trafford in May and Corby came from a goal down to draw 1-1. The third and final pre-season game was against Blue Square Bet Conference favourites Luton Town and the Steelmen picked up a second win in three matches over higher league opposition
thanks to a winner from player-coach and former Hatters’ midfielder Andy Burgess. A superb 3-1 opening day victory at AFC Halifax, the bookies’ tip to win the Blue Square North this season, was then followed by a thumping 6-1 victory over Bishop’s Stortford - who are managed by former Spurs goalkeeper Ian Walker - in the first ever competitive match at the new stadium. Watched by over 800 supporters that victory took the Steelmen top of the early season league table and, at the point of writing, has set the club up for the long season ahead. It is still very early days and no-one is getting carried away by the recent results however the aim is to make the new stadium a fortress and the club have begun in the right way with four impressive results in the first four matches. If you haven’t yet had the chance to come down to
CONNECT WITH CORBY TOWN FC To stay up to date with the latest news about the club please log on to www.corbytownfc.co.uk and follow us on twitter @corbytownfc.
WIN WITH CORBY TOWN FC
^ Chris Rivett, Director Steel Park, please do as it would be good to see you there. Corby have a very high profile friendly to come against the reigning Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions Rangers on Tuesday 8th November in the match that will officially commemorate the opening of the new stadium. Admission costs £11 for adults, £7 for concessions and £3 for Under-16s and tickets can only be purchased in advance from the club, or the Cube theatre in the town centre.
To enter a prize draw to win a football signed by the Corby Town squad, simply answer this question, who beat Bishop’s Stortford in the first league game at Steel Park, tell us who scored the first competitive goal at Steel Park? (Clue: Visit www.corbytownfc.co.uk to read the match report) a) Jordan Spruce b) James Ozmen c) Jordan Smith Send your answer to
ctfc@corbymagazine.com Entries close on 1st Nov 2011.
//11
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT THE CORE!
AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTOR
One Snowy Night
AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTOR
A heartwarming winter’s tale told with puppetry, music and dance for 3 to 6 year olds
Tue 29 Nov – Sun 4 Dec
Potted Panto
For everyone aged 5+, CBBC’s Dan and Jeff perform 7 classic pantomimes in just 80 minutes!
Wed 7 – Sun 11 Dec
Concessions, family tickets, groups and schools discounts available
Ticket Office: 01536 470 470
www.thecorecorby.com
CORBY LOCKSMITH Jim Sorrie Local & Independent Lockout assistance Locks fitted, repaired or replaced Mobile Workshop Keys Cut onsite UPVC Door & Window Locks Master Key and Keyed alike suites l Fix it! Jim’l 36 CAMBRIDGE AVENUE CORBY N O R T H A N T S NN17 2SZ Telephone: 01536 40 22 44 Mobile: 07718 902423
w w w. c o r b y l o c k s m i t h . c o . u k
//12
Oil deliveries for home, industry & agriculture... Wide range of Lubricants in stock Suppliers of Bunded Tanks on request Established over 35 years
For a fast, efficient & friendly service BARTON PETROLEUM LIMITED 6-7 Vaux Road, Finedon Road Industrial Estate Wellingborough, Northants NN8 4TG Fax: 01933 441039 enquiries@bartonpetroleum.co.uk
Tel: 01933 224317
LIONHEART Embroidery & Print image conscious clothing
Printed T shirts for: events stag nights hen parties birthdays and anniversaries Create your own individual T shirt!
Embroidered or printed workwear and promotional clothing Football and sports kits a speciality We can supply and decorate clothing and accessories for all your needs, including that special gift - ask us for ideas
Come and see us at Corby Indoor Market or call 07903 252278 Unit 1 Corby Indoor Market New Post Office Square Corby NN17 1PB W: www.lionhearticc.com E: wayne@lionhearticc.com
food
Exclusive Reader Offer: Bombay Dynasty
C
orby’s central Indian restaurant is offering readers of Corby Magazine an exclusive offer, to dine or take away two main meals for the price of one. Bombay Dynasty Indian restaurant with its prime location in the heart of Corby, Northamptonshire and with their numerous dishes of great cuisine, is a superb choice for good food and ambiance. They told us: “We at Bombay Dynasty are committed to preserving a culture,
“tradition and standard in culinary tastes that a Nawab would appreciate. It is more than twenty years since the Bombay Dynasty restaurant was established in Corby Town Centre. “The restaurant has since become an icon of Indian cuisine and established itself as the favoured restaurant of curry connoisseurs across the county. If you are a first-time visitor, you will find our cuisine versatile, ranging from urgent. We offer a richly-varied menu of fresh, natural
VOUCHER
Ingredients, wholesome sauces and flavourful spices. All of our food is natural and freshly-prepared daily on the premises with no additives or preservatives.“ We’re excited to offer this as one of our two reader offers this issue (turn to page 21 to see an offer from Love Coffee) To redeem the offer simply cut out the voucher which is attached below and take it into the restaurant any day of the week - and you’ll be free to enjoy the cheaper of your two meals for free!
2 FOR 1
As explained on the cutout voucher, it’s valid from right now, until the end of November, so make sure you make the most of this exclusive Corby Magazine offer before it’s too late. For more information on Bombay Dynasty, book a table or to find out more about this exclusive offer please call their friendly team on Corby (01536) 400 660 or visit their website at www.bombaydynasty.com. Alternatively you can pop in and say hello, as they’re located in Corby town centre.
at Bombay Dynasty CORBY
Voucher valid between the 1st September and 1st December 2011 on all main meals for eat in or take away orders. Cheapest meal free. This voucher may be used once only, and will be redeemed upon presentation. See staff for details and more information or get in touch either online or by phone.
//13
Boost your business with CEC
C
Corby Enterprise Centre (CEC), is the town’s new £8.8m hub
for local businesses and entrepreneurs, opened in December 2010. The Enterprise Centre provides flexible office and studio space for new or existing businesses looking to grow. The environmentally friendly building has created 32,000 sq ft of space, with 53 modern studios and modern furnished offices suitable for businesses of between 2 and 25 people. Corby Enterprise Centre have partnered with Buckles Solicitors in hosting a number of FREE training sessions designed specifically to assist businesses with some of the main issues they maybe facing. The sessions will guide businesses through some of the hot topics that will be crucial in making a positive impact.
//Session Details
Full information on the sessions is available at www. ceccorby.co.uk
27th September:
All of the sessions are free and we would encourage businesses to attend as many as they want.
Managing Employees in a virtual world Delivered in association with Buckles Solicitors
17th October: Effective Selling
1st November:
Using Commercial Law to your advantage: Delivered in association with Buckles Solicitors
All sessions will be held between 9.30am and 1pm and include a buffet lunch. For further information or to book your place please email enquiries@ceccorby. co.uk or call 01536 560 560.
15th November:
Creating a super sales team
6th December:
Pitfalls in recruitment and how to avoid them. Delivered in association with Buckles Solicitors
CEC’S Official hosting partners, Buckles Solicitors //14
Serviced workspaces
Flexible office and studio space with first class meeting facilities
The Enterprise Centre provides companies with a supportive and inspirational environment designed to encourage business growth.
Flexible lease terms Fully furnished workspaces Free business services and support
For further details: w. www.ceccorby.co.uk e. enquiries@ceccorby.co.uk t. 01536 560560
Make your ideas your business
Some of the team at the Corby News: Left to right (most important first): Barbara Jefferson (tea-maker and reception); Peter Jowitt (advertisements); Alan Aldaya (Chief reporter with ‘phone);
CORBY’S ORIGINAL YOUNG PUBLISHERS! An ‘Old Hack’ Remembers
Fifty years ago two young men had the bright idea of setting up a newspaper in Corby. At least they thought they were young. Lynn Lewis (that’s me) was just 23 and Mike Townson was 22. We were heralded nationally as Britain’s youngest publishers and I went on thinking how smart we were until Sean Spooner and Louis Porter came along with the Corby Magazine. As I prepared this piece, they reminded this Old Hack that they are still only 15! We launched the Corby News on 1 September, 1961, at three pence (that is three old pennies) per copy, operating out of the old candle factory in the original village. We sold 6,000 copies each Friday and, as there were only 7,000 homes in Corby, that was pretty good. We brought in a third partner, Eric Tyson – he must have been all of 25 years old – and he was our Chairman and chief feature writer, while his wife Shirley was advertisement manager. They and Townson lived in our scruffy headquarters, the former candle factory in the old village, while I lived in relative splendour in a £3 17s 6d flat atop Spencer Court in Corporation Steet. My wife, Val, who, although busy with two infants, was Woman’s Editor. We poached Alan Aldaya, whose widow Pat, daughter of Corby’s first optician Frank Carlyle, lives in Desborough and treasures the only bound set of Corby News editions, from the Evening Telegraph as chief reporter. Townson, who wooed and later married Millie Stevenson, chairman of the local Young Conservatives, was Editor, while I handled the business affairs. The whole adventurous scheme quickly attracted a photographer named Tom Dobney, who was famous for having been the youngest fighter pilot in World War II, having lied about his age to get into the RAF. Harry Nestors, a clever local part-time photographer and leading light in the strong Latvian community, helped, too. We got thoroughly involved in the developing community life. As the front page of our first issue shows, the big debate at the time was whether the co-educational grammar school should become girls only. To promote the New Town, hoping to bring shoppers in from the hated rival Kettering area, we led the Chamber of Commerce to buy the Christmas lights that had richly decorated Regent Street in London the previous year. But before we could even bring them to Corby, we received a good offer for them from traders in Coventry. We took the profit, so that we could develop some other plans for decorating Corby. On the first anniversary of the Corby News, we were interviewed by Michael Barratt in Birmingham on BBC television, about the
success of the venture. He asked if we were now rich newspaper barons. Chairman Eric told him: “We couldn’t afford a cigar!” When we returned to our office next morning, there were a dozen cigars, dropped in by well-wishers, awaiting us on the doormat. In fact we were struggling. When we chose Corby to set up business, we didn’t know that local newspapers traditionally survive on particular types of advertising that we would not have. There were virtually no houses for sale because they were all rented. There were few independent job vacancies because most people worked for Stewarts and Lloyds. There were no columns of death announcements because the population was so young. Corby residents were sneered at. One major Kettering factory regularly stated in their job advertisements in the Evening Telegraph: “People From Corby Should Not Apply.” Years later they were punished by the courts for a form of racism. We sold some advertising space to a new breed of business called a “betting shop”, not knowing that it was illegal for them to advertise. The owners and I were arrested, prosecuted and fined. The Evening Telegraph group launched a competing “Corby Leader”. It didn’t sell well so they made it a giveaway, a new phenomenon in the newspaper business, and that hurt us a bit. At the time the County of Rutland was under threat of being extinguished, so we launched a second title, the Rutland News, to get us some traditional advertising. It didn’t really work and we started blaming each other for our problems. The pressure became too much for the directors. Townson went to London to join Bernard Braden’s television programme. I joined the Sunday Mirror in Fleet Street. The Corby News went into liquidation. The Evening Telegraph group said they would buy it, offering the liquidators £1 for each copy of proven regular circulation. They thought it would cost them next to nothing, but got a shock when they had to pay out nearly £6,000. A few years later the BBC started the television programme Nationwide. Townson was invited aboard as London regional editor and went on become one of TV’s finest. I joined as an investigative reporter. So, rather than being questioned by Michael Barratt, I ended up as an occasional presenter, sitting alongside him. I left to start another business, following my interest in boating. I called it Nauticalia. It flourished and now has a dozen shops nationwide and a big mail order business. Lots of fun products. If you would like to know more, go online to look or order a catalogue at www.nauticalia.com
Spreading our wings. The masked Rutland sign told of the campaign to keep local government for Rutland. We joined the campaign, but not for long...
Tom Dobney (photographer shouldering his tripod); Lynn Lewis (overloaded with accounts); EricTyson (brains on his head) and Mike Townson (Editor).
RUTLAND NEWS. NEW PAPER OUT TODAY
Photos taken at Weldon Fest, Corby Police Station Open Day. Corby Carnival, and the Highland Gathering
Deliciously hand roasted organic coffee
I
t’s fair to say that not every product can claim to be totally ethical. Though new Corby startup LoveCoffee claims to do just that. From the sourcing, to the packaging LoveCoffee is committed to providing coffee in the fairest, most environmentally friendly and ethical way possible. The coffee beans themselves are sources from suppliers who follow the Fair Trade and Rain Forrest Alliance guidelines, ensuring farmers in South America receive a fair cut of profits. Packaging is also ethical. No glass jars, no plastic, just paper, with a thin foil layer to keep it extra fresh. Christian Owens, the founder of LoveCoffee spoke to Corby Magazine, and told us about the coffee.
“Here at Love Coffee we have a few core values that we aim to try and stick to. “No matter if it’s from where we buy the coffee, using Rainforest Alliance Certified sources or Fair-trade beans, or to passing on prices to customers and businesses, we aim to be fair and build a long lasting, sustainable coffee company. “We’ll do everything we can to keep our prices for coffee and other products low, but we’ll never sacrifice quality, customer service or support because of price. “We’re a very new company, but we want to do our best to give back to the people, no matter if it’s money to charities or products to people who need it more, when we can we’ll try to give back.” LoveCoffee are offering Corby Magazine readers an
exclusive offer when buying LoveCoffee. At the check out on LoveCoffee’s brand new website, www.lovecoffeeco.com enter the discount code ‘CORBYMAG’ and you’ll get 10% off your order, and shipping for just £2! The website is also full of great recipes, blog posts and health facts about coffee (... you’ll be surprised) Christian explained: “It’s been months in the making, and hours upon hours of work, but we’ve finally done it. — We’ve launched.” You’ll notice that you’re now able to purchase our first two coffee blends online, these are called Crema Aroma and Milano, we’ve worked extremely hard blending two incredible coffees that we think you’ll
absolutely love. “That’s not all we’ve been working on, Love Coffee also has a wholesale department, and we’re working on providing cafés, restaurants, bars and hotels with better quality coffee and an incredible price.” You can also connect with LoveCoffee, ask questions, find out more and keep upto-date with new and exciting blends on Facebook and Twitter.
Facebook:
/lovecoffeeco
@lovecoffeeco Enter CORBYMAG online at www.lovecoffeeco.com
Enter voucher code ‘CORBYMAG’ for 10% off all orders Wholesale opportunities available for local businesses, restaurants, cafes and hotels. Call: 01536 460 115
//21
CORBY’S TALENT - AND A WHOLE LOT OF IT. To an outsider or some one from beyond the town limits, Corby was always regarded as a bit different. A tough town where opinions were forthright and the water was as hard as its occupants, but even with an exterior that would put a Brazil nut to shame, Corby was always been friendly and caring on the inside with a high turn over of talent. Now, I don’t want to be sycophantically mushy and build up any individuals in or from the town but, this little steel town has always produced the type of person that shows endeavour, achievement, hard work and skills with added capability that makes others round them pleased, appreciative, gracious and thankful that they are from this town, the place where we all live. I’ve read several of those historical reference books crammed full of shots of what Corby once was. You can see that the towns folk were industrious types that lived in Tunwell Lane, West View or the High Street and there was talent then, if only in their collective role in the community that then lived in, supported and supported by whilst being part of society. As we move into the more recent history of the town, we have cheered for young athletes, who have gone on to perform all over the globe, footballers and boxers that have reached the highest levels, creative writers that have written works that have been turned into much loved TV programs. We have gymnasts, yes lots, that will be around for years to come, actors, that have performed on stages up and down the country as well as the screen. There have been dancers, and that covers many genre, from Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, Street, Highland and Irish,
all from round our way, that had sent a high kick or step ball change some where on an elevated stage. There have even been Poets! One of which played Glastonbury (it was a small poetry tent... not a biggy) and bands! So many bands and singers. Rock bands, Brass bands and Pipe bands as well as the individual members that have broken away that have been on massive world wide tours or released accomplished albums. Corby has even been a hot bed for politicians and trade unionists alike as well as the several artists, performers, presenters, publishers and designers and presenter on both TV and radio that produce a high standard of work and they were schooled here. So as you read through this list you can probably fill in your own answers to who is talented in each field but, to a one its got to be said that they are proud to be from Corby as we are of having them represent us and add to the rich history, pride and spirit of Corby.
education
New Tresham Opens We look at the newly opened Tresham Collage, and the growing success of Corby’s education
Corby’s new £35million Tresham Campus has opened its doors to students of further and higher education. The new state-of-the-art campus replaces the soon to be demolished building on George Street, and with it’s modern design has become a structual icon in Corby already. The college has been built on the old Corby Community College site on Cottingham Road, and connects up the ‘Corby Walk’ between the Train Station and Corby Town Centre. The range of courses that the Corby Tresham College can provide has now been increased, as there is more space in the new complex. A range of computing, sports, business and care courses started this September as the Tresham Website explains.
//24
“Our brand new £35m Corby Campus continues to offer a range of vocational programmes training learners for employment in a number of specialist fields, including Construction, Catering, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy and Engineering. “In September 2011 new provision was introduced in Sport, Public Services, Computing, Business, Care and Early Years as well as a number of new Higher Education programmes. “ The majority of the funding for the new complex was provided by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), as well as approximately £10m from Tresham itself.
Planning permission from Corby Borough Council was granted in May 2009, after issues were highlighted with
the old campus on George Street. Contractors who worked on the site were praised as the keys were handed over to Tresham back in August both on time, and on budget, with the project taking just 91 weeks from start to finish. Now the old site in George Street will be demolished to make way for the new six screen cinema which is set to be open within the next two years. As well as the new cinema, there are also more plans to improve the town centre further, including the old Strathclyde Hotel, which is set to under-go a transformation. If plans are approved for the new free school in Corby, it is set to work along side the Tresham College, using both facilities and equipment. This would be yet another massive leap forward for education here in Corby, after the recent improvments including Corby Business Academy, the regeneration of The Kingswood School and the new Arts and Media block which opened at Brooke Weston - who remain one of the top schools in England. The Executive Principle of Brooke Weston and Corby Business Academy, Sir Peter Simpson is behind the bid to get Corby a free school, however at a meeting and
public consoltation earlier this year, Councillors spoke of the need to improve schools - like Lodge Park - in the town before we build more. One parent told Corby Magazine: “My daughter is learning in a portakabin, and yet there are plans to build another brand new school for a small amount of students. “Though I am in favor of the free school here in Corby I think that we may be getting a bit ahead of oursleves, and missing key needs of some children on the way. “I’d like to see the current four schools working together to ensure that they’re all doing as well as they possibly can, then I think there is room for a new free school, but until then I feel the priorities are totally wrong” It was also raised at the meeting that due to the growing population of the town, with in the next few years there must be provisions in place to build a fifth secondary school, to ensure every child in Corby has a place in a school here in Corby. Grades in Corby have also got noticibly better over the past five years, as well at nationally, with this year of A-Level students nationally getting the best results for over 20 years. Have your say on this matter: newsdesk@corbymagazine.com
//25
regeneration
Corby Regen’ update Corby Magazine takes a look at what’s coming next in the regeneration of Corby - and when it’s set to be finished The Cube has been open for a year this November, and the pool is over two years old - so the people of Corby are asking ‘what’s next’ in the regeneration of the town
floor becoming a JD Wetherspoons.
There are many plans for more new and exciting things to come to Corby over the next few years, including a new Odeon Cinema, and a new Tesco, not to mention a new school within the next ten years here in Corby, to cope with the increase in the population.
It’s said that the rest of the floors will remain in the hands of the counci, used to store away documents and files for future reference.
One of the first changes which we’re going to see is the old council building, Grosvenor House, have a complete make over, both inside and out. The outside of the building is going to be recladded, making it fit it more with the design of the Cube. The inside of the building is then gonig to be refurbished, with the ground
//26
Floors one and two are going to be made into office space for local businesses.
That is not the only change that Corby Town Center is going to see over the coming months as the old Tresham Collage’s demolition begins soon. The site will then be used to build a six screen cinema, which is being backed by the chain Odeon. The planning permission for the cinema was granted by Corby Borough Council erlier this year, like-wise was that of the new Tesco store which is set to be built in the St James’ area of
the town. The new Tesco will fill the plot of land, known locallty as the ‘black=hills’ which currently lays empty, bringing with it jobs for the town. The planning of the Tesco came into dispute, as we reported earlier this year, however Land Securities did not submit their planning application in the end. All of these developments, along with the just opened Corby Tresham College on Cottingham Road, the Enterprise Centre, and the continuation of developments of housing in Corbt can only be good news. All of this news comes as the date approaches the Queens Jubliee, where Corby may become a City.
Other recent openings include Corby Town’s new ground, Steel Park, which opened this summer, and was named after a public vote on the Council’s website. Despite all of this, there are still things which people are asking for. An art gallery. A bowling Alley. We want to know what you think Corby needs, or maybe just what you’d like to see in the town. Tell us what you think on our Facebook page, and ‘like’ us whilst you’re there. You can find it by searching for ‘Corby Magazine’, or you can find us with the username @corbymagazine on Twitter.
//27
local problems
Left in the dark Some people in Corby and across Northants say they’re left in the dark after countless streetlights were switched off. It’s been a story which was impossible to avoid a few months back - Northants’ County Council’s decision to switch off 50% of all street lights in Corby, and across the rest of the county. The lights began to be turned off back in May in the south of the county, starting with Corby. At the time, we reported on our website of the group which had recently been set-up on Facebook to attempt to stop the lights being switched off, or at very least organise a public consultation with NCC. The group, called ‘Corby Street Lights’ was set up by local residant Melanie Yule, and now has 1900 members, all in support of talks with the county council to try and come to a solution which benefits both the council’s tight budgets and the people of the county’s needs as the winter nights draw closer.
//28
Even when under fire with some tough questions, Ms Yule stayed true to her word, insisting that the page, and the movement was non-political, and had local cross party support - set up solely for the people of Corby. The efforts of the page, and Melanie herself did not go unnoticed. The campaign attracted media attention from BBC and ITV news, local radio and newspapers, both before and after a peaceful protest was held outside the Corby Cube. The protest attracted many hundreds of local people, and members of the council, including the leader, Cllr Pat Fawcett who reassured residents saying: “This is one cut too far for Corby” “I want everyone here today to know that, the first person which is injured because of these cuts has full legal backing from Corby Council”
Group leader Melanie was also nominated for a Spirit of Corby award for the work which she is doing in her ‘fight for light’ The lights were switched off at a rate of 1,000 a day over the county at its peak, as the county council attempted to plug a £70 million ‘black hole’ All together it is said that when finished 50% of all street lights in Northamptonshire will be switched off. Despite the increasing pressure which NCC have came under from the Facebook group, and others like it they’re yet to make a U-turn on the decision, and it’s looks like they’re not set to any time soon either. They have however been in speaks with Corby borough Council over a ‘light-for-light’ swap, ensuring that although 50% of all lighting will remain off, the public will have the option for a set amount of time to swap lights, so there is more lighting in areas which people have highlighted as dangerous. This is seen as a step forward according to campaigners. The Facebook group now has backing from the MP, Louise Mensch, who although showed signs of backing away from the cause publicly on Twitter to begin with, later appeared in the local evening paper in
full support of the group. Almost all of the lights are now off across the county, and the initial anger seems to be slowing down, however there have been several further protests since the first, including one which disputed, before bringing to a close the official opening of the new George Street - to which County Council officials attended. Though there is no further action publicly announced, the anger still exists in the county, according to some. As the longer, and darker winter nights draw in the full effects of the streetlight losses will begin to show. We want to know what you think to the whole situation, and if you’ve had any problems yet as this winter draws in. You can post on our Facebook wall, by simply searching on Facebook for ‘Corby Magazine’ You can also Tweet us to do so simply tweet @corbymagazine followed by your thoughts of story, and we’ll get back in touch. Or you can email the Corby Magazine news desk in relation to this, or any other story which we’ve reported on or which is breaking - the email address for the Corby Magazine news desk is newsdesk@corbymagazine.com.
//29
Following her redundancy from the environmental charity Groundwork Northamptonshire, Olwen Turns, from Corby, set up her own company “Cloverleaf ”. Olwen is an international dog trainer who specialises in animal behaviour problems and training, mainly working with dogs and horses. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Pet Dog Trainers of Europe and INTODogs . Olwen says “being a member of these organisations shows people that I have the best
interests of their pets at heart and that I do not use punitive punishment techniques to train; I train using methods that have been around for centuries and have been scientifically proven to work.”
action, I believe this borders on animal abuse, my aim is to teach an alternative desirable behaviour instead. For instance if your dog is chewing the sofa teaching him to prefer chew toys.”
She goes on to say that there is no quick fix and that changing an animal’s behaviour can be a slow process, despite what may be seen in the media. “Quick fixes stop the behaviour at the time but need to be repeated each time the animal does that
Olwen also offers dog grooming, and small animal microchipping. While she is busy looking for a suitable premises, Olwen comes to your home to care for your animal; she is able to microchip at a younger age than vets usually do, chipping
whole litters as young as 7 weeks old, before they are sent to their new owners. Olwen runs Good Dog Training School and is studying for a degree in animal behaviour To find out more about Cloverleaf and Olwen’s pet services visit the website www.olwenturns. co.uk or contact her on 07905 387703 or email info@olwenturns.co.uk Good Dog Training School classes are held on Friday nights at St Ninian’s, Beanfield Avenue the website is www.gooddogschool.webs.com .
editor’s page
Well, that was fun Here at Corby Magazine, though we normally work hard non-stop for the next issue, this summer we let our hair down! So - it’s fair to say running a magazine at our age comes with both it’ upsides, and its down sides. One of the down sides, generally speaking, is that we don’t get a lot of time to do the things that we want to (which is expected juggling both education and business) This summer, for four weeks we decided that it was all going to change. We closed our laptop lids, scrapped our BlackBerry’s put our shoes on, and got out there. Just after we made this decision, we opened our laptops, and switched our Blackberry’s back on in true geek fashion, just in time to attend a young people’s national hackathon week. We were working along side a number of other young people down in Brighton, at creative media company Nixon McInnes’ offices.
//32
The challenge was simple. We had just one week to think of, create and design a website, or phone app using the UK government’s data, before pitching it to experts including TechCrunch’s Mike Butcher at Microsoft’s London offices in Victoria. We worked with two others, Damon Hayhurst and James Cunningham on a suite of applications to build bridges between votes and both local and central governments. We called the application, rather simply, AskGov. We didn’t win! Never the less our plan to do no work what-so-ever over the holidays was paying off - a few days travelling the whole south coast thanks to Southern Train’s super low fairs did us a world of good, and left us in the mood to do more by time we were back in Corby. So we did.
A few weeks after the hackathon - YRS - we were invited down to the Microsoft head offices here in the UK, by a friend of ours, Ben Nunney. Ben is student Evangelist at Microsoft, and more relevantly brother of Connect FM’s Greg Nunney! After a crazily long trip down, on rail replacement busses, trains and tubes we made it to the five building campus, with specific instructions to meet Ben in building number two. We rather mathematically found ourselves lost, speaking to a confused looking receptionist in building number three. Never-the-less, a few phone calls, and much walking on Ben’s part later we found ourselves in the ‘Microsoft experience room’ (essentially a room filled to the brim with all of the awesome technologies which they’re currently working on, and a show case of pieces from the not too distant past) We were shown many new and exciting pieces of tech, including the new Window’s Phone operating system, Mango, and their touch surface table. We also had a chance to speak to Ben about how Microsoft can help both young entrepreneurs and students. Also - there was free Starbucks!
Despite other smaller events, and days out, everything seemed to be getting a lot quieter. Then we were invited to an exclusive album playback of the number one Album ‘plus’ by UK artist Ed Sheeran. That proved another great day out in the capital, to go along with so many others this holiday. And to top it all off, the US magazine website, Babble named us in the top 20 ‘kid moguls who started their own businesses’ Though we truly argue wether it’s factually correct, the site compares us to such names as Thomas Edison, which is a big claim on any level. But regardless it looks good, so we’re not complaining too loudly! Then - like everyone else, it was back to school and back to working on this edition of Corby Magazine, it was a tight squeeze, but if you’re reading this, it looks like we just about made it. So, a great summer and a great summer issue of the Corby Magazine! We’d love to hear your summer stories, and see some of your summer photos. If you’ve got anything to share, send it our way on Facebook or email us, newsdesk@corbymagazine.com
//33
Signing off... So there we have it Corby, those three days of over-cast weather, with few showers that we call summer is now over - back to counting away the days until christmas now! Though we can all admit that the weather has not been as good as it could have been, its been an amazing summer here in Corby, and we’ve been there every step of the way, covering it as it happens online, on Twitter and Facebook and of course in print. Though we get excited for summer, it’s nothing compared with the thrills that come with developing a christmas edition of a magazine. The next issue is out in December, and will be packed full of festive goodness - including an extended edition of our annual christmas gift guide. If you really can not wait for the next issue, and want more frequent updates from Corby Magazine, join us on Facebook and Twitter, where already almost 1,500 people have connected. It’s been great putting this issue together, along side getting our first set of GCSE results, and enjoyng a great summer! We hope you’ve enjoyed it!
SeanSpooner Sean Spooner Editor - Corby Magazine.
A look at what’s coming in next issue of Corby Magazine Gift Guide This year there’s going to be an extended four page christmas gift guide, featuring not only great products from online, and on the high-street, but also plenty from local retailers, designers, and businesses. And to top if off some christman themed prizes to be won.
Back in time Looking back at the recorded and remembered history of Corby, coming from a small village, to a steel town - falling - and the fight to get back on its feet. We’ll also be hitting the archives in Corby Libaray to get some great picutres.
Core blimey An insight into the work with the Core, and the Corby Cube have done over the past year, as the Cube approaches it’s first birthday... but still no official opening.