Your Art

Christmas recycling tips

The festive season can result in the creation of extra waste as cards and presents are bought and exchanged.

Reduce waste and recycle more using these tips:

• Flatten clean cardboard to put in the recycling bin. Put polystyrene in general waste.

• Use recyclable wrapping paper but remove any tape, glitter or ribbon. Also consider switching to sending digital Christmas cards.

• Choose decorations that you can reuse. Tinsel, glass and plastic baubles can’t be recycled.

• Do the crinkle test - if wrapping paper can be scrunched up and doesn’t spring back it can be recycled.

• Food waste is a huge problem in the UK. Leftover food can be used to make other meals. Head to lovefoodhatewaste.com for recipes and tips on how to reduce food waste.

The council is appealing for all residents to take personal responsibility to dispose of waste sensibly this Christmas holiday. Please do not dump waste, create an eyesore and leave it for someone else to sort. Bins at recycling sites in Erewash are usually emptied every day except the Bank Holidays, but the West Park recycling site in Long Eaton often sees a large number of people visiting on Boxing Day to dispose of packaging and other items.

The council appeals to householders to consider keeping waste aside until their usual household recycling collections as crews will take recycling side waste.

Unfortunately, a few irresponsible people dump Christmas waste at the sites, without breaking down cardboard to fit into recycling bins causing an environmentally damaging eyesore.

Other people cannot then get to the recycling bins to properly dispose of their waste.

Our gallery, your art

Young residents of the borough took over Erewash Museum’s Lally Gallery in October as part of the new ‘Hand it Over’ event. The event saw over 50 children bring in more than 60 important items and art masterpieces which were then exhibited over the month for all visitors to enjoy. The display showcased the wonderful talent of Erewash children with a massive range of submissions including paintings in all mediums, sculptures, mixed media projects, medals and more!

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Chris Corbett, attended the opening of the gallery alongside the children who exhibited and their families. A new apprentice has started with the council’s team of mechanics. Sam McLoughlin is a school leaver and has joined the team as an Apprentice Mechanic.

Sam says: “I spent a lot of time preparing for the interview and thought it went quite well but you never know, so when I got the call offering me the job I couldn’t believe it. I’m really keen to do my best and enjoy the time I spend with the other mechanics.”

Karen Wright, Fleet Services manager, says: “His enthusiasm and eagerness to learn makes Sam a joy to train and he has settled in really well.”

Sam joins team

Councillor Corbett handed out certificates to the participants, took photos with the visitors and learnt all about the artistic achievements of our young residents.

The event was such a success that it will return next year! Late 2023 will see children take over the Erewash Museum once again and this time they’ll also curate their own exhibition. Get creating now to be ready for the newest regular event.

Relight my fire

The annual Erewash Bonfire and Firework display took place on Saturday 5 November and once again illuminated the borough’s sky with a colourful extravaganza.

Thousands of residents and visitors gathered at West Park in Long Eaton to see the Mayor, Councillor John Sewell, light the bonfire.

The spectacular bonfire is always a highlight and was enjoyed by the large crowds that attended the popular event. Food stalls assisted in making the evening truly unforgettable with autumn staples like sticky toffee apples and rich hot chocolate enjoyed by all. Fairground rides thrilled children and adults alike as they waited for the fireworks to begin.

Residents and visitors looked to the night sky to enjoy the spectacular display comprising of a variety of fireworks from exhilarating Rockets to beautiful Catherine Wheels. As always, the display excited all with the sensations of the season – the bangs of the fireworks, the smell of the blazing fire, and the vibrant lights seen only once a year.

Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of the Council, says: “The Bonfire and Firework display is one of the council’s most exciting and popular events of the year, with 2022 being no different! Events like these are vital in lifting spirits and bringing people together during these colder months. It was wonderful that so many residents and visitors could get together at the event to enjoy the spectacular display.”

There is certainly no one who will forget this 5th of November!

Erewash Light Night

Saturday 11 February 2023

Show up & Shine: Show off your bright rays and shine like a star. We invite everyone to shine brightly, illuminating 2023 with positivity.

The finale of the Erewash Festival of Light season will see a special light night event at Erewash Museum. There will be creative workshops throughout the day for everyone to enjoy and a stunning show of lanterns will join one giant procession to Ilkeston Market Place.

If you are a community group in Erewash who would like artist support to create a lantern representing ‘what makes you shine’ we are offering one-off workshops throughout January. You can bring your group to Erewash Museum or we come to you. Arts Officer Zoe would love to hear from you. Email zoe.sussmeyer@erewash.gov.uk

SNOW INFO

For latest information, gritting routes and to request a road to be gritted Call Derbyshire 01629 533190