Latest news with #nursery
BBC News
10 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Telford Sikh temple gets go-ahead for children's nursery
A Sikh temple has been given permission to use part of its site as a children's Gurdwara in Priorslee said it wanted to "maximise its benefits" for the community.A plan to hold weddings for up to 881 guests was recently rejected over concerns about traffic at Telford & Wrekin Council said that the Abbey House site had 109 car parking spaces, while the applicant estimated that the nursery would create 40 trips per day. The gurdwara (Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurdwara) near Priorslee Roundabout already has permission for a games area and children's have said the play area must be developed before the nursery to provide outdoor space. The opening hours of the nursery would not coincide with any event taking place at the gurdwara, and would make use of an "under-utilised" part of the building, the application added that the facility would be "open to the general public, as well as existing members of the congregation/Sikh community". Extended contribution Council planners said: "It is understood that the area in question is currently only occupied during ceremonies or events at the site, providing space for the marriage registry and areas for religious learning."However, during the weekdays this space is not required for these purposes."Planning agent Richard Jewkes of Simpatico Town Planning Limited had told the council that the proposal was aimed at improving facilities at the site, and extending the contribution which the gurdwara makes to the local community. This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
25-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Hackney nursery subsidiaries cuts will force families out of borough
Cuts to nursery subsidies will force families to leave an east London borough, parents have than 170 parents came together to oppose planned cuts to childcare subsidies funded by Hackney Council, staging a protest outside Hackney Town Hall on Monday September, families with a combined income of £55,000 will no longer receive subsidies from the council towards their childcare are calling on the council to re-think the move, but Hackney Council says the changes have been timed to take place at the same time as the national expansion of government-funded childcare so that the impact on families is as low as possible. Luisa is a university lecturer and lives with her partner in Hackney. Their daughter Leila attends nursery full time. From September, if the planned changes go through, the family will be paying an extra £400 a month, says Luisa. "We didn't expect this from this council," she says. "To know when the kids turn three there should be a significant decrease and there will be an increase, we feel a little bit betrayed." Italian-born Luisa says Hackney is a place with a lot of international people. "We don't have families to support us so the children's centres need to be in place, to allow us to pay the mortgage and rent as the cost of housing is incredibly high here."She says it will drive people out of the borough. It is a sentiment echoed by another parent Paul. He has a child in nursery and his wife is pregnant. He says: "It makes childcare unaffordable, we're having to drop our daughter down to three times a week as that is all we can afford instead of full time."It is going to mean a real drop in our income which means our kids are losing out."He adds: "We've been waiting all this time for 30 hours funded, it's pointless, you wait till they are two and you get 30 hours funded childcare and somehow people going to be paying even more than they are already paying." Hackney announced the change in a letter to parents in April. In the letter, the authority said it would keep the subsidies in place for families with an income of less than £55,000. Families in Band 1 who earn up to £34,000 receive up to 64% subsidy. Families in Band 2 who earn between £34,000 and £55,000 receive a subsidy of up to 58%. In a change to the banding system, they are withdrawing the subsidies from Children's Centre Fee Bands 3 (£55-69,999), 4 (£70,000 - £99,999) and 5 (£100,000). They also say children in need will continue to receive childcare support. In a statement to the BBC, Labour Hackney councillor Anya Sizer said: "Supporting all our local families to access the quality childcare they deserve has been one of our long term priorities and we have led the way in providing subsidised childcare. "Now that the government has followed our lead with the national expansion of government-funded childcare, we can focus on ensuring that families most in need still get extra financial help to afford additional childcare. "After carefully considering our options, we decided to maintain the council subsidies for families accessing childcare in our maintained children's centres with an annual income below £55,000. "This will ensure that some of our most disadvantaged children still have access to the support and high quality childcare they deserve."The council said a 63% subsidy means that the council pays £6 and parents pay £4 for a place that costs £10 per hour.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Much-loved nursery worker retires after 26 years in Greenock primary school
A MUCH-LOVED member of Whinhill Primary Nursery has retired after almost 26 years. Cathy Piggott has cared for generations of children at the school and feels very emotional about leaving. The 58-year-old education and early years childcare officer, has been a stalwart of the nursery and has been popular with children and staff. (Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro) Cathy said: "I've worked with children for 40 years, as a nanny, childminder and also in the special care unit, looking after premature babies. "I feel quite emotional about retiring but I am not not able physically to do what I used to do I've got arthritis. "They had an assembly with all the children yesterday on Wednesday and I felt really emotional "I can't stop crying." OTHER NEWS: Second chance to snap up stunning artwork and crafts at super summer show Martin Compston stars in new drama with Shetland actor Casualty rescued from water after emergency services rush to Wemyss Bay Cathy said it has been the best job in the world. She said: "I have loved being with the children, I'm going to really miss them. "It's been a privilege to be able to look after them. It's just an amazing school. "I've been here so long, I now have parents who came here as children. I've been working with families from all different generations. "It's just amazing that the parents trust us with their most precious possession. It's great to see their confidence grow and develop as they go through the school. "It's a happy environment. I love singing and dancing and responding to the children. It's been the perfect job. "I like making the kids laugh. If they feel safe and happy in this environment then they will learn. I'm very silly. Laughter is the best medicine." She quipped: "I always said when I couldn't do a forward roll, I would retire. So I need to retire, I'm more a sausage roll kind of woman now." Cathy studied at the then James Watt called for the National Nursery Examination Board(NNEB) qualification back in the day and has relished working with children ever since. She hails from Greenock but now lives in Gourock and is married to Ian who works with Scottish Water. The pair have a daughter Lauren, 31, who is expecting their first grandchild. Cathy said: "This is the only saving grace of retiring that I 'm going to be a grandmother and I'll still have some contact with children. It's a grandson and he is due in August." As well as looking after her grandson, Cathy is also looking for something to do part-time. She said: "It is early retirement, so I feel I need to do something else, some type of part-time work. "I started volunteering with Compassionate Inverclyde a couple of months ago." Cathy says she is putting holiday plans on hold until her grandson safely arrives. She said: "I juts cannot relax I am so excited." She is looking forward to spending more time with her family and her husband is also dropping his hours to work three days a week. Head teacher Liz Ruddy, who has worked with Cathy for many years, said: "I am delighted for Cathy and this exciting time she is looking forward to in her own life. "She will be greatly missed at Whinhill. The quality of care she has offered to the nursery and school, she was the keyworker when my own children were at nursery and they still have such fond memories of her." Mrs Ruddy said the 'incredible' start she has given children has supported them in their journey throughout the school and beyond. She said: "We hope she will not be a stranger."
Forbes
23-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Great Vines Can Help Make Great Wines
Lilian Bérillon, sitting in his office just north of Avignon in the Rhone Valley of France, spoke about a strange truth: many winemakers appear to be oblivious to which vines they buy. The grapevines from Pépinière Bérillon differ from most others produced in nurseries within France. Bérillon believes that the difference is reflected in the quality of wines produced, the sustainability of vines and—ultimately—in the country's long term agricultural health. Lilian Bérillon at his vine nursery near Avignon, Rhone Valley, France Tom Mullen 'I'm 53 years old and I've set up my own business,' he said. 'Both my grandfathers were nurserymen. Twenty-five years ago I understood the need to make a decision. Either we make vines for mass viticulture—for those who want to make a lot of grapes and volume of wine—or we make vines for quality agriculture. I wanted to create a different model for the nursery, geared exclusively towards winegrowers who want to make good wine. 'I made the choice to create a nursery for quality viticulture. The special feature in our nursery is that we only make 100% massal selection.' When vinegrowers replace vines—due to age, health or a decision to change the planted grape variety—they can visit a nursery and purchase vines that are clones, or else they can purchase vines that were grown from their parent vines—known as 'massal selection.' Clones have the advantage of having been bred to resist certain diseases; they have the potential disadvantage of being genetically identical. Vines produced via massal selection may be more susceptible to disease, but they are genetically diverse. Beginning in the 1950's in France (and much of the world) clones have grown to dominate the market. Bérillon estimates that some 8% of vine nurseries in France account for about 50% of total grapevine production, and that those using massal selection account for approximately 10% or less of all nurseries. He believes that genetic variability inherent in massal selected vines is advantageous because it provides plants with versatility, and that those vines at a young age can produce rich tasting wines. 'The vine became an industry, and a lot of cheap plants had to be produced, ignoring the desire to make great wines. But genetic diversity is indispensable. A property in Châteauneuf-du-Pape grew my plants and other plants next to them for comparison. In 2021 during the freeze, my plants lived, whereas the others had a 30% mortality rate. The vines are more resilient, and the wines are better because the terroir expresses itself. 'Today we see the limit of resistant vine varieties that were supposed to resist the diseases of downy mildew and oidium. Strains of mildew have evolved, and resistant vines catch mildew or other diseases. Any recognized scientist will explain that biodiversity is necessary for resistance. Our objective is not only the quality of juice, but the sustainability of the vine.' Wax dipped grape vines ready to be boxed and shipped Tom Mullen Bérillon is also concerned that some cloned vines appear to have relatively brief life spans of only 25 years, after which many need replacing. 'We need to be able to deliver a vine that can live for 50, 80 or 100 years. And it's possible.' He spoke of a professional he works with who assesses Syrah wines produced by two types of vines—cloned and those via massal selection. 'He always says that the tragedy of the clone is that it takes over the terroir.' The implication is that local soil and climate conditions will have less impact on the eventual taste of wine. (This and other related issues are highlighted in a 2024 French documentary [with English subtitles] that provides inputs from various winemakers regarding genetic diversity.) Bérillon's customers include prestigious estates such as Château Cheval Blanc, Château Pontet-Canet, Château Rauzan Segla, Chateau Canon and Château Ausone in Bordeaux as well as Château de Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape as well as other producers from throughout France. 'We have roughly 200 to 250 customers. But our nursery is quite an atypical model. Here there are 170 hectares [420 acres] and we have about 60 different grape varieties and 23 rootstock varieties—which means we can always meet European demand without too much difficulty.' The reason there is a difference between their number of vine and rootstock varieties is due to the subterranean phylloxera louse that wiped out huge swaths of the world's grape vines during the mid 19th century. That problem was solved by grafting disease resistance rootstock onto separate vines that produce grapes. The result is that the underground roots differ from fruit vines above. This also means that nurseries graft, or attach, rootstocks to vines. Staff at this nursery use the same foot operated grafting equipment designed by Bérillon's grandfather—each with the number 1950 embossed in metal, the year when the machinery was made. They method used is known as 'whip and tongue,' which is renowned to provide secure interlockings. A staff of eight can graft 2,000 vines per day. Bérillon's foot operated machines from the 1950's use the 'whip and tongue' grafting method Tom Mullen Bérillon's operation includes all facets of vine production—growing vines and rootstocks as well as grafting and handling sales, marketing and distribution. They pay no traders or subcontractors and train all staff extensively. 'We take a quality approach where everything is done by hand. It's a bit more expensive.' These massal selected vines cost about six Euros ($6.90) each to purchase, whereas most commercial cloned vines cost 1.5 Euros ($1.75). 'Investors understand that you have to start with a quality plant,' Bérillon said. 'When you sell a bottle for 30, 40 or 200 Euros, that cost is not so big. And the impact of the greater price is, over 50 years, about 12 cents per bottle.' Bérillon's business associate, Alain Guiraudon, spoke of surprise that wine producers are not more scrupulous in sourcing their vines and rootstocks. 'When you eat in a gourmet restaurant they bring you the plate and explain what's on it—and the life of each ingredient on your plate. They explain why a particular market gardener grew that tomato in a certain way. It's the same with the medical industry—sourcing and traceability is what people talk about. In our society there is a fear of not knowing where products come from.' Also visiting the nursery that day were winemaker Cécile Dusserre and her daughter Amélie. These fifth and sixth generation female winemakers from Domaine Montvac grows vines in Gigondas and Vacqueyras in the Rhone Valley. Cécile explained how they have worked with Bérillon for years. Amélie spoke of the results. 'We make 11 different wines from 14 different grape varieties. To have the best wines we need to have the best vines, and therefore the best grafts. Even with very young vines just starting to produce, what you have in the glass is already a great wine. It's rare to have such high quality complexity and diversity so young.' Later, I walked outdoors with Bérillon and gazed at fields of vines. 'We are creative,' he said. 'We have a vision that is modern, but with a mixture of tradition, of safeguarding methods, providing genetic diversity. In other words—common sense in agriculture. This plant nursery is unique because we produce material with genetic richness. 'I'm not a magician. If I deliver plants to a winegrower who doesn't work his soil, it won't work. It's really a job that involves both the nurseryman and the winegrower. We can't function without each other. 'I have a very personal, special perspective—which is that I love wine. When you love wine, you ask yourself questions for the winegrower, not just for the balance sheet. To make a great wine, you have to start with a good plant. For a great recipe, you need good ingredients.'
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Yahoo
Moment intruders break into family-run nursery and smash glass doors in early hours
CCTV images captured the moment vile intruders broke into a family-run nursery by smashing the glass doors during the early hours of the morning. The suspects targeted the NurseryandME venue in Ashton-in-Makerfield in the early hours of June 20, causing 'significant' damage to doors and taking children's coats, shoes and boots. Police are now investigating the incident, with local ward councillor Danny Fletcher urging any witnesses to come forward and report to the police. READ MORE: Live updates as 'police incident' leaves M60 shut for more than four hours READ MORE: The M60 is still shut four hours after 'police incident' started - here's what we know so far Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE Pictures taken the following morning showed shards of glass shattered and strewn over the floor after the doors were bashed down at around 1.30am. "The nursery was broken into, with significant damage caused to their newly installed front doors — doors that had only recently been funded through a community-led fun day," Coun Fletcher said. "Items essential to the children's daily care, including coats, shoes, and boots, were also taken or damaged. I've been in direct contact with the nursery team and have raised the matter with the council to ensure they receive the support and guidance they need, particularly around improving site security. "I've also submitted a formal request for advice on school-standard fencing, which the nursery has identified as a growing concern. I'm working closely with Greater Manchester Police and encourage anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area around that time to come forward. "Incidents like this are deeply upsetting for the staff, families, and children involved — but I know our community will rally around them and help them recover.' A GoFundMe page has since been set up to help raise funds to support the nursery following the incident. Donations can be made here. --- Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@ or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
