News

Joan asked the Secretary of State for Education in the House of Commons yesterday to explain his recent announcement on Building Schools for the Future and what it means for Stoke-on-Trent and received confirmation from the Secretary of State that Stoke-on-Trent, as a local authority that has reached financial close, will see all the schools under Building Schools for the Future rebuilt or refurbished.

Information from VAST on the latest funding opportunities news and events within the Voluntary and Community Sector.

A host of activities are available for borough youngsters as part of the six- week summer holiday SPLAT scheme. Swimming, football, tennis and cricket are just a few of the sports being provided for eight to 16-year-olds by organisers Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire University are signed up to work with the Carbon Trust to cut their energy use and reduce carbon emissions.

The new Education Secretary Michael Gove has announced that the Coalition Government is to scrap hundred of news schools planned to be built as part of the Building Schools for the Future programme. The good news is Stoke-on-Trent's new schools will go ahead.

Joan, who has been instrumental in helping secure the funds for an eco learning centre at West Port Lake, will be officially opening the new learning centre at the Visitor Centre on July 9th at 11.30am. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has transformed the empty basement of its Wesport Lake Visitor Centre into a learning and training space after winning funds from Advantage West Midlands.

I oppose the Coalition Government's plans to raise VAT by 20%.

Joan teamed up with Trade Union leaders and local organisations to launch the plans to set up a learning centre at Port Vale 's Football in The Community. The open day is a culmination of all the good work that has been put in to the Union Vale Centre to support the local community as well as help to increase the skills and their quality of life for Union members within their places of work.

Ian Dudson, High Sheriff for Staffordshire 2010-11 is planning to use his year as High Sheriff to engage with all parts of the community across Staffordshire and to reinforce the County’s importance in terms of the its industrial archaeology, particularly related to the Ceramic Industry. He is planning a “Canal Challenge” which involves walking all 150 or so miles of the canals in Staffordshire. The walks are planned to take place on some 18 different days spread throughout the remainder of 2010 and Ian will use the challenge to raise funds for the Staffordshire Community Foundation.

Listen to Joan today on the Stuart George show on Radio Stoke http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/stoke/hi/tv_and_radio/