71 year old man from Kettering plans to walk length of Britain

A 71 year old man from Kettering is planning to walk the length of Britain for two local charities.

Keith Ogley will walk 1,100 miles from Lands End to John O Groats next year, with the hope of raising £20,000.

The start date for the walk is May next year, with Mr Ogley confident in completing it by mid-August.

All money raised will be donated between Cransley Hospice and the Kettering and District Lions Club.

Cransley Hospice is important to Mr Ogley as his wife spent the last few weeks of her life in 'comfort and dignity' in the hands of the residence.

He said on his Just Giving page: "It is important to me that this service continues to be provided to the local community."

"I do not have much in the way of skills, either practical or mental but I am blessed with reasonable health and fitness for my age and feel that I can put them to use in an attempt to benefit those less fortunate than I have been."

"Last year I walked the Coast to Coast Path in support of this charity but still feel that there is more I should do whilst still physically able."

"If people think older people can't walk these distances they should get out and meet some rambling groups."

Mr Ogley is already walking three to four times a week in order to get ready for the incredible distance he will take on next year.

If you wish to contact about sponsorship or general information, the e-mail is keithlejog@btinternet.com

Please check out all of the relevant pages below in order to support Mr Ogley on his adventure. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keithsendtoendwalk/info

Just Giving: https://www.justgiving.com/keith-ogley1/

By Stephen Matthews

Wellingborough Samurai steals meat from Tesco

Yesterday, a man wielding a samurai sword stole meat from a Tesco Express in Cannon Street at around 2:40pm.

The man was described as white, slim build, short brown hair and about 5ft 9in tall wearing a black hoodie with white stripes on the arms, blue jeans and dark brown shoes.

Although he had a samurai sword strapped to his back, he never used it and didn't seem to threaten anybody with it.

Police are currently appealing for any witnesses to this crime or anyone that may have any information regarding it.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

By Joe Shine

The dismal reality of shopping in Kettering

Let’s be honest, Kettering will never be the world’s best shopping destination. 

But that doesn’t mean it should go completely downhill either. Despite various attempts over the years to improve facilities and rebrand the town centre, shopping in Kettering is as disappointing as ever.  

Part of Kettering’s problem is the high turnaround of businesses. Most of the newer shops only seem to last for a few months before shutting down, moving premises, or becoming another new store. These constant changes are off-putting for shoppers. Every time I visit the centre there is at least one shop that has shut since the last time I was there. Consequently, we are left with a lot of empty and vacant buildings, and the streets are plagued by ‘for sale’ and ‘to let’ signs. The majority of Kettering’s shops are also relatively small, meaning there is less room for a wider variety of products.

There is also a lack of particularly noteworthy independent retailers or cafés. For example, Kettering has no independent bookshop, and hardly any good-quality independent clothes shops. Even popular shops such as the music store: Intersales don’t seem to last long anymore, posing worrying questions about the future of the independent retailer. Instead, Kettering has been taken over by the chains. High street staples such as Waterstones, W.H. Smith, Costa, Argos, and M&S dominate the town centre. All of this has eroded Kettering’s individuality and is gradually making our town into a clone of countless others across the country.

The moving of the market to the high street has also contributed to the decline of Kettering’s shopping facilities. This is because it has now further alienated the marketplace from the main shopping streets, resulting in even fewer shoppers visiting the marketplace area. In addition the recent rebranding effort, which included the construction of the clock tower in the centre, also seems to have been a waste of money. Instead of spending money on decorative clock towers that only work sporadically, the council should instead be investing more in local businesses and infrastructure.

Similarly, the available transport links are also a contributing factor, and parking is especially problematic. There aren’t enough car parks and it is an absolute nightmare to find a space. Not to mention the ludicrous prices they charge. Although the ‘pop and shop’ spaces are a good idea and they work well, there aren’t nearly enough of them to satisfy the high demand.

However, it’s not all bad. At least Kettering provides a wide selection of charity shops, bargain and discount stores, phone shops, and fast food outlets. Unfortunately though, these aren’t really the types of businesses that will attract people back to the centre; and with a high street like this, is it any wonder that more and more shoppers are abandoning Kettering in favour of the web and other shopping centres like Milton Keynes?

It’s time Kettering faced up to the reality of the situation – before it’s too late.

By Lorna Holland

Saint's new Rugby Academy at Tresham

Northampton Saints brand new Rugby Academy in conjunction with Kettering's Tresham College open's it's doors next week.

Trials will be held at the Kettering Tresham Campus on Tuesday, August 12th between 4pm and 6pm for budding rugby players. 

The aim of the Academy is to give young players aged between 16 and 18 the chance to mix being a full-time rugby player and a student.

Jonathan Heathcote, Director of the Academy said: "We formed the partnership with saints to further strengthen the commitment both parties have to delivering high quality provision across the community."

"There is always a hope that we can help uncover and develop someone who goes on to be an elite level performer."

The Academy will allow players to strengthen every area of their game, allowing them to perform at 'their optimum level'.

Tailor-made timetables will also be given to help players perform well both on and off the pitch.

Mirroring a professional sports set-up, all players will have access to a range of services designed to help improve them as players.

All players are to work towards their coaching awards whilst members of the Academy, with regular access to Saint's facilities and staff.

By Stephen Matthews

Safety awareness presentation

Kettering Town Safer Community Team are hosting a safety awareness presentation at the All Saints Church.

The presentation will take place between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday, August 30th.

Those attending will be informed of ways to keep themselves safe and aware of certain dangers whilst out and about and at home.

Other issues such as alcohol awareness, domestic violence and mental health support will also be touched upon.

As well as giving you some important tips, it will provide the chance for people to talk to the PCSO's that keep Kettering safe.

Freebies such as personal attack alarms, phone bands and purse bells will be available on the day.

If you are interested e-mail PCSO Nadia Norman on nadia.norman@northants.pnn.police.uk as places are limited.

By Joe Shine

Body found in search for missing 15 year old boy

A body, believed to be that of missing 15 year old boy Emmerson Thompson, has been found this afternoon.

Members of the public found a body at Weston Mill, Northampton shortly after 2pm.

DCI Mark Behan said: "Our thoughts are with Emmerson's family at this devastating time."

"I would like to thank the public for their help in the search for Emmerson, particularly those people who shared our appeal on social media sites."

The teenager was last seen on Friday 1st August buying fast-food after he told his father he was going to stay at a friend's house.

He was reported missing on Saturday after it was found that he had not stayed at his friend's house.

A report will now be prepared for the coroner. 

By Stephen Matthews

Man seriously assaulted by group in Kettering

A 40 year old man was set upon by a group of up to five people in Carrington Street, Kettering.

The assault took place between 1:45am and 2:15am on Sunday, 27 July by a group of between two and five people.

Two men have been arrested in connection with the assault and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Police have already spoken to numerous witnesses, however, they are urging anyone else who saw the assault or has any information to contact them.

Anyone with information are asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

By Stephen Matthews

Kettering General Hospital makes further improvements

Photo taken at a cardiac rehabilitation warm-up session

KGH is set to expand its life enhancing cardiac rehabilitation services following a successful bid for funding.

NHS England have granted £305,000 to the Trust towards a plan to improve the care for more than 300 additional cardiac patients yearly. 

At the moment roughly 1,100 patients receive cardiac rehabilitation from KGH's every year.

KGH’s Cardiac Rehab Clinical Lead, Chika Obiechefu, said: “This is a major expansion to KGH’s cardiac rehabilitation service and it will have many benefits for patients.

“Cardiac rehabilitation helps to restore their confidence and helps to improve their quality of life by enabling them to be active and enjoy exercising.”

The funding will enable the Trust to strengthen its existing team by adding four new members of staff, including two nurses.

It will also provide additional patient information including heart manuals and DVDs for patients to use in their own time.

Additional sessions will also be held due to the funding at Waendal Leisure Centre in Wellingborough, The Wesleyan Church Hall in Rushden and Lodge Park Leisure Centre in Corby.

It is also hoped that the expansion of the cardiac rehabilitation service will increase the uptake and completion of cardiac rehabilitation.

Cardio Respiratory Service Manager Maxine White said: “By expanding the service we are able to offer rehabilitation in more locations closer to people’s homes and hope that the shorter journey time and local support will increase the number of people taking part in our rehabilitation programmes.

This comes as a welcome addition at KGH alongside last month's new £1m MRI scanner and the opening of the new dedicated stroke unit.

By Stephen Matthews

Alcohol free event for sixth form students in Kettering

Police in Kettering are supporting an 'alcohol free' event for A-Level students.

It is hoped sixth form students will flock to the Eden Centre in Montagu Street on August 14th to enjoy themselves.

Alcohol-free cocktails and drinks will be available throughout the evening, and entry is free. 

PCSO Donna Fenner said: “Through this event, we’re aiming to provide a safer environment where young people can meet and socialise."

"We’re promoting it across the town and hope students will come along and enjoy a night out with friends at a safe, fun, alcohol-free event."

“All sixth formers are welcome, not just A-Level students, and we’re hoping other clubs in the town will give out flyers to anyone they turn away because they’re too young and encourage them to go along to the Eden Centre instead.” 

The event is part of ongoing work by Northants Police to reduce alcohol related crime in the county's town centres.

By Stephen Matthews