Disabled peoples organisations DPOs across Grea
Disabled people’s organisations (DPOs) across Greater Manchester have been given the chance to take part in a pioneering new partnership with local government.Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, is funding a new Disabled People’s Panel (DPP) that will work with him and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) he chairs.The authority – whose other 10 members are the leaders of Greater Manchester’s 10 borough councils – has commissioned Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People (GMCDP) to set up the panel.The panel will aim to shape, challenge and influence policy affecting disabled people across Greater Manchester, by advising and consulting with GMCA.The panel’s members will be local disability organisations drawn from across Greater Manchester’s 10 boroughs, with most of them likely to be DPOs committed to the social model of disability, with strong engagement with their local community, and successful representation of diverse groups, including LGBT and black and minority ethnic communities.Those taking part will receive an involvement fee from the mayor’s office, while two GMCDP staff are being paid to set up the panel, keep it running and help it liaise with local authorities across Greater Manchester.Manchester has become the first city region in the UK to introduce a disabled people’s panel that will be involved in such a senior level of strategic policy-making.It is a significant success for GMCDP, which said before Burnham’s election as Greater Manchester’s first elected mayor in 2017 that it hoped to persuade the successful mayoral candidate to make the region a trailblazer for disability rights in England and “develop ground-breaking initiatives to tackle disability”.Rick Burgess, the newly-appointed outreach and panel development worker at GMCDP, said: “It’s an experiment and it’s an adventure because it’s never been done before, and it’s always worth trying a new way of interfacing with power to make things better for disabled people.“The long-term aim is to have an ongoing engagement between disabled people across Manchester and the organisations that make policy across Manchester.“Because of devolution, there are opportunities to do things differently from Westminster.“Central government in Westminster has been condemned by the UN for how they treat disabled people. In Greater Manchester we can certainly do better than that.“Some of what we can do is mitigation or harm reduction when there are bad policies nationally.“I would hope we can find ways to lessen their harmful impact on people.”The mayor’s office has agreed that the organisations appointed to the panel will receive an involvement fee and training, in contrast to the unpaid chairs and members of the Regional Stakeholder Network being set up by the government’s Office for Disability Issues.Burgess said: “Fair play to Andy Burnham and the combined authority. They have thought to themselves: we don’t know everything, maybe we need to listen to the people who are experts in their own lives on how we make policy and stuff.“It is democracy in action. We are looking to gather up the views of disabled people throughout Greater Manchester and affect policy-making at the highest level.”Although some of the panel members may not be organisations led and controlled by disabled people, Burgess hopes and expects that most of them will be.He said: “This is for disabled people to change the policies that affect them, so it is primarily about disabled people forming the panel.”He stressed that the panel would decide its own priorities, but issues that are consistently coming up in discussion with disabled people in Greater Manchester are transport, housing, social care and benefits, and then accessibility and employment, he said.As well as a panel of probably between 15 and 20 members, organisations will also be able to ask to be associate members, so they can contribute and be kept informed of its work.Burgess said GMCDP was keen to spread the idea of the DPP to other parts of the country if it is successful, providing an “incredibly representative engagement between power and disabled people so eventually power becomes less ableist and more inclusive and removes those barriers we are always talking about”.The deadline for applications to join the panel is 28 May.Picture: A meeting in 2017 between Andy Burnham and disability groups which discussed the idea of the panelA note from the editor:Please consider making a voluntary financial contribution to support the work of DNS and allow it to continue producing independent, carefully-researched news stories that focus on the lives and rights of disabled people and their user-led organisations. Please do not contribute if you cannot afford to do so, and please note that DNS is not a charity. It is run and owned by disabled journalist John Pring and has been from its launch in April 2009. Thank you for anything you can do to support the work of DNS…
Exiles coach Brian McClennan has made his final three selections for his 22-man squad that will face England in the CarPlan International Origin Match at Headingley Carnegie on Friday June 10 (8.00pm).Wakefield Trinity Wildcats forward Glenn Morrison is included alongside St Helens prop Josh Perry. McClennan, who arrived in the UK yesterday after flying in from Auckland, has also reinstated Huddersfield Giants forward David Fa’alogo after the Kiwi returned to action last weekend against Hull FC after a long layoff through injury.“I am delighted to have finalised my squad and I’m looking forward to getting down to business,” said McClennan, “We have assembled a formidable squad of players and despite a few injury scares, I feel confident that we have the right blend of experience and quality to really make this a fabulous match against the best players currently playing in England.“It will be very difficult to reduce the squad down to the final 18 and it will certainly give me and Terry (Matterson) a real dilemma when we work who will make the starting line up.”New Zealander McClennan, who will return to Headingley Carnegie for the first time since he left Leeds Rhinos as coach at the end of last season, is urging fans to get behind the concept and to turn out for what promises to be one of the games of the season in the Rugby League calendar as the best Australians and New Zealanders playing in the Engage Super League go into battle against Steve McNamara’s England.“I have said all along that the RFL should be applauded for their efforts in organising this game,” added McClennan.“Now it is important that the fans turn up in their numbers. The players can’t wait to get at each other and to have Headingley Carnegie packed to the rafters will only add to the spectacle. This is a mouthwatering prospect and to be part of it will be a thrill.”Pre-purchased tickets for the International Origin Match start from £19 for adults and £12 concessions and are available at www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk or by contacting the RFL Ticket Office on 0844 856 1113. Tickets purchased on the day of the match start from £22 for adults and £15 for concessions.
JAMAHL Lolesi admitted Saints were a little flat in their loss to Warrington Wolves on Thursday.“We probably paid the price for last week’s game,” the assistant coach said. “That was a really high intensive game. We started really flat and struggled to get a foothold in the match.“Warrington came here and played like they had nothing to lose as they have done for the last three weeks. We tried to warn the boys that would happen.“But we didn’t get off to a good start and then had to claw ourselves back into the game. You have to give credit to them as opposed to our guys being a bit flat though.“We fought really hard to get back into it, but all that energy cost us and it meant we didn’t make the right decisions at the right time because of that fatigue and effort.“We were not at the races for a number of reasons – Warrington’s defence was in our face all night and they played with freedom.”He continued: “I suppose you could call it a wake up call. When we have come off wins over Wigan we have been a little flat and we have a few personnel missing such as Alex Walmsley.“But the boys are under no illusion and perhaps in the back of their heads their focus was on next week. I suppose that is human nature.”
The 21-year-old has been an ever present this season and is Super League’s top point’s scorer with 140.“I made my debut last year and the plan was to try and get as many games as I could,” he said. “I knew there would be competition for places this year so I had to make sure I had a big pre-season and do everything right.“Thankfully, Justin has put his faith in me and the boys have made it easy. We’re winning games too so I have kept my spot. I am enjoying it and I am taking everything in.”Danny and his teammates have scored 126 points in their last two matches – but face a Catalans side that beat Hull FC at the weekend.“I love playing in this team but it is important to keep grounded,” he continued. “We are top of the league but nothing is won at this time of the year. We have to keep on working hard for each other.“We are striving to play well and win games but no one expects to win by 60. We didn’t expect it last week and we didn’t at Salford too.“We are working hard for each other and the points are rolling in.”Saints are next in action when they host Catalans Dragons on Thursday May 3 (7.45pm).Tickets are now on sale from the Ticket Office, by calling 01744 455 052 or online here.
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – While we’re still in wait and see mode, those who live near water need to think about the possible storm surge from Irma.Several creeks and marshlands near the Intracoastal Waterway are vulnerable to a three to five foot storm surge.- Advertisement – This is the rising of water levels due to wind, tide, or severe rainfall. Surges can prove disastrous in our coastal areas.Storm experts at the National Weather Service say a surge is not out of the question with what Irma will bring to our area. Right now it’s too early to call how much a surge we may see.“At this point in the game it is extremely difficult to provide a number because of the uncertainty that we have. Basically it’s beyond the realm of science at this point, but they are pretty darn good between that watch time frame, within forty eight hours with the modeling at the hurricane center utilizes,” says Steve Pfaff, NWS Wilmington warning coordinator meteorologist.Related Article: NOAA predicts 9-15 named storms in 2019 hurricane seasonThat two days before the storm may be the earliest we know a surge and other damaging factors are possible.Regardless of when the watches take place and potential storm surges are issued, the NWS is anticipating swells and rip currents along the beaches in New Hanover County.You can access the NWS map on storm surge hazards at, http://nhc.noaa.gov/nationalsurge/.
DUBLIN, NC (WWAY) — Are you already thinking about the weekend?The North Carolina Grape Festival is happening at Lu Mil Vineyard in Dublin Saturday.- Advertisement – You can enjoy good food, music, and sweet muscadine wine under the warm sunshine.More than 10 food trucks and nearly 100 craft vendors will line the vineyard for a fun family day.There will be a breakfast fundraiser for the Dublin boy scouts.Related Article: New Oak Island restaurant gears up for Memorial DayJuice and wine grapes have been already picked for the season but there are still some remaining on the vine for you to pick.Owner Ron Taylor says his favorite part of the event is the grape stomp.“Whoever get the most grapes out and gets a prize and we pay out cash prizes for the grape stomp,” Taylor said. “So you have folks lined up wanting to stomp grapes and it’s always a lot of fun. We have different classes for the young and teens and for the older folks. I even get in there every once in a while and stomp some grapes.”The festival last year was pre-empted by Hurricane Matthew.The event is going on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Four people have applied to the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, to lease part of the water in Masonboro Sound for things like oyster farming.“There are limited spaces on the map in New Hanover County, Pender County and Brunswick, that we can even do this. That’s kind of the biggest issue, is they’re small spaces and sometimes we’re going to be in front of somebody’s house,” an oyster farmer, Captain Scott Burrell, said.He also said his business helps the local economy. But Ragozzino said it’s been a major concern for people in the area and limits what they can do in the water behind their homes.Related Article: Swimming advisories lifted for most NC waters“We move to this area because of the beautiful waters. It’s public waters and these waters are being sequestered for the benefit of very few individuals. Impairing my ability to go out and enjoy these waters,” Raggozino said. NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Along Masonboro Sound road, many homes come with quite the view. But for some, it’s a view they don’t want.“They obstruct kayaking. They obstruct paddle boarding and they’re hazards to navigation,” Mark Raggozino said.- Advertisement – 
“This is an exciting time for North Carolina Ports. In the last few months of FY18 the Port of Wilmington handled a record number of containers, specifically during the month of March Wilmington recorded its highest month of container volume in the Authority’s history,” said NC Ports Executive Director Paul J. Cozza.Cozza credited gate truck turn times and high crane productivity rates for the big boost.North Carolina Ports reported that the Port of Morehead City experienced growth in 2018 fiscal year with a 20 percent year-over-year increase in general cargo.Related Article: CSX still investigating train derailmentNorth Carolina’s ports in Wilmington and Morehead City also achieved record financial results. Officials says FY18 was a record year for operating revenue – up 4 percent over NC Ports’ previous high in FY16.“NC Ports’ record-setting growth is a significant accomplishment for not only the organization but the Carolinas,” added Cozza. “The Authority is an economic driver and our FY18 results reflect the major economic impact North Carolina’s ports have on the state.”The Port of Wilmington also tripled its refrigerated container business since fiscal year 2014 and now has 17 shipping carriers calling the Port compared to only six in FY14.“Wilmington is strategically positioned for growth in both the fresh and frozen refrigerated markets. With on dock cold storage, Phase II Cold Treatment Certification, increased refrigerated container plug capacity, and the support from customers interested in an alternative gateway into the global marketplace; we are excited about NC Ports’ future in the evolving cold supply chai,” NC Ports Chief Commercial Officer Greg Fennell said.North Carolina Ports says to maintain its record setting growth, they have invested more than $200 million in infrastructure improvement projects including the order of three new neo-Panamax cranes – two of which arrived to the Port of Wilmington in March, berth renovations and container yard and turning basin expansion.North Carolina Ports says they have also purchased a Liebherr LPS 420 rail-mounted gantry crane for the Port of Morehead City – expected to arrive in summer 2019. Port of Wilmington (Photo: NC Ports) WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Big news for the Port of Wilmington! North Carolina Ports says they have seen a banner year in container business growth.During the port’s fiscal year 2018, which ended June 30, Wilmington moved a record number of containers through the port, according to a news release. Wilmington recorded 38 percent year-over-year container growth and year-over-year general cargo growth was up 18 percent.- Advertisement – 
Chop’s Deli posted, “It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the closure of our WRIGHTSVILLE AVE. location. As many of you know, we have been exploring multiple strategies to address problems within our businesses and closing this location makes a big difference for us as we continue to work ourselves out of this hole we’ve dug. We have been so grateful to be a part of the Seagate community over the past 6 years, but this transition provides us the opportunity to scale back and ensure that the remaining locations can receive their proper attention and be successful … Thank you Chops Fans for your support, we hope that you can forgive us the shake-ups of the recent months and we look forward to continuing to serve you in the future.“Back in June, the business told WWAY they were struggling to pay off a hefty loan. Chops Deli co-owner Brad Corpening created a GoFundMe page to raise money about a month ago and raised nearly $11,000 of their $100,000 goal.Chops Deli still has locations in Downtown Wilmington, Monkey Junction, and Wrightsboro. WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Chops Deli was forced to close a Wilmington location Wednesday after the owner stated financial troubles earlier this summer.The sandwich shop posted on Facebook announcing the closure of their Wrightsville Avenue location. The business had been located in the Seagate community for more than six years.- Advertisement – 
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – One Virginia mans say he was “on a mission” to bring fresh food to the Carolinas, after Hurricane Florence hit, because he knew the crops were going to be ruined and most stores’ food would be spoiled.Jeff Taylor, who started a farmer’s market in Columbus County 14 years ago, has already made two trips.- Advertisement – Last week, he brought 500 lbs to the Red Cross’ World Kitchen. He, also, brought over 500 lbs of canned goods and 2,000 lbs of fresh harvest produce to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.The produce is provided by a small community of farmers at the Shenandoah Valley Produce Auction in Dayton, Virginia. Other sponsors include: NW Works, which provided the truck and driver, and Holtzman Oil Company, which provided the fuel for the trucks.Taylor plans to make another trip down to the Carolinas this Thursday.
