2nd February 2012
| UNICORN FOLK CLUB: The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. Tomorrow is singers’ night. This is an open mic night where everyone is welcome to come and join in. To guarantee a slot, please telephone Vicky on 01952 810355. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01785 841274 or visit the website www.unicornfolkclub.co.uk. PARISH COUNCIL: The next parish council meeting is tonight at 7.30pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. If anyone has anything that they wish to bring to the attention of the parish council, they are welcome to attend the public participation session that is held at the start of the meeting. WESTON PARK: Throughout February, there will be a selling exhibition of the recent work of artist David Brett, who has been painting professionally for two years. David’s work is mainly in acrylics, with the subject matter covering landscapes. The Granary Gallery is open from 11.00am – 4.00pm and entry is free. For further information, please telephone 01952 852100. CHURCH: On Sunday, in All Saints’ church, starting at 3.00pm, there will be an illustrated talk entitled ‘Adventures in Borneo’ by Joe Foxall, Charlotte Hedgecock and friends. Tickets cost £5.00 which includes refreshments and under-12s can enter for free, and are available from Tony Withers on 01785 840720, Margaret Holmes on 01785 840241, or from any of the Lapley bellringers or LCRF committee members. On Tuesday, to celebrate the start of the new internet cafe facility on February 14, there will be a drop-in event in St Mary’s church where you can meet the digital champions, with free tea/coffee and cake and a chance to have a go, either accessing the internet or learning more about the computer, from 10.00am – 12noon. Everyone is welcome to come. SERVICES: On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon. BLYMHILL NEWS MUMS AND TODDLERS: The Mums and Toddlers group will be meeting at the village hall in Blymhill today, starting at 10.00am. |
26th January 2012
| WHEATON ASTON WIVES’ GROUP: Today the Wives Group is going to see the pantomime ‘Dick Whittington’. For further details please telephone Jean Roberts on 01785 840556. LIVE MUSIC NIGHT: There is to be a live music night featuring cover band ‘Ain’t No Disco’, held at Wheaton Aston village hall on Saturday, starting at 7.30pm. There will also be a disco and supporting artists. Tickets cost £5.00 for adults and £3.00 for under 18s and OAPs. All proceeds are to go to the Wolverhampton Coronary Aftercare Support Group and the Wheaton Aston Community First Responders. All those going to this event should bring their own refreshments. WESTON PARK: A hints and tips session for those who wish to learn more about the art of patisserie, is being run at Weston Park on Tuesday and Wednesday, where Guy Day, the award winning Head Chef, will be demonstrating how to make classic cakes, desserts, tarts, and chocolates. He will be on hand to answer any culinary questions and there will be sampling opportunities and recipe cards to take home. The session includes coffee on arrival at 11.00am, demonstrations, questions and answers, and a two course lunch in the Granary Restaurant. For further information, telephone 01952 852100. ADVICE SURGERY: Jeremy Lefroy, the local MP, will be holding a drop-in advice surgery in Wheaton Aston village hall on Friday from 3.30pm – 4.30pm. No appointment is necessary. For further information please telephone 01785 252477. INTERNET CAFE: Starting on February 14, there will be an internet cafe held every Tuesday in St Mary’s church, from 10.00am – 12.00 noon. Those attending will be able to access the internet or learn more about the computer, and there will always be someone on hand to help if necessary. To celebrate this new facility, there will be a drop-in event with free tea/coffee and cake and a chance to have a go on Tuesday February 7 from 10.00am – 12noon. Everyone is welcome to come. CHURCH: On Friday, there will be a Benefice meal at the Bradford Arms, from the carvery. The meal will consist of two courses and coffee, and will cost £12 per person. On Sunday February 5, there will be an illustrated talk in All Saints’ church, Lapley, by Joe Foxall, Charlotte Hedgecock and friends, entitled ‘Adventures in Borneo’, starting at 3.00pm. Tickets cost £5.00 for adults and under 12s will have free entry, and this includes tea/coffee and cake, and are available from Tony Withers on 01785 840720 or Margaret Holmes on 01785 840241. All proceeds are to go to the church funds. On Friday February 17, there will be a beetle drive held in St Mary’s church, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6.00 which includes a ploughman’s supper, and are available now from Kath Doyle on 01785 840525 and Joyce Albany on 01785 840554. All proceeds are to go to church funds. SERVICES: On Sunday, at 10.30am, there will be a Watershed Benefice service in St Mary’s. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon; the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School, at 3.15pm. |
19th January 2012
| SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB: On Friday evening, there will be a modern jive night at the sports and social club. Everyone welcome to attend. The bar and lounge are open six days a week. The Wheaton Aston football team recently raised £300 for Diabetes UK by doing a charity match. For further details about the sports and social club, please telephone 01785 840440. PARISH COUNCIL REPORT: The first full parish council meeting for 2012 took place at Vernon Lodge Primary School, Stretton. No questions were raised by residents during the public participation session. The parish council manager gave a report outlining her recent work. She said that the deadline for articles for the spring edition of ‘News & Views’ was February 24. A request for a cleanup order had been made for Trevitt House and the group of properties adjacent to the post office, and this will be considered by the district council. She informed everyone that the Diamond Jubilee Working Group’s activities would not be covered by the parish council’s insurance as the group is an independent organisation but suggested another organisation where insurance could be obtained. Clarification had been sought from the police about what parking issues they would deal with; a request for a reminder regarding parking on double yellow lines had been made to the doctors’ surgery (but notices are already up about this in the waiting room and the Coach and Horses pub also allows parking on their premises); a request had been made to the district council for a traffic warden to visit the area; a request had been made to highways regarding making Leeke Way a pedestrian/cycle lane so that illegal parking in this area could be penalised more easily. A list of dates for future meeting was discussed. A police report was given by PCSO Price. A window in the Indian restaurant had been broken but there were no witnesses; changes in the workforce suggested that 2012 was going to be a challenging year; both police officers for the area had received training in using a speed laser gun and it was their intention to conduct random speed checks , particularly in the area near to the school at Stretton, and in Marston Road; for those residents who had concerns about the V-festival 2012, he suggested looking at the Staffordshire police web site which had links to the V-festival; the new non-emergency number to use is 101; a police surgery was to be held in Wheaton Aston village hall on January 24 from 2.00pm – 3.00pm where residents could discuss concerns/worries. Planning matters were discussed; no objections were raised for the following applications – Longnor Hall Farm (change of use of two agriculture buildings to create seven dwellings), Brooke House Farm, School Road (renewal of an application for a detached dwelling), 24 High Street (retrospective planning permission for a rear extension built 30 years ago), 2 Park Lane Cottages (small extension to existing building), and Meadow View (extension); the latest application for the Vaughan Arms had been refused (due to the loss of public facilities). A previous application had been made for Mileford Cottage, Wenlock Bank (bedroom and sun-lounge extension) for which the owners have appealed; the application for Cymru, Starkeys Lane had been withdrawn. The results of the recent housing needs survey (by the parish council) had not yet been received but it was hoped that these would be available for the next meeting. When considering the financial matters, it was decided to move money out of reserves to the current account to prevent the parish council going overdrawn, until the money from the next year’s precept was available. Jan Wright, the village agent, gave a report on her recent work. She had attended the village hall committee meeting; a lengthy health and safety audit had taken place and the immediate issues were being resolved; marketing and competition to the village hall were being looked into as well as ideas as to make the facility more attractive to hire. She had promoted the Saturday Telford bus at the Christmas lights event; bus stops in the area now had correct timetables for the Telford and taxi bus services; new layouts of timetables for the taxibus service were about to be published by SSRTP. There had been confirmation of the successful bid for £49999 plus a contingency of 10%, along with additional funding of £3500, for the Broadholes Lane nature space for the under sevens; the development must be completed by November 2012; Jan would help with publicity and locating volunteers. The IT at St Marys’s church drop-in was proving to be very popular with more than forty people signed up and volunteers returning regularly; extra funding could be obtained by signing on more people; broadband was now in place at the drop-in; Old School Court residents have been completing online courses and receiving certificates. The parish council manager said she was getting quotes for dealing with the moles on the Marston Road playing field; motorbikes have been getting past the temporary metal gates so these have been secured and the police informed; glass and litter have been a problem on the field and this had spread to the farmer’s field where sheep were kept; two litter bins were to be put in place soon and it was hoped that these would help with the litter problem; the village orderly had agreed to remove rubbish bags from the bins and leave them at the field entrance for collection; the dog poop bag dispenser had again been vandalised but had been fixed by the village orderly. It was reported that a constitution and bank account had been set up for the Diamond Jubilee Working Group; quotes for insurance were being sought; a full meeting for all those interested in being involved with the Group was to be held on Thursday January 26 in St Mary’s church at 7.30pm. Two people had volunteered to join the working group that is to be set up to consider a community-led plan; Ted Noblett, the parish council chairman, asked that anyone interested in joining such a group should contact the parish council manager. It is planned to hold a public meeting at some point in the future to gauge the response from the community in setting up a community-led plan. In the report from the village hall committee, it was said that three quotes were being sought for electrical work; rubbish and unwanted items from the rear of the hall and stage was to be moved; a secure door is to be bought to replace the existing rear door, which could also be used as a fire escape exit. The next parish council meeting is to be held in Wheaton Aston village hall on Thursday February 2, starting at 7.30pm. FRIENDS OF MOTTEY MEADOWS MEETING: The next meeting for the Friends of Mottey Meadows, is on Tuesday starting at 7.30pm, at the sports and social club. POLICE SURGERY: A police surgery is to be held in Wheaton Aston village hall on Tuesday from 2.00pm – 3.00pm where residents could discuss concerns/worries and any local issues. CHURCH: On Sunday February 5, in All Saints’ church, starting at 3.00pm, there will be an illustrated talk entitled ‘Adventures in Borneo’ by Joe Foxall, Charlotte Hedgecock and friends. Tickets cost £5.00 which includes refreshments and under-12s can enter for free, and are available from Tony Withers on 01785 840720, Margaret Holmes on 01785 840241, or from any of the Lapley bellringers or LCRF committee members SERVICES: On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Holy Communion St Mary’s. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon; the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School, at 3.15pm; at 7.30pm, there will be a service of healing and wholeness in St Mary’s. |
12th January 2012
| ANTIQUES ROGUES SHOW: Friends of Mottey Meadows are holding an ‘Antiques Rogues Show’ on Wednesday in St Mary’s church, starting at 7.30pm. There will be a talk followed by valuations of articles brought by members of the audience. Tickets cost £3.00 which includes refreshments. The valuation will cost £1.00 per item, with a limit of 2 per household. All proceeds are to go to the funds of the Friends of Mottey Meadows. WHEATON ASTON WIVES’ GROUP: Today the Wives Group will be going to the Hartley Arms for a meal. For further details please telephone Jean Roberts on 01785 840556. WHEATON ASTON CUBS: The Wheaton Aston Cubs meet every Tuesday from 6.00pm – 7.45pm. The age range for the cubs is from eight to ten and a half years old. Anyone is welcome to join. For more information, please contact Tracey Hopkins on 07934435022.00. WESTON PARK: Throughout January, there is a selling exhibition in the Granary Gallery of the recent work by Paul Bennett, who has won national and international acclaim for his contemporary seascapes and abstract and figurative paintings. The Granary Gallery is open from 11.00am – 4.00pm and entry is free. For further information, please telephone 01952 852100. PARISH COUNCIL: The next parish council meeting is tonight at 7.30pm in Vernon Lodge Preparatory School, Stretton, If anyone has anything that they wish to bring to the attention of the parish council, they are welcome to attend the public participation session that is held at the start of the meeting. CHURCH: On Friday January 27, there will be a Benefice meal at the Bradford Arms. This will be from the carvery. The meal will consist of two courses and coffee, and will cost £12 per person. Tickets are available now. Please sign the list at the back of the churches so that numbers will be known. SERVICES: On Sunday, at 10.30am, there will be a joint service for all the family at St Mary’s. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon; the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School, at 3.15pm. |
29th December 2011
| WHEATON ASTON CUBS: The Wheaton Aston Cubs meet every Tuesday from 6.00pm – 7.45pm. The age range for the cubs is from eight to ten and a half years old. Anyone is welcome to join. For more information, please contact Tracey Hopkins on 07934435022. CHURCH SERVICES: On Sunday at 10.30am, there will be a joint service of Family Communion at St Mary’s. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon. |
22nd December 2011
| CHURCH: On Friday the windowsills in St Mary’s church will be decorated. If you are able to help, come along at 10.00am; all flowers/baubles (and mince pies) will be provided and help/advice given. All donations towards the cost of flowers would be appreciated. On Friday, help is needed with making the Christingles ready for the service on Christmas Eve; so if you can spare some time, come at 9.00am to St Mary’s. There will be carols sung round the Christmas tree on the Green on Christmas Eve, starting at 6.30pm. Wrap up warm and there will be hot punch served afterwards with mince pies. SERVICES: Today, at Wheaton Aston Court at 2.00pm, there will be a Christmas service with carols and readings for the residents; anyone is welcome to come and if you need a lift, please call Margaret Foxall on 01785 840035. On Saturday, Christmas Eve, the Christingle service will take place at St Mary’s starting at 3.30pm; then there will be carols sung round the Christmas tree on the Green starting at 6.30pm (but this will be held inside St Mary’s church if the weather is inclement) with mince pies and hot punch served afterwards; at 11.30pm, Midnight Communion will be celebrated at All Saints’. On Christmas Day at 10.00am, there will be a joint service of Family Communion at St Mary’s. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon. BLYMHILL NEWS CHURCH: There will be carols sung round the Christmas tree at Blymhill and Weston village hall on Christmas Eve, starting at 6.30pm. Wrap up warm. |
15th December 2011
| ST MARY’S SCHOOL: Today, at 9.30am, there will be an end of term service for St Mary’s First School, in St Mary’s church, where everyone can hear and sing about the Christmas story along with the school children. On Friday, there will be carols sung by candlelight with the school children in St Mary’s First School, at 2.30pm. Tea/coffee and mince pies will be served beforehand. Everyone is welcome to come to both these events; please come and show your support for the children and the staff with your presence if you can. PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: At the recent parish council meeting, no questions were raised at the public participation session. Roy Wright gave a report from the district council in which he said that the new prison at Featherstone was to be called ‘Oakwood’; plans for the new jaguar factory were to be discussed and that there was to be a new direct junction onto the M54 (which the county council would pay for); a partnership with both Lichfield and Tamworth councils was to be set up for building control; a new waste collection contract was being discussed. A police report for the past month was read out in which it stated that there had been 2 drug related crimes, 1 case of criminal damage to a dog bin on Marston Road, and 9 incidents of anti social behaviour mainly involving footballs; funding has now been obtained to buy some foam footballs which have been issued out and the noise caused by the footballs hitting walls, etc, has been greatly reduced. The police thanked the parish council for their continued support during 2011 and sent their greeting for Christmas and 2012. Two applications were discussed during planning matters, for Cymru, Starkeys Lane (ensuite bathrooms and alterations to form hipped roofs, garage and store extensions), and Orchard House, Hawthorne Drive, (side/rear extension, and rendered front of dwelling), for which there were no objections. There were no other applications and planning decisions received to date. A letter had been received from Banner homes stating that the presence of bats at the Bridge farm development would have to be investigated and so the planning application would now be delayed until the spring. Members were asked to attend the public enquiry for the six wind turbines at Brineton, if possible, when this was to be held in Blymhill village hall starting on February 21 2012 at 10.00am and lasting for about 8 days. The results from the housing needs survey were not available yet so these would be considered at the next parish council meeting. When discussing financial matters, it was decided to renew the website for the twin relationship with Wheaton Illinois for the next 2 years, with the parish council paying for one year and Wheaton Illinois for the other one. The overgrown hedges and blocked ditches in Dirty Lane were considered; the maintenance of the road is still being investigated and highways are looking into the ownership; highways have stated that the ditches are the responsibility of the adjoining landowners; the highways neighbourhood team could be used to clear these but as they only have a limited time to spend in the area, this could only be done if the outstanding tasks for the villages were finished first. It was decided that the parish council would not grit any areas during bad weather; this subject was discussed at length last year and the situation has not changed since then. The work on the BMX track was approved so work can now be completed as sufficient grant money had been obtained and it was decided that no fencing would be erected around the clay soil located there (which had been donated); more soil from Lapley church is also available; two anti-vandal bins were ready for installation and a position for these was agreed; the access to the field was considered and it was agreed to alter this to facilitate vehicular access and make entry for everyone more safe; the troughs at Lapley church are to be replaced; it was agreed that the parish council would not refurbish the BKV trophy pole currently installed at Lapley Green, as it would involve a lot of work and no suitable building to do the work in was available. The WAPSWG has obtained a full grant for the re-development of the Broadholes Lane area and the forms for this were signed by the chairman and the parish council manager so that the funds could be released. The work will be managed by South Staffs Council. A contribution of £1000 (from the reserves) was made to the Diamond Jubilee Working Group towards the firework display next June. It was decided to hold the volunteer evening in July, at the sports and social club, subject to being given sole use of the area. A list of future meeting dates was issued to all councillors. A report was given for the recent village hall meeting; a health and safety report had been done (and those who had conducted this were thanked, especially Ted Noblett) and as a result some items had been identified as needing immediate work; assessments and quotes for the electrical work required were to be obtained, the stage steps repaired/replaced, and the street door by the stage replaced with a proper fire safety model. A meeting had taken place at the sports and social club; Mr and Mrs Cooper were retiring; the bonfire event had been a great success with about 1200 people attending but some damage had been done to the toilets so it was decided to hire portaloos next time; quotes for a new boiler are to be obtained; the building is not suitable for solar panels; the entertainments diary is quite busy but more events are planned for next year along with a mini music festival; Ted Noblett suggested that a monthly amount be set aside towards the loan repayment in order to save having to find the money all in one go. The next parish council meeting is on Thursday January 12 in Vernon Lodge School, Stretton, starting at 7.30pm. CHURCH: On Saturday, the Church Christmas party will be held in Wheaton Aston village hall at 7.00pm for 7.15pm. Tickets cost £6.00 and are now available from Kath Doyle on 01785 840525 or Joyce Albany on 01785 840554. There will be a social evening at Lapley Hall on Wednesday from 7.00pm – 9.30pm. There will be mulled wine and mince pies, and carols will be sung. Tickets cost £5.00 which includes refreshments. For further information, please telephone Paul and Kate Weston on 01785 840738. All proceeds are to go to the St Andrew’s church funds. SERVICES: On Sunday 10.30am Holy Communion St Mary’s; there will be carols by candlelight at All Saints, Lapley, starting at 6.30pm. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon; at 7.00pm, there will be carols, mulled wine and mince pies at Lapley Hall; tickets cost £5.00 from Paul and Kate Weston on 01785 840738; all proceeds are to go to church funds. WESTON-UNDER-LIZARD NEWS CHURCH: On Friday, there will be a carol service at St Andrew’s church, starting at 7.00pm. Wrap up warm and bring a torch. After the festive celebration, there will be mulled wine and mince pies. BLYMHILL NEWS CHURCH: The carol service will take place at St Mary’s church, Blymhill, on Sunday, starting at 2.30pm. |
8th December 2011
| WHEATON ASTON AND LAPLEY WOMENS’ INSTITUTE: The Christmas meeting for the Wheaton Aston and Lapley Women’s Institute will take place on Monday, starting at 8.00pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. For further details, please telephone Pearl Thorley on 01785 840602. WHEATON ASTON WIVES’ GROUP: Today the Christmas party and carol service are taking place for the Wives’ Group, in Wheaton Aston village hall starting at 8.00pm. For further details please telephone Jean Roberts on 01785 840556. WESTON PARK: A Christmas fayre is being held at Weston Park on Saturday and Sunday, from 1.00am – 4.00pm, with free entry and free parking. There will be about 40 indoor and outdoor stalls selling gifts and food items. The House is decorated for Christmas and open to view, where visitors can follow a Christmas trail; entry costs £2.00. Also open is the Granary farm shop for food and drink and the Granary Gallery, where the ‘25’ exhibition can be seen. A festive lunch can be enjoyed at the Granary Grill or tuck into a hog roast, crepes and mulled wine. For further information, please telephone 01952 852100. PARISH COUNCIL: The next parish council meeting is tonight at 7.30pm in St Mary's School, Wheaton Aston. If anyone has anything that they wish to bring to the attention of the parish council, they are welcome to attend the public participation session that is held at the start of the meeting. CHURCH: The Wolverhampton Orpheus Male Voice Choir is performing in St Mary’s on Saturday evening, starting at 7.30pm. There will also be non-alcoholic punch, hot sausage rolls, and fruit loaf. Tickets are now available from Kath Doyle on 01785 840525 or Joyce Albany on 01785 840554. On Sunday, there will be a messy church session in St Mary’s church, from 4.00pm – 6.00pm, which will be a family festive fun afternoon. All bears and their owners are invited to join Big Ted and his friends for a festive family fun afternoon. Please note that all children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. For further information, please contact Anne Wright on 01785 840656. The next informal walk will take place on Tuesday, leaving St Mary’s at 10.00am, and returning to the church afterwards for coffee and cake. Everyone is welcome to come. Walking boots/stout shoes are needed and walkers walk at their own risk. For further details, telephone Brian and Mary Littleford on 01785 840552. There will be a social evening at Lapley Hall on Wednesday December 21, from 7.00pm – 9.30pm. There will be mulled wine and mince pies, and carols will be sung. Tickets cost £5.00 which includes refreshments. For further information, please telephone Paul and Kate Weston on 01785 840738. All proceeds are to go to the St Andrew’s church funds. SERVICES: On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’;10.30am the toy service and family communion St Mary’s; all toys donated will be donated to the Salvation Army. On Tuesday, starting at 7.15pm, the fourth (and final) session of the Advent course entitled ‘Preparing to Receive’, takes place in St Mary’s. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon. |
1st December 2011
| WESTON PARK: To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the formation of the Weston Park Foundation, there will be a special selling exhibition called ‘25’, of paintings and drawings of Weston and all its different aspects, by three different artists. The artists featured are Rob Pointon, the winner of the regional prize in this year’s Open Competition, whose pictures have captured the V Festival, Chris Clements, whose drawings and paintings show Weston at work, and Ivan Taylor, who has depicted the beauty of the park and gardens. The 25 exhibition will be shown in the Granary Gallery which is open daily throughout December, from 11.00am – 4.00pm, with free admission. For further information, please telephone 01952 852100. SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB: On Friday, there will dancing with modern jive, starting at 8.00pm. Entry costs £3.00. For further information, please telephone 01785 840440. CHURCH: The Wolverhampton Orpheus Male Voice Choir is performing in St Mary’s on Saturday evening, December 10, starting at 7.30pm. There will also be non-alcoholic punch, hot sausage rolls, and fruit loaf. This is always a popular event so buy your tickets early to save being disappointed. Tickets are now available from Kath Doyle on 01785 840525 or Joyce Albany on 01785 840554. On Sunday December 11, there will be a messy church session in St Mary’s church, from 4.00pm – 6.00pm. All bears and their owners are invited to join Big Ted and his friends for a festive family fun afternoon. Please note that all children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Please contact Anne Wright on 01785 840656 to tell her you are coming as this will help with catering arrangements.. SERVICES: On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am morning praise St Mary’s. On Tuesday, starting at 7.15pm, the third session of the Advent course entitled ‘Preparing to Receive’, takes place in St Mary’s. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon. BLYMHILL NEWS CHURCH: On Sunday, there will be a Tree of Lights service in St Mary’s church, starting at 2.30pm. If you have someone you would like to remember, please donate £5.00 to have your loved one’s name on the special tree and the name read out during the service. All donations will go to the Hope Hospice and Promise Dreams, this year. For more information, please telephone June Hill on 01952 850370 or Pat Lister on 01952 691336. An advent workshop is being run on Saturday in Blymhill village hall from 10.00am – 12.00 pm noon. There will be lots of things to do, eat, and enjoy. For more information, please telephone Linda Beech on 01952 850149. WESTON-UNDER-LIZARD NEWS CHURCH: There will be a Christingle service held in St Andrew’s church on Sunday, starting at 10.30am. This is a service for children of all ages but everyone is welcome to come. |
24th November 2011
| SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB: On Friday, a live band called ‘The Reflect’ will be appearing, starting at 8.30pm. The band’s songs include covers from the Beatles, Police, Snow Patrol, and some classic rock. Entry costs £3.00. On Saturday, there will be a private party but the lounge will be open. On Sunday, the football match taking place will be against Sachmos Grayhound, with kick-off at 10.30am. For further information, please telephone 01785 840440. MUSIC QUIZ: Tonight, there will be a musical quiz at the Hartley Arms, starting at 9.00pm, where the quizmeister will be Mark. All proceeds are to go to the Wheaton Aston First Responders. For further information, please telephone Sue Whittingham on 01785 841038. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FAIR: On Saturday, there will be a Christmas Lights Fair held in the centre of Wheaton Aston on the Green, starting at 4.30pm. This is an extended fair where the Christmas lights will be switched on, the Salvation Army will be playing, and there will be various stalls including refreshments, which will be in the church, in the village hall, and on the village green along with the Christmas tree and lights. Everyone is invited to attend. CHURCH: On Saturday December 17, the Church Christmas party will be held in Wheaton Aston village hall. Tickets cost £6.00 and are now available from Kath Doyle on 01785 840525 or Joyce Albany on 01785 840554. Please get your tickets early as it helps with organising the catering at this busy time of year. SERVICES: Today, the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School, at 3.15pm. On Sunday at 10.30am, there will be a joint service for all the family in St Mary’s. On Tuesday, starting at 7.15pm, the second session of the Advent course entitled ‘Preparing to Receive’, takes place in St Mary’s. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon. BLYMHILL NEWS CHRISTMAS AND CRAFT FAYRE: The annual Christmas and craft fayre is being held on Saturday from 2.00pm – 4.00pm in the village hall. There will be a good selection of stalls for everyone to purchase Christmas gifts from, and Santa will be visiting as well. Entrance costs £1.00 which includes tea/coffee and a mince pie, and children under 12 will get in free. All proceeds are to go to the St Mary’s Church and the village hall funds. For more information, please telephone Linda Beech on 01952 850149. |
17th November 2011
| SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB: On Friday, there will be a physic night with Mystikaz, starting at 8.00pm. Entry costs £3.00. On Saturday, there is a private party but the lounge will be open. For further information, please telephone 01785 840440. ALADDIN: The Village Youth Theatre Company is busy rehearsing for the pantomime ‘Aladdin’. This will be performed to the public later in the year. All rehearsals take place in Wheaton Aston village hall every Friday from 5.00pm – 7.00pm. For further details or information, please telephone Ruth on 07810 481493. WESTON PARK: A Christmas hints and tips session is being run at Weston Park today, where Guy Day, the award winning Head Chef, will be on hand to answer any Christmas culinary questions and there will be sampling opportunities and recipe cards to take home. Guy will talk about the classic Christmas lunch accompaniments, easy alternatives to Christmas puddings and great party foods, all followed by a sample of each course. The Q and A session will start at 11.00am followed by a two course lunch in the Granary Restaurant. For further information, telephone 01952 852100. CHURCH: The next informal walk will take place on Tuesday, leaving St Mary’s at 9.15am, and returning to the church afterwards for coffee and cake. The walk will be round Aqualate Mere. Everyone is welcome to come. Walking boots/stout shoes are needed and walkers walk at their own risk. For further details and to arrange transport, please telephone Brian and Mary Littleford on 01785 840552. SERVICES: Today, the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School, at 3.15pm. On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Holy Communion St Mary’s. On Tuesday, starting at 7.15pm, the first session of the Advent course entitled ‘Preparing to Receive’, takes place in St Mary’s. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon. BLYMHILL NEWS GARDENING CLUB: The next meeting of the Blymhill Gardening Club takes place tonight in Blymhill village hall starting at 8.00pm. There will be talk by Tony Winfield entitled ‘Location, Location – Beautiful Slides’. |
10th November 2011
| WHEATON ASTON AND LAPLEY WOMENS’ INSTITUTE: On Monday, there will be a talk entitled ‘How Music is Used in Film’ given by speaker Frank Aston, starting at 8.00pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. Everyone is welcome at attend. For further details, please telephone Pearl Thorley on 01785 840602. WHEATON ASTON WIVES’ GROUP: Today there will be a meeting for the Wives Group at Wheaton Aston village hall starting at 8.00pm where speakers D and J Roberts are giving a talk entitled ‘It’s Us Again’. For further details please telephone Jean Roberts on 01785 840556. WESTON PARK: On Sunday, there will be a sponsored walk in the park for all the family, with or without a dog. This is to raise funds to buy an off road wheelchair to enable Jo to walk her assistance dog, Kaiser, on local tracks and trails. The walk starts at 2.00pm at the Granary car park and can cover one and three quarter miles, two and a half miles, or five miles. For further information, please telephone Sue on 0776 600 5780. PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: At the recent parish council meeting, during the public participation session, Tony Lendon, representing the STAG group, said that a public hearing concerning the proposed wind farm to be sited near Church Eaton, was to be held in Blymhill village hall, at the end of February 2012, for two weeks; he said that fund raising events were going to take place to raise the sum of fifty thousand pounds; the next event to take place was on November 17 in the Royal Oak in Church Eaton; letters were to be sent to local residents; all objections to the wind farm would have to be made in writing by December 9; more information could be found on the website. Representatives from Richborough Estates attended the meeting to discuss ideas for developing land off Primrose Close and accessing the land through the Primrose Bank play area which the parish council owns. It was pointed out that no planning permission had been sought yet for the site and that this was just a discussion. They propose to develop a mix of about 40 dwellings on the site and pointed out that this development would help secure the future of St Mary’s school and that they would improve the access. Roy Wright, the district councillor, said that the site had previously been judged unsuitable and that in the core strategy document, 30 dwellings had been specified as being needed for the area, of which 24 sites had already been identified as possible sites; the area was outside the village footprint and was open countryside and would have to be identified as a rural exception site; if necessary, the developers would have to seek to have the site allocated. Currently the parish council is conducting a housing needs survey throughout the parishes and the results would be available in December. It was decided that this would be an agenda item for the next parish council meeting and that a public meeting would be held in January. The parish council manager gave a report which said that she had attended the SLCC national conference; all calls to South Staffordshire Council regarding fly tipping, abandoned vehicles, and littering should now be reported on 01902 696200; after taking into account the 2 schemes currently supported (the recreation ground and the tarmaced area at Primrose Bank play area), there was money left available in the grant and loan schemes within the parish allocation of the 10 year scheme ending May 2016; a list of meeting and annual holiday dates were given; an application to have a pharmacy at the old harvest vegetable shop had been received but it was decided that this would not affect the doctors’ licence and would mean that residents would have a choice of where to get their prescriptions. No police were available to attend the meeting but had sent in a report which showed that there had been no crimes reported in the previous month, 9 incidents of anti social behaviour and 3 road safety incidents. Rex Roberts had not attended the meeting due to illness and it was reported that he would not be standing at the next election. Roy Wright said that the district council staff were having to cover more work as less staff were now employed; as many calls as possible were being handled by the call centre staff so as to give the technical staff as few interruptions as possible; there were to be no boundary changes in Staffordshire. No objections were made to the planning application of Edgelands farm for an extension on the first floor flat roof. The decisions for previous allocations were refusals for Meadow View, Stretton Road (extension), and Mileford Cottage, Wenlock Bank, (bedroom and sun lounge), and approval for 22 Ivetsey Close (detached garage). It was decided that the parish council would re-iterate their previous objections to the wind farm proposals before the December 9 deadline. The forward planning and finance working group had met twice to discuss the 2012/13 precept and budget, and the annual maintenance schedule and budget; it recommended that an increase of £9224 be made in the precept demand which would mean an annual rise of £8.69 per household (a rise of 15%), due to increased costs as the parish council was now responsible for more maintenance and insurance; the working group had worked to reduce costs where possible to keep the increase to a minimum by reducing the cuts to grassed areas, reducing the attendance to SLCC conferences by the parish council manager, removing the SUSSED sessions, reducing the costs of the Christmas lights, reducing donations to associations and community groups, and no capital expenditure. The recommendations were approved. The village agent gave a report; comments were being fed back to the South Staffs Rural Transport Partnership as further requests had been made for a bus to Telford during the week; the bid for the second phase of work to Broadholes Lane had been made and the results would be known soon; the IT sessions at St Mary’s church were very popular and more volunteers had been found to help those attending; a successful bid had been made for new IT equipment, telephone line, broadband and training sessions of just under £5000, at St Mary’s church; there had been a lot of concern about several proposals for building further housing but the parish council was currently conducting a housing needs survey; at a visit to Featherstone Prison, she had been shown the workrooms where they are keen to produce items for community use. The Diamond Jubilee Working Group had met and reported that no main event had been decided on for June 2 and wondered if the church could hold their annual fete then; a PCC meeting is taking place soon and this would be discussed then. A report from the Christmas Lights Working Group was discussed as the event takes place on Saturday November 26 and details concerning this were given; there were to be stalls in the village square, the church, and the village hall, with on stage entertainment; the Salvation Army will be coming; the police would be attending; leaflets giving details of times and events were to be given out. Reports of meetings attended by parish council representatives were given; the survey on the village hall was now complete and therefore costs for improvements could be considered; at the sports and recreation ground, the bonfire event had been set up, quotes for carpets were being sought, the accounts were being audited, Sharon Whittingham was a full voting member, and the bank account looked good; the Old People’s Welfare Committee had raised £302 at their annual autumn fair; the community first responders had had 19 call outs and their vehicle insurance demand had been for £900. The next parish council meeting is on Thursday December 8 in Vernon Lodge School, Stretton, starting at 7.30pm. CHURCH SERVICES: Today, the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School, at 3.15pm. On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’;10.45am Service of Remembrance All Saints’. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon. |
3rd November 2011
| OLD PEOPLE’S WELFARE: The Old People’s Welfare committee’s autumn fair held last week, raised £302.69. All proceeds are to go to the Old People’s Welfare funds. WESTON PARK: This month, the art exhibition in the Granary Gallery features the recent works of Jo McChesney. Who is inspired by Japan. Her work involves print making using traditional techniques derived from Japanese woodblock methods fused with a western approach to image making. Her work, using natural images, is printed upon handmade papers. The exhibition is open daily from 11.00am – 4.00pm throughout November and entry to the Granary Gallery is free. On Sunday, starting at 10.30am, there will be an autumnal parkland walk at Weston lasting approximately two hours, to show the stunning autumn colours, which will be led by Martin Gee, the Head Gardener. Martin’s family have lived and worked on the estate for over 250 years and he will talk about the wide variety of trees on the estate, explore sites of historic interest and areas not normally accessible to the visiting public. Also on Sunday Weston Park will again be hosting a bonfire and firework extravaganza. There will be entertainment for all the family including a fun fair, food stalls, and two amazing firework displays. The gates open at 3.00pm and the Beacon Radio Roadshow will run from 4.00pm – 8.00pm. The bonfire will be lit at 5.30pm and the firework displays will be 6.00pm and 7.30pm. For further information, please telephone 01952 852100. CHRISTMAS SHOE BOX APPEAL: The shoe boxes must be ready by Friday. If you are not able to fill a box by yourself, then consider providing a few small items or donating money towards purchasing some things. Please give any donations to Anne Wright. For further information, please telephone Anne Wright on 01785 840656, or June Hill on 01952 850370. PARISH COUNCIL: The next parish council meeting is tonight at 7.30pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. If anyone has anything that they wish to bring to the attention of the parish council, they are welcome to attend the public participation session that is held at the start of the meeting. CHURCH: CHURCH: The next informal walk will take place on Tuesday, leaving St Mary’s at 10.00am, and returning to the church afterwards for coffee and cake. Everyone is welcome to come. Walking boots/stout shoes are needed and walkers walk at their own risk. For further details, telephone Brian and Mary Littleford on 01785 840552. SERVICES: On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Morning Praise St Mary’s. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon. |
27th October 2011
| AUTUMN FAIR: The Old People’s Welfare Committee’s Autumn Fair is being held today, Thursday, from 12.00pm to 1.30pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. Stalls will include cakes, jams and preserves, a raffle and a tombola, along with a white elephant stall featuring books, DVDs, toys, bric-a-brac, etc. Refreshments including hot lunch snacks, cakes, tea, coffee, and soft drinks, will also be available. All proceeds are to go the Old People’s Welfare Committee Funds. For further details, please contact Pat Horton on 01785 840675. SKITTLE EVENING: A skittle evening is being held in Wheaton Aston village hall on Saturday starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6.00 each which includes a ploughman’s supper, and are available from Kath Doyle on 01785 840525 and Joyce Albany on 01785 840 554. Please bring your own drinks. All proceeds are to go to the general church funds. SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB: On Friday, there will be a private party but the lounge will be open. On Saturday, there is a halloween special, which will be a party and disco. Come in fancy dress if you wish. Entry costs £3.00. On Sunday, the football match will take place at home against Rifleman Joiners, with kick-off at 10.30am. For further information, please telephone 01785 840440. WESTON PARK: Wrap up warm, dress up in a spooky outfit and join in the haunted halloween event at Weston on Sunday. The phantom express will leave Weston station for a train ride through the wild woods where everyone will be dropped off to find their way back following the pumpkin lantern trail. After the spooky ride, guests will enjoy sizzling sausages and a cup of pumpkin soup in the Stables courtyard where younger visitors can make halloween crafts and do the monster mash in the spooky disco. There will be a prize for the best fancy dress and all younger visitors will leave with a spooky goody bag. Gates are open from 5.00pm – 9.00pm. For further information, please telephone 01952 852100. CHURCH SERVICES: On Sunday at 10.30am, the Watershed Benefice service will take place in All Saints’; at 3.30pm, a special memorial service will be held in St Mary’s where anyone who has lost a loved one is invited to come along, light a candle, and remember those no longer with us. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon. |
20th October 2011
| MIDNIGHT WALK: On Saturday, a Monks midnight walk is to take place. The walk will be approximately three miles long, and will start from the Hartley Arms pub, where everyone should meet at 11.30pm. All ages are welcome to join in. No torches are allowed but lanterns are acceptable. There will be a prize for the best dressed monk. This is a sponsored walk in aid of the Wheaton Aston First Responders and the Help for Heroes. Sponsor forms are available from Wheaton Aston post office, Doal’s Food and News, or you can telephone Ali Flower on 01785 840595. SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB: On Friday, you can come dancing at the sports and social club, with modern jive and ceroc, with DJ Charles. Beginners are welcome and can get individual tuition. On Saturday, there will be a private party but the lounge will be open. For further information, please telephone 01785 840440. SHOE BOX APPEAL: Please can anyone who has put together a shoe box for the Christmas shoe box appeal returned them as soon as possible and by Saturday November 5 at the latest. Boxes from Wheaton Aston or Lapley can be left in church or at the post office at any time before November 5; boxes from Blymhill or Weston-under-Lizard should be taken to St Mary’s church, Blymhill or given to June Hill on 01952 850370. For further details, please telephone Anne Wright on 01785 840656. CHURCH: There is a short course of evening meetings in preparation for the season of Christmas in St Mary’s church, at 7.15pm on November 22 and 29, and December 6 and 13. Each meeting will last an hour. Everyone is welcome. SERVICES: On Sunday at 10.30am, there will be a joint service for all the family in St Mary’s. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon. BLYMHILL NEWS GARDENING CLUB: The next meeting of the Blymhill Gardening Club takes place tonight in Blymhill village hall starting at 8.00pm. There will be talk by Martin Blow entitled ‘Late again – reliable late blooms for every garden?’. SHOE BOX APPEAL: Please can anyone who has put together a shoe box for the Christmas shoe box appeal returned them as soon as possible and by Saturday November 5 at the latest. Boxes from Blymhill or Weston-under-Lizard should be taken to St Mary’s church, Blymhill or given to June Hill on 01952 850370. |
13th October 2011
| WHEATON ASTON WIVES’ GROUP: Today the Wives’ group harvest supper will take place in Wheaton Aston village hall starting at 8.00pm. For further details please telephone Jean Roberts on 01785 840556. HARVEST QUIZ: On Friday, there will be a harvest quiz which will include live music rounds, at St Mary’s church, starting at 7.30pm. Teams will consist of six people. To enter costs £5.00 per person and this includes supper but please bring your own drinks. Tickets are available from Margaret Holmes on 01785 840241 or Janet Fox on 01785 840334. SKITTLE EVENING: A skittle evening is being held in Wheaton Aston village hall on Saturday October 29 starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6.00 each which includes a ploughman’s supper, and are available from Kath Doyle on 01785 840525 and Joyce Albany on 01785 840 554. Please bring your own drinks. All proceeds are to go to the general church funds. WESTON PARK: There is to be a dog walk in Weston Park on Sunday. Anyone interested in taking part should contact Mike Tebbutt on 01952 850269 for details. PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: At the recent parish council meeting, during the public participation session, a member of the public said that the hedge down Dirty lane, leading to the canal, hadn’t been cut for a long time. Ted Noblett, the parish council chairman, explained that it was owned by British Waterways and a letter would be sent to them about the matter. Another resident asked about the St Mary’s church clock and the irregular hourly chimes but was told that the PCC was dealing with the matter. Three residents expressed concerns about the recent exhibition by Banner Homes for the Bridge Farm development; the drawings displayed were misleading in that they did not show what was actually going to be built but it was explained that after a prior meeting between Banner Homes and the parish council, there had not been time to were redraw the plans before the exhibition; it was suggested a roundabout opposite Greenhill Lane would improve the access to the new houses and Paul McCann, a representative from Banner Homes, who was attending the meeting, said this would be considered although the presence of a sub-station in that area would make it very difficult; it was pointed out that Staffordshire County Council highways would have to be consulted about the roads and access before any decisions could be made. The parish council manager said that she had lately been experiencing numerous technical problems with the office equipment including the telephone and the computers. She gave a list to the members outlining her outstanding work and the order of priority. PC Smith was unable to attend the meeting as he was in hospital and so had been unable to submit a police report. Chris Frid from the Staffordshire Youth Service, attended the meeting to give a report about the current situation at the junior youth club; 96 individual young people are registered with an age range of 8 – 13 years; average attendance was 32 (the lowest was 15, and the highest was 55); entry costs 50p; the staff costs were outlined; a brief summary of the recent activities was given. A parish council member said that it was very dark outside the club area at night after the session had ended and it was agreed that the light timer would be investigated. Mr Frid said he would attend a parish council meeting again in 3 months time to give another report. There were no new planning applications since the last meeting. The Bridge Farm development was discussed; Mr McCann had brought along new drawings showing the new proposed farmsted development relocation, and the proposed new houses round the existing Bridge Farm farmhouse, which consisted of 13 dwellings in total; these were 2 semi-detached houses (with 3 bedrooms), 8 detached houses (with 4 bedrooms), and 3 bungalows (with 2 bedrooms); he said that it was proposed that the bungalows would be shared equity; the new drawings would be put on the website and it was hoped to submit the applications in the next 4 weeks. Three parish council members had attended a planning training event at the district council and a brief overview was given. The members were told that Richborough Estates planned to attend the next full parish council meeting on 03/11/11 to discuss their ideas for developing land off Primrose Close and for accessing the land through the Primrose Bank play area. At a meeting on 19/09/11, it had been decided to commission a new housing needs survey for all 3 parishes (as the previous one was out-of-date and gave inaccurate details), which would include private housing as well as social (affordable) housing. A working group had met with South Staffordshire Housing Association and South Staffordshire Council since then to discuss the questions needed for a survey. It was agreed that the survey would be posted out to residents and to encourage and help as many people as possible to complete the survey; sessions would be set up where help and advice about the survey would be given. Another meeting for the working group was to take place on October 12 to agree the final questionnaire and accompanying letter. A community plan action working group is to be set up which would formulate a community-led plan. The various groups that exist within the area e.g. Old People’s Welfare, the Youth Service, etc, would be asked to send a representative to the group and from these, a committee would be set up. Financial matters were discussed. The forward planning and finance working group gave a report of the it’s recent meeting; a disciplinary and grievance panel and a staff appeals panel had been set up; the accounts had been passed by the internal auditor and the also the Audit Commission; any legal work would still be dealt with by Tedstones of Penkridge; the parish council manager’s hours were discussed; amendments to the 2011/12 budget were recommended; it was agreed to discuss the sports and social club on a regular basis due to the parish council’s responsibilities; quotes are to be obtained for different IT solutions for the parish council. The recommendations were accepted along with the financial statement, the bank balances summary, and the list of recent payments. Lapley village had won a prize of £200 in the Best Kept Village competition; it was agreed that this would be spent on more solar tree lights; a presentation ceremony is to take place on Tuesday October 18 at Lapley followed by refreshments in Wheaton Aston village hall. Concern was expressed over the irregular times of one of the bus routes; it was recommended that Brian Cox of the district council be informed. It was agreed that the parish council would support Staffordshire County Council’s work with Broadband Delivery UK (a government based organisation) on the superfast broadband by promoting their survey, providing a letter of support, and co-ordinating a petition to register demand from this area. A working group representing the different groups in the area is to be set up to organise celebrations for the Diamond Jubilee of 2012. It is hoped to have a week of celebratory events from Saturday June 2 to Saturday June 9 which also covers the bank holiday period. It was agreed to replace the electricity box supply in Wheaton Aston village square as the old one had been declared unsafe in 2009 and had since been vandalised. The committee at the sports and social club had met; quotes were being sought for the hallway refurbishment; the accounts had been done and were to be audited; the committee are keen to be involved in the Jubilee celebrations next year; a bonfire night event was to be held again in November. The next parish council meeting is to be held in Wheaton Aston village hall at 7.30pm on Thursday November 3. CHURCH: Today, the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School, at 3.15pm. On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Holy Communion St Mary’s. SERVICES: On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon. |
6th October 2011
| COMMUNITY ART EXHIBITION: On Saturday, there will be a community art exhibition from 10.00am – 4.00pm in St Marys’ church, Wheaton Aston, which has been sponsored and organised by Wheaton Aston Arts, for which entry is free. Entries of work will include paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, needlework, etc. Refreshments will also be available, supplied by the St Marys’ church team. A drawing workshop is also being run by Margaret Bailey. All materials apart from drawing boards will be provided but anyone taking part may bring their own if preferred. The workshop will show how to successfully compose an image working from photographs or from your imagination, which will then be scaled up and transferred to a canvas. Margaret will give a free painting demonstration of acrylic on canvas and will be available to answer questions on painting techniques. She will be painting an image transferred to canvas during the teaching session. For more information, please telephone Margaret Bailey on 01785 840830. The workshop costs £15 per person and to enrol, please contact Stafford Collage on 01785 275607 or enter on the day. BARN DANCE: On Saturday, there will be a barn dance with live music and dancing, held at the Wheaton Aston sports and social club from 8.00pm until late, run by the Friends of Mottey Meadows. There will also be a raffle. Tickets cost £8.50 each which includes a ploughman’s supper, and are available from Wes Weate on 01785 840826, Chris Palmer on 01785 840531, or from Phil at the Wheaton Aston post office, or on the door. All profits will go to help raise funds to protect the Mottey Meadows Nature Reserve. WHEATON ASTON AND LAPLEY WOMENS’ INSTITUTE: On Monday, there will be a talk entitled ‘Choice Joyce’ given by speaker, Jane Alsop, starting at 8.00pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. This talk is a celebration of the life of Joyce Grenfell. Everyone is welcome at attend. For further details, please telephone Pearl Thorley on 01785 840602. KAREOKE EVENING: There will be a karaoke evening starting at 9.00pm at the Hartley Arms. Everyone welcome but earplugs will not be supplied. MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING: The recent coffee morning event held at Old School Court raised £340.78. All proceeds are for the Macmillian Nurses. WESTON PARK: Today, head chef, Guy Day, will be hosting another question and answer session from 11.00am – 12.00pm noon, where he will be giving hints and tips on what to do with autumnal produce. He will talk about foraging for mushrooms and creating warming winter dishes as well as pickling and preserving tips, with tastings and recipe cards to take home. The session is followed by a two-course lunch in the Granary Grill and Restaurant. For further information, please telephone 01952 852100. From Friday to Sunday, the International Autumn Horse Trials ‘Three Day Event’ is being run for the National Junior Championships, National Under 21 Championships, CCI* and CCI** classes, which consists of dressage, cross-country and show jumping. For further information visit the website www.westonht.freeserve.co.uk. On Sunday, John Hughes from the Shropshire Wildlife Trust, will be leading a hunt for all things fungi in the woods at Weston. John will identify the different types of fungi found, explain how to pick them properly, and will talk about the myths and folklore surrounding mushrooms. Please bring a basket and spoon for foraging. The walks start at 10.30am and 2.00pm. These walks are very popular and booking is essential. For further information, please telephone 01952 852100. PARISH COUNCIL: The next parish council meeting is tonight at 7.30pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. If anyone has anything that they wish to bring to the attention of the parish council, they are welcome to attend the public participation session that is held at the start of the meeting. CHURCH: The next informal walk will take place on Tuesday, leaving St Mary’s at 10.00am, and returning to the church afterwards for coffee and cake. Everyone is welcome to come. Walking boots/stout shoes are needed and walkers walk at their own risk. For further details, telephone Brian and Mary Littleford on 01785 840552. SERVICES: Today, the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School, at 3.15pm. Today, the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School, at 3.15pm. On Sunday 10.30am Family Communion St Mary’s’; the harvest evensong will take place in All Saints’ at 6.30pm. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon. BLYMHILL NEWS CHURCH: On Friday, the harvest service will take place at St Mary’s church, starting at 7.00pm. This will be followed by a fish and chip supper, then dessert, and tea or coffee, in the new village hall, at 8.00pm. There will be a raffle and a bar will be open. Tickets cost £7.50 for adults and £5.00 for children under 12. Tickets are available from PCC members. MUMS AND TODDLERS: A mums and toddlers session is starting today in Blymhill village hall from 10.00am – 12.00 noon, and every first Thursday of the month thereafter. For further details, please telephone Linda on 01952 850149. |
29th September 2011
| DRAWING WORKSHOP: At the Wheaton Aston Art’s community arts exhibition taking place on Saturday October 8 from 10 from 10.00am – 4.00pm in St Mary’s church, a drawing workshop is being run by Margaret Bailey. All materials apart from drawing boards will be provided but anyone taking part may bring their own if preferred. The workshop will show how to successfully compose an image working from photographs or from your imagination, which will then be scaled up and transferred to a canvas. Margaret will give a free painting demonstration of acrylic on canvas and will be available to answer questions on painting techniques. She will be painting an image transferred to canvas during the teaching session. For more information, please telephone Margaret Bailey on 01785 840830. Refreshments will be available and these will be provided by the St Mary’s church team. The workshop costs £15 per person and to enrol, please contact Stafford Collage on 01785 275607. HARVEST QUIZ: On Friday October 14, there will be a harvest quiz which will include live music rounds, at St Mary’s church, starting at 7.30pm. Teams will consist of six people. To enter costs £5.00 per person and this includes supper but please bring your own drinks. Tickets are available from Margaret Holmes on 01785 840241 or Janet Fox on 01785 840334. FASHION SHOW: There will be a fashion show of the latest designs from Barbara Powell of Stafford on Wednesday in St Mary’s church, starting at 8.00pm. Tickets cost £6.00 which includes canapés and a glass of wine afterwards, and are available from Kath Doyle on 01785 840525. All proceeds are to go to the St Mary’s church funds. WESTON PARK: On Wednesday, head chef, Guy Day, will be hosting another question and answer session from 11.00am – 12.00pm noon, where he will be giving hints and tips on what to do with autumnal produce. He will talk about foraging for mushrooms and creating warming winter dishes as well as pickling and preserving tips, with tastings and recipe cards to take home. The session is followed by a two-course lunch in the Granary Grill and Restaurant. There will be a selling exhibition of recent works by David Fowles throughout October in the Granary Art Gallery. David was born in Shropshire and much of his work is depicts landscape scenes, in oils. The Gallery is open daily from 11.00am – 4.00pm and entry is free. For further information, please telephone 01952 852100. SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB: On Friday, there will be a dance at the sports and social club, with modern jive and ceroc freestyle. Beginners are welcome and can get individual tuition. For further information, please telephone 01785 840440. CHURCH: There is going to be a bible study meeting on Wednesday, from 9.00am – 10.00am, in St Mary’s church. For more information, please contact Linda Beech on 01952 850149. The recent cheese and wine party held at Peter and Celia Smith’s house, 4 Fentonhouse Lane, raised £250. This was the fourth year that this event has been held. All proceeds are to go to the St Mary’s church funds. SERVICES: Today, the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School, at 3.15pm. On Friday, at 9.30am, St Mary’s First School harvest service will take place at St Mary’s church. On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Harvest morning praise St Mary’s. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon; |
22nd September 2011
| COFFEE MORNING: There will be a coffee morning held at Old School Court on Saturday, from 10.30am – 12.00 pm noon. There will also be a raffle, a name the doll competition, a card stall, and refreshments available. All proceeds will be in aid of the Macmillan Nurses. Everyone welcome to come. AMERTON FARM: The Old People’s Welfare is organising a coach trip to Amerton Farm today, leaving the village hall at 9.30am with the return journey starting at 2.30pm. It costs £3.00 for members and £5.00 for non-members. Anyone is welcome to come. For information or to book, please call Angie Hassall on 01785 841024. BARN DANCE: On Saturday October 8, there will be a barn dance with live music and dancing, held at the Wheaton Aston sports and social club from 8.00pm until late, run by the Friends of Mottey Meadows. There will also be a raffle. Tickets cost £8.50 each which includes a ploughman’s supper, and are available from Wes Weate on 01785 840826, Chris Palmer on 01785 840531, or from Phil at the Wheaton Aston post office. All profits will go to help raise funds to protect the Mottey Meadows Nature Reserve. CHRISTMAS SHOE BOX APPEAL: The shoe box leaflets are now available from all the churches, Wheaton Aston post office, Anne Wright on 01785 840656, or from June Hill on 01952 850370. Shoe boxes must be ready by Friday November 4. If you are not able to fill a box by yourself, then consider providing a few small items or donating money towards purchasing some things. Please give any donations to Anne Wright. SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB: Tonight the darts match will be at home in the sports and social club. On Friday, there will be a private party. On Saturday, the football match between Stoke and Manchester United can be watched on Sky tv on the big screen, with kick off at 5.30pm. In the evening, there is a private party but the lounge will be open. For further information, please telephone 01785 840440. CHURCH SERVICES: Today, the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School, at 3.15pm. On Sunday 10.30am joint service for all the family. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon; BLYMHILL NEWS CHURCH: On Friday October 7, the harvest service will take place at St Mary’s church, starting at 7.00pm. This will be followed by a fish and chip supper, then dessert, and tea or coffee, in the new village hall, at 8.00pm. There will be a raffle and a bar will be open. Tickets cost £7.50 for adults and £5.00 for children under 12. Tickets are available from PCC members. DROP IN: A drop in session is starting at Blymhill village hall today from 10.00am 0 12.00 noon, and then every fourth Thursday of the month thereafter. All ages welcome. So come along for a drink, a chat, and to look at the book and bric-a-brac stall. |
15th September 2011
| AMERTON FARM: The Old People’s Welfare is organising a coach trip to Amerton Farm on Thursday September 22, leaving the village hall at 9.30am with the return journey starting at 2.30pm. It costs £3.00 for members and £5.00 for non-members. Anyone is welcome to come. For information or to book, please call Angie Hassall on 01785 841024. CHEESE AND WINE PARTY: There will be a cheese and wine party at Peter and Celia Smith’s house, 4 Fentonhouse Lane, Wheaton Aston, tomorrow from 6.30pm – 9.30pm. The cost is £5.00 which includes a glass of wine and a cheese supper. This is a drop-in event where everyone is welcome. Tickets are available now from Hilary Bates on 01785 840728. This is the fourth time such an event has been held at the Smith’s house. All proceeds are to go to the St Mary’s church funds. FASHION SHOW: There will be a fashion show of the latest designs from Barbara Powell of Stafford on Wednesday October 5 in St Mary’s church, starting at 8.00pm. Tickets cost £6.00 which includes canapés and a glass of wine afterwards, and are available from Kath Doyle on 01785 840525. WESTON PARK: On Saturday and Sunday, the Midland Game and Country Sports Fair is being held at Weston Park. This is the premier event of its kind for anyone interested in traditional country pursuits featuring a wide range of events from world class clay pigeon shooting to game and coarse fishing demonstrations, gundog competitions, falconry displays, ferret racing, etc, and family activities including action packed arenas, antiques, fine arts, rural crafts, and over six hundred trade stands. Gates open at 9.00am each day. Also available is a Midland Game Fair weekend package from Friday to Sunday, with VIP weekend tickets, and includes fine dining and accommodation in the House. The British Food Fortnight runs from Saturday September 17 – Sunday October 2. The Granary food shop will be celebrating the very best in local produce with an autumnal variety of food. Shoppers will be able to pick up seasonal recipe cards by Head Chef, Guy Day, butcher Andy Lockley will be offering tasting in the butchery and local suppliers will be popping in to talk about their produce. For further details, telephone 01952 852100. For further information, please telephone 01952 852100. PARISH COUNCIL: There will be a short parish council meeting in the village hall on Monday at 6.00pm to consider commissioning a housing needs survey for Lapley, Stretton, and Wheaton Aston. There will be a short public participation session at the start of the meeting. CHURCH: On Monday, the PCC is meeting at St Mary’s church, at 7.30pm. SERVICES: On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Holy Communion St Mary’s. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon; at 7.30pm, there will be a service of healing and wholeness in St Mary’s. BLYMHILL NEWS GARDENING CLUB: The new season for the Blymhill Gardening Club starts tonight with the annual general meeting which is being held in Wheaton Aston village hall starting at 8.00pm. This will be followed by a talk by Brian Draper entitled ‘What is a River?’. |
8th September 2011
| WHEATON ASTON AND LAPLEY WOMENS’ INSTITUTE: On Monday, there will be a talk entitled ‘The river Severn’s journey through Shropshire’ given by speaker David Gregory, starting at 8.00pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. Everyone is welcome at attend. For further details, please telephone Pearl Thorley on 01785 840602. WHEATON ASTON WIVES’ GROUP: Today there will be a meeting for the Wives Group at Wheaton Aston village hall starting at 8.00pm where speaker Fiona Lucas will be giving a talk entitled ‘Around the world with tea towels’. For further details please telephone Jean Roberts on 01785 840556. POLICE SURGERY: A police surgery is to be held on Sunday in Wheaton Aston village hall from 2.00pm – 3.00pm where residents could come and discuss any issues/concerns that they have. PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: At the recent parish council meeting, many residents from Primrose Close attended the public participation session where they raised concerns about the possible future development of land behind St Mary’s First school, Marston Road. The chairman explained that a meeting had taken place in June with Richborough Estates, St Mary’s First School, Staffordshire Youth Services, South Staffordshire Council and the parish council to discuss the matter. However no planning applications had been made and the local development plan from South Staffordshire Council which had previously been used as a basis for the discussion, contained incorrect data and was now out of date so could not be relied on. A parish plan is being set up by the parish council and that any future consultation should be done as part of this plan. The meeting had been to discuss the current situation and as no planning applications existed, the matter could not be discussed in greater detail. If and when any such development is planned, a public consultation would take place and the residents would be able to voice their concerns and opinions at that time. Jeremy Lefroy, our local MP, attended the meeting so that any local issues could be discussed. He pointed out that having a parish plan in place, was very important, and could be used for any sustainable future development that was wanted locally. He said that he held a local surgery once every 3 months and had had 4 surgeries so far. Items discussed included anti social behaviour, transport and bus routes, and policing for which he said that current community policing would remain in place until 2013. The parish council manager gave a report outlining her outstanding work, identifying any future meetings taking place, and said that she was back to normal working hours on Monday through to Wednesday. PC Smith attended the meeting and gave a report; a burglary had taken place at Stretton House, Stretton (which had been empty for some time) and copper piping had been stolen; a patio door had been forced on a property in School Road and a hole cut in the glass in a garage in Long Street but nothing had been stolen from either property; two motor vehicles reported stolen were found in garages on Badgers End and enquiries concerning these were ongoing; the owner of a red Toyota Celica had been spoken to about speeding around the village; youngsters had been spoken to about jumping off trees in Primrose Close and pulling off branches; problems on the Marston Road field included a bench from the school being taken onto the field and broken up, graffiti had been sprayed onto the skate park ramps (now removed), and a bench had been ripped up including the concrete base, and there were no CCTV or no witnesses for these incidents; a ball bearing had been put through a window of a property in School Lane, Stretton; a window had been smashed in a property in Ivetsey Road; a wardrobe had been set fire to in the fields behind Sowdley Green and the youths involved would be dealt with accordingly. PC Smith said that a police surgery is to be held on Sunday September 11 in the village hall from 2.00pm – 3.00pm where residents could come and discuss any issues/concerns that they have. Planning matters were discussed. An application had been received for Mileford Cottage on Wenlock Bank for a bedroom extension and sun lounge (no objections); the application for the Vaughan Arms at Lapley had been withdrawn, the plot at Brookhouse Farm had previously had outline planning permission but full planning permission had been refused; the appeal for the anonometer for the wind farm at Brineton had been approved. An informal meeting had taken place recently between the available parish council members and Banner Homes Midlands, to discuss the possible future development for land off Bridge Farm, Long Street, Wheaton Aston, to outline what was being proposed and to see if it was felt that the proposals were what were required in the area. It was felt that the meeting had been very positive and a consultation is to take place shortly in the village hall with the proposals available for the public to come and view and make comments/suggestions, and discuss the development with representatives from Banner Homes. As the housing needs survey is out of date, a short parish council meeting is to take place to discuss this on Monday September 19 from 6.00pm – 7.00pm. Two councillors are to attend a planning training meeting at the end of September, given by South Staffs Council. Financial matters were discussed; it was agreed to pay the membership fee for the Staffs Playing Fields Association (£15), for the parish council manager to attend the SLCC conference (£365) and to vire £1700 from the election reserves to the administration to pay the election costs from May. The village agent sent in report which said that IT lessons were being provided by 2 volunteers at the St Mary’s drop-in on Wednesdays and at Old School Court; a grant application had been made to purchase more PCs, a land line, and internet access in St Mary’s church.; the second stage application for the Broadholes Lane play area was progressing; the village hall health and safety audit was ongoing. Two water leaks had been reported at Caspian Way and Yew Tree Drive to Severn Trent and had been given a low priority even though the leak at Yew Tree Drive was causing the water to gush out, as more important work had to be dealt with. In the Best Kept Village competition, Wheaton Aston had won first place in the large village section in South Staffordshire, with Lapley winning the small village section, and Stretton being highly commended. Lapley had won £200 for which there will be a presentation of a trophy. Rob Cox will be asked to do the maintenance for the 10 fingerposts in the area. Quotes are to be sought for the repointing of the village hall car park wall. It was reported that the Wheaton Aston First Responders had had 17 call outs; they were having a fund raising musical quiz on October 15, and had given 2 talks at the drop-in at St Mary’s church. At the sports and social club, the work on the toilets and showers was now complete; quotes were being sought for the flooring in the hallway; the perimeter hedge had been trimmed/cut back; the boiler would have to be replaced and would cost about £4000; more social events were planned; the next meeting was to be on September 29. The next parish council meeting is to take place on Thursday October 6 in Wheaton Aston village hall, starting at 7.30pm. CHURCH: On Saturday, the annual diocesan ‘Ride and Stride’ event will be taking place, in which St Andrew’s church, Weston, will be open from 10.00am – 6.00pm, and St Mary’s church, Wheaton Aston, will be open from 10.00am – 5.00pm, to participate. Volunteers will be on hand to welcome the walkers and bike riders and to provide a refreshing drink. Please come along to call in and take part, and sponsor your local church. The next informal walk will take place on Tuesday, starting from Rookery Farm at 10.00am. All those interested should meet outside St Mary’s church at 9.45am. Lifts will be provided if necessary. Everyone is welcome to come. Walking boots/stout shoes are needed and walkers walk at their own risk. For further details, telephone Brian and Mary Littleford on 01785 840552. SERVICES: On Sunday 10.30am joint service of family communion St Mary’s. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon. BLYMHILL NEWS VILLAGE HALL OPENING: The new Blymhill and Weston-under-Lizard village hall will officially be opened on Saturday at 4.00pm. After the opening ceremony, lights refreshments will be served. All will be welcome to attend. |
1st September 2011
| CHEESE AND WINE PARTY: On Friday September 16, there will be a cheese and wine party at Peter and Celia Smith’s house, 4 Fentonhouse Lane, Wheaton Aston, from 6.30pm – 9.30pm. The cost is £5.00 which includes a glass of wine and a cheese supper. This is a drop-in event. Tickets are available now from Hilary Bates on 01785 840728. This is the fourth time such an event has been held at the Smith’s house. All proceeds are to go to the St Mary’s church funds. BRIDGE FARM DEVELOPMENT CONSULTATION: An exhibition of the proposed future development for land off Bridge Farm, Long Street, Wheaton Aston, is to take place on Wednesday in the village hall from 5.00pm – 8.00pm. Staff from Banner Homes Midland will be available to discuss the initial proposals with anyone interested. Drawings of the proposals will be available to view. WESTON PARK: There will be an exhibition of works by former jockey, Geoff Price, from Friday September 2 to Friday September 30. Geoff returns to the Gallery after initially having an exhibition in January 2010. This time, he is having a selling exhibition of racing and abstract works which are guaranteed to bring a splash of colour and life to any wall. Most of the works celebrate Geoff’s involvement with the turf and powerfully depict the horses and riders approaching the observer at speed. The gallery is open daily from 11.00am – 4.00pm and entry is free. For further information, please telephone 01952 852100. SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB: On Saturday, John French, a singer and cabaret artist, will be appearing at the sports and social club from 9.00am onwards. Tickets cost £3.00 each, available on the door. The cricket match due to be played last Saturday was cancelled. For further information, please telephone 01785 840440. MIDNIGHT WALK: On Saturday October 29, a Monks midnight walk is to take place. The walk will be approximately three miles long, and will start from the Hartley Arms pub, where everyone should meet at 11.30pm. All ages are welcome to join in. No torches are allowed but lanterns are acceptable. There will be a prize for the best dressed monk. This is a sponsored walk in aid of the Wheaton Aston First Responders and the Help for Heroes. Sponsor forms are available from Wheaton Aston post office, Doal’s Food and News, or you can telephone Ali Flower on 01785 840595. PARISH COUNCIL: At the recent parish council meeting, the planning applications received since the previous meeting were discussed. These were for 22 Ivetsey Close, Wheaton Aston, for a single detached garage and for Meadow View, Stretton Road, Lapley for alterations and extensions. No objections were made for 22 Ivetsey Close, but objections were raised for Meadow View as it was proposed to turn the bungalow into a house thus raising the roofline above the existing surrounding properties which would overpower the view when approaching the village, and it was noted that the property is adjacent to green belt land and the conservation area. No planning decisions for any other previous applications had been made. The proposed drawings for the Broadholes Lane play area which had been presented at the previous meeting, were discussed. The plans had been adjusted to reduce costs to fit the grant that has been applied for. The plans were proposed and accepted by all those present. A letter from the parish council supporting the project is to be sent. The South Staffordshire Council capital loan agreement with Wheaton Aston sports and recreation ground was signed by the previously agreed four parish council members and the parish council manager, witnessed by a member of the public attending the meeting. The parish council had agreed to be a guarantor for an £8000 loan from South Staffordshire Council to Wheaton Aston sports and recreation ground and the money was to be used for improvements to the roof. An informal meeting had taken place recently between the available parish council members and Banner Homes Midlands, to discuss the possible future development for land off Bridge Farm, Long Street, Wheaton Aston. This was to outline what was being proposed and to see if it was felt that the proposals were what are required in the area. A consultation is to take place in the village hall on Wednesday September 7 from 5.00pm – 7.00pm, with the proposals available for the public to come and view and make comments/suggestions, and discuss the development with representatives from Banner Homes. The next full parish council meeting is tonight at 7.30pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. If anyone has anything that they wish to bring to the attention of the parish council, they are welcome to attend the public participation session that is held at the start of the meeting. CHURCH: On Sunday, starting at 3.00pm, there will be a scarecrow trail around Lapley village along with the clues to a quiz. When you have found the answers, you can have afternoon tea which will be served in All Saints’ church. All proceeds are to go to the Lapley church restoration fund. There is going to be a bible study meeting on Wednesday, from 9.00am – 10.00am, in St Mary’s church. For more information, please contact Linda Beech on 01952 850149. SERVICES: On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon. BLYMHILL NEWS COFFEE MORNING: The recent coffee morning held in the new village hall, raised £150 which will go towards Weston’s church roof repairs. VILLAGE HALL OPENING: The new Blymhill and Weston-under-Lizard village hall will officially be opened on Saturday September 10 at 4.00pm. After the opening ceremony, lights refreshments will be served. All will be welcome to attend. |
25th August 2011
| SUSSED SESSIONS: This week, there will be two South Staffordshire Council SUSSED children’s activity sessions taking place in Wheaton Aston village hall. These are Thursday 2.00pm – 4.00pm creation station; Friday 2.00pm – 4.00pm get creative. The cost is £2.00 per child. For more information, please ring 01902 696531. SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB: At the cricket match played last Saturday, Wheaton Aston scored 198 for 4 and Cound got 197 for 6. This meant that Wheaton Aston won by 6 wickets. On Friday evening, there are dance sessions taking place for modern jive and ceroc, with Marie, starting at 8.00pm. Beginners are welcome. On Saturday, the Aston Villa against Wolves match will be shown on the big screen on Sky Sports, with kick off at 12.05pm; the Wheaton Aston Cricket Club will be playing against Trysull and Seisdon Cricket; in the evening, a private party is taking place but the lounge will be open for anyone else who wants to come. On Sunday, six a side football will be taking place throughout the day and hot food will be available including breakfast; there will be a tea dance from 6.00pm – 10.00pm and the bar will be open. For further information, please telephone 01785 840440. WESTON PARK: On Sunday tours are being given around the House entitled ‘What the Butler Saw’ and these will be accompanied by an experienced guide to show what went on behind the scenes, and what goes on today in the servants’ quarters. The tours start at 12 noon and 2.00pm. For further information, please telephone 01952 852100. CHURCH: On Saturday September 10, the annual diocesan ‘Ride and Stride’ event will be taking place, in which St Andrew’s church, Weston, will be open from 10.00am – 6.00pm, and St Mary’s church, Wheaton Aston, will be open from 10.00am – 5.00pm, to participate. Volunteers will be on hand to welcome the walkers and bike riders and to provide a refreshing drink. Please come along to call in and take part, and sponsor your local church. There is going to be a bible study meeting on the first Wednesday of each month, commencing on Wednesday September 7, from 9.00am – 10.00am, in St Mary’s church. For more information, please contact Linda Beech on 01952 850149. If anyone would like to help decorate St Mary’s church for the harvest service on Sunday October 2, please sign the plan at the back of the church. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether you are on the regular rota or not. SERVICES: On Sunday 10.30am Joint service with All Saints’ church for all, at St Mary’s church, Wheaton Aston. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon.
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18th August 2011
| SUSSED SESSION: This week, there will be one South Staffordshire Council SUSSED children’s activity session taking place in Wheaton Aston village hall. This is on Friday from 2.00pm – 4.00pm and will be parachute games. The cost is £2.00 per child. For more information, please ring 01902 696531. SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB: Last Saturday, Wheaton Aston cricket team played Shrewsbury. The scores were 170 for 7 for Wheaton Aston and Shrewsbury got 148 for 9. This meant a win for Wheaton Aston. The match this Saturday will be against Cound Cricket Club. On Friday evening, there is a private party taking place but the lounge will be open for anyone else who wants to come. On Monday evening starting at 7.30pm, there will be line dancing. For further information, please telephone 01785 840440. WESTON PARK: On Saturday and Sunday, the V Festival is taking place at Weston Park which will mean thousands of visitors to the area. This is a nationally acclaimed rock and pop festival that runs on both days with over 100 live acts due to appear. Campers will be arriving on Thursday and Friday and be departing on Monday. For further information please visit www.vfestival.com. For further information, please telephone 01952 852100. CHURCH: On Saturday, the ‘Last Night of the Proms’ will take place in Wheaton Aston village hall, starting at 7.30pm. There will be food, musical entertainment will be provided by Dennis Cornes, and community singing. Tickets cost £12 which includes supper, but bring your own drinks. Tickets are available from Pearl Thorley on 01785 840602, Joyce Albany on 01785 840554, or Kath Doyle on 01785 840525. All proceeds are to go the St Mary’s church funds. SERVICES: On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Holy Communion St Mary’s. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon. BLYMHILL NEWS COFFEE MORNING: On Tuesday, there will be a coffee morning held at Blymhill rectory, from 10.00am – 12.00pm noon, where there will also be books and bric-a-brac. Entrance costs £2.00 which includes tea and coffee. All proceeds are to go to the St Andrew’s restoration fund. Last Saturday, the treasure hunt, afternoon tea, and a local history talk, raised £450. All proceeds are to go to the village hall funds. |
11th August 2011
| BEST KEPT GARDENS COMPETITION: The results from the Best Kept Gardens competition which has been judged throughout Staffordshire over the last few months, have been announced. For the South Staffordshire district, in the large village section, Wheaton Aston has come first, and in the small village section, Lapley has come first, with Stretton being highly commended. SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB: Last Saturday, Wheaton Aston cricket team played Beacon. The scores were 208 for 6 for Wheaton Aston and Beacon got 207 for 5. This meant a win for Wheaton Aston. The match this Saturday will be against Shrewsbury Cricket Club. The football team have a home match against Rugeley Football Club. Kick off will be at 10.30am. For further information, please telephone 01785 840440. SUSSED SESSIONS: This week, there will be two South Staffordshire Council SUSSED children’s activity sessions taking place in Wheaton Aston village hall. These are Friday 10.00am – 12.00pm football coaching; Tuesday 10.00am – 12.00pm multi sports. The cost is £2.00 per child. For more information, please ring 01902 696531. NETWORK CLUB: Local business people now have the chance to do business with each other, with the launching of a new networking club, Business Forward. The first meeting will be at 7.30 pm on Tuesday September 13 at the Sports and Social Club, Wheaton Aston. There will be no charge and if successful, free meetings will be held every month. It is estimated there are over 200 businesses in Wheaton Aston and surrounding communities, with hundreds of people working for businesses that would benefit from networking. Networking allows business people to meet others, make contacts and build up a network of trusted suppliers or contacts who will share referrals with each other. It works to a tried and tested formula. Behind the new venture are three Wheaton Aston businessmen, Steve Collins, Keith Milford and John Fisher. Further info from John Fisher on johngordonfisher@me.com or 01785 840978. CHURCH: On Wednesday, the Wheaton Aston Community First Responders will be attending the Drop-In between 10.00am and 12.00pm noon. This is a chance to meet these highly trained volunteers, look at the equipment they use, and hear what they have to say. Show your support by coming along and meeting them. SERVICES: On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Family Communion St Mary’s. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon; also there will be a service of healing and wholeness at St Andrew’s church, Weston-under-Lizard, starting at 7.30pm. BLYMHILL NEWS TREASURE HUNT: On Saturday, there will be a treasure hunt, afternoon tea, and a local history talk, all held at Blymhill village hall, starting at 2.00pm. Tickets cost £12.00 for adults and children under 12 can have free entry. For more information, please contact Carolyn Stokes on 01952 692587, or any church committee member. |
4th August 2011
| SUSSED SESSIONS: This week, there will be three South Staffordshire Council SUSSED children’s activity sessions taking place in Wheaton Aston village hall. These are Thursday 2.00pm – 4.00pm art attack; Friday 2.00pm – 4.00pm kwik cricket; Tuesday 10am – 12.00pm perfect puppets. The cost is £2.00 per child. For more information, please ring 01902 696531. WHEATON ASTON AND LAPLEY WOMENS’ INSTITUTE: There is no meeting this month. For information, please telephone Pearl Thorley on 01785 840602. PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: There was an extra parish council meeting held recently which was primarily to consider the proposed drawings for the Broadholes lane play area, consider any planning applications, and approve payments. Pat Davies from South Staffordshire Council had done some detailed drawings for the Broadholes Lane play area which he presented to the parish council members to consider which were discussed. The site is aimed at younger children and the area has been designed around this age group. It will be surrounded by secure fencing and the gateway will be moved forward to be level with surrounding houses. It is planned to close the site each night when it is in use. During the public participation session, representatives from the sports and social club explained the alleged discrepancies between the minutes from two meetings held recently, concerning funding, and asked that the loan agreement from South Staffordshire Council be signed. As this was not an item on the agenda, this could not be done. Rather than wait until the next full parish council meeting at the start of September and the improvement work currently going on at the club may have to be halted, it was decided to hold another brief parish council meeting on Tuesday August 16 to discuss the matter and sign the agreement if everyone was satisfied. CHURCH: The next informal walk will take place on Tuesday, leaving St Mary’s at 10.00am, and returning to the church afterwards for coffee and cake. Everyone is welcome to come. Walking boots/stout shoes are needed and walkers walk at their own risk. For further details, telephone Brian and Mary Littleford on 01785 840552. SERVICES: On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Morning Praise St Mary’s. On Wednesday, the weekly drop-in takes place in St Mary’s church from 10.30am – 12.00 noon. |
28th July 2011
| WHEATON ASTON CRICKET TEAM RESULTS: At the recent match against Pontersbury, Wheaton Aston scored 248 for 2 and Pontersbury scored 113 for 8. This meant that Wheaton Aston had the winning draw. At the match played last Saturday, Wheaton Aston scored 134 for no wickets, and St Georges scored 132 for 2. This meant that Wheaton Aston won by 10 wickets. WESTON PARK: A fine art open competition is to take place from Monday August 1 to Wednesday August 31 which is sponsored by Halls, a well known firm of estate agents, chartered surveyors, auctioneers and valuers. There will be work from artists from all over the UK. The overall winner will receive £2000, the Shropshire/Staffordshire winner £500, there will be a people’s prize (as voted for by visitors to the open competition) £200 of framing from Kingswood Frames and Mirrors Ltd of Welshpool and a junior winner will be selected as well. Admission is from 11.00am – 4.00pm and is free. For further information, please telephone 01952 852100. SUSSED SESSION: On Tuesday, there will be a South Staffordshire Council SUSSED children’s activity session taking place in Wheaton Aston village hall from 10.00am – 12.00pm for crazy craft. The cost is £2.00 per child. For more information, please ring 01902 696531. SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB: On Friday, there will be Ceroc dancing at the sports and social club starting at 8.30pm. Beginners are welcome. Entry costs £3.00. The cricket team will be playing a home match against Shifnal on Saturday. On Sunday evening, there will be a tea dance with modern jive or ceroc dancing, from 6.00pm – 10.00pm. For further information, please telephone 01785 840440. CHURCH: At the recent afternoon tea party event held at Olive Atkinson’s house, the sum of £150 was raised which will go to the St Mary’s church funds . On Saturday August 20, the ‘Last Night of the Proms’ will take place in Wheaton Aston village hall, starting at 7.30pm. There will be food and community singing, and the musical entertainment will be provided by Dennis Cornes. Tickets cost £12 which includes supper, but bring your own drinks. Tickets are now available from Pearl Thorley on 01785 840602, Joyce Albany on 01785 840554, or Kath Doyle on 01785 840525. All proceeds are to go the St Mary’s church funds. There will be a cheese and wine party at Peter and Celia Smith’s house, 4 Fentonhouse Lane, Wheaton Aston, on Friday September 16, from 6.30pm – 9.30pm. The cost is £5.00 which includes a glass of wine and a cheese supper. Tickets are available now from Hilary Bates on 01785 840728. This is the fourth time such an event has been held at the Smith’s house. All proceeds are to go to the St Mary’s church funds. SERVICES: On Sunday 10.30am Watershed Benefice service at St Mary’s church, Blymhill. |
21st July 2011
| AFTERNOON TEA: Today afternoon tea will be served at Olive Atkinson’s house, at 36 Long Street, Wheaton Aston, from 2.30pm – 4.30pm. Entry will cost £2.00. There will be a bring and buy stall and a raffle. All proceeds are to go to the St Mary’s church funds. ST MARY’S FIRST SCHOOL: The ‘End of Term’ disco will take place today from 6.00pm – 7.30pm. Entry costs £1.00 per child and is free for year 4 leavers. COMMUNITY ART EXHIBITION: On Saturday October 8, there will be a community art exhibition during the daytime in St Marys’ church, Wheaton Aston, which will be sponsored and organised by Wheaton Aston Arts. Entries will be accepted for display and can include work of paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, needlework, etc. Anyone wishing to enter can obtain an entry form and specification from Wheaton Aston post office. The cost of entry is 50p for each item, towards expenses. For more information, please telephone Margaret Bailey on 01785 840830. GARDEN OPEN DAY: The garden open day held recently at Mr and Mrs Bennet’s home at the Wickets, 47 Long Street, Wheaton Aston, was visited by 130 people, and the event raised £464 which will go to charity. This year featured a railway diorama in aid of the ‘Help the Heroes’ fund for which £75.95 was donated. Mr and Mrs Bennett have been holding an open garden day for the past 11 years as part of the National Gardens Scheme, and have been visited by a total 1117 people, raising the grand sum of £3085, all of which has gone to charity. MOTTEY MEADOWS: On Saturday, there will be a practical day at Mottey Meadows where volunteers will tackle some of the outstanding tasks such as pulling Himalayan balsam, trimming back hedgerows, etc. The volunteers are to meet on Weate’s meadow at 10.30am and the work will take place in the southern meadow, finishing at 3.30pm. All those attending should take food and drinks for the day and wear appropriate clothing, including long sleeved shirts and sturdy footwear. Natural England will provide all the necessary tools, sun tan lotion and gloves. For further information, please telephone Mel Brown, the reserves manager, on 01952 812111. WESTON PARK: A pop opera is being held in the Park on Saturday, which will feature a performance by ‘Il Voce Celesti’ of pop favourites in an operatic style as well as rousing traditional arias. The performance will include hits from Take That through to Nessum Dorma, with a few surprises along the way. The event is a ‘picnic in the park’ style evening where guests can enjoy access to the park from 5.00pm to enjoy a picnic, with the performance starting at 7.45pm. The Tesco and Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life takes place on Saturday and Sunday. It is hoped to raise £80 million for this lifesaving research work in 2011 as every two minutes someone is diagnosed with cancer in the UK so more women than ever are needed to take part. So walk, jog or run the 10K race on Saturday or the 5K race on Sunday to help raise money. For further information, please telephone 01952 852100. SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB: On Friday evening, there will be a Wheaton Aston Wanderers Football Club charity fund raising event. On Monday evening starting at 7.30pm, there will be line dancing. For further information, please telephone 01785 840440. CHURCH SERVICES: On Sunday 10.30am Family Communion St Andrew’s church, Weston-under-Lizard. |
14th July 2011
| WHEATON ASTON WIVES’ GROUP: Today there will is an open evening given by the Wives Group at Wheaton Aston village hall starting at 8.00pm where Andrew Lound will be giving a talk entitled ‘When The Lights Went Out’. Everyone interested in attending is welcome. Entry costs £1.50 which includes refreshments. For further details please telephone Jean Roberts on 01785 840556. WHEATON ASTON AND LAPLEY WOMENS’ INSTITUTE: The next meeting is on Monday and will take place at Wyn Bannister’s house at 8.00pm where refreshments will be served. Entry is free to W.I. members and costs £5.00 for guests. There will be a raffle and a few garden games. For further details, please telephone Pearl Thorley on 01785 840602. COFFEE MORNING: The coffee morning recently held by the Old People’s Welfare Committee at Joy Machin’s house, made £258. All proceeds are for the Old People’s Welfare funds. The Old People’s Welfare Committee would like to thank Mr and Mrs Machin and all those who helped and attended this event. SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB: At the recent cricket match played against Whitchurch, Wheaton Aston scored 179 for 6 and Whitchurch got 29 all out. This meant that Wheaton Aston won by 150 runs. ST MARY’S FIRST SCHOOL: St Mary’s First School is holding a school service at St Mary’s church, starting at 9.15am. WESTON PARK: Today there will be an RDA sponsored ride at Weston Park in aid of the Tettenhall Group of the Riding for the Disabled charity. It is a five mile course which goes through the Park, with optional jumps. The minimum sponsorship money will be £15. The event runs from 3.00pm until 8.00pm, with the last rider departing at 7.15pm.Entrance to the event is free but each rider is requested to pay a minimum sponsorship fee of £15 and all funds go directly to the Tettenhall RDA Group. Today, head chef, Guy Day, will be hosting another question and answer session from 11.00am – 12.00pm noon, where he will be giving hints and tips for barbeques. He will talk about choosing the right cuts of meat, prepare ahead marinades, accompaniments and salads, with tastings and recipe cards to take home. The session is followed by a two-course lunch in the Granary Grill and Restaurant. For further information, please telephone 01902 751049. BIG TED’S BIRTHDAY BASH: There will be a teddy bears’ picnic in the grounds of St Mary’s church (or inside if the weather is not suitable) from 4.00pm – 5.30pm with fun for all the family on Saturday. Please bring your own picnic sandwiches/rugs/chairs, etc but all cakes, biscuits and drinks will be provided. There will be prizes for the best dressed bears and Big Ted will be giving out stickers. Everyone is welcome to come. For more information or to book a place, please contact Anne Wright on 01785 840656. PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: At the recent parish council meeting, during the public participation session, Jean Jones explained that the carnival committee had had to cancel the carnival at the start of July as the field where it was due to be held would not have been ready for use due to the fact that the owner was in the middle of making hay. Other sites such as St Mary’s First School and the Marston Road field, had been investigated, but as no traffic was allowed on the grass, it had not been had been possible to use these. She said that the committee would be seeking a new site for the carnival for future years and would welcome ideas from the parish council and the public as to where it could be held. A resident from Pinfold Lane asked about the progress of the application for closing the alleyway between Pinfold Lane and Burford Close due to nuisance problems. The parish council manager said that she had the form ready but was waiting for letters of support from local residents stating their reasons for supporting the closure. The parish council manager gave a report detailing her outstanding work, a list of the future meetings coming up, and when the SUSSED sessions for children’s activities were being run throughout August. Although the parish council manager is due to take leave during July and August, she would keep up with emails from home and deal with any urgent matters that arose. No members of the police force were available to attend the meeting but a report had been sent in which showed that during the past month, there had been 4 incidents of criminal damage (3 of which were at the Marston Road field), 1 theft of a motor vehicle, 1 theft from a motor vehicle, 1 drugs related incident, 1 incident of violence, and 1 incident of anti-social behaviour. There were no explanatory notes provided with the report giving details of these incidents. Roy Wright said that there had been enough volunteers for voluntary redundancy at South Staffordshire Council so that compulsory redundancies would not have to be considered in order to reduce the staffing levels to save money. Planning applications were discussed and some were approved as no objections were made for the following - White Gate Farm on the A5 for temporary use of the land for caravans and tents when the V Festival is running in August (a taxi service would be provided to take people to and from the festival); Brook House farm, School Road, for a detached dwelling (further details for the original 2008 application); Rookery farm, Lapley Lane, Stretton, for the siting of 2 solar panels on a roof; 4 Malthouse Lane, Wheaton Aston, for a car port, porch and new driveway (with a comment on the siting of the car port as the frontage would not be in line with the other nearby properties). Another application (this being the 8th one received so far) has been sent for the Vaughan Arms at Lapley, for the proposed demolition the extensions and restoration and conversion of the former public house into a detached dwelling house. This current application was refused by the parish council and the original objections will be made as well as stating that the new planned entrance would be hazardous and that the front of the property would be directly on the road, unlike all the surrounding buildings. In May 2010, the parish council agreed to be guarantor for a £8000 loan from South Staffordshire Council to Wheaton Aston Sports and Recreational Ground. The money was to be used for replacing the roof. It was agreed that the loan should be paid back annually rather than at the end of the loan period but the parish council wanted the details to be clarified and to see invoices for the work done before the agreement could be signed. The Rector of Penkridge had asked the parish council if they could help to get a sign erected making it clear that the road leading to St John’s church in Stretton was a public by-way despite being on private land. The parish council manager said she would request a sign from the Rights of Way. Discussions with the relevant authorities and the parish council had taken place regarding the installation of a footpath from St Mary’s First School to the Marston Road field. It was agreed that a footpath could be put down next to the school wall, that no lights were to be installed on the field but that ducting could be installed up to the gate at the entrance of the field (for future possible lighting) so that this area would not have to be dug up again in the future. Complaints had been received about the parking of cars on the road/pavement outside Fritillary Row, causing visibility problems for oncoming traffic. The parish council manager agreed to write to the Housing Association asking that the residents park vehicles behind the houses concerned and to contact Dave Wright from the County Council about putting double yellow lines along the part of the road affected. Parish maintenance matters were discussed. The problems with vandalism at the Marston Road field were ongoing. The new fence had been repaired and then damaged further on two separate occasions; a bench had also been damaged. Suggestions as to how the problem could be addressed were made including using anti-vandal paint (but this could be an environmental issue) or installing a single wire along the top of the fence; the parish council manager had obtained a map detailing the areas that are maintained by South Staffordshire Council; the parish council manager would apply to the district council for a clean up order to be issued to the area around the former doctors’ surgery, the former harvest shop and the beauty salon, along with Trevitt House and Cuttlestone House; it was decided to purchase more bulbs for £150 which would then be planted by volunteers in September; the two trees had been removed from the village car park and the tarmac repaired by Bloomin’ Gardens. It was reported from the Wheaton Aston Play Strategy Working Group (WAPSWG) that more sources of clay were required for the BMX track; two of the parish councillors said they would pursue this matter. The new scheme drawings for the Broadholes Lane play area were being produced by Pat Davies from the district council; the parish council would need to approve these so an extra meeting may have to be held to do this. The parish council’s community evening, due to take place the following day, was discussed. This event was to celebrate achievements and to thank and recognise the work of volunteers. A special award was to go to Mrs Kath Doyle for her work for the Wheaton Aston Play Strategy Working Group, from which she has now retired. The Christmas lights working group reported that the Christmas lights switch on event would take place on Saturday November 26, starting at 4.00pm, and presented their recommendations specifying the events and stalls that are to take place, along with estimated costs, and this was accepted. A report concerning a possible new housing development in Wheaton Aston on land off Primrose Close, was discussed, along with the most suitable access to the site. Diagrams had been produced to show the four options that had been suggested. Jan Wright, the village agent, gave a report; the Telford bus was bringing people into Penkridge (to visit the market); the taxi bus timetable (for areas not served by buses) was now available for the taxi bus service which was on trial ; the village hall is aiming for Hallmark 1 status; the silver surfers event had resulted in more residents wishing to participate in further computer classes; the parish plan was still being considered for the way forward; the transport problems for the Old People’s Welfare day care sessions on Monday, were being discussed to see if any help could be given. A report from the First Responders said that more trained responders were needed, especially for cover during the day, as the current 5 responders all worked full time. If anyone would volunteer, they would be given suitable training and the rota was a flexible arrangement to accommodate what time they could be available. No full parish council meeting is to take place in August but a meeting to approve the drawings for the Broadholes Lane play area scheme for WAPSWG may be necessary. The next full council meeting is to take place on Thursday September 1 in Wheaton Aston village hall, starting at 7.30pm. CHURCH: The PCC meeting will take place on Monday in St Mary’s church, starting at 7.30pm. SERVICES: On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Holy Communion St Mary’s. On Wednesday, there will be a service of healing and wholeness in St Mary’s, starting at 7.30pm. BLYMHILL NEWS GARDEN FETE: The garden fete will take place on Saturday on the playing fields at Blymhill and will be opened at 2.00pm. There will be all the usual stalls and sideshows and refreshments will be available. For further details, please telephone David Hill on 01952 691552. |
7th July 2011
| COFFEE MORNING: Today, a coffee morning is being held by the Old People’s Welfare Committee from 10.30am – 12.30pm at Joy Machin’s house, The Blades, Pinfold Lane, Wheaton Aston. There will be cakes, preserves, books, toys, and plants for sale, along with a white elephant stall and a raffle, with refreshments also available. Everyone is welcome to come. All proceeds are for the Old People’s Welfare funds. WHEATON ASTON WIVES’ GROUP: On Thursday July 14, there will is an open evening given by the Wives Group at Wheaton Aston village hall starting at 8.00pm, where renowned lecturer Andrew Lound will be giving a talk and showing slides about Birmingham at war, entitled ‘When The Lights Went Out’. Everyone interested in attending is welcome. Entry costs £1.50 which includes refreshments. For further details please telephone Jean Roberts on 01785 840556. ST MARY’S FIRST SCHOOL: The recent bag-2-school raised £170 which will go to the PTA funds. The next PTA meeting is today at 3.30pm. The ‘End of Term’ disco will take place on Thursday July 21 from 6.00pm – 7.30pm. Entry costs £1.00 per child and is free for year 4 leavers. A quiz night is being held at Brewood Middle School (federated with St Mary’s) on Friday starting at 7.30pm, for adult teams. Entry costs £2.00 per person. Refreshments will be available. To register a team, please telephone 01902 850266. All proceeds are to go to the design and technology department. GARDEN OPEN DAY: On Sunday, the garden at the Wickets, 47 Long Street, Wheaton Aston, ST19 9NF, will be open for everyone to visit from 1.30pm to 5.00pm, and this year will feature railway diorana. Refreshments will be available all day. Tickets cost £3.00 for adults with free entry for children, and all proceeds are going to charity. This is part of the National Gardens Scheme where gardens are opened to the public to raise money for charity. WHEATON ASTON AND LAPLEY WOMENS’ INSTITUTE: There will be an outing to the David Austin gardens today by members of the W.I. The meeting which was to be held on July 12 has been moved to Monday July 18 due to Vicar Garry’s licensing as some members wanted to attend. The meeting will take place at Wyn Bannister’s house at 8.00pm where refreshments will be served. Entry is free to W.I. members and costs £5.00 for guests. There will be a raffle and a few garden games. For further details, please telephone Pearl Thorley on 01785 840602. WESTON PARK: Camper Jam is Camper and Commercial Magazine’s very own show which is running from Friday to Sunday at Weston Park, and is aimed at owners and lovers of the VW bus in all its models and types. The show is a chilled out, laid back event, with people and buses getting together for a relaxing weekend of friendship and fun. On Wednesday, head chef, Guy Day, will be hosting another question and answer session from 11.00am – 12.00pm noon, where he will be giving hints and tips for barbeques. He will talk about choosing the right cuts of meat, prepare ahead marinades, accompaniments and salads, with tastings and recipe cards to take home. The session is followed by a two-course lunch in the Granary Grill and Restaurant. For further information, please telephone 01952 852100. PARISH COUNCIL: The next parish council meeting is tonight at 7.30pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. If anyone has anything that they wish to bring to the attention of the parish council, they are welcome to attend the public participation session that is held at the start of the meeting. A new parish council member will be co-opted from those who have applied for the vacant position, tonight. SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB: On Friday, the ultimate quiz night takes place at the Sports and Social Club starting at 8.30pm. Entry costs £1.00 per person. RUBBISH COLLECTIONS: The first special rubbish collection for this year, in which household items may be disposed of, will take place on Tuesday for selected streets within the village (including Ashleigh Crescent onwards). All households included in this collection will be notified by a leaflet left by the refuse collectors. AFTERNOON TEA: On Thursday July 21, afternoon tea will be served at Olive Atkinson’s house, at 36 Long Street, Wheaton Aston, from 2.30pm – 4.30pm. Entry will cost £2.00. There will be a bring and buy stall and a raffle. All proceeds are to go to the St Mary’s church funds. CHURCH: There will be a listening skills morning at St Marys’ church today from 10.00am – 12.30pm. Coffee will be served at the start of the session. Everyone is welcome to come. Please contact Linda Beech on 01952 850149 for more information. On Monday, Reverend Garry Thompson’s licensing will take place at 7.30pm at St Andrew’s church, Clifton Campville. The next informal walk will take place on Tuesday, leaving St Mary’s at 10.00am, and returning to the church afterwards for coffee and cake. Everyone is welcome to come. Walking boots/stout shoes are needed and walkers walk at their own risk. For further details, telephone Brian and Mary Littleford on 01785 840552. SERVICES: Today the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School at 3.15pm. On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Family Communion St Mary’s. WSETON-UNDER-LIZARD NEWS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS: An open invitation is issued to all to help celebrate Elaine and Tony Townsend’s 60th and 75th birthdays, anytime between 2.30pm – 5.00pm, at the Old Rectory, Weston-under-Lizard, on Saturday. The celebrations will be held in the garden but will be indoors if the weather is unsuitable. Donations of cakes would be gratefully received. All proceeds are in aid of the St Andrew’s church roof appeal. For more information, please contact Elaine and Tony Townsend on 01952 850534. |
24th June 2010
| MOTTEY MEADOWS: Natural England, the government nature conservancy department, has purchased a new addition to it's internationally important 'Mottey Meadows' water meadows in Wheaton Aston. Last Saturday four members of three of Wheaton Aston's oldest families handed over the field to Tim Coleshaw, site manager for Natural England in a brief ceremony in Broadholes Lane. Tim Coleshaw told the gathering that the field, a former hay meadow, would be restored and unlike the rest of the 100 acre site, access will be less restricted and interested people will be free to view the wild flowers, including the famous snake's head fritillaries, known locally as the 'folfalarums', that grow wild there in May. The two acre field originally called “Broad Dole Meadow” will be renamed “Weate's Meadow” to recognise the Weate family who were the last owners of the field. The event was part of the annual 'Hay Festival' held in the Mottey Meadows by Natural England and supported by Wheaton Aston groups including “Friends of the Mottey Meadows”. PHOTO CAPTION: Mottey Meadows grows Clive Blakemore Syd Marson, David Blakemore and Wes Weate at the handing over ceremony last Saturday. The Blakemore family have lived in Wheaton Aston since the 16th century, the Weate family since the 17th. |
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