 |
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
The Pucklechurch community website |
|||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Click here to sign up for monthly email updates on news and events |
|||||||||||||||
|
If you have signed up for emails and are not getting them please check the following: |
|||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
There are four working groups analysing the information collected for the Community Plan and preparing the plan itself. The groups are Environment (as in the built environment and green spaces), Community Spirit, Traffic and Transportation, and Sustainability ("green" issues). Below are a few titbits from the work so far. Environment Our survey shows that litter, fly-tipping, and dog dirt is a problem more often than not and fly-tipping occurs in out-of-the-way places and quieter back roads. Community Spirit The vast majority of people are happy living in the parish and appreciate its rural identity within the green belt. Over one-third of residents involve themselves in one or more local activities through participation in the many clubs and activities available. However, residents think there should be more amenities for young people. Traffic and Transportation Traffic is a significant concern for local residents. Sustainability This group is focused on how to reduce the local area's carbon footprint and make us more sustainable as a community. Some findings from our work so far include: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It does not seem six months ago that we had our first coach trip. Our last one to Clarks Village in Street will be Saturday, 6th December, 10am-5pm (children welcome). We still have a few seats left. We have already organised the trips for next year, so we'll publish them in the next Pucklechurch News and on the website at the beginning of 2009. We would like to thank everyone who supported us this year on our trips, both members and non-members, and look forward to next year. It is rumoured around the village that some husbands go on these trips to lose their wives. This is strongly denied by the organiser. It is true that ONE husband did lose his wife on a trip (she was found waiting for him outside the ladies). She was returned to her husband, however, who has now been warned that if this should happen again appropriate action will be taken! Liz Archibald
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The 2008 Produce Show organised by the Women's Institute and the Gardeners' Club took place on Saturday, 13th September. Show entries were slightly down this year, but we nevertheless had the usual high standard of exhibits and a good afternoon. Trophy Winners Sheridan Rendall:
Elizabeth Webb: President's Salver for parishioner scoring most points in Show Frieda Hopkins/Elizabeth Webb: Women's Institute members scoring most points in Show Mike Abbott: Rose & Crown Shield for best container of roses Joy Wolfe: Whittock Trophy for exhibitor scoring most points in the fruit classes Organisers have enough money in the bank to put on the Show next year. The date is Saturday, 12th September 2009. |
Sponsors provided prize money of £5 for all the first prize winners. We would like to thank the people and organisations who kindly sponsored these classes.
|
|
|
|
|
At the Revel AGM in October, Martin Smith gave the Revel Chair’s report on the year’s activities Treasurer John Sexton gave the financial report. In summary, Revel was able to contribute over £8,500 to community activities this year with £6,759 being donated directly to community groups. Now in its fourth year, the Bob Stone Memorial Award is given to the individual or organisation who has made a significant contribution to Revel. Nominations are made by community groups, who then vote for the winner. This year the award was presented to the Pucklechurch Women’s Institute. The main officers for the 2009 Revel Committee were elected:
The presentation made by the chair and treasurer, a full list of the 2008-2009 planning committee and the donations made may be found here... |
. He stressed that Revel is not just about raising money. The committee feel that the main focus of Revel is to support community spirit. Certainly this has been the main objective over the many centuries Revel has been celebrated in Pucklechurch.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Group Executive
And finally, if you did not know, the Scout Hut is available to hire for private small parties, with all income supporting our cause. To find out more about hiring the hut, call Gail on 937 2838. Dale Dennehy |
|
|
|
|
|
Pucklechurch Twinning Association PRINGY, October 2008 Twinning members made the reciprocal 20th Anniversary visit to Pringy, and once again it was springtime in October with weather that we should have had in the summer! Thirty-nine members travelled by coach and overnight ferry and arrived in Pringy mid-morning on Saturday to the customary warm welcome from our French friends. Coffee over, the rest of the day was spent with our allocated hosts. Some families visited restaurants in the evening, whilst others were treated to a lengthy drive followed by dinner and cabaret and an early morning return to Pringy. Thankfully French clocks also went back that night! Sunday saw us gathering outside the mairie (town hall), with an introduction to the new mayor, Monsieur Eric Bonnomet, and the unveiling of a new plaque at Square Pucklechurch to commemorate the 20th anniversary of our twinning relationship. After the speeches, everyone gathered in Pringy's beautiful park to watch the release of pigeons as a sign of friendship and peace. A formal reception and the signing of the Twinning Charter in the Foyer Rural took up the rest of the afternoon.
Monday should have involved a visit to Paris, but the autoroute was solid with traffic following accidents (yes, it happens there too!), so a quick change of plan saw some of the group visiting Fontainebleau and the rest visiting Vaux le Vicomte. The chateaus at both places are amongst the finest in France with magnificent gardens and photo opportunities. Monday evening involved what can only be described as the Pucklechurch-Pringy Follies. Both groups performed on the stage -- with female and male can-can dances, a rendition of Singing in the Rain, a cabaret performance and the mass singing of “twinning songs” written by the French and English. The piece de resistance was undoubtedly the French version of the can-can. On Tuesday we visited a Chablis vineyard and had a wine tasting. This was followed by a visit to Noyer-sur-Sereine, one of the most beautiful villages in France, dating from the 15th century and still surrounded by a wall with 16 towers. Wednesday and the return home came all too soon, as it always does. The above may be an account of the visit, but it does not go anywhere near capturing the experience. The trip was fun from start to finish. The arranged activities were vibrant with everyone joining in and having a thoroughly enjoyable time, with the youngsters totally involved with the adults and each other. If you want your children to lose inhibitions, gain confidence, and involve themselves in a different culture and language in a safe environment, come and join us! Twinning always encourages new members, and we have a full programme of social events throughout the year. If you are interested in finding out more, contact Val Broom (937 2025) or Ann Smith (937 2030). Click here for more photos Lyn Smith, President |
|
|
|
|
|
A big thank you goes to all who voted for Pucklechurch W.I. to receive the Bob Stone Memorial Award from Revel. We hope to continue supporting Revel for years to come. At the September meeting, members were treated to an excellent display of needlework by our speaker, who had been apprenticed to the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court. Other recent topics in our programme have included learning how to keep honey bees and cheese making. A wet, dismal Saturday in October saw some members venture into Bristol for a conducted walk around 'Old Bristol'. The rain gradually stopped and we had a very interesting and informative walk. The Houses of Parliament were the venue for another outing. After a tour of the House, we were able to sit in the Gallery for Question Time. The following conversation took place between one of our members and a rather loud gentleman in the Gallery: W.I. Member: "Please, would you lower your voice as it is difficult to hear all that is being said." A hush descended, and we continued to listen to the afternoon's proceedings. On going to collect her handbag from security at the end of the session, the lady had another conversation: Security guard: "Are you that lady who asked Mr. X to keep his voice down?" Well done that lady! Another exciting day out was spent at Cheltenham Races, where members and friends had a flutter on the horses they fancied. Back on the coach, there was a collection for Children in Need. January marks the 72nd birthday of Pucklechurch W.I. The celebration will take place at the Siam Thai Restaurant in Chipping Sodbury on Wednesday, 21st January 2009. Norma Pratt, President |
|
|
|
|
|
Following the call in September's issue for volunteers to work on the village hall makeover, a project team of six individuals has commenced work. Members of the team have substantial experience in planning, construction, facilities management, fundraising, project management, finance, business management, community engagement and environmental management. The team’s approach will ensure that the community are involved at key stages of project development. The first and most important stage is establishing what local people want in a new Community Centre. The project team would like your comments and ideas on the following draft vision: THE VISION FOR PUCKLECHURCH COMMUNITY CENTRE A community facility that: Your comments should, at this stage, focus solely on the draft vision. Please forward them using one of the following options by 29th December: Click here to send your comments. Written reply: placed in “Vision Returns Box” in the Post Office or newsagent The finalised vision will be prepared in light of your responses and will be published in January 2009. This will guide the development of three or four options that will achieve the vision. The first phase of the project is targeted to be completed in April/May when the option appraisals for the building, potential funding sources, future running and governance arrangements will be presented in a public exhibition. A period of community engagement will follow, after which a first phase report will be finalised and published. This will include project timescales for subsequent phases. The project team comprises Bob Hyde, Clive Thomas, Debbie Woods, John Sexton, Martin Hall, and Mike Rawlins. |
|
|