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September 2005 |
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I am writing this at a time of great sadness in the village. I had already asked for a small space in this edition of Pucklechurch News before I heard the tragic news about Bob Todd. Although I know it will be of little consolation to Diane, Jamie and Hayley, I can only say that Bob died doing one of the things he was best at – going to the aid of others. I had originally intended to take this opportunity to say a public thank you to everyone who supported Revel in any way this year, and I would still like to do that. There are far too many names to mention everyone individually, but I would like to record a special thank you to ASDA, who supported us so well with three cabs and trailers for the parade and with sponsorship for the printing of the raffle tickets. My personal thanks go to everyone on the Revel Committee, who supported me so well and in so many different ways, in getting everything up and running and making Revel the success it was. Our work for Revel, as for many other facets of village life, has been very poignant this year. We have lost two very dear and well-respected friends in Bob Todd and, earlier in the year, Bob Stone. They both made such a significant impact on Revel, it is hard to imagine next year's Revel going on without them. But go on I sincerely hope it will, as one way in which we can remember the tremendous contribution these two people made to village life. Cyndi Hill, Revel Committee Chair
Funds will be distributed at the Revel AGM Wednesday, 28th September, 7.30pm Village Hall meeting room Wine & cheese will be served In the March edition, I politely asked parents to ensure that their children did not ride mini-motorcycles on public land. It seems, however, that some children have been riding such vehicles on the Rec, endangering themselves and others. I will use the rest of my column to give you the police view on mini-bikes and "go-peds". The following extracts are from Sierra Delta, which is produced by the staff at Staple Hill Police Station. There is no problem with owning [Mini Motos or Go-Peds], providing that they are used sensibly in "off-road" conditions, on private land with the landowner's permission. Unfortunately, in the vast majority of cases, those conditions are not available. The problem is that, as a motor vehicle, the construction and use regulations apply to them, as do the documentation rules. This means that to use a Go-Ped or Mini Moto on a road lawfully the rider needs a driving license, L plates if the license held is provisional, MOT test certificate if the vehicle is over three years old, Vehicle Excise License (tax disc), registration marks (number plates), a crash helmet to the standard required for motorcycles, lights, indicators, an appropriate braking system, horn, speedometer, and minimum third-party insurance. That last one is a problem. The Motor Insurance Bureau in this country has stated that NO insurance company will provide cover for Go-Peds. It is therefore unlawful every time a Go-Ped is used on a road. The definition of a road includes the roads, pavements, cycle paths, verges, public parks, or any place where the public has access. Mini-Motos can be insured but very rarely comply with the lights and brakes regulations sufficiently to be lawfully used on a road. So if they are unlawfully used, what are the police doing about it? The simple answer is: we are doing everything we can to stop the Go-Peds and Mini Motos being used on the roads. This is done from both a road safety and an anti-social behaviour perspective. It is obvious that, if these machines are used inappropriately, there will be a risk, no matter how slight, of either the rider or someone else being hurt. That aside, we also get numerous calls relating to these machines causing noise nuisance. We do not want to spoil anyone's fun, but we do want to prevent injuries and deal with nuisance problems. What should you do if you are bothered by Go-Peds or Mini Motos? Any problems should be reported to the Police. Very few of these machines have number plates, so they are difficult to trace after the event. For that reason and to make the gathering of evidence easier, the problem should be reported at the time it is happening. If this is not possible, it would be appreciated if a good description can be given of the rider, the machine, or both. A full version of this article may be obtained from the Staple Hill Police Station. Ask for Volume two, issue one. Omar Beg, Chairman
First of all, Bob Todd will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with Diane, Hayley, Jamie, and their families. GREENBELT Following recent coverage of the threat to the greenbelt and the risk of considerable additional housing being imposed upon South Gloucestershire, the Conservative Group tabled a motion to SGC calling on the Council to make the Greenbelt pre-eminent in decisions about future development. Sandra seconded this motion, and it was supported by all Councillors. For the first time, this has made protecting the greenbelt the most important issue in major decisions being made about planning. FRENCHAY HOSPITAL South Gloucestershire Council's Health Scrutiny Committee has used its powers to ask that the Secretary of State for Health refer the decision about downgrading Frenchay hospital to a special panel. This panel, called the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP), could investigate this decision and overturn it. A "Save Frenchay Hospital" group has been formed by local people to fight for Frenchay, and they are co-ordinating the campaign. If you support Frenchay, you can help the campaign by writing to Patricia Hewitt, MP, the Secretary of State for Health, asking her to refer the Frenchay downgrading decision to the IRP. You can find out more at www.savefrenchayhospital.co.uk. CASTLE STREET Despite a petition and pressure from local Councillors, the Council has said it will not support concerns about speeding traffic and ignoring the weight limit in Castle Street because the same issues exist for Westerleigh Road. We will continue to support residents to resolve these problems. Sandra Grant 937-3164 Philip Trotman 937-2053
Thurs, 21st July, 1.30pm Pucklechurch C of E School Leavers' Service Sat, 24th Sept, 7.30pm Harvest Supper Sat, 8th Oct, 7.30pm Avon Fire Brigade Brass Band Sun, 13th Nov, 10.45am Remembrance Service with uniformed organisations Sat, 19th Nov, 2.00pm Autumn Fayre in the Village Hall Sun, 27th Nov, 6.30pm Advent Carol Service Sun, 18th Dec, 6.30pm Christmas Carol Service Sat, 24th Dec, 4.00pm Christingle Service Sun, 25th Dec, 10.00am Christmas Day Service
Building on what has been a very successful year for the Pack, 22 Cubs and 3 leaders from the 1st Pucklechurch Cub Scouts, ably supported by some parent volunteers, headed off on summer camp over the first four days of the school holidays. A site had been booked at Cranham Scouting Centre in Gloucestershire, and the programme was organised around a Wild West theme, giving ample opportunity for everyone to get It would be fair to say that the first night under canvas was rather noisy. Add the euphoria of school holidays to the adrenaline rush of camping without parents and sleep was not something that came easily to the Cubs. No sooner it seemed had the last Cub finally gone to sleep at about 3am, than the first one was awake and vocally declaring readiness to tackle the new day. The leader team was not a pretty sight at breakfast, and as the Cubs tucked into platefuls of bacon and beans, the leaders plotted exactly how old age and treachery could overcome youthfulness and vigour and ensure a decent night’s sleep. The first day went according to plan. The Cubs had a chance to explore the surrounding woods and everyone had the opportunity to undertake some archery instruction, under the watchful eye of the Centre’s staff. In the evening, sitting around the campfire, all was well. Alas, this was not to last! Sunday brought with it a change in the weather and the programme had to change to take account of monsoon conditions. The campers remained in high spirits, however, and turned their hands to more sedate activities such as wood branding and making Native American dream catchers, the latter taking place inside a genuine tipi. The weather continued to disrupt the original plans for the remainder of the camp, but it did not prevent a grand campfire on the final evening to which parents, friends, and all the other campers at the Centre were invited. As well as singing traditional Scout songs (and a few that were definitely not traditional!), the Cubs all took part in small comedy skits, delivering some very polished performances. It was a fitting end to a busy and enjoyable camp. Unfortunately the Army has posted our Cub Scout leader to a new job and so we bid farewell to Ian Jack. Luckily, Fenella Paget has kindly stepped into the breach, and planning for the autumn term is underway. We are still short of leaders, so if you could help, please do contact the Group Scout Leader, Tony Wallis on 957 4119, or come along on a Wednesday evening during term time and see what we get up to.
Held at the Village Hall, 8.00pm-10.30pm 2005 Sept 6th Jack Brown 2006 Jan 10th Mary Stinchcombe Are your children having French lessons? Why not let them experience real French conversation with a friendly trip to France? Twinning members are visiting Pringy, which is 30 miles south of Paris, in October and welcome members of all ages. If anyone would like to join us, there is still room on the coach. Whilst we are in France, we shall be spending a day in Paris and also visiting Epernay to see how champagne is made. You will then get a chance to reciprocate the hospitality you received when the French make their return visit in April. We have a variety of social events that are publicised on the Twinning Association website. The next general meeting is on Monday, 12th September, at 8.00pm in the village hall meeting room. New members are always welcome to join us. Contact Lesley Broom (937 2025) or Ann Smith (937 2030). At the beginning of July, over 50 Gardeners' Club members and friends enjoyed a visit to Hidcote Manor, near Stratford-upon-Avon. The group ended the day at Snowshill Lavender Farm, where fields of lavender are turned into oil for use by aromatherapists. Snowshill is 900ft above sea level and the ground is stony and poor -- ideal conditions for lavender. Later in the month, we had our summer supper at a member’s garden in Hillview Road. Once again we were blessed with fine weather and enjoyed an excellent evening with a fine buffet. On the 20th Sept, the Gardeners' Club are going to Lady Farm at Chelwood using our own transport. We shall be meeting in the Village Hall car park at 6.00pm. Those who do not drive can “cadge a lift”. Further information is available from Frank Bradley (937 3109). Our new season starts on Wednesday, 5th October. Do come along and listen to George Alway give a talk, "a calendar of flowers". On the 2nd November, Malcolm Perry will be telling us about orchids. What have the girls been up to recently? All took part in Revel, and 2nd Pucklechurch Brownies won the prize for the best children's walking entry, and 1st Pucklechurch Rainbows won for the best children's float. 1st Pucklechurch Brownies were thrilled at the last-minute arrangements that led to them sharing a huge float with the WI instead of walking round and carrying all their scenery with them! Both Rainbow units have embarked on the new national jigsaw, which slots together Look, Learn, Laugh, Love to create the base for their programmes. 1st Pucklechurch have reduced, reused and recycled postage stamps, etc., for the donkey sanctuary, studied kitchen safety, and spent time outdoors. Ruth Storey says thanks for excellent support from mums and gives a special mention to Becky Howard, a teenage Young Leader. 2nd Pucklechurch held a teddy bears' picnic, made crafts, and decorated their Revel float. Welcome to Maria, a new adult leader, and, sadly, goodbye to Lana, another teenager who gave her time, as she moves on to college. 1st Pucklechurch Brownies welcomed Phil Ford (Lynn’s daughter) as their Assistant Leader. They also have several young girls helping to make their activities, indoors and out, go with a swing. 2nd Pucklechurch Brownies walked to Parkfield to study wildlife for their Birdwatchers Badge and held an end of term disco. Their two leaders are supported by two mums. The Guides have widened their horizons by visiting Tytherington Activity Centre to scale the climbing wall and fire rifles in the shooting range. They visited the Scout and Guide Boat Centre to paddle kayaks in Bristol Docks. Their village allotment is well-maintained and the area is also used for campfire cooking. Rebekka and Bridie, two enthusiastic Young Leaders, support the adults. A new treasurer has been found -- thanks Nicola. Leaders Sue and Judith are shortly embarking on a walking weekend. This is a thriving unit, and one more adult would really be the icing on the cake! Are you 18-65 and willing to help the local Guides once a week? The rewards are hard to describe: fun, friendship and the satisfaction of helping in the development and potential of young people. It looks good on your CV too! Are you aged between 5–15 and want to join Girlguiding? Unfortunately there are joining lists for all units, which are held by Marie Walkley, Hillview. We want to make these lists shorter. How? By recruiting more adult leaders. Think you can help? Telephone Ros Abbott on 937 2157. This is the Year of the Volunteer – let’s volunteer here in Pucklechurch and make guiding available to every girl who wants to join. We intend to link our dedicated Young Leaders through monthly meetings where they will have the opportunity to participate in Guiding events relevant to their age group. They deserve something for themselves. Good idea, I hear you say. When does it begin? As soon as we have an adult or two willing to lead this small group. Are you over 18? This could be just the volunteer opportunity you are looking for. Phone Ros for a chat. We will be saying goodbye and thank you to Anne Hopes, our District Commissioner (local area leader), and obviously we need someone to take her place. In this role, you liaise with all the adult leaders and chair meetings six or seven times a year, plus attend Division meetings. You will also visit the various units now and then. It’s a great way to keep in touch with present day Guiding but does not require a weekly commitment. How about it? Well that’s it for the adverts. All I need now are responses. So, make my phone ring! Ros Abbott
The Happy Circle provides activities for the older citizens of Pucklechurch. Meetings are held on Tuesday afternoons at 2pm in the Community Hall. We have had a varied program of events so far this year: wax painting, quizzes, and outings. Still to come is the cream tea in Pat and Don's lovely garden. During the summer (May to October), monthly outings are arranged to places of interest. It does not seem long ago that we had our first trip of the year, and now we are taking bookings for the last two. If you would like to join us on our trips to Weymouth on 6th September (leaving the Community Centre at 9am, arriving back at 7pm) or Cardiff on October 4th (leaving the Community Centre 10am, arriving back at 6pm), please phone Liz Archibald on 937-4054. Cost is £8 for members and £9 for non-members. If you would like to join the Happy Circle and would like more details, please phone Mrs Pat Woods on 937-3985. |
