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Dear Editor,
I was pleased to read about the response to the tsunami appeal from various Pucklechurch groups. You may be interested to know that Shortwood too played its part and raised over £800, inspired and co-ordinated by Alison. We must also realise that the need has not yet been met and ongoing projects still need to be funded, so keep the tsunami appeal alive.
Jo Morton
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Dear Editor,
It was with great interest that I read the letter from "Local Teen" in the March edition. To that person I say well done for speaking up. I applaud the idea of a Youth Association and the efforts of PC Skelton and South Gloucestershire Youth Services in trying to get something off the ground. I hope that they will get the support they deserve not only from the youth of the village but from the adults -- not just the parents but all adults.
However, it should not be forgotten that most of the problems are probably caused because these young adults and teenagers have nowhere in the village to use. As a result they are bored with village life and finish up hanging around in bus shelters, on the playing field or in the village hall car park, resulting in conflict with those living around the hall or using the facilities. The CA have spent a great deal of money establishing security to keep the very people who are likely to be the lifeblood and future of the social club out.
I find it very odd to see the sporting activities of our hall being restricted to short mat bowls and badminton, which involves a small minority of people, some of whom do not live in the village. How often have I seen a football being kicked around the car park or against the wall of that empty sports hall? (I see that a goal has been painted on the wall of the car park -- it seems to be a good attraction when there are no cars parked in front of it.) Why not ask them whether they would be interested in playing five-a-side in the hall instead of outside?
Oh my god! I see horror on the faces of the adults… but until you get the younger element to have a vested interest, they will not appreciate and respect it.
If they are interested in doing something like that, how about asking Revel to help buy the nets that would be required? Would not investing in the youth of the village be a worthwhile cause? I'm told our village population is in excess of 2,000. If we were all to contribute £5 per head, that's £10,000. What could we do for our youth with that?
I'm afraid that if we do not change our attitude towards these young people and find somewhere for them to use, all the efforts being made would be wasted.
I know my comments will not be well received by many in the village, but I do wonder sometimes whether we forget that this is their village too.
Local 50plus-Year-Old
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Dear Editor,
As a grandmother who has the responsibility of caring for my two granddaughters, one 2 years old and the other 22 months, I have come to realise just how poor and inadequate the play facilities are for toddlers on the recreation field. I do know that there is a play area at Eagle Crescent with a baby swing and small slide, but this is up quite a steep hill for a pushchair and could hardly be classified as the heart of the village.
Thirty-five years ago, I recall taking my own children to play on the swings, and apart from the surface under all the apparatus, quite rightly being changed to a safety mat, nothing else is any different. The only provision for small children are two rather elderly swings. The slide is far too high, and the roundabout is too big, too fast, and has nowhere for them to sit safely. I am forced to drive to other play areas around Pucklechurch, such as Staple Hill, Yate, and Keynsham, where I know that my grandchildren can play happily and safely.
Over the years there has been much moaning and numerous demands for facilities for the older children and teenagers in this village. The Parish Council have provided them with a basketball court and a skateboard area (neither of which I have ever seen anyone use) and a ‘teen shelter’ (about which I shall make no comment).
Whilst I am aware that the recreation field is probably not classified as a park, a play area is situated on it and should be for the use of all age groups. I am sure that all the young mums (and grannies) in the village would be delighted to be able to walk to their own local playground and have safe and bright equipment provided, i.e., small slide, climbing frame, and safe swings for their under-fives.
So Parish Council, how about giving a thought to the younger end and future generation of Pucklechurch?
Jackie Sexton
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Dear Editor
Carrie, Tim and I would like to thank everyone in the village for the flowers, letters, cards and tremendous support given following the death of Robert (Bob). We feel very fortunate to be part of a wonderful village community with so many kind and caring people.
Elaine Stone
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Dear Editor
Julie, Anita and their families would like to thank everyone for their kind messages of sympathy, flowers and donations. Thank you also to all those who came to church to remember and celebrate the life of our dear mum -- Kath Frankcom -- who passed away suddenly on February 19th. Kath will be sadly missed but leaves behind many happy memories.
Julie Bridges and Anita Munnelly
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Dear Editor,
What a joy to see the display of spring bulbs emerging from the bank as you come into Pucklechurch from Shortwood. It is an everlasting tribute in memory of young Rebekka, which will develop and grow more stunning as the years pass. Thank you to all who suggested the idea and those who planted the bulbs.
A Shortwood Resident
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