 |
Paxcroft Mead News – May 2009 |
Contents
Click on the item to go to the article. |
Editorial CommentWe have just heard that the appeal by Gallagher and Heron against the refusal by the Council of their application to build high density housing on land east of Parsonage Way and Moyle Park has been upheld. It comes to something when the Council and the people don't want a development, but the developer stills wins. To cap it all, the Council is stuck with a bill for £90,000 for the developer's legal costs! Who has the power? My thanks to all our contributors this month – it's almost a bumper issue. Our roving reporter is still available to help put a report together. If you have some news, please let us know. If you have a news item or event you would like to share in the next newsletter, please send your contribution via email to editor@paxcroftmead.org.uk or post it to, or drop it in to:- To ensure we have the largest possible distribution, please would you forward this newsletter on to friends and neighbours and encourage them sign up to the emailing list via our website - http://www.paxcroftmead.org.uk/contact_form.htm |
The 2009 Annual General Meeting was held on Wednesday 20th May in the Centre.
Despite a very poor turnout, the meeting went ahead. Last year's minutes were approved and the audited accounts and Chairman's report were accepted.
The existing Management Committee was re–elected en–bloc. Ron Watkins (Mead Club Chairman) remained as the representive for the Mead Club.
There was no other business but a vote of thanks to John and Pauline Marples for all their work redecorating the Community Centre, was carried unanimously.
Trowbridge Short Mat Bowling Club Triumph!
Congratulations to the Trowbridge Short Mat Bowling Club, who are one of the regular user groups based at the Paxcroft Mead Community Centre.
Formed in 2000, the club have won their first division title for the Winter 2008/9 Season, finishing 6 points clear of Kington Langley, at the top of the North Wilts Division. Having had, for most of the season, just enough players for the team of eight plus one reserve this was a very creditable performance. To add additional spice to Trowbridge's last match of the season, it was away from home against Kington Langley – the only team who could still catch them. Trowbridge needed just 2 points out of the eight available in the match, to assure the division title but in a tense match Trowbridge won the two points they needed.
This Division victory qualified Trowbridge for the Wiltshire County playoff finals, that were held at the North Wilts Bowling Club in Chippenham on the 19th May. At the playoffs the winners and runners up of all 3 Wiltshire Divisions play for the Wiltshire County title, – a very tiring day for all concerned. The format for the day sees each team of 8 players split into two separate fours, to playoff against a four from each of the other clubs with the county title going to the club with the highest aggregate score. Trowbridge put in a good performance on the day, with one of their fours scoring 9 out of a possible 10 points. However, they missed out on the County title to their Northern Division rivals Kington Langley by just 2 points, winning the Wiltshire County runners up shield. Trowbridge just beat their old friends from Westbury Blue Circle, the Central Division Winners, into Third Place on shot difference.
 | The photograph shows the team and reserve at the playoffs with the runners up shield. The team are: Back Row: Karen Pugh, Reuben Dunnings, Jean Shore, Terry Shore (Capt) and Michael Pugh (Reserve) Front Row: Maureen Ellis, Anne Sheath, Evelyn Dunnings and John Sheath |
The club, which meets on Tuesday afternoons and Friday evenings, have a few spaces for new members and details can be found on the Community Centre Website (www.paxcroftmead.org.uk) under Regular User Groups or by calling 01225 752285. The first visit is free and bowls will be provided, all you need is enthusiasm and a pair of slippers or indoor shoes to protect the mats.
Jo Jingles Sings Away the Blues!
Local musician and mum of two, Sarah Montague–Smith, took control of the Jo Jingles (West Wilts and Frome) franchise almost two years ago. Since that time, the business has grown from providing seven music classes a week to seventeen!!! Recently Becky Veall was appointed as a new class leader to help run some of the existing classes and also take the Jo Jingles experience to mums and their tots living in Westbury.
Jo Jingles provides fun music, singing and movement classes for babies and young children. “We teach children to play percussion instruments expressively, to sing songs, hold a tune and find the rhythm to move and dance to” said Sarah. “Most importantly children have lots of fun and everybody joins in”. I think the reason why people keep coming to Jo Jingles classes and bringing their friends is the fact that classes are so all–encompassing. Presented through the medium of music, the children are stimulated physically, visually and socially. “Children can improve their physical co-ordination, gain confidence, develop self esteem and independence” says Sarah. “All this is offered in a stimulating and secure environment” adds Becky.
“Sessions are very enjoyable and great fun” says Emily Draper's mum, who attends classes in Bradford on Avon. James Rheinberg's parents agree, adding “thanks for so much fun.... he talks about Jo Jingles and sings the songs at home!” After mums attending local classes recommended the sessions, local nurseries and Surestart centres are also taking advantage of this Music and Movement experience.
Jo Jingles classes have recently been nominated in the Best Baby, Best Toddler and Best Preschool Development Activity awards, run by the Whatson4littleones website. It is also the only Music and Movement group to be recommended by the Pre School Learning Alliance in their publication ‘Music and Dance’.
Classes are currently running in Frome, Warminster, Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge, Melksham and coming soon, to Westbury. For more information about your local classes, please call Sarah on 01380 83 00 38 or email at sarahjojingles@hotmail.co.uk. Find more information go online at www.jojingles.com/westwiltshire.
It seems that Paxcroft Mead is being plagued with learner motorcyclists using the cycle/foot paths as a short cut. They are also using the Leapgate road cycleway as well. Last week, it was reported that three of them were riding with no lights, no helmets after dark and all rode down the Leapgate cycleway into Green Lane.
These incidents have been reported to the Neighbourhood Police Team. They ask residents to try and get the licence plate number and a photo if possible, so they can be traced. If you get a number then they can trace it through the Police National Computer and pay them a visit.
Earlier this week, one lad continually rode up and down the cycleway and at one point came up behind a lady walking with her toddler and dog. When she tried to remonstrate with him, he said ‘have to go this way – running out of petrol’. Two other ladies were also on the path with grandchildren in pushchairs and two older grandchildren riding their bikes.
Even though summer doesn't officially arrive for almost a month we have had very summer like weather for most of May. Daytime temperatures have often been in the 80s. Most folk are getting their gardens planted hoping that there will be no more frosts. Sometimes there is a late frost and the gardens have to be replanted.
Here in the United States we have two days for remembering our veterans. One of them is in May. It is now called Memorial Day and is the last Monday in May. It is a day of remembrance for those who have died our country's service. This day was originally called Decoration Day and dates back to the Civil War. There is evidence that graves of fallen soldiers were being decorated even before the end of the war. Decoration Day was first officially observed on 30th May 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of both Union (Northern) and Confederate (Southern) soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery. New York was the first state to recognize the holiday in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all the northern states. The South refused to recognize the holiday until after World War I when the holiday changed from honoring those who died in the Civil War to honoring all Americans who died in any war. In 1971 the Holiday was moved from 30th May to the last Monday in May to ensure a three day weekend for the Federal holiday. Some feel this detracts from the real meaning of Memorial Day and are trying to get it changed back to 30th May. On the Saturday before Memorial Day Susan and I attended a very nice parade in Fulton, NY just 6 miles down the road from us. On Memorial Day itself we attend a ceremony in our town, Hannibal. It was very moving. Following the ceremony we went around and shook the hand of those veterans present and said a very heart felt thank you. The other day for honoring our veterans is Veterans Day which is on 11th November. I'll say more about this day when I write the November Letter.
We have lots of yard work to do this time of year. The lawn needs mowing every 5 or 6 days.
We did get our gas grill the other day and thoroughly enjoy throwing some burgers or chicken on the grill and eating on our deck.
Hope you are enjoying your summer as much as we are. I'll have more next month.
The club will be having a beach party night with food, cocktails, music, entertainment and fancy dress on Saturday, June 27th, starting at 5:30pm. Entrance is Free to members and £1 for guests.
The Mead Social Club Quiz Night is held every Thursday evening starting at around 8pm. The quiz is suitable for all ages and talents with a starter, general knowledge quiz and a music section. The evenings are extremely popular with the members. At a mere 50p per player, it's a cheap night out. Guests need to be signed in.
The Mead Primary School SUMMER BALL is to be held on Friday 19th June 2009 – 7.00pm for 7.30pm start. For full details, please click here to view or download the poster. For further information, contact the school office on 01225 759273.
The Semington Vintage Steam Rally will be held on the 20th/21st June. This is a vintage machinery working weekend held adjacent to the A361 at Semington between Trowbridge & Devizes. It is going to be quite a big show with tractors, commercials, steam, motorcycles, stationary engines, a funfair & traders of all kinds. Further details from 01225 754374
A number of Paxcroft Mead residents are actively involved with the Trowbridge Walking Forum and would like to encourage others to join them. The walks are designed to provide gentle and sociable exercise and are suitable for all ages and abilities.
Wednesday walks are approximarely 2 to 3 miles and there is usually a choice of an easy, level walk and one that may include fields nd stiles. On Mondays, walks alternate between longer route of 4 to 5 miles with stiles and some hills, and shorter walks of less that 1.5 miles that are mostly on paved paths.
The programme for June 2009 is shown below:
| Day | Date | Type | Route Options | Starting Point | Grade |
| Mon | 1-Jun | Short Walk | Paxcroft Mead | Budgens Car park, Paxcroft Mead | E 1.5m |
| Wed | 3-Jun | Moderate walk | Lacock | Lacock NT carpark | E S 2m |
| Mon | 8-Jun | Longer walk | Corsham Park | Methuen Arms CP, Corsham | P S M 4m |
| Wed | 10-Jun | Moderate walk | Beckington and Orchardleigh | Park on street near The Woolpack, Beckington | S M 3.5m |
| Mon | 15-Jun | Short walk | Southwick Country Park | Southwick Country Park CP | E 1.5m |
| Wed | 17-Jun | Moderate walk | White Row Farm, Beckington | Park in road outside White Row Farm. Road leads off of A36 Beckington Roundabout | E S 2.5m |
| Mon | 22-Jun | Longer walk | Seend canal walk | Three Magpies, Sells Green | P M S 4m |
| Wed | 24-Jun | Moderate walk | Rode and Tellisford | By the church in Rode Hill, Rode | E 2.5 m |
| Mon | 29-Jun | Short walk | Biss Meadows | Outside Civic Hall, Trowbridge | E 1.5m |
| Walks start at 10:30AM Bus timetables are at www.traveline.org.uk | |||||
| Short Walks: approx 45 mins, no stiles, mostly paved paths. Moderate Walks: approx 60 to 75 mins, mostly field paths, usually stiles. Longer Walks: up to 2 hours, stiles, some hills. | |||||
| Key: E: Easy walking. H: Moderate hills. S: Stiles. M: Can be muddy. P: Pub lunch possible. s/c: shorter route possible. | |||||
Click on the picture for full details and complete programme of events
St James Church in the centre of town is opening its doors on Saturday July 4th from 10am until 5pm. You are invited to stop by and see the Seasons of the Church laid out in flowers, talk to people in the church and learn some of the history:– The Crabbe Memorial, Acelina's Tomb, The Baptistry and the Helliker tomb in the churchyard. Thomas Helliker, who was thought to be the leader of riots which broke out with the coming of the power loom and was executed in 1803, aged only 19.
Refreshments will be on sale all day.
On Saturday 11th July 2009, we are pleased to host a performance of “The Little Red Hen” by Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company.
Making bread is hard work, but it would be a lot easier if the lazy farmyard animals got off their reclining sofas and lent a hand. This timeless folktale is re-told, re–recorded and re–animated by the unswervingly energetic Stuff and Nonsense.
The Little Red Hen is suitable for ages 3 and up, with no scary bits whatsoever and lots and lots of laughter.
“Kids of all ages were hanging on the back of their seats, laughing and participating...mesmerised” – Venue Magazine.
The performance starts at 5:00pm in the Community Centre. Tickets are priced at £4 per person. Tickets can be reserved by calling 01225 781406 or 07962 160231. Alternatively click here for a booking form.
Tacked onto the Mead School Fête, this will round off a wonderful day. Refreshments will be available.
Come along to our fair for a great afternoon of entertainment with over 70 great stalls giving you the opportunity to shop and have fun!
Entertainment and live music from Starburstz Academy, Trowbridge Youth Band and Circus Entertainer, Juan. We also have local sci-fi author David Johnson and a chance to meet the Daleks and other Dr Who Characters.
Other attractions include Larkrise Farm and Devizes Bowmen along with all the usual fun of the fair – bouncy castles, BBQ, ice cream, cream teas and so much more!
Organisers are Friends of the Mead School and all proceeds go towards supporting the continuing development of the school grounds. If you would like to support the fair with a donation or to advertise in the summer fair programme please contact us on contactus@friendsofthemead.co.uk.
If you know of any events that would be of interest to the community, please drop me an email to – editor@paxcroftmead.org.uk.
Previous newsletters are available via the Paxcroft Mead Newsletter archive. To access the archive click here
| ©2009 Paxcroft Community Centre | |
| Registered Charity Number 1123423 |