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Paxcroft Mead News – August 2009 |
Contents
Click on the item to go to the article. |
Editorial CommentThose of you that have visited the Community Centre in the last few days will have noticed the completion of the foyer re–furbishment. More details about that below. Over the summer a new community group has been emerging on Paxcroft Mead. A steering committee has been formed and the launch of the new Paxcroft Mead Community Forum will take place in October. Again, more details below. My thanks to all our contributors this month. Jack Pope sends his best wishes to everyone. 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.asp |
Last Wednesday (26th) the interior re–decoration was completed with the laying of a new carpet in the Centre foyer.
Over the last 6 months, John and Pauline Marples have single handedly taken on the re–decoration of the the large hall, the changing rooms and toilet facilities, the kitchens and foyer – a huge undertaking in anyone's book. The result is plain to see with the whole centre looking bright and fresh. With the new noticeboards and sign, the bulding looks like new.
We cannot thank John and Pauline enough for all their effort, and judging from the comments received, their work has been universally appreciated.
Last week, thanks to the generosity of Hilperton Parish Council, our much needed portable stage units arrived.
For some time now the PMCC Management Committee has sought funding from various bodies to replace the somewhat dilapidated wooden block staging. After a number of unsuccessful grant applications, Hilperton Parish Council generously donated £1000 towards the cost of the four portable staging units. You can see from the photo that they provide a substantial stage area (just over 8 m2). They will allow existing Centre users to make better use of the facilities and it is expected that the units will also attract new users.
The units fold (rather like a tennis table) and can be manoeuvred, erected and dismantled by one person – much simpler and quicker than the old staging blocks.
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| TROWBRIDGE RURAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAM – Summer 2009 | |||||||||||
PRIORITIESOn the 17th June 2009 Trowbridge Rural neighbourhood policing team held its first Neighbourhood Tasking Group meeting. A number of issues were discussed and the following priorities were agreed for the next 3 months. Hackett Place, Anti-Social behaviour – Continuing Parking Issues, Chantry Gardens Southwick – Continuing Criminal Damage/ASB, White Horse Business Park – New |
It also links with the anti-social behaviour occurring at the nearby Spitfire retail park at Dyrnham and Grove. The plan is for a Crime Reduction Officer to conduct a site survey. In addition, businesses have liaised with the landlords for improved security measures. Regular patrols will be made by the the NPT to monitor the situation. Due to the successful efforts of the NPT and partners, there have been no reports of anti-social behaviour in the past 3 months in relation to the North Bradley priority. A decision has therefore been made to close this priority. CONSULTATIONSLocal residents are invited to the following events to discuss any issues they may have. The meetings will be informal and everyone is welcome to drop in to discuss their concerns. Tuesday August 11th, Tuesday September 8th & Tuesday Otober 13th 2009: |
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TO CONTACT THE NPT TEAM
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REGISTER
Immobilise is the worlds largest FREE online possession and asset ownership registration service used by both the General Public and Businesses. Each member has their own online account to register as many items as they wish free of charge.
Items are registered by make, model and serial number. In the case of a mobile phone the IMEI, International Mobile Equipment Identity, which is obtainable by keying in *#06# on the phone keypad.
REPORT
In the event of loss, theft or disaster all the information relating to possessions or company assets are available from any internet connected device. This is hugely valuable to assist in reporting the information accurately to the police and insurance companies.
In the UK all registered information and contact details are viewable by the UK Police via the (NMPR) National Mobile Property Register.
Once an online account is set up with Immobilise, it is easy to add, edit or delete property entries from the data base. Property such as computer equipment, satellite navigation system, MP3 players, pedal cycles and other items can all be added. Photographs of property can also be included.
In the event of loss, theft or fire a printable certificate can be obtained to assist with insurance claims, report stolen or lost property to the police.
REUNITE
If your registered property is recovered either the police or Immobilise will contact you and let you know its location.
Further information with regards to Immobilise can be obtained by visiting www.immobilise.com Setting up an account will take no more than five minutes, when completing the process and in the 'where heard' drop down box, select Wiltshire Police/County.
Our cleaner, Alison Noutch has not been at all well over the last few months. She has had a spell in hospital and is now recovering from surgery and she hopes to back with us in a few months.
All the best from all of us Alison and get well soon.
Following a public meeting called by local county councillor, Steve Oldrieve, to garner support for the idea of a community association on Paxcroft Mead, interested residents have formed a steering group. The steering group is currently setting up the framework for the association, which will take the form of a Community Forum, so-called because its focus will be on community issues. The main aims of the Forum will be to improve the quality of life on Paxcroft Mead and represent the interests of its residents. We see it as working in two ways: pro–active and re–active.
Our pro–active undertaking will be to identify projects, both short and long term, which would enhance life on Paxcroft Mead. Suggestions for short–term aims include the improvement of the footpath network, through the installation of benches and signposts. A more long–term goal would be the provision of a medical centre on Paxcroft Mead. There is a real will amongst all the local agencies to achieve this goal, but we need to demonstrate a groundswell of public support in order to make it happen.
On the re–active front, our aim is to provide a mechanism for Paxcroft Mead residents to support one another in solving on–going problems. Trying to deal with these issues on an individual basis is often stressful and frustrating. By banding together, as a properly constituted residents' association, we can get the local authorities to work with us to reach a proper resolution.
For the forum to be really effective, we need to be able to keep in touch with people and to be able to demonstrate that we represent a good proportion of residents. All that you will need to do to become a member is to register your contact details with the secretary. Membership registration will be free and open to all residents of Paxcroft Mead over 16 years of age. Being a member of the Forum will mean that you will be kept informed of all developments and will be able to ask for the Forum's help when you need it. You can rest assured that you will not be pressured into any activity, although active interest will always be warmly welcomed.
| There will be an open meeting to launch the Forum at the Paxcroft Mead Community Centre
on Wednesday 14th October 2009 at 7.30pm. |
| We want to hear your ideas and talk about how we can work together to make Paxcroft Mead a better place to live. |
At the meeting, members of the Steering Group will be outlining the aims of the Forum and how it might work, before a general discussion and gathering of ideas. The final business of the meeting will be to elect a management committee. Nominations for the committee should be made in advance, on forms which will be made available on the Forum website: www.paxcroftmead.org.uk/forum, where the Forum page is currently under construction. Alternatively, you can get a form by contacting Rosemary Hawkes (secretary of the Steering Group) by email at forum@paxcroftmead.org.uk, or by telephone on 01225 762410.
If you cannot come to the meeting, you will be able to register your membership on the website or by contacting Rosemary by email at forum@paxcroftmead.org.uk, or by telephone on 01225 762410.
Summer has finally arrived according to some. We have been having very hot humid weather with both the temperature and the humidity in the 90s. This is what some say they have been waiting for but it is way too much summer for us. We prefer the temperature to be 70–75°F and the humidity nearer 50%.
This is a good time for local fruits and vegetables as most are now becoming ripe. Last fall (autumn) we planted six apple trees to have our own little orchard. We are happy to report that all are growing well and two actually have several apples this year. The grass is growing well so the lawn needs mowing often, It won't be long before the mower will be traded for the snow blower. Before that, however, we will have what is my favorite season of the year. Fall usually brings some great weather – nice sunny warm (not hot) days and cool nights. The fall colors are beautiful as the leaves turn from green to red, orange and yellow.
While Susan is busy with her American Red Cross work, I enjoy visiting Beaver Lake Nature Center several times each week. The forest trails are usually about 10 degrees cooler than it is out in the sun. I love to walk there and just got the T–shirt for walking 300 miles. My ultimate goal is to get the 1000 mile T-shirt but that will be a while yet. American Football will be starting in three weeks so you know what we will be doing Sundays for the rest of the year. Go Eagles!!
My granddaughter, Jaclyn, is about to go the University of New England in Maine to study Marine Biology. We are looking forward to traveling there with my daughter and her husband in October to visit the school and see how Jaclyn has settled in. Maine should be beautiful the middle of October and this will be great opportunity to get some very fresh lobster.
We hope that everyone has enjoyed their summer as much as we have ours. We often post information on Facebook so check us out there if you want.
Until next time best wishes to all at Paxcroft Mead. Take care.
ABBA Tribute Night featuring Planet ABBA
Saturday 26th September.
Tickets for this prestigious event are now on sale at the Club. Members can purchase non–members tickets at the prices set out below.
| Ticket Prices: | |
| Members: | £7.00 |
| Non–Members: (See note below) | £9.00 |
| Children / non–members (2yrs – 18yrs) | £7.00 |
| Note: If non–members become new members for the forthcoming year 2009/2010, they can purchase their tickets at club membership prices. N.B. non–members can only register as new members in “person” at the bar. | |
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.
Mead Club AGM
The Mead Club Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 13th October 2009. All Mead Club members are encouraged to attend. More details to follow.
Reminder
Membership subcriptions will be due at the beginning of October for the following 12 months. At least until the Annual General Meeting on 13th October the rates are as follows – Individual membership is £8 per annum (October to September) with a £4 concessionary rate for Senior Citizens. After the AGM, the rates may rise.
Each year, the Heritage Open Days scheme arranges for a number of properties across the U.K. that are either generally closed to the public, to open their doors and for others to waive their admission charges for the day.
In previous years, buildings that opened in the Trowbridge area included Trowbridge Town Hall and the Blind House. Members of the Trowbridge Civic Society often help out as guides, so volunteers are welcomed.
You can find further details in the local press or visit the Heritage Open Days Website.
The local programme of Heritage Open Day events for 2009 is shown below.
| Date | Opening Time(s) |
Town | Property |
| Thu 10th Sept | 1800–1930 | Trowbridge | Trowbridge Museum, Dobcross loom demonstrations by Ivan Clarke. |
| Fri 11th Sept | 1930–2100 | Trowbridge | Trowbridge Reference Library, Lecture by Ken Rogers – Looking back at the Somerset and Wiltshire Woollen Industry. Tickets from Trowbridge Museum – Booking essential. |
| Sat 12th Sept | 1000–1200 | Trowbridge | Weaving Walk, Led by Ken Rogers – Meet at TIC, St Stephen's Place |
| Sat 12th Sept | 1400–1600 | Trowbridge | Trowbridge Museum, Talk by Roy Berrett – “When Time Ran Out, The final years of the woollen industry.” |
| Sat 12th Sept | 1000–1600 | Trowbridge | The Blind House, Wicker Hill, BA14 8JU. From town centre, walk down Fore Street to town bridge. Use town centre car parks. |
| Sat 12th Sept | 1000–1330 | Trowbridge | Holy Trinity Church, Stallard St - on the roundabout, close to Trowbridge Station. Small car park and on street parking nearby. |
| Sat 12th Sept | 1000–1600 | Trowbridge | St James Church, Church Walk, Trowbridge. |
| Sat 12th Sept | 1000–1600 | Trowbridge | St Thomas's Church, St Thomas Road |
| Sat 12th Sept | 1000–1600 | Trowbridge | Trowbridge Cricket Club Pavilion, Lower Court, Trowbridge, BA14 8PX – Guided Tours. |
| Sat 12th Sept | 1000–1600 | Trowbridge | Zion Baptist Church, Union Street, Trowbridge BA14 8RU – Historical Display. At 14:00, there will be an illustrated talk by Zion Church historian, Andrew Jones. |
| Sun 13th Sept | 1400–1600 | Trowbridge | St James Bell Tower, Church Walk, Trowbridge. |
The 2009 Emergency Services Show will be held on Sunday, 13th September at Hullavington Airfield (just north of M4 Junction 17. Full details at http://www.emergencyservicesshow.com
September is Carnival Time in Trowbridge. This year there are lots of activities to suit all ages and tastes. The table below summarises the main activities, but for a full programme of events, have a look at the Trowbridge Town Council website by clicking here.
| Trowbridge Carnival Events 2009 | ||
| Saturday 5th September | Country Fayre | The Fayre will be taking place in Trowbridge Park. The Committee are busy preparing a day of entertainment for all the family. The car boot sale will be returning (starting at 8am) and there will be plenty of displays and fund raising stalls. Any group wishing to book a pitch can download a booking form here. |
| Sunday 6th September | Carnival Bowls Competition | The second Carnival Bowls Competition takes place at Trowbridge Bowls Club in the Park. The competition is open to amateurs and the experienced. Refreshments will be available and a raffle will be held. Entry costs £10 for a team of 4 players with prizes for the winners. For more information and entry details please contact 01225 404956 (after 6pm) The fun starts at 10.00am so if you're not playing why not drop by for a little rest and relaxation. |
| Saturday 12th September | Carnival Procession | Leaves Canal Road at 7pm and makes its way through the town centre before finishing at Cradle Bridge (by the library). A full map of the route can be viewed here. |
| Saturday 12th September | Carnival Family Disco | Following the procession there will be a family disco at The Civic Hall in Trowbridge, which will include presentations to the carnival winners. Entry to the disco will cost £3 per person and everyone is welcome to attend. |
| Monday 14th September | Carnival Quiz | The quiz takes place on Monday 14 September at the Polish Club, Waterworks Road. 7.30pm for an 7.45pm start. Teams of 4 or less. Tickets cost £7 per person, inclusive of fish and chip supper. Money raised goes to the Carnival's chosen beneficiary (see top of page) To register your team/book you place contact Mark Davey on 01225 768951 or you can download a booking form here. More details from www.wessexmeadrotary.org.uk |
Carnival Beneficiary 2009
This year the Carnival Committee have chosen to support Shaftesbury Court Residential Home, located in Manor Close, Trowbridge.
The home, for young adults with physical and learning disabilities, is currently raising funds towards the purchase and running costs of a new mini-bus to enable more of the residents to get "out and about" in the local community, as well as giving them the opportunity to visit places of interest further afield.
The Trowbridge Walking Forum 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 September 2009 is shown below:
| Day | Date | Type | Route Options | Starting Point | Grade |
| Mon | 31-Aug | Short walk | Paxcroft Mead | Budgens Car park, Paxcroft Mead | E 1.5m |
| Wed | 2-Sep | Moderate walk | Lacock | Lacock NT carpark | E S 2m |
| Mon | 7-Sep | Longer walk | Corsham Park | Methuen Arms CP, Corsham | P S M 4m |
| Wed | 9-Sep | Moderate walk | Beckington and Orchardleigh | Park on street near The Woolpack, Beckington | S M 3.5m |
| Mon | 14-Sep | Short walk | Southwick Country Park | Southwick Country Park CP | E 1.5m |
| Wed | 16-Sep | 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 | 20-Sep | Longer walk | Seend canal walk | Three Magpies, Sells Green | P M S 4m |
| Wed | 23-Sep | Moderate walk | Rode and Tellisford | By the church in Rode Hill, Rode | E 2.5m |
| Mon | 28-Sep | Short walk | Biss Meadows | Outside Civic Hall, Trowbridge | E 1.5m |
| Wed | 30-Sep | Moderate walk | Semington, Whaddon Lane and Canal | By tennis courts in St Georges Road, Semington | E 2.5m |
| 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. | |||||
The festival, which runs at Trowbridge Museum until 14th November 2009, features a variety of textile related events for all the family.
A lecture series by local historians and university lecturers will focus on the textile heritage of the town; there will also be historical walking tours. Some of these coincide with the Heritage Open Day weekend.
An exciting exhibition of contemporary textile art, produced by students from the textile departments at Wiltshire College and Bath Spa University is also taking place.
Throughout the festival there will be live demonstrations on the Museum's looms and spinning wheels, alongside a packed programme of activities for the children.
ALL EVENTS ARE FREE
You can view a programme of events here. Alternatively contact the Museum on 01225 751339 or visit www.trowbridgemuseum.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 |
