Spring 2013 Newsletter
Contents
Click on the item to go to the article. |
Editorial CommentApologies for the lack of a newsletter over the past 6 months. It is not as if there hasn't been anything newsworthy, it is just time has been severely lacking. The Community Centre Management Committee are continuing to improve the Community Centre. Have a look at the article below to see what's happening. This edition of the newsletter covers Spring 2013. If you have a news item, content suggestions or an event you would like to share in the next newsletter, please let me have your contribution by Sunday 24th April. You can send it via email 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 - |
Paxcroft Mead News
Happy New Year to all our residents
There have been some changes in the Management Committee since the last newsletter. Chris Hicks, who was elected as Chairman after the AGM last April had to step down and in September I took over as Chairman with my wife, Rosemary taking on the job of Secretary as well as continuing as Minute Secretary. With any change of management, it always takes a while to settle down, but now things are running quite smoothly again.
I would like to take the chance to thank Chris for his hard work and wish him well in his new endeavours.
I would like to thank the committee for their support and also to thank them for all their work over the past year - a very good team. Having said that, we could still do with a couple more committee members so that we can share out some of the duties such as simple maintenance and hirer meet and greets.
Back in July we had the front door and the Mead Club doors and windows replaced. They were installed to match the existing window/door frames, and were expected to be more secure and draughtproof.
Since the installation, we have experienced some difficulties with the front door in particular, so the committee has decided to replace it with a set of alluminium doors which have many advantages over the previous set. One particular bonus is they will be provided as an offset pair (one wider than the other). This means much easier access for wheelchairs and pushchairs. We expect this work to be complete by the end of January.
Over Christmas and New Year when the Centre was quiet, committee members, Karen and Mike Pugh decided they would organise painting out the main hall, and at the same time, replace the curtains and fluorescent tubes. With the help of Mikes's brother, Tony and a few volunteers, a scaffold tower was hired and the job done. The effect is amazing with the whole hall looking brighter and cleaner. The meeting room and foyer will also get a repaint in due course
A huge thank to everyone for a superb job.
Last year it was decided to recognise the 10th anniversary of the Community Centre by sponsoring a bench in the park. The Community Forum organised this and back in late November, the bench was installed along the path from the District Centre towards Sussex Walk/Cornbrash Rise. The plaque on the bench commemorates the 10th anniversary and also remembers Grace (Edna) Collins who bequeathed £100 to the centre. Click here to see a photograph of the bench.
New floor cleaning equipment has been purchased which will make the main hall floor easier to clean, and will also provide the means to keep the kitchen and toilets floors much cleaner. Along with the new cleaning machine, we have sourced a new range of non-toxic cleaning materials that will make the whole process much easier and efficient.
The Centre now offers BT Infinity 2 broadband to provide users with enhanced facilities. This facility will make the Centre more attractive to business hirers, so should pay for itself in time.
We have purchased additional tables which will allow us to accept seated bookings of around 120 people, making the Centre much more attractive for wedding parties and business meetings etc.
Other plans under consideration are to re-vamp the main kitchen and to apply for Hallmark status for the Centre. The Hallmark scheme is run by the Wiltshire Village Halls Association (of which we are a member) and defines the standards that hirers can expect when hiring their Village Hall.
Crime on Paxcroft Mead continues to be low. Given the Christmas period and the number of new houses this is quite an achievement.
The following report covers the month up to Early January.
There were 61 crimes in total on Trowbridge Rural NPT area with 5 on Paxcroft Mead:.
- Suspicion: 20/12 Fairwood Close: resident reported hearing front door open at 02.30hrs - no further noises heard
- Burglary: 3/1 Castley Rd: Unknown suspect (S) had gained entry to property by kicking open the back door and entering the utility room; nothing apparently taken. Footwear impression obtained.
- Theft: 16/12 Budgens: Unknown suspect had attempted to leave without paying but was spotted by a staff member who asked him to attend the office, suspect then left the items and ran out of the shop.
- Theft: 18/12 Budgens: Unknown male suspect had selected approx 9 joints of meat and left without paying. A male was subsequently identified.
- Violence: 16/12 Castley Rd: Minor Domestic assault.
Jodie's Adcroft and Paxcroft NPT area had 46 crimes, with 7 on Paxcroft Mead:
- ASB: 29/12 Garth Rd: Known Suspects mimicking, persistently banging doors and being verbally abusive.
- ASB: 31/12 Malwayn Close: Verbal altercation between parties.
- Burglary: 3/1 Castell Close: Unknown suspect had gained entry to garage by smashing rear window and then forcing up front up and over door: Cycle stolen.
- Theft: 17/12 Heeks Crescent: Unknown suspect had stolen garden ornaments from front garden.
- Theft: 20/12 Corbin Rd: Unknown Suspect had removed IPs jewelry from kitchen cupboard.
- Violence: 29/12 Garth Rd: Known female suspect had put hands around the IP's neck causing redness.
- RTC: 24/12 Cusance Way: Driver cut across roundabout at speed in front of RP and collided with rear of car. Suspect driver refused to exchange details and drove away; matter under investigation.
Many of the thefts that have occurred over recent months have been from insecure vehicles, garages and sheds. Being diligent about locking up will certainly deter these opportunist thieves.
To see a full list of the Trowbridge area NPT priorities click here
As part of the plans to build 650 homes on the land south of Green Lane (now known as Castle Mead), a new primary school will also be built.
Discussions as well under way about the design of the School and the Trowbridge Area Board meeting held last week (17/1/2012) featured plans. There will be a workshop on Monday, 28th January in Trowbridge Town Hall. The event starts at 1800. For full details, you can contact Jodie Maslen at Wiltshire Council (jodie.maslen@wiltshire.gov.uk)
The last few months have been particularly busy for the Paxcroft Mead Community Forum team.
At long last, we managed to get three benches (and litter bins) installed in the park as part of the “People in the Park” initiative. There is a news update that tells the story - click here to view the update.
The other major component of the “People in the Park” initiative is the Skate Park. We have selected two preferred designers; Freestyle and Maverick, and invited each of them to submit designs. You can see the designs by clicking here. We then asked the young people to vote online to choose their favourite design. Currently we are evaulating the responses and will announce the winner after the next Forum committee meeting.
We are continuing to investigate the provision of an Outdoor Gym in the park. We are hopeful that funding may be available for this.
Forthcoming Events
Mead Club Events
The next event will be a Race Night on Saturday, 23rd February, followed by Northern Soul on Saturday, 9th March. After Easter, the Christmas Raffle will start. By starting early, the prize quality will be excellent.
The Club will also be open to cover the Six Nations Rugby which will be available on the big screen.
Annual Pancake Race
On Tuesday 12th February you will get your chance to take part in the annual Trowbridge Pancake Race - rumour has it that last year's Relay winners are already in training to ensure the team is in tip-top condition for the competition.
All frying pans and pancakes are supplied on the day (fancy dress is welcome, so no excuses!) - just register at the gazebo in Fore Street at 10am with time to practise before the first race at 10:30am.
There will be 4 categories - Children, Ladies, Gentlemen and Relay (teams of up to 4).
The Town Council will be ably assisted on the day by volunteers from Trowbridge Lions who will ensure there is fair play and that pancakes are tossed in the correct manner (is there one I wonder?)
Further details from Maryrose (01225 765072) or email maryrose.mantle@trowbridge.gov.uk
Children's Activities at the Museum
Upcoming Events for Half Term
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February 12, 2013 10:30 am - February 12, 2013 3:30 pm
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February 13, 2013 10:30 am - February 13, 2013 3:30 pm
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February 14, 2013 10:30 am - February 14, 2013 3:30 pm
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February 15, 2013 10:30 am - February 15, 2013 3:30 pm
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- (Click on the link for details)
Bluz 'n' Zuz
The Bluz 'n' Zuz young people's discos are held at the Moo Moo (formerly Fever) Night Club in Castle Street, Trowbridge. They are proving very popular with the young people of Trowbridge and the surrounding villages. The next session is on Friday 15th February and then on the 3rd Friday of each month. Click here for details.
Activity Fun Days Spring 2013
A series of Fun Days and well as a Football Camp is being held during the February Half Term break. They are held at Walwayne Court School and run from Monday 11th - Friday 15th February. For further details and to download an application form, click here.
The same form can be used to book for the Fun Days during the Easter holidays.
Diary Dates - a summary of forthcoming events
The table below lists some of the forthcoming events in an around Trowbridge. As they get nearer, we will expand the detail. If you know of any events that should be included, please let the editor know (editor@paxcroftmead.org.uk)
| Forthcoming Event Summary | ||
| Date and Time | Event | Location |
| 9th March 1000 - 1400 | Fair Trade Fortnight Event | Trowbridge Town Hall If you would like to help, please click here. |
| 20th April 1000 - 1500 | Open Day | Trowbridge General Cemetery |
| 4th May | Trowbridge Lions' May Day Fayre | Fore Street, Trowbridge |
| 29th/30th June | Armed Forces Weekend | Trowbridge People's Park |
| 18th August | Carnival Soap Box Derby | Castle Street, Trowbridge |
| 30th August | Trowbridge ‘Food Fest’ | Fore Street, Trowbridge |
| 7th September | Heritage Open Days | Various buildings opened to visit in and around Trowbridge |
| Saturday, 19th October | Trowbridge Carnival procession | Trowbridge Area |
Trowbridge Walking Forum - February/March 2013
The Trowbridge Walking Forum walks are designed to provide gentle and sociable exercise and are suitable for all ages and abilities.
Wednesday walks are approximately 2 to 3 miles and there is usually a choice of an easy, level walk and one that may include fields and stiles. On Mondays, walks alternate between a longer route of 4 to 5 miles with stiles and some hills, and shorter walks of less that 1½ miles that are mostly on paved paths.
The programme for July and August is shown below:
| Day | Date | Type | Route Options | Starting Point | Grade |
| Mon | 21-Jan | Longer walk | Potterne Skyline | Near the Youth Club, Silver St, Potterne | E H M P 4.4m |
| Wed | 23-Jan | Moderate walk | Rode and Tellisford | Vaggs Hill, off the Wingfield to Rode road | E H M 2½m |
| Mon | 28-Jan | Short walk | Melksham | Park at the end of Riverside Drive | E 1½m |
| Wed | 30-Jan | Moderate walk | Seend canal walk | Village Hall, Rusty Lane, Seend | P M S 3.7m |
| Mon | 4-Feb | Longer walk | Bulkington to Marston | Brasspan Bridge at Bulkington | S M 5½m |
| Wed | 6-Feb | Moderate walk | Westwood to Farleigh Hungerford | Westwood Manor NT Car park | S M H 3.4m |
| Mon | 11-Feb | Short walk | Hilperton | Park on Ashton Road in Village | E 1½m |
| Wed | 13-Feb | Moderate walk | Holt and Chalfield (followed by a brief AGM at the local pub) | Overflow Car Park, Midlands, Holt | S M 3.1 m |
| Mon | 18-Feb | Longer walk | Corsham to Thingly | Lacock Road, Corsham. Car park just before football field | S M 5.3m |
| Wed | 20-Feb | Moderate walk | Poulshot to Worton | Park outside the Village Hall on the south side of the common | S M P 3.6m |
| Mon | 25-Feb | Short walk | White Horse Business Park | B & Q car park, Bradley Road, Trowbridge | E 1½m |
| Wed | 27-Feb | Moderate walk | Corsham Park | Corsham Sports Centre | S M 3.2m |
| Mon | 4-Mar | Longer walk | Upton Scudamore | Slip road off A350 to Upton Scudamore | S M H 5.2m |
| Wed | 6-Mar | Longer walk | Bulkington to Keevil | Brasspan Bridge at Bulkington | S M 3.5m |
| Mon | 11-Mar | Short walk | Bradford on Avon -Canal and River | Canal Car Park (down Baileys Barn, off Moulton Drive, next to canal bridge near Sainsburys) | E 1½m |
| Wed | 13-Mar | Moderate walk | Bradford on Avon, Rowden Lane and Canal | Canal Car Park (down Baileys Barn, off Moulton Drive, next to canal bridge near Sainsburys) | S M s/c 3m |
| Mon | 18-Mar | Longer walk | Poulshot & Caen Hill | Park outside the Village Hall on the south side of the common | S M P 5.1m |
| Wed | 20-Mar | Moderate walk | Westwood to Avoncliff | Westwood Manor NT Car park | S M H 3.5m |
| Mon | 25-Mar | Short walk | Paxcroft Mead | Budgens Car park, Paxcroft Mead | E 1½m |
| Wed | 27-Mar | Moderate walk | St Margarets and Canal | Canal Car Park (down Baileys Barn, off Moulton Drive, next to canal bridge near Sainsburys) | S M 4m |
| 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. | |||||
For more information click here for website or for shorter walks, contact Anne B on 01225 761526. For longer walks, contact Alan & Anne on 01225 760492 or Mike on 01225 766668.