January 2010 Newsletter
Contents
Click on the item to go to the article. |
Editorial CommentI am pleased to report that the Neighbourhood Police Team have some good news and don't forget the Croft Parent & Toddler Group's Teddy Bear's Picnic next Tuesday (see Events). It is sad that we will lose our key Committee officers at the AGM in May, but we hope that replacements can be found to keep the Centre running smoothly. If you have a news item or event you would like to share in the next newsletter, please send your contribution 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
All Change at the Community Centre?
The long serving officers of the Paxcroft Mead Community Centre Management Committee have announced their intention to stand down at the PMCC Annual General meeting next May. If the Centre is to stay open, the Community Centre Committee will need some new volunteers with the necessary energy and expertise to come forward.John Marples has been Chairman of the Community Centre Committee since May 2007 and
in the two and a half years since then, the Centre has gone from strength to strength. It is
well used by local interest groups and classes and is the home of the Mead Club, which runs
a bar and events for local residents.
The Centre was recently hired by the frozen food company Iceland for their recruiting event prior to their return to Shires.
John and his wife Pauline, who is currently secretary of the PMCC (and is also planning to stand down), have been a very dedicated team, re–decorating the Centre themselves and ensuring that the Centre runs smoothly. They will be sorely missed, as will Treasurer Paul Mansfield, who is also planning to step down in May.
The search is on for new officers at the Centre, without whom the Centre may have to close.
If you would like to volunteer for the Management Committee, please contact John Marples via the Contact page on this website.
It has been a relatively quiet time on Paxcroft Mead following the higher levels of crime which were suffered towards the end of last year.
We are pleased to be able to report that the series of vehicle damage seems to have ended. Indeed recent statistics show that we are now at a three year low for reports of that offence in the sector.
We have had a number of thefts from vehicles on the estate. A male has already been arrested on suspicion of these offences and bailed pending further enquiries. We have since had no further incidents of this type.
The whole Trowbridge sector has been suffering from a series of burglaries and Paxcroft has not escaped. We have had a number of crimes of this type in the area which have almost entirely occurred when residents have failed to lock up their houses properly. Clearly everyone must ensure that they double check their doors and windows when they go to bed. Valuables should not be on display and keys should not left in locks. Remember not to leave your car keys on a desk by the front door.
If anyone has any information or concerns then they can always call Trowbridge police on the general number 0845 4087000 and ask for a call from their community beat manager. Alternatively residents can e–mail through the Wiltshire police website.
Dates for NPT Consultations in February/March
| Type | Date/Time | Area/Location | Persons Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgery | 04/02/2010 - 14:00 | Consultation with PCSO 6204 held at Paxcroft Mead Community Centre Car Park, Hilperton | PCSO Wickenden 6204 |
| Surgery | 04/02/2010 - 14:45 | Consultation with PCSO 6204 held at Hilperton Village Hall Car Park, Hilperton | PCSO Wickenden 6204 |
| Surgery | 19/02/2010 - 10:00 | Consultation with PCSO 6204 held at Paxcroft Mead Community Centre Car Park, Hilperton | PCSO Wickenden 6204 |
| Surgery | 19/02/2010 - 10:45 | Consultation with PCSO 6204 held at Hilperton Village Hall Car Park, Hilperton | PCSO Wickenden 6204 |
| Community Meeting | 04/03/2010 - 18:30 | Trowbridge Civic Hall | Inspector Cullop |
| Community Meeting | 18/03/2010 - 18:00 | Trowbridge Civic Hall | Inspector Cullop |
At the Paxcroft Mead Community Forum inaugural meeting last October, one of the concerns raised by Forum members was the lack of facilities available for young people on Paxcroft Mead. It was suggested that a BMX track would be a suitable activity.
Since that time, committee member Adrian Ingham has been working on the project which is now starting to raise interest. Adrian has already been successful in getting a similar track built at Studley Green. Although planning is at a very early stage, it is hoped that the Council may allow the track to be built on the edge of the playing field behind the Paxcroft Mead Community Centre and the nursery. This location is ideal as it is well away from housing. The site will also have a hard standing where young people can congregate. It is hoped that various grant–funding bodies would be interested in funding this project which is likely to cost in the order of £30,000.
Digital Television Switchover
Digital switchover is coming to Wiltshire very soon. This will mean that we all have to take action to ensure we continue to receive television channels after the switchover dates in March and April 2010.
The first stage of the switchover starts on 24th March and the second stage on 7th April. The analogue BBC2 will go in stage one and the rest of the analogue stations during stage 2. If you only view the analogue services, these will be discontinued at stage 2 time, so you must have an alternative, e.g. Sky, Freesat or a digital receiver either built in to your TV or as a separate unit. Digital receivers must be re–tuned on both these dates to continue to receive service.
For full details for our area click here
Digital UK are running a series of exhibitions giving information about the changeover. Although for some reason Trowbridge has been ignored – nothing new there – the venues are shown in the table below:–
| Bradford-on-Avon | Bridge Street Car Park, BA15 1BY | 4 March 2010 |
| Corsham | Newlands Road Car Park, SN13 0BH | 3 March 2010 |
| Devizes | Corn Exchange, Market Place, SN10 1HS | 25 February 2010 |
| Frome | Asda, Warminster Road, BA11 5LA | 26 February 2010 |
| Melksham | Church Street Car Park, SN12 6ES | 5 March 2010 |
| Warminster | Morrison's, Weymouth Street, BA12 9NT | 20 February 2010 |
| Westbury | High Street, BA13 4DR | 4 March 2010 |
Do you need help with the switchover?
Community First of Devizes, is working with Digital Outreach Ltd to ensure that the message about Digital Switchover reaches older and vulnerable people who qualify for free help but who may not yet have responded to the Digital Switchover Help Scheme Pack they will have already received. These most vulnerable members of our communities are also those who are likely to be most dependent on television as a daily companion.
The Switchover Help Scheme can help you make the switch to digital TV.
The scheme can help you convert your TV to digital if you:
- are aged 75 or over; or
- get or could get Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Constant Attendance Allowance or mobility supplement; or
- have lived in a care home for six months or more; or
- are registered blind or partially sighted
To see if you are eligible for help, you can check online clicking here or call 0800 40 85 900
Can you HELP with the switchover?
Community First are urgently seeking to recruit and train volunteers who can help get the important message about the switchover out to people in their local communities over the next few weeks. Can you help us? Or do you know someone else who might be able to help?
We can offer support and training and all that we ask is that you talk to local people who may be in contact with those that qualify for the free help scheme to ask if they have taken action.
There is no cold calling, nothing technical to do, just chatting to people.
A SUPPORT WORKSHOP IS TAKING PLACE AT WYNDHAMS IN DEVIZES ON FRIDAY 5TH FEBRUARY, 10 AM – 2.30 PM.
If you would be interested in attending this session please let us know by Tuesday 2nd February, but if you are unable to attend this session there will be other workshops soon for volunteers.
STOP PRESS: Another date has been arranged in Devizes on TUESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY (10.30am – 2.30pm). If you would like to attend, please contact Helie Franklin at the number below by 17th Febrauary 2010.
If you are interested in helping or would like more information – please contact Helie Franklin on 01380 722475 ext 277 or email hfranklin@communityfirst.org.uk.
Jack Pope's Letter from America
It is hard to believe that the first month of 2010 is almost over. Where does the time go? Central NY is enjoying some nice winter weather and the opportunity for some winter sports such as skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. The winters are long enough here that one can either enjoy them or sit around and moan about them. I choose to enjoy the winter and my winter sport is snowshoeing. I received a pair of snowshoes, boots and poles for Christmas and have been out many times since then. If you are a regular reader of my letters you know that I very much enjoy Beaver Lake – a nearby nature center. Beaver Lake opens two woodland trails dedicated to snowshoeing each winter. One is 1.3 miles in length and the other is 2.2 miles. It is absolutely beautiful going through the forest with the snow on the trees. It is not at all unusual to come across white tailed deer. The deer are very used to people and will just stand quietly and watch one walk past. We have had lots of snow so far this winter. Hannibal has had 5 – 6 feet of snow as a result of several storms. That sounds like a lot but we are so accustomed to the snow that it really isn't a problem. All of the towns have big snowplow and very soon after a storm have the roads cleared again. Of course folks here also know how to drive on snow covered roads and many have 4 wheel drive vehicles.
Winter does bring way too many house fires that keep Susan and the American Red Cross busy assisting folks who have often lost everything. Susan also works to assist those who are having difficulty paying their heat and electricity bills. There are many heart breaking stories but she also has a good feeling from helping those in need.
On a more cheerful note we had a lovely Christmas. There was a nice program of community singing of Christmas carols which concluded with the lighting of the community tree. Many houses are decorated nicely and look so lovely at night. I must say that some folks do go overboard however and end up with their houses looking tacky. My great–granddaughter is two and a half so this was the first Christmas that she was aware of what was going on. It was a lot of fun to watch her. We enjoyed a lovely Christmas dinner with my daughter and her family.
This week was the first anniversary of President Obama's inauguration. Some folks think he is doing great and others are disappointed. So what else is new? I, along with many others, are very tired of the intense partisanship that is occurring in both State and National government. Right now there is lots of talk about “throwing the rascals out” in the next election which, however, is not until November so we will see.
We hope you all have a healthy and prosperous 2010. Best wishes to everyone from here across the pond.
Forthcoming Events
Mead Club Events
Weekly Quiz Night
The Thursday Quiz Night continues to be a popular night with members. The evening is a lot of fun with ‘special’ nights featuring variations such as Snakes and Ladders and Joker Nights. Other special nights have included Trafalgar Night (for the Jack Tars - one of whom is reported to have taken part), Burns Night etc. The entry fee is 50 pence per person.
| Six Nations Rugby Opening | |
|---|---|
| Saturday 6th February 2.15pm through to normal closing hours | Ireland v Italy (Kickoff – 2.30pm) |
| England v Wales (Kickoff – 5.00pm) | |
| Sunday 7th February 12.30pm | Scotland v France (Kickoff – 3.00pm) |
| Saturday 13th February 1.45pm | Wales v Scotland (Kickoff – 2.00pm) |
| France v Ireland (Kickoff – 4.30pm) | |
| Sunday 14th February 12.30pm | Italy v England (Kickoff – 2.30pm) |
| Friday 26th Feb 7.30pm through to normal closing hours | Wales v France (Kickoff – 8.00pm) |
| Saturday 27th Feb 1.15pm through to normal closing hours | Italy v Scotland (Kickoff – 1.30pm) |
| England v Ireland (Kickoff – 4.00pm) | |
| Saturday 13th March 2.15pm through to normal closing hours | Ireland v Wales (Kickoff – 2.30pm) |
| Scotland v England (Kickoff – 5.00pm) | |
| Sunday 14th March 12.30pm | France v Italy (Kickoff – 2.30pm) |
| Saturday 20th March 2.15pm through to normal closing hours | Wales v Italy (Kickoff – 2.30pm) |
| Ireland v Scotland (Kickoff – 5.00pm) | |
| France v England (Kickoff – 7.45pm) |
Partylite Pamper and Candle Party
On Friday, 19th March 7.30pm for 8.00pm. Non–members £1 admittance.
The Croft Parent & Toddler Group Teddy Bear's Picnic
On Tuesday, 2nd February between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm, the Croft Parent and Toddler Group are holding a Teddy Bear's Picnic at the Community Centre. Parents and toddlers are invited along – just bring along you picnic lunch and at least one teddy bear.
The Croft Parent and Toddler Group meets twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10:00 – 11:00 am in the Community Centre. The Group aims to serve the Paxcroft Mead and surrounding area, and provides a venue where parents/carers can meet up with other parents/carers and their children. For children, the Group provides an environment where children from birth to pre–school age can interact socially with others of a similar age.
The fee is £2 per family per session. The first session is free.
Bluz and Zuz Young People's Disco
The Bluz and Zuz Young People's Disco is back up and running in Trowbridge.
The next event will be on Friday, 19th February at The Silhouette Club (Stone Mills – beneath the Shires Car Park, by the riverside walk). The event is open to young people aged 12 – 16 and runs from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Entry is £2 per person and includes a free drink).
The event is held every 3rd Friday of the month.
Stumpy's Club@Trowbridge Museum
Stumpy's Saturday Club is open to all children and young people, from Trowbridge and the surrounding areas – we get lots of families coming from Swindon, Melksham, Westbury, Bath, etc. and they're all welcome to join. There is a charge for membership.
What can we offer? There will be a regular newsletter/comic, competitions, badges, pens, t–shirts (and similar things), and members will be offered one free session each year. Stumpy Club members will also receive details of all the workshops first, and they will get first refusal. Fees will also go towards buying items such as protective clothing, for those slightly messier activities.
So how much will it cost?
| One child | £5 per year |
| Two children per family | £8 per year |
| Three children per family | £11 per year |
Membership is for a calendar year (January - December), and payment will need to be made before any sessions are booked. Members will receive a membership card, badge and sticker plus other items each year.
The next craft events are scheduled for Saturday, 27th February – full details below.
| Date | Time | Subject | Details | Age Range | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday 27th February | 10.30 - 12.00 | ROMANS II with Louise Mansbridge | Find out all about the Romans and make a roman artefact in our fascinating history workshop. | Aged 8 and over | £3.00 or £2.50 to Stumpy's Club Members |
| Saturday 27th February | 1.30 - 3.00 | ROMAN MODELS with David Birks | Use your imagination to create a ROMAN pot or a statue of a Roman God from clay | Aged 5 and over | £2.50 or £2.00 to Stumpy's Club Members |
These workshops are advance booking only as places are limited - call 01225 751339. Discounts available on the day if you join Stumpy's Club. N.B. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
For more details of STUMPY'S CLUB call the Museum on 01225 751339 or email David Birks at the museum.
Victorian Trowbridge
On November 28th last year, Trowbridge Museum opened a new exhibition entitled, “Victorian Trowbridge”.
The exhibition which runs through to April 24th, features Important People, Terrible Crime (including the Notorious Rode Murder - as featured in the novel, ‘The Suspicions of Mr Witcher’) and many social and religious topics relating to Victorian Trowbridge.
Throughout the exhibition there will be a programme of activities for the children.
ALL EVENTS ARE FREE Normal opening Tue–Fri 10.00–4.00, Sat 10.00–4.30. Disabled Access is available.
For further details on any of our exhibitions ring the Museum on (01225) 751 339 or email c.lyall@trowbridge.gov.uk
Trowbridge Walking Forum – February 2010
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 February and March 2010 is shown below:
| Day | Date | Type | Route Options | Starting Point | Grade |
| Mon | 1-Feb | Short walk | White Horse Business Park | B & Q car park, Bradley Road, Trowbridge | E 1½m |
| Wed | 3-Feb | Moderate walk | Norton St. Phillip | Near the church | S M P 3m |
| Mon | 8-Feb | Moderate walk | Semington, Whaddon Lane and Canal | By tennis courts in St Georges Road, Semington | E 2½m |
| Wed | 10-Feb | Longer walk | Holt and Chalfield | Village Hall CP, Holt | S M 3.1 m |
| Mon | 15-Feb | Short walk | Barton Farm Country Park | Canal Car Park (in Baileys Barn, off Moulton Dr, near Sainsburys) | E 1½m |
| Wed | 17-Feb | Moderate walk | Steeple Ashton and Mudmead Lane | Church Lane, or nearby. Steeple Ashton | S M 3½m |
| Mon | 22-Feb | Longer walk | Poulshot and Caen Hill | Park off the edge of the track on the left just past "the Raven" | P S M 5.1 m |
| Wed | 24-Feb | Moderate walk | St Margarets and Canal | Canal Car Park (down Baileys Barn, off Moulton Drive, next to canal bridge near Sainsburys) | S M 4m |
| Mon | 1-Mar | Short walk | Broadmead | Studley Green community hall | E S 1½m |
| Wed | 3-Mar | Moderate Walk | Broughton Gifford and Chalfield | Near The Bell on the Common, Broughton Gifford | S M 2½m |
| Mon | 8-Mar | Longer walk | Westwood to Wingfield | Westwood Manor NT Car park | S M 4½m |
| Wed | 10-Mar | Moderate walk | Beckington and Orchardleigh | Park on street near The Woolpack, Beckington | S M 3½m |
| Mon | 15-Mar | Short walk | Southwick Country Park | Southwick Country Park CP | E 1½m |
| Wed | 17-Mar | Moderate walk | White Row Farm, Beckington | Park in road outside White Row Farm. Road leads off of A36 Beckington Roundabout | E S 2½m |
| Mon | 22-Mar | Longer walk | Seend canal walk | Three Magpies, Sells Green | P M S 4m |
| Wed | 24-Mar | Moderate walk | Rode and Tellisford | By the church in Rode Hill, Rode | E 2½m |
| Mon | 29-Mar | Short walk | White Horse Business Park | B & Q car park, Bradley Road, Trowbridge | E 1.5m |
| Wed | 31-Mar | Longer walk | Poulshot towards Potterne | Park off the edge of the track on the left just past "the Raven" | P S M 3½ m |
| 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 visit www.whi.org.uk/trowbridge or contact Alan & Anne on 01225 760492, David on 01225 755639, Mike on 01225 766668 or Pat & Charles on 01225 753735.