March 2011 Newsletter
Contents
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Editorial CommentSorry we are a bit late with the March edition - a few health problems have slowed things down. I am still waiting for some of the planned content, so please come back and have another look at a later date as articles may well have been added. If you have a news item or event you would like to share in the next newsletter, please let me have your contribution by Wednesday 27th April and send 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
Major Works at the Community Centre
As part of the ongoing upkeep and updating of the Community Centre, the Management Committee has decided to renew the floor in the main hall. The committee will be scheduling the work once a few other tasks are completed. The result will be a fine venue for a wide variety of activities.
Also coming up is a full inspection of the Community Centre electrical systems. We don't expect there to be any issues, but once done, all our users can be confident that the Centre is in tip-top condition.
After the success of its first Coffee Morning event, the Committee has decided that they will become a regular event. The next date is Saturday, 9th April from 10:30 - 12:30 in Hall 2 of the Community Centre. The morning will launch the plans for the proposed BMX track, but committee members will also be present to talk to residents about any other concerns they may have.
The planned development on the “Land South of Green Lane” is moving forward with an application for 12 affordable houses being submitted by Persimmon Homes. The Forum will be responding to this (and subsequent) application to ensure that the construction has a minimal effect on existing Paxcroft Mead residents. Full details can be seen on the Forum website at www.paxcroftmead.org.uk/forum
Rural Cinema comes to Trowbridge
White Horse Pictures is the rural cinema pilot scheme for Wiltshire and the Test Valley, designed to bring a modern digital cinema experience out to your local area, so that you can watch and enjoy new films right on your doorstep.
Research shows that the Wiltshire and Test Valley area has less cinema screens for its size than the English national average, resulting in many audiences having to travel long distances to enjoy the latest cinema releases.
White Horse Pictures has secured £400,000 Lottery funding from the UK Film Council over three years, to purchase a combination of touring digital cinema standard projection equipment and high-definition Blu Ray kit, to be operated in non-traditional venues across the region, bringing the best cinema experience of the latest films to convenient locations near you.
Our local venue is the Arc Theatre in Trowbridge. The programme for the next few months is shown below - for other local venues, visit the White Horse Pictures website at http://www.whitehorsepictures.co.uk. All films cost £6 with a £5 concessionary rate.
| Title | Date | Times |
| The Kings Speech (Cert: 12a) | Wed 16 March | 2.30 and 7.30 pm |
| The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Cert: 12a) | Sat 2 April | 7.30pm |
| Nanny McPhee & The Big Bang (Cert: U) | Sun 3 April | 2.30 and 7.30 pm |
| R.E.D. (Cert: 12a) | Wed 11 May | 2.30 and 7.30 pm |
| Another Year (Cert: 12a) | Wed 8 June | 2.30 and 7.30 pm |
| Never Let Me Go (Cert: 12a) | Wed 20 July | 2.30 and 7.30 pm |
For full details visit the Arc Theatre website at http://www.arctheatre.org.uk
Over the last month, crime in the Paxcroft Mead area has been negligible - an extremely pleasing position to be in.
Current Priorities
According to the Wiltshire Police website, the current priorities in the Trowbridge Rural and Adcroft and Paxcroft NPT areas have not changed from last month's, but do not highlight anything directly involved with Paxcroft Mead. The current priorities close to us are:–
DRUGS - SEYMOUR ESTATE
Following high levels of reports of drug dealing the area has been targeted and two arrests have now been made. Offenders are currently on bail. Since the arrests, reports have been significantly reduced.
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR - LARKRISE AND KIDDLYWINKS
Police and partnership activity is being planned and undertaken on this priority and a full update will be provided in due course.
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR - TUDOR DR & TOWPATH RD
Police have received increasing numbers of reports of Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) from the Tudor drive and Towpath road area of Hilperton. Rowdy groups of youths have been gathering on the green between the two roads and causing a nuisance to residents. Police will work with council ASB officers to address the issues. High visibility patrols will be increased on the estate.
PARKING/OBSTRUCTION - CHANTRY GARDENS SOUTHWICK
There has been a steady stream of complaints over the past months regarding parking issues on Chantry Gardens in Southwick. Residents have reported concerns including the unnecessary obstruction of the pavement, garages and driveway access. The Neighbourhood Policing team conduct patrols to identify specific problems dealing with any offences as appropriate. Consultation with locals may be sought and the council may be asked to assist.
Here are the forthcoming consultations planned for our NPT areas:
| Type | Location | Date/Time | Officers Attending |
| Community Visit | North Bradley Peace Memorial Hall | 08/03/2011 - 19:00 | PCSO 6289 Neil Usborne |
Tumble Tots Eat Fit Keep Fit Success
On Friday 11th February, as part of the Eat Fit Keep Fit campaign, the Trowbridge Town Crier, Trevor Heeks distributed fruit and booklets containing useful healthy recipes and a couple of dessert treats, that can be cooked together as a family to our Tumble Tots (and their parents!) at the Paxcroft Mead Community Centre.
The ‘Eat Fit Keep Fit’ campaign which is now in its 7th year, aims to help combat the UK's childhood obesity issue and once again this year Tumble Tots have teamed up with renowned children's best selling food author Annabel Karmel. She has helped Tumble Tots produce a wonderful recipe booklet that little ones can join in with.
The ‘Eat Fit Keep Fit’ campaign continues to reinforce the importance of combining physical exercise with a healthy diet and this year it's also encouraging greater parent and child bonding. Cooking together is a great way to introduce new foods and have fun.
Forthcoming Events
Zumba and Pilates Classes
Every Tuesday, Debbie Bailey runs both Zumba and Pilates classes at the Community Centre. The Zumba classes are from 7.15pm until 8.15pm and the Pilates from 8.20pm until 9.15pm. The classes cost £5 each.
The Zumba® program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away. Our goal is simple: We want you to want to work out, to love working out, to get hooked. Zumba® Fanatics achieve long-term benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in one exciting hour of calorie-burning, body-energizing, awe-inspiring movements meant to engage and captivate for life!
The Relaxation and Pilates class offers specialised exercises designed to tone the abdominals and strengthen the back.
Trowbridge Pancake Race - Shrove Tuesday
Shrove Tuesday 8th March - Trowbridge Pancake Race - 10am registration - 1st Race 10.30am.
The races take place in Fore Street. Frying pans / pancakes supplied. FREE ENTRY.
Free Pancakes available to eat courtesy of Trowbridge College catering students and Sainsbury's.
Come and have fun. - Race categories - Children, Ladies', Men's and Relay (team of 4)
Bluz 'n' Zuz March
The Bluz 'n' Zuz young people's discos are held at the Fever Night Club in Castle Street, Trowbridge. The next session is on Friday 18th March and then on the 3rd Friday of each month.
Events at St. James Parish Church
Spring Sale on 19th March at 10 a.m. in aid of the Flower fund and the Church Spire appeal. Cake stall, books, tombola and various other stalls. Soup and Sandwiches for sale at 11.45 a.m. St James Church Hall Union Street Trowbridge.
Lent Lunchtime talks on Fridays 11th, 18th and 23rd March and 1st, 8th and 15th April all at 12.30 in St James Church.
We also have our Lent Play at 8 p.m. on 19th, 20th and 22nd April. Again in St James Church.
In addition a new Christian book stall will be opening up in St James Church in the middle of March. Under the umbrealla of CATA (Christian Action Trowbridge Area), they will be open for business on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Church for people to browse, order or purchase Christian Books.
Trowbridge Museum Exhibitions
‘Beyond the Bounds’ - The parishes of Trowbridge, Trowbridge Museum's latest exhibition...
Trowbridge Museum's next exhibition will focus on its numerous and remarkable surrounding villages. Wiltshire is still a delightfully rural county and of its some 400 villages and hamlets all have unique identities.
The age of many of these villages is equally remarkable with many being mentioned in the Domesday Book or occupying sites that have been inhabited since Roman Times.
Some of the fascinating facts vary from the most timber framed village, Steeple Ashton, to having to get Parliament to sanction a telephone box, Great Hinton.
The exhibition will also premiere the film “West Ashton: Our Village History”. The 10 minute film features the social history of the village and personal stories from villagers Cyril Sweetman, Sylvia Mills and Ken Rogers, who were interviewed by Year 6 students from West Ashton School. The interviews were edited together by project leader and film producer Jamie McDine, who helped transport students from Diamond Class back to the 1930s (thanks to the power of film) - with boys and girls playing on opposite sides of the playground and going on nature walks. The children all produced beautiful animations to illustrate the stories they had been told, from the famous Armstrong Whitworth Whitley crash landing, to the weavers working in their cottages. The film also features beautiful images from around West Ashton, Rood Ashton and East Town.
The film will be screened at 1.00pm.
The exhibition will also contain children's interactive activities, featuring maps, colouring in and jigsaws.
The exhibition will be formally opened by Andrew Murrison MP at 12.00 noon on Saturday 19th March.
Trowbridge Museum is in The Shires shopping centre with easy parking. Opening Times are Tuesday - Friday: 10am - 4pm, Saturday: 10am – 4.30pm. Closed on Sundays, Mondays and Bank Holidays.
Trowbridge Museum – It's fun, friendly and free!
Children's Events at Trowbridge Museum
Following our great Egyptian workshop in February, the next workshop in our 2011 Family History Days programme is Ancient Greece on Saturday 12th March.
There will be lots of activities and challenges to do including crafts, puzzles, hunts and more (do as many as you like) - full details below. It's only £3 or £2.50 to Stumpy Members, and is suitable for ages 5+ (younger children may be able to do some of the activities - ask us if you're not sure). Points are awarded and the highest score wins a prize at the end of the day.
But even if you don't win on the day, your score will be added to our Family History Day league table and whoever tops the table at the end of the year wins a brilliant prize.
The Egyptian's prize, a revealing book on Egyptian Mummies, was won by Sam and Elicia, with 35 points - well done! But, can you do better?
After Greeks, our next workshop focuses on Ancient Rome - on Saturday March 26th.
If any further information is required please contact the Museum on (01225) 751339 and ask for Clare or David.
Wiltshire Armed Forces and Veterans Celebrations
The weekend of June 24th - 26th sees the annual Wiltshire Armed Forces and Veterans Celebrations.
In the early evening of Friday 24th June there will be a "March to Remember" through town by Re-enactors in aid of The Royal British Legion.
On Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th June the main weekend event will be held in Trowbridge Park. Events include displays from serving and retired military personnel, military vehicles, military bands, cadets, trade stalls, flypasts, Re-enactors displays.
FREE ENTRY
N.B. More details will be added when they become available
Trowbridge Walking Forum - March 2011
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 March 2011 is shown below:
| Day | Date | Type | Route Options | Starting Point | Grade |
| Wed | 2-Mar | Moderate walk | Seend canal walk | Three Magpies, Sells Green | P M S 3.7m |
| Mon | 7-Mar | Longer walk | Keevil to Bulkington | Keevil, by the church | S M 4.8m |
| Wed | 9-Mar | Moderate walk | Westwood to Farleigh Hungerford | Westwood Manor NT Car park | S M H 3.4m |
| Mon | 14-Mar | Short walk | White Horse Business Park | B & Q car park, Bradley Road, Trowbridge | E 1½m |
| Wed | 16-Mar | Moderate walk | Holt and Chalfield | Village Hall CP, Holt | S M 3.1 m |
| Mon | 21-Mar | Longer walk | Corsham to Neston | Corsham Sports Centre | S M 4.25m |
| Wed | 23-Mar | Moderate walk | Warminster Cop Heap | Warminster central car park | H M 3m |
| Mon | 28-Mar | Short walk | Semington | By tennis courts in St Georges Road, Semington | E 1½m |
| Wed | 30-Mar | Moderate walk | Poulshot to Worton | Park outside the Village Hall on the south side of the common | S M P 3.6m |
| Mon | 4-Apr | Longer Walk | Bishops Cannings | Park in the layby outside the school, or nearby | S M 5½m |
| Wed | 6-Apr | 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 |
| 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 http://sites.google.com/site/trowbridgewf/ or contact Alan & Anne on 01225 760492, David on 01225 755639, Mike on 01225 766668 or Pat & Charles on 01225 753735.