March 2012 Newsletter
Contents
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Editorial CommentThis will be the last monthly newsletter as we will be going to a bi-monthly publication from now on. 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 Friday 27th 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
Management Committee Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Community Centre Management Committee is now confirmed as Saturday, 28th April 2012 at 10.30pm at the Community Centre.
It is hoped the change of day to Saturday will make the AGM accessible to more Paxcroft Mead residents. This is a great opportunity for residents to have their say on how the Community Centre is run, so please do try to get along. The Management Committee is short of a couple of members, so new volunteers would be very welcome. If you would like more details about what is involved in being a committee member, please contact the secretary at the email address below.
As well as the AGM, the Centre Management Committee will be on hand to show residents around the Centre.
The AGM agenda, along with the committee nomination form and the minutes of last year's AGM are on the website management page - click here to have a look.
If you would like to nominate anyone for the committee or raise anything at the meeting under ‘Any Other Business’, please let the secretary know one weeks prior to the meeting (secretary@paxcroftmead.org.uk)
Refreshments will be available.
Children of pre-school age require 180 minutes of activity per day according to the government guidelines launched last year. Tumble Tot classes held at the Paxcroft Mead Community Centre on Friday's give babies from 6 months to children up to age of 5 the opportunity to be active whilst having fun through their physical play programme.
‘Let the games begin’ campaign marks one of the most prestigious sporting events in the UK and will run from February through to mid July before the start of the Olympic Games in London. Children attending Tumble Tots will participate in themed classes comprising of 4 categories Track and Field, Water Games, Pitch and Events, Rhythm and Gym then a finale at the end of the July term.
Each child will receive certificates and stickers relating to each sporting category as a lasting memory of their achievements during the Olympic year.
Each week the Tumble Tots team help to start children attending on a sporting journey from learning those essential physical skills of agility, balance, climbing and coordination whilst learning to socialise with their peers, developing language skills and building their self esteem and confidence.
So join us as we motivate the nation's children to a campaign of fun and excitement with ‘Let the Games Begin’.
For free trial class call Debbie Bensley on 01225 811579, or book online at www.tumbletots.com/bath
Crime on Paxcroft Mead has fallen over the past month. The following report covers the month up to 6th March.
There were 46 rural crimes of which 4 were on Paxcroft Mead.
- 5/3 theft from insecure car on Hackett Place
- 11/2 Shoplifting at Budgens
- 17/2 Attempted theft from a vehicle on Faverolle Way
- 24/2 Theft from insecure car on Apsley close
Jodie also had 46 crimes of which 3 were on Paxcroft Mead.
- 5/3 Domestic harassment on Garth Road
- 25/2 Racial harassment on Malwayn Close
- 5/3 theft from insecure car on Garth Road
I have looked through the calls for other matters of interest
- On 25/2 youths made a ‘den’ at the rear of the nursery and became abusive when confronted by staff. They had left the area by the time we arrived. We are having the rubbish removed.
- On 3/3 we had a report of youths on mopeds on Leapgate and then the building site over Green Lane. I searched the area but they had gone.
To see a full list of the Trowbridge area NPT priorities click here
It might seem that the Forum has gone quiet lately, but actually we have been very busy indeed, and I am happy to report that there has been encouraging progress with many aspects of the People in the Park initiative. We have also been attending to local development issues and flying the Paxcroft Mead flag at the recent Trowbridge Community Area Local Knowledge Event.
Youth Forum news
The Youth Forum made a successful bid in February for some Area Board funding to finance two new benches for the playing field. The Area Board was offering funding for youth projects which would show benefit to the wider community, and the Youth Forum grasped the opportunity to demonstrate their consideration for the existing users of the playing field, where the proposed skate park is to be sited.
With Sam Bolwell designing a great PowerPoint presentation and Dan Tate delivering it on the night, the bid was a team effort from the Joint-Chairs of the Youth Forum. Dan dealt admirably with some unexpectedly tricky questioning from the floor and carried the day with great aplomb: all in all, a very impressive effort from these two fourteen year olds.
Recently, the Management Committee of the Community Centre generously voted to make a donation to the Youth Forum. The young people are considering the possibility of having tee shirts printed, to help them with their fundraising activities for People in the Park.
People in the Park - Benches
In addition to the two Youth Forum/Area Board benches, there is also the bench funded by the management committee of the Community Centre to mark their 10th anniversary. Committee member Gordon Rees has been working hard to ensure that we get best value in getting the three benches (and bins) purchased and installed. This kind of thing is surprisingly complicated and we have to applaud Gordon's calm tenacity; the wheels of local government grind very slowly.
People in the Park - Landscape and Litter Issues
Gordon has also been building on his excellent work with council officers dealing with landscape issues in the country park. The exposed cable under the Leap Gate Bridge which was causing such concern has been dealt with. The brook is now generally running freely at last, and Gordon is keeping up the pressure to ensure that progress continues in ensuring that the brook is capable of dealing effectively with rainwater run-off as well as providing a healthy environment for wildlife.
Gordon has been joined in his efforts to address problems in the country park by new committee member John Taylor, who joined us after the Open Meeting to launch People in the Park last November. John has taken on the thorny issue of litter and the signs are very encouraging. He has been working hard with council officers to highlight problem areas, such as the area on the end of the new Hawkescroft development opposite the Red Admiral. This area has now been cleared by the contractors, an action which has certainly enhanced the entrance to Hackett Place.
John has also been having talks and site visits with the Community Payback scheme, who will be conducting a litter pick across the country park scheduled for next month. We are hopeful that this may become a regular occurrence. The service is also considering the possibility of clearing litter from the brook. We are thus on the brink of achieving a long held aspiration, thanks to John's skilful diplomacy.
People in the Park - Skate Park
A number of committee members attended the Trowbridge Community Area Local Knowledge Event, held at the newly opened Civic Centre in February. This joint initiative, staged by Trowbridge Community Area Futures (TCAF) and Trowbridge Area Board, was surprisingly interesting and enjoyable. Areas for discussion included the local economy, culture and sport, housing, environment, transport, education, health and crime.
The summary of the discussion on Crime and Community Safety in Trowbridge highlighted the success of the work done over the last two years by the Local Neighbourhood Police Teams on Paxcroft Mead to address anti-social behaviour, in partnership with the committees of the Community Centre, the Mead Club and the Community Forum. This set me thinking, and I was pleased to nominate PC Mark Hough, Beat Manager for Paxcroft Rural, for the Wiltshire Police Authority Service to the Community Award.
Local Development Issues
Members of the committee had a meeting with the planning officer for the proposed Pastures development adjoining Moyle Park, which is currently at the detailed planning permission stage. The meeting, which was arranged for us by local councillor Steve Oldrieve, focussed on the arrangements for access to the development and for residents to be able to report deviations from the planning conditions.
These considerations are all very much to the fore in the light of the work which has begun on the Land South of Green Lane - now called the Castle Mead development. Recent weeks have been very trying to residents living alongside Green Lane, where the contractors working on utility construction have been consistently contravening planning conditions. Jonathan has been untiring in his reports to the enforcement officer, along with other individuals whose contributions are much appreciated.
We are particularly concerned with matters relating to the extension to Leap Gate and will be keeping a close eye on this aspect of the development. Access to the site via Leap Gate is strictly prohibited to construction vehicles, thanks to groundwork done by Paxcroft Action Lobby in 2004-5.
March 1st was World Book Day, and to celebrate, we have our first poetry workshops for anyone aged 16+.
Bring your favourite pen and notebook to these FREE practical writing workshops and come away with a handful or two of ideas for new poems. Looking closely at the work of Ted Hughes, Carol Ann Duffy, Simon Armitage and other modern poets, experienced writer and teacher, Josephine Corcoran, will guide you through a series of stimulating and enjoyable writing exercises.
Tea and biscuits will be available to sustain you and you can expect a friendly and encouraging atmosphere! Come along and get writing! Suitable for anyone aged 16+. No previous writing experience necessary.
Please call 01225 751339 or email david.birks@trowbridge.gov.uk to reserve a place. You are very welcome to book as many sessions as you want.
The remaining sessions are as follows.
Wednesday 21st March, 10.30 to 12.30 - We end with the work of Simon Armitage and other contemporary poets.
Wednesday 16th May, times tbc - National Flash Fiction Day
If you haven't heard of “flash fiction” then come along and find out what it's all about.
Trowbridge's history scrolls still available
The Museum gets enquiries from all over the world about Trowbridge's history and so Museum staff and BML Ltd have produced a high quality printed scroll on parchment effect paper containing a résumé of Trowbridge's fascinating history and development combined with an explanation of its unique crest. It will be bound in ribbon and will make the perfect gift for history buffs, friends and family. The scroll is on sale at the Museum and on its new website and retails at £6.99. There will be an additional charge for delivery.
The Musuem shop is an ideal source of gifts for all ages.
Full details of all Museum activities can be found at www.trowbridgemuseum.co.uk.
Forthcoming Events
Children's Activities at the Museum
‘Trowbridge Tots’ our Pre-school Club, all welcome in a safe, friendly environment. A morning of themed activities. On Monday 26th March and Monday 30th April 10.30-12.00. Only £2 per child including a drink and snack.
Mother's cards craft activity on Saturday 17th March only 50p or free for Stumpy Club members. 3+ Tickets from 10am for sessions at 10.30, 11.10, 11.50 and 1pm for sessions at 1.30, 2.10 and 2.50. Under 8s must be with an adult.
Family History Days, Sat 24th March, ‘Kings and Queens’ and Friday 13th April ‘Festivals’. Quizzes, puzzles and fun facts. £3.00 or £2.50 for Stumpy Club members. 10.30-3.30. Prize for the highest scores.
Free Easter Fun on Tues 3rd April, Easter cards, 3+ and Wed 4th April, Easter baskets, 4+ Tickets from 10am for sessions at 10.30, 11.10, 11.50 and 1pm for sessions at 1.30, 2.10 and 2.50. Under 8s must be with an adult.
Thursday 12th April - Sports Star T shirts, 4+. Only £1.50 or £1.00 for Stumpy Club members. Create a T shirt dedicated to your favourite sporting hero or sport. Tickets from 10am for sessions at 10.30, 11.10, 11.50 and 1pm for sessions at 1.30, 2.10 and 2.50. Under 8s must be with an adult.
Bluz 'n' Zuz March
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 23rd March (a week later than normal due to staff shortages) and then on the 3rd Friday of each month.
More details are available on the Bluz 'n' Zuz Facebook wall.
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 |
| 2nd - 5th April 8.30am to 5.30pm |
Children's Fun Days | Walwayne Court School. Tel: 01225 765072 |
| 2nd - 5th April 8.30am to 3.00pm |
Football Camp | Walwayne Court School. Tel: 01225 765072 |
| 7th - 10th April 8.30am to 5.30pm |
Children's Fun Days | Walwayne Court School. Tel: 01225 765072 |
| 7th - 10th April 8.30am to 3.00pm |
Football Camp | Walwayne Court School. Tel: 01225 765072 |
| Tuesday, 22nd May | Olympic Torch Relay comes through Trowbridge | To be announced |
| Saturday,26th May | Olympic Play Day | Trowbridge People's Park |
| Monday, 4th June | Diamond Jubilee Event | Trowbridge People's Park |
| 30th June - 1st July | Armed Forces Weekend | Trowbridge People's Park |
| Saturday, 20th October | Trowbridge Carnival | Trowbridge Area |
Trowbridge Walking Forum - March/April 2012
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 is shown below:
| Day | Date | Type | Route Options | Starting Point | Grade |
| Mon | 5-Mar | Longer walk | Corsham to Neston | Corsham Sports Centre | S M 4.25m |
| Wed | 7-Mar | Moderate walk | Poulshot to Worton | Park outside the Village Hall on the south side of the common | S M P 3.6m |
| Mon | 12-Mar | Short walk | Seend | Village Hall, Rusty Lane, Seend | P M S 1½m |
| Wed | 14-Mar | Longer walk | Corsham Park | Corsham Sports Centre | S M 3.2m |
| Mon | 19-Mar | Moderate walk | Staverton and Whaddon | Car park at end of Marina Drive, Staverton | S M 5m |
| Wed | 21-Mar | Moderate walk | Poulshot towards Potterne | Park outside the Village Hall on the south side of the common | S M P 3½ m |
| Mon | 26-Mar | Short walk | Bradford on Avon town & rec. field walk | Canal Car Park (in Baileys Barn, off Moulton Dr, near Sainsburys) | E 1½m |
| Wed | 28-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 | 2-Apr | Longer walk | Poulshot & Caen Hill | Park outside the Village Hall on the south side of the common | S M P 5.1m |
| Wed | 4-Apr | 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 | 9-Apr | Short walk | Paxcroft Mead | Budgens Car park, Paxcroft Mead | E 1½m |
| Wed | 11-Apr | Moderate Walk | Broughton Gifford and Chalfield | Near The Bell on the Common, Broughton Gifford | S M 2½m |
| Mon | 16-Apr | Longer walk | Westwood, Iford and Stowford | Westwood Manor NT Car park | S M H 5.5m |
| Wed | 18-Apr | Moderate walk | Caen Hill Locks and Rowde (shorter walk possible - 2.5m) | Canal Car park, Caen Hill | E S H 4m |
| Mon | 23-Apr | Short walk | Semington | By tennis courts in St Georges Road, Semington | E 1½m |
| Wed | 25-Apr | Moderate walk | White Row Farm, Beckington | Park in road outside White Row Farm. Road leads off of A36 Beckington Roundabout | E S 2½m |
| Mon | 30-Apr | Longer walk | Potterne Skyline | Near the Youth Club, Silver St, Potterne | E H M P 4.4m |
| Wed | 2-May | Moderate walk | Rode and Tellisford | Vaggs Hill, off the Wingfield to Rode road | E H M 2½m |
| 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 contact Alan & Anne on 01225 760492, David on 01225 755639, Mike on 01225 766668 or Pat & Charles on 01225 753735.