December 2010 Newsletter
Contents
Click on the item to go to the article. |
Editorial CommentWe have a variety of Christmas events in this issue. Thanks once again to Jack for his “Letter from America”. It good that the Bluz 'n' Zuz Young Peoples Disco has found a new home at the Fever Nightclub in Castle Street. Their first session is on Friday 3rd December. We will be having a break over Christmas, so the next edition will be at the end of January. Meanwhile, have a Happy Christmas. 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 26th January 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
After the last newsletter was published I was sent an email from the Morris Family as follows:–
Please remind certain residents of Cornbrash Rise and all other residential areas on the Paxcroft Mead estate that the speed limit is 20mph – Maximum and not minimum!!!
We have just lost our cat of 11 years having been run over outside our house. We have grown increasingly worried about the speed of some motorists outside our house and especially those in larger 4x4 type vehicles who are less likely to see small animals and more importantly CHILDREN who play on our relatively quiet roads. There are so many kids playing near their homes these days, especially at this time when we are all being extra vigilant because of what's happened in and around local schools. We all teach our kids to be aware of the dangers of the road and to be as careful as possible but kids will be kids. If we can ALL be extra careful when driving out towards the main routes and through the 20mph zones then hopefully we can avoid a human tragedy before it is too late. The statistics speak for themselves!
- Hit by a car at 20 mph, 1 out of 40 pedestrians will be killed, 97% will survive
- Hit by a car at 30 mph, 2 out of 10 pedestrians will be killed, 80% will survive
- Hit by a car at 35 mph, 5 out of 10 pedestrians will be killed, 50% will survive
- Hit by a car at 40 mph, 9 out of 10 pedestrians will be killed, 10% will survive
One of our older residents knits lots of gloves and hats for the children's Christmas box scheme each year. She is still running out of raw materials and has sent out an appeal for DOUBLE KNITTING wool of any colour. If you are able to help, donations can be dropped in during the Coffee Morning at the Community Centre on Tuesdays between 10.15am and 11.30a.m. or failing that, if you can telephone Joan on 01225 752939 to get directions for dropping it off. Any donations would really be appreciated.
Over the last few years, the Trowbridge Fairtrade Group have gone from strength to strength, encouraging local shops and businesses to sell and use Fairtrade products. Almost every time you buy a product from your local shops you are depending upon producers worldwide. Yet what do these producers receive for their efforts? Do they get a fair deal? In many cases the answer is no. All too often producers in the developing world are stuck in a cycle of poverty.
Fairtrade means these small-scale producers receive a decent price for their products, one that is a fair reflection of their labour.
Councillor Steve Oldrieve who is one of our local Wiltshire councillors is involved with the Trowbridge Fairtrade Group as a committee member. Steve has asked if we can make an appeal for a treasurer to help out with the Group. They are hoping to find someone local who would be able to manage a small amount of banking and to attend the committee meetings that are held 5 or 6 times a year. Ideally the treasurer should be a supporter of the Fairtrade ethos, but would not be expected to get deeply involved with campaigning etc. (unless they wanted to!)
If you are interested in helping out or would like more information, Steve would love to hear from you via email - click here to send Steve an email.
Mark Hough reports that there were 37 crimes in Rural Trowbridge over the last month of which 20 were in Hilperton.
- Five counts of anti-social behaviour, none in Paxcroft. (although we did have reports of a beggar outside Bugdens which we take a dim view of)
- Three burglaries. One on Lacock Gardens where windows were smashed but nothing was taken. Certainly the burglary series seems to have ended.
- Two crimes of criminal damage. A window was broken by a stone in Woodhouse Gardens. Probably kids no other reports from there.
- Six thefts. A flower barrel was stolen from Gibbs Leaze and the building site near Hackett place was broken into with tools being stolen.
- plus a few miscellaneous things of no concern.
All in all a pretty good month.
In Jodie Price's Adcroft and Paxcroft NPT Area there was a malicious communication on Cornbrash Rise (by e-mail - Facebook is a nightmare!) and two windows were broken on Corbin and Cuisance by a foreign male on the 14th November.
And that's it. No thefts or burglaries.
So all in all a quiet month as far as we are concerned.
Current Priorities
The current priorities do not highlight anything directly involved with Paxcroft Mead. The current priorities close to us are:–
Drugs - Seymour Estate
This priority has continued from the last quarter. We have arrested two suspected drug dealers who are on bail at this time. We will continue our patrols and will take prompt action to following information received. We would like to request that residents continue to report any suspicious activities on 0845 408 7000 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Alternatively let us know by email but only if no immediate response is required.
Anti-social behaviour - Larkrise School & Kiddiwinks Pre-School Ashton Street
We have had reports of young people hanging around on school grounds during the evenings and weekends. Those involved have been setting fires alight and damaging play equipment fencing, and vehicles on the site. We will carry out patrols; take details from young people found and refer to the anti-social behaviour panel where appropriate.
Anti-social behaviour - Trowbridge Hospital
We conducted regularly patrols and as a result there has been a great reduction in calls for assistance. It was therefore decided that this priority can be closed.
Speeding - Villages
The parish councils of West Ashton, North Bradley, Hilperton and Southwick have raised concerns about speeding on roads in their area and asked for police to increase both patrols and enforcement. The local beat team will lead campaign of speed enforcement with intention of reassuring the community.
Special Constable recruitment
Wiltshire Police are currently recruiting new members for the Special Constabulary. Special Constables are volunteers who, when on duty, have the same powers as their regular Police Officer colleagues. Further details are available via the Wiltshire Police website or from the Human Resources recruitment team on 0845 408 7000 Ext 720 2314.
Christmas crime prevention tips
Here are a few seasonal reminders for over the festive season:-
- When out shopping, keep your purse and handbag near you and don't carry large amounts of cash. Mobile phones are also a target at this busy time so keep them secure.
- Be careful at cash machines and remember never to give your PIN number to anyone, even bank staff.
- If you are going away this Christmas, take the same precautions that you would if you were going on a summer holiday, like leaving lights and radios on timers and making your home look occupied.
- Don't leave presents under the tree or in view of a window.
- If your home or business has an alarm fitted please use it.
- Property marking is very important, it can make your items less desirable to the thief and easier for the police to return it to you if it does get taken. There are a number of methods such as UV markers pens.
- After Christmas make sure you don't put your rubbish out too early for collection, putting your packaging and boxes on display will advertise all the new items you have in your home.
- Make sure your insurance policy covers all the new items that you received over Christmas.
- Never open your door to anyone that hasn't made an appointment, even if you are expecting them always check their identification and if you are at all suspicious contact Wiltshire Police.
- If you really must open the door, make sure your back door is locked first and then use a door chain as a barrier.
- If you are out and about drinking make sure you plan how you will get home before you leave. Drink alcohol sensibly, don't accept a drink from someone you don't trust or know and don't leave your drink unattended. Know your limits!
At this time of year there always seems to be a plethora of new dangers that consumers should be aware of. One such threat that has come to light is theft of cashback money in shops. This is how it works (or as it has been reported on the internet). You pay for your shopping at the till and off you go. What you don't know is that the cashier has actually rung up cashback on the transaction that you didn't ask for (and therefore probably wouldn't check). The next customer in the queue is part of the scam and asks for cashback, but actually gets the cash stolen from you. That transaction looks absolutely normal.
As with a lot of internet fearmongering, this could just be a hoax. But there again, it is worth checking your till receipts closely just to be sure, and indeed making sure you are given a receipt in the first place. It is reported that when challenged, shop staff have blamed faulty tills, card machines and so on, so if it does happen, it is probably best to call 999.
If you need to register for January and February classes, please click here for the current Jo Jingles Newsletter and Registration form The deadline for re-enrolment is 17th December, so if you would like to secure your place for your child/ren, please complete the form and return by that date. Unfortunately, your space will be given to someone on the waiting list if we do not hear from you by this date.
For all those on the waiting list; you will be contacted after the 17th if a place does become available.
Please Note - SNOW WARNING: If there is snowfall on the day of your class, please contact the office (01380 830038) where a recorded message will be left on the answer machine to let you know if your class will still run. Alternately, daily updates will also be found on the Jo Jingles website.
Have a wonderful Christmas holiday! We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!
Jack Pope's Letter from America
Another month has gone by. It is incredible how fast the time passes. We got our elections over with. Some were happy with the results, others not so happy. Our Congress will be split with the Republicans controlling House of Representative and the Democrats still controlling the Senate albeit with a smaller majority. It will be interesting to see if both parties finally agree to work together for the good of the Country or if partisanship will continue to be the rule for the next two years until the next elections.
We got our first real snow last night (the 27th) with about an inch on the ground. One inch is not really a concern. The plows were out early this morning and most folks are familiar with snow covered roads and know enough to slow down and drive carefully, This snow will probably all melt as it is expected to be warmer the next few days.
The 25th was our Thanksgiving Day. It is a day to be with family and also to take time to pause and count our blessings. Susan and I had dinner with my daughter and her family including my 3 year old great-granddaughter. It is also a day to watch American Football which we did.
Cold weather brings an increase in the number of house fires so Susan has been very busy helping those who have, in many cases, lost everything. It is often very sad but also very satisfying for her to be able to help. I am continuing my work with the local Library Board and the Dollars for Scholars My walking group meets every Monday and Wednesday morning for our walk, coffee and chat at Beaver Lake Nature Center. I am at 850 miles in my quest for 1000 miles walked. Early 2011 should see me reach that goal.
When we do get some snow that stays, the snowshoe trails will open at Beaver Lake. It is a wonderful time to snowshoe through the woods when the ground is covered with snow. The snow on the trees is beautiful and it is not at all unusual to see deer.
Now that Thanksgiving is over we can now begin to get ready for Christmas. Actually Christmas stuff has been in the stores since early autumn. Susan and I, however, don't begin to think about Christmas until the 1st of December. Even though you do not have an official Thanksgiving Day, please take a moment to be thankful for the many blessings you have including the wonderful Paxcroft Mead Community Center.
Best wishes to you all.
Forthcoming Events
Christmas at The Mead Club
| Thursday 23rd December | Christmas Quiz with seasonal food and mulled wine. Bar open 7:30pm-11pm, quiz at 8:30pm, 50p entry. |  | |
| Christmas Eve | Bar open 7:30pm till late. | ||
| Christmas Day | Bar Open at lunchtime 12noon until 2:30pm (no later!) . | ||
| Boxing Day | Disco 7:30pm 'til late (FREE to members). | ||
| New Year's Eve | New Year's Eve Disco. Bar open 7:30pm till late. Advanced tickets: Members £5, Visitors / Guests £6, Children £2.50. On the Door extra £2 each. Tickets on sale from Thursday, 2nd December. |
Trowbridge Christmas Lights Switch-on
A full day of enjoyment on Saturday, 4th December starting at 10.00am in Fore Street including: A Carol Concert with Studley Green School Choir, Mr & Mrs Christmas with children's candlelight procession.
Gemma Hunt from CBeebies will be conducting the big ‘Switch On’ at 6.30pm.
Bluz 'n' Zuz Disco
Local Church Christmas events
Kingfisher Church
There will be Carol singing with the Impax youth group outside Budgens - Saturday 18th December at lunch time.
On Sunday 19th December a Community Carol Singing service will be held at the Mead Primary School, commencing at 10.30am. The theme is ‘Christmas Past, Christmas present, Christmas future.’ This is a ‘Family-friendly’ service for all ages. Everyone is welcome.
St. James' - Advent and Christmas Services
| Sunday 5th December | 10.30am | Advent All Age Service |
| Sunday 12th December | 10.30am | Parish Communion with Nativity |
| Sunday 19th December | 6.30pm | Nine Lessons and Carols |
| Christmas Eve | 5.30pm | Crib Service (A short service for the family) |
| 11.30pm | The Midnight Communion | |
| Christmas Day | 8.00am | Holy Communion (BCP) |
| 10.30am | Family Communion (Children bring one unopened present to church!) |
St Thomas'
| Sunday 19th December | 10.30am | All Age Christmas Celebration |
| 6.00pm | Carol Service, followed by coffee and mince pies | |
| Christmas Eve | 11.15pm | Midnight Holy Communion |
| Christmas Day | 10.30am | Family Service |
St John the Baptist (RC)
| Christmas Eve | 6.45pm | Children's Mass with Carols |
| 7.00pm | Christmas Mass | |
| 11.30pm | Carols followed by Midnight Mass | |
| Christmas Day | 10.30am | Christmas Day Mass (No Evening Mass) |
Trowbridge Museum Exhibitions
‘Exhibition on Christmas’ – a special exhibition
Running from Wednesday, 30th November until Friday 17th December there will be a special exhibition entitled ‘Exhibition on Christmas’
‘Dancing Days’ exhibition
Building upon the success of the Thrive event in May this year, Museum staff will be putting on the exhibition celebrating dance and with a distinctly Trowbridge slant.
Themes will include: music, multicultural Trowbridge, dance etiquette, costume, dance venues and dance in Trowbridge today. There will be children's interactives too.
“It is a fascinating exhibition, very vibrant and colourful” says Museum Curator Clare Lyall.
The Dancing Days exhibition runs until Saturday 5th March 2011.
Children's Events at Trowbridge Museum
The last History Days event is taking place in December.
The session costs £3.00 or £2.50 for Stumpy Members and run from 10.30 - 12.00. Places are limited so call us on 01225 751339 or email education@trowbridge.gov.uk to book a place. There will be a linked craft workshop on Saturday afternoons as well, costing £1.50.
The year finishes on Tuesday 21st December with a whole day of Christmas Crafts.
Saturday 4th December - Christmas
The what, when, why and wherefore of Christmas
The afternoon craft workshop will be making Christmas decorations.
Tuesday 21st December - The year finishes with a day of Christmas Crafts including card making, angels and decorations. There are two session – from 10.00am until 12.30pm and from 1.00pm until 3.30pm. Tickets will be issued from 10am and 12.30pm. They cost £1.50 each. The activities are suitable for children aged 4 and over - under 8s must be accompanied by an adult.
Trowbridge Walking Forum - December 2010 / January 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 December 2010 and January 2011 is shown below:
| Day | Date | Type | Route Options | Starting Point | Grade |
| Wed | 1-Dec | Moderate walk | Rode and Tellisford | Vaggs Hill, off the Wingfield to Rode road | E 2½m |
| Mon | 6-Dec | Short walk | White Horse business park followed by mince pies and mulled wine at at Silver Street Lane | B & Q car park, Bradley Road, Trowbridge | E 2m |
| Wed | 8-Dec | NO WALK | TWF Christmas Lunch | Trowbridge College | |
| Mon | 13-Dec | Longer walk | Keevil to Bulkington | Keevil, by the church | S M 4.8m |
| Wed | 15-Dec | Moderate walk | Westwood to Farleigh Hungerford | Westwood Manor NT Car park | S M H 3.4m |
| Mon | 20-Dec | Short walk | Semington | By tennis courts in St Georges Road, Semington | E 1½m |
| Wed | 22-Dec | Moderate walk | Holt and Chalfield | Village Hall CP, Holt | S M 3.1 m |
| Mon | 27-Dec | Longer walk | Corsham to Neston | Corsham Sports Centre | S M 4¼m |
| Wed | 29-Dec | Moderate walk | Seend canal walk | Village Hall, Rusty Lane, Seend | P M S 3.7m |
| 2011 | |||||
| Mon | 3-Jan | Short walk | Bradford on Avon town & rec. field walk | Canal Car Park (down Baileys Barn, off Moulton Drive, next to canal bridge near Sainsburys) | E 1½m |
| Wed | 5-Jan | Moderate walk | Poulshot to Worton | Park outside the Village Hall on the south side of the common | S M P 3.6m |
| Mon | 10-Jan | Longer Walk | Bishops Cannings | Park in the layby outside the school, or nearby | S M 5½m |
| Wed | 12-Jan | 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 | 17-Jan | Short walk | Paxcroft Mead | Budgens Car park, Paxcroft Mead | E 1½m |
| Wed | 19-Jan | Moderate walk | Westwood to Avoncliff | Westwood Manor NT Car park | S M H 3½m |
| Mon | 24-Jan | Longer walk | Poulshot & Caen Hill | Park outside the Village Hall on the south side of the common | S M P 5.1m |
| Wed | 26-Jan | 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 | 31-Jan | Short walk | Broadmead | Studley Green Community Hall | E 1½m |
| 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.