See the Christmas 2013 - Woolaston Parish Council

Woolaston News
Christmas 2013
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Woolaston Common
John and Maria welcome you
A Free House: Real Ales and Home Cooked Food
Open Every Day from 5.30 Families Welcome
Food served every evening from 6 to 9pm
Lunches from 12.0 to 2.0 (2.30 on Sunday)
Monday and Tuesday - Sorry no lunches
Traditional Sunday Lunches 12.0 to 2.30pm
Pensioners Special - Wednesday - Friday 12.0 to 2.0
Takeaway menu available
Open All Bank Holidays Food Served All Day
For booking, please phone: 01594 529282
Woolaston News
Christmas 2013
W
elcome to this Christmas edition of - Woolaston News
If you are new to the village, then a very warm welcome to you.
This magazine is published each July and December and delivered free to
every household in Woolaston. Keep yours for a reference to services.
Contents
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Features and Articles
Editorial – Woolaston in 2013
New Saltmarsh for Woolaston
Wild Flowers on Methodist Paddock
My voyage on the Solent
Memorial Hall Chairmans Report
Bier House
Groups and Societies
School Report
Brownies
Guides
Woolaston Methodist Church
Church of St. Andrew
Stroat Church and Messy Church
WAGS
Woolaston Allotment & Garden Soc
Woolaston W.I.
Woolaston History Group
Wyedean classes for Autumn Term in the Hall.
Christmas Market
Who does What ? - A local directory
Memorial Hall and Playing Fields Committee
Parish, District, and County Councillors
More Public Services - phone numbers
Advertiser’s Index
- see -
Last Page
Pages
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34
36
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Centre
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24
22
4
37
6
10
5
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35
25
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Cover by Indee Baker – Class 6 Woolaston Primary School
Woolaston News as many will know, started life as a sheet of paper for information and to welcome the families who were moving in to the new houses in Birchwood Road. In a sociable way several of these people pooled their effort and abilities to make a little booklet and produce it three times per year. Further development supported by ever‐increasing revenue from advertising has led to the unpretentious 40 pages you find here. It goes to every house in the village and is free. The “Wooly News” appears only twice per year. Also a single information sheet sponsored by Woolaston Parish Council, as required public information, prior to the Annual Parish Meeting in April. I am particularly grateful to all those who have contributed anything for copy each time and this issue contains an abundance of those items. Please contributors, let me have anything well before the deadline if you can. New Management Committee Perhaps I should remind you of the threat to the Memorial Hall a year ago. No one to run the hall meant it would have had to close. The threat has gone for the foreseeable future. John Anderson is the new Chairman and he has with him, not only a Treasurer Mark Lightbound a Secretary Brian Gibbs, and a useful number of younger people. John’s first report occupies the centre pages (20‐21). By coincidence the reports from both Brownies and Guides leaders mention difficulties of finding new leaders, but Guides in spite of all sorts of events, are currently down on membership Surely they can’t all be texting and fiddling with the latest gizmo? Adults seem to enjoy various exercises. Zumba has been using the hall for some time. Now after over 20 years away Yoga classes have returned to Woolaston on Mondays at 10:0 am. Hiring fees were reviewed at the AGM and small increases approved. The meeting was told that private party bookings were particularly satisfactory. It should be emphasised that few halls were not only as warm dry and attractive but had a good kitchen and the opportunity to go outside into a large playing field if so wished. P.S. The Editor welcomes comments and feedback any time, even if only to report a wrongly typed number! Woolaston Common ‐ December 2013 Woolaston Memorial Hall
Christmas Market
Friday 6th December 5.30pm
● Chocolate, Fudge and Cakes
● Hand made crafts
● Sweets and wooden toys
● Beauty gifts and handbags
● Beer and Gluhwein
● Tea, Coffee & Hot Chocolate (naughty and nice)
● Marshmallow Toasting over an open fire
● Hot Food
● Live Music
● Raffle
And a special Christmas visitor seated in a bright red grotto (Needless to
say Santa is very busy at this time of year so will have to leave by 7pm –
elves keep tight schedules you know – so be sure you don't miss him!)
Join us in getting festive by making a Christmas decoration to
hang on our tree or a jam jar lantern to light your way and the
path on your arrival.
The tree with it's decorations will go into the raffle which will be
drawn on Saturday 7th.
Grow Your Own Veggies?
There is at least one vacant plot available for rent on the Parish
Allotments. This may not be the gardening weather of choice,
but there is always something to do. Come the Spring and
someone may have taken the last vacant plot.
For more information phone David Harris on 529238 or failing
that Joan Storrar 528160
3
Woolaston Guides In our last article we made a reference to a trip that Fiona, our Young Leader was about to make. She had secured a place on a sailing yacht on a voyage in the Solent and to the Channel Islands, she had a wonderful time and you will be able to read her report in this issue. After starting back to Guides in September we had several activities already lined up for the Guides to take part in. The first of these was a weekend on a narrowboat on the Birmingham canal. This trip was on a brand new boat which was all shiny and clean and this made us all a bit nervous because we didn’t want to be the first ones to bump her going into a lock. The guides all had the opportunity to drive the boat and also to operate the locks. They soon found what suited them best with some wanting to drive most of the time and others running ahead and opening all the gates. Everybody enjoyed themselves and we are hoping to do it again in the future. Following on from that, we took 3 Guides to South Cerney near Cirencester, to join a County team in a dragon boating competition. The competition involved 4 timed races of 4 boats over a measured distance and their best average time of 3 races was recorded. They were competing with Scouts, Venture Scouts and Air Cadets so they did very well to keep up. It was extremely hard work but they all enjoyed it. All Guides in the county were invited to take part but there were only 3 units represented, ours, 1 from Gloucester and 1 from Cheltenham. Last month we had a Division trip to @Bristol for Rainbows, Brownies and Guides and we filled 2 coaches. There were many different activities for the girls to try and they suited all ages. In the afternoon we had tickets for a showing in the planetarium which we all found very interesting, I will think more about what I am seeing when I look into a starry night. We have just had a Remembrance Day service which wasn’t as well attended by guides as it used to be. The guides all lead such busy lives that they don’t seem to have any time to spare, even though it is only 1 hour once a year! Tidenham District are holding a Xmas craft day at Sedbury for all sections and this seems to be a bit better supported with about 50 girls altogether(10 of them being Woolaston Guides) and they will be bringing home lots of Xmas goodies. We were hoping to have a Christmas weekend for our guides but once again there were too few guides to make it happen. Maybe things will change in the New Year. We still have places for guides if anyone is interested please contact me. Jacky Weller Tel: 01594 529318 or email wackyjeller@tiscali.co.uk 4 November is time for our AGM Unlike many clubs and societies, W.A.G.S manage to have fun on what would otherwise be a very dull evening with many members looking for an excuse to stay at home. We aim to keep the AGM as short as possible though the necessary items of the agenda were dealt with as they should be. Bill Hancock, Chairman for several years, gave notice last year that he would not be standing again and Jenny Davies was elected in his stead. Terry Fear became the new Vice Chairman. Committee members agreed to continue. The Treasurer’s and Secretary’s reports were made and approved without questions from the members who praised the quality of the speakers during the last year. Our President Jack Waters has enjoyed (he says) being driver to various places of interest for those who can go at short notice and defy the very difficult weather. We are in close contact with Blakeney Garden Club, joining with them on outings and visiting each other’s meetings at times. After refreshments the fun part of the meeting, an auction of items donated by the members. Jenny and Terry were brilliant and funny as auctioneers. The proceeds are given to a different charity each year, this time £81.00 to “Life” a charity which gives support of every kind to leukaemia sufferers. D O M E ST IC A PPL IA N C E
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Dobies Seeds catalogue is available now to members who value a 50% discount. A speaker in June next year worth noting, is Margaret Thrower, daughter of Percy Thrower who was the presenter of early BBC Gardener’s World, that was until he allowed his name to be coupled with advertising and on the rival ITV. T his will be an open meeting and a pity to miss it. We are always pleased to see visitors and new members, contact Joan 528160 or Jenny 528480 J.S 5 Church Services for the Christmas period. Sunday Dec. 15th Carol Service St Andrew Woolaston 6.00pm Sunday Dec 22nd Carol Service Aylburton Common Church 3.00pm plus mulled wine and mince pies. Christmas Eve Christingle and Crib Service St Andrew Alvington 4.00 pm. Christmas Eve Midnight Mass St Mary Aylburton 11.30 pm. Christmas Day Holy Communion St Andrew Alvington 9.30pm. Christmas Message
We are now in the middle of November and already the preparations for
Christmas are well underway. The shops are busy, shopping for presents has
begun and within a couple of weeks life will be so hectic, especially for the
ladies. You may be surprised to learn it is also a busy time for clergy as
preparations seem to begin earlier every year, or so it seems. Perhaps it may
be something to do with getting older. We all need more time to prepare for
those important events in our lives as the years advance, and to focus on their
influence for good.
Christmas is one of those special times for families and communities, a time to
be treasured, remembered and shared.
Again this year we will gather to celebrate to sing carols, to worship God and
to give thanks for the gift of The Christ Child. We will also be moved, as we
are every year, by the wonder and excitement on the faces of the children as
they listen to the Nativity story, a story that reminds us every year about
God`s love for all of us.
And that is something I seem to think about and become more aware of as the
years pass by. Every Blessing for a joyful Christmas and New Year Rev. Tony The Rectory Main Rd, Alvington, GL15 6AT Tel: 529387 6 INDUSTRIAL AND D.I.Y. POWER TOOLS
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WWWW or Weekly Woolaston Walk on Wednesdays
There are many miles of footpaths and bridleways that wind their way through our beautiful Woolaston countryside like the threads through a tapestry. Anyone who would like to discover these paths, some of which have existed for centuries, should join the group, every Wednesday morning, at 10.0 am. We meet opposite the allotments on Woolaston Common, outside New House. You will need to wear stout walking shoes/boots, a thorn proof jacket and if you would like to bring a pair of secateurs, it help us to keep the paths clear from the constant onslaught of bramble, nettles and other generally invasive flora. Each walk takes approximately 2 hours, during which there are numerous opportunities to take photographs and exchange yarns. Roger Southee Carnival 2014 – Breaking News! John Anderson Many of us were disappointed that the long established Woolaston Carnival didn’t happen in 2013. Well, here’s the bad news – it won’t be happening again in 2014. Instead, Andy Morgan‐Watts and a team of willing helpers are planning a whole week of fun and community frolics next summer. Lasting from Saturday 28th June through to the following Sunday there are plans for a whole host of activities and events, based around the school and various groups who use the hall. It will be known as the Woolaston Carnival Week and will culminate with The Woolaston Fayre on Saturday 5th July ‐ a day of activities and displays on the playing field; winding down with a well earned relaxing village picnic on the Sunday. Of course, plans are at an early stage, but if enthusiasm is anything to go by this is going to be THE event of 2014 and you are urged to put it in your diaries now. It’s not to be missed. Look out for more details as they become established and if YOU have any ideas and/or would like to be involved, please contact Andy on 07921 842407 17 My Voyage in the Solent
From Fiona Day –Young leader 1st Woolaston Guides
After 6 months of busy fundraising Sunday 28th July brought my
chance to board “Oona” my floating home for the next seven
days
We set sail from Portsmouth headed for Poole, thrown in at the
deep end as it were, or even literally thrown around and we tried
to explore the yacht whilst sailing on rough seas. We were keen
to learn and quickly we were set to work coiling ropes and
hoisting sails. We moored at Poole in the dark which proved quite
challenging, but still we were all trying our best at the jobs we’d
been assigned.
The next day we were headed for Portland but as we left the
Solent seasickness set in and we decided to turn and moor in
Cowes on the Isle of Wight. It seemed no one had told Cowes it
was summer a storm set in to preventing from going anywhere
on Tuesday. We still made ourselves useful, learning navigation,
knots, and how to prepare the deck after we’d had time to
explore Cowes. By Wednesday the storm had cleared and we
were off to Eastbourne, finding time of the way to practice
tacking and a man-overboard drill with Bob the fender-this
somehow seemed a little late in the week.
On Thursday we were headed to Brighton, but on our way way
another Challenge yacht called to say they’d come aground in the
marina entrance, we decided to turn back, but were later
informed we could enter Brighton-yet another turn around!
The marina entrance was being dredged making it tricky to
navigate our way through, but we still had time to go to the
beach once we had packed away the deck.
Friday saw us venture to Lymington. This was a journey of two
parts, anchoring on Osborne bay for tea, before a night sail
navigated by the Guide crew alone.
Bad weather set in again, it was like watching a storm with
surround sound, flashes of lightning like fireworks illuminating
the skies and the Isle of Wight.
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Sailing in the Solent continued
Our final day of sailing saw us into Portsmouth, however we were
not alone in the Solent, as Cowes week had begun and in all
directions we could see an array of colourful spinnaker sails.
Once back in Portsmouth we began the task of scrubbing and
polishing every inch of the boat. As members of the Girl Guide
association this was no half hearted job! Our Skipper said she
had never seen the boat so clean. We were then presented with
certificates and awards by the South West Region Commissioner
Solang Rebours, this being the conclusion to our voyage and the
end of a fantastic week
All back on dry land with a few bruises and a collection of great
memories.
Fiona Day Young Leader 1st Woolaston Guides
Woolaston’s Bier House.
D.S.
No, nothing to do with alcohol and the licenced trade, but in the long past the bier house sheltered a wheeled stretcher used to carry a body between home, church and the graveside. Very few churches have this building any more. Woolaston still has its Bier House though no Bier. Recently with major tidying of the Churchyard taking place, the Bier house which is built into the wall behind the church has become an object of interest and curiosity. Much of the building is sound, some of the roof timber less so. It has stone tiles which could be re‐used. Its future will require several stages of permission when words like Listed Building, begin to be used, and costs could well outstrip any funds available. At this time I believe the Village History Group is interested in researching the story of Woolaston’s ancient building. Perhaps they may be able to pass the tale to Woolaston News to put into the Summer 2014 issue? 19 Woolaston Memorial Hall Chairman’s notes (based on the meeting 1st September) Well, there I was after a couple of hours in the Rising Sun realising that I’d put myself forward as Chairman of the Memorial Halll. Much to my surprise; I’d had no previous intention to do so. Still, there it was and shortly afterwards I had been voted in. David Harris had told me there wasn’t much to it, just a couple of committee meetings a year and a few bits and bobs along the way. He should know I thought, he’s been doing it for 26 years! Ha! At that first meeting the number of committee meetings was doubled and a string of maintenance issues became apparent. So much for several pints of Buttcombe on a sunny afternoon! A big thank you was proposed and seconded to Dave, for his dedication and efforts over so many years and others who had given some vital support. Chief among these was the Treasurer the late Steve Greenslade, whose guidance and and knowledge of the ways that senior council work, had been vital during the planning and building of the new hall. The whole village has reason to be grateful for his selfless expertise on behalf of this community.This had prompted an “all change at the top” Happily I was not alone at being new to the committee. Mark Lightbound was now Treasurer and Brian Gibb, recently new to the village, volunteered as Secretary. My first job was to prioritise the issues. Safety was paramount, the floors in the changing rooms had lifted and broken the tiles around the drain outlets in the showers and changing areas. So that had to be the number one, before there was a claim for a badly cut foot. Second was the damage to the rainwater pipes and manhole covers around the building, and third was the issue of the raised edges of wooden flooring (from water damage) in the meeting room area. Lastly, was the matter of the cancelled 2013 carnival. On that I am happy to report an enthusiasm from the committee to revive the event for 2014 led by Andy Morgan‐Watts and Georgie Harris. More news as it evolves! In the meantime Georgie is full steam ahead for a Christmas Fayre, with stalls, Santa and Gluwein on 6th Dec. I have been “volunteered” to be behind the bar in the beer tent so I hope to see lots of you there. Top of these issues are the tricky challenges of insufficient storage space, spiralling running costs and hall usage. I also had to learn how the hot water and heating systems worked and deal with minor maintenance problems (loo flushes, broken toilet seats and the like). After receiving quotes from a couple of companies to repair the changing room floors (£800) and to relay them (Circa £12000!), I effected some DIY repairs for about £80. My work revealed that (1) the drains (internally) had been poorly laid, and (2) the floors were always wet because they had not been laid with a slope towards the drain outlets. As a consequence the ceilings are getting mildew growing on them with black stains. To counter this, the floors need relaying and the shower areas require much more powerful (thus expensive) fans to deal with the steam. Lastly the doors and windows have never been finished off properly around their reveals. The changing rooms will require major expenditure in the year ahead – if not then a gradual deterioration will see them in need of even more costly renovations in the future. By the way, if you happen to be a qualified electrician who would be prepared to fit the fans for a song or a free rental for a party, please get in touch. I have repaired the broken rainwater pipes and replaced the damaged manhole cover and Mark Harris has secured a donation of topsoil to keep the mowers above the level of the covers. This has put that situation right and created the opportunity to enhance the area with some planting. Our thanks go to David Martin of Barnage Farm for his generosity with the topsoil. As far as the water damaged hall floor is concerned we are unable to claim on the insurance. This means a further expenditure (the insurance quote was £2000) to put matters right. Luckily for us we have an expert in timber floors living amongst us and with his help and some hours put in we shall hopefully put matters right ourselves for a lot less than that!. With all that out the way, I want to concentrate my thoughts to investing in alternative energy sources for the hall. I have already asked a friend in the business to undertake an initial appraisal and will be discussing my proposals with the committee in the future. I would also like to see a drive to greater usage of the field and hall. Perhaps there is a willing Dad out there who would like to start a junior football team on a Sunday? The hall is a great asset to our village and will be for many years to come, so I commend everyone to use it to the full. There are still plenty of time slots in the week to book up sessions for your group or society and even commercial enquiries would be welcome – perhaps slimming groups for example. The latest tariff of hall booking is printed in this edition [Editor] Jacky Weller continues to give sterling service as our bookings supremo, so please contact her with your enquiries. (529318) Onwards and upwards as they say! John Anderson ‐ Chairman 21
Ist Woolaston Brownies Yes we are still running but only with the help of Jane Lewis from Tidenham and only until July next year unless someone comes forward to take over then. In 2015 this unit will be celebrating its 40th birthday, there has to be someone in the village who enjoyed being a brownie and could now give a little back, or someone who just enjoys the age group 7yrs to 10yrs. There will be plenty of support to anyone interested and no experience is necessary. I knew nothing when I started other than having been a guide for a couple of years. This year we have been doing a Region badge called Rustle Bustle and Squeak. The girls earn badges by doing various wildlife projects and when complete the badges make up a caterpillar. Firstly we took part in bird watch in the spring and have raised money for the RSPB. We also enjoyed an evening learning all about bees when Nigel (my husband) came with bee hives and equipment. The girls put on the headgear and enjoyed puffing everyone with the smoker and finally the honey tasting which went down very well!! Another evening was spent learning all about bats when Mr Priddis came along with films and pictures. We are grateful to them both for giving up their time. Autumn term we started rehearsing a pantomime which we hope to put on in the New Year and continuing our theme from the spring learning about hedgehogs and sewing a Mrs Tiggywinkle. Our unit went on a Division trip to @ Bristol in October and are doing the stargazer badge as a result. We attended the Remembrance Service at Woolaston Church where the girls took an active roll. Also in November we are joining Tidenham District for a Christmas Craft event in Sedbury. In September we did a bag packing session in Tesco in Lydney and were thrilled with the amount of money we raised. Some for RSPB but the majority will be going towards the Big Brownie Birthday next year celebrating 100yrs since brownies began. The money will make sure that ALL the girls can take part in as many events as possible. 2014 will be a very exciting year for the girls and a great finale for me, having started this unit in 1975 I really will have to finish 22
Brownies continued In March we will join our Division Forest South to a Star Quest Event with Forest North. In April we will go to PGL Liddington Swindon with 3000 brownies from all over Gloucestershire where the girls will take part in 8 adventurous activities plus a huge party and lots of other extras. In July we go to Wincanton Racecourse to South West Region Event “Zoom” organized by Cirque Bijou . Guiding is totally voluntary as is Scouting but being a leader is extremely rewarding. There will be nothing left in the village for girls if we lose our Brownies. There is no pressure on the girls; they can work for as many badges as they wish or none. Through the Brownie Programme they learn a lot about themselves, the community and the world whilst having fun.If you could find a little time please contact me. Anita Mott 01594 529469 Lucy Thomas 01291 629285 Need help with Math s?
Having problems helping your children?
Let me help
From Year 3 upwards to G.C.S.E
Ring Mrs Pugh 529804 - Or call at 43 Birchwood Rd Woolaston
Where to phone if ……?
A faulty street light? ‐ Freephone 08000 514 514
No electricity ? – ‐ Freephone 0800 328 1111 District Council ‐ General enquiries (Local) 810 000 Police ALL Non‐Emergencies (Local rate) ‐ ‐ 101 Medical advice (out of hours NOT an emergency) ‐111 Street Warden Service dumped vehicles ‐ ‐ 810 000 Village Agent 01452 528491 www.villageagents.org.uk 23
Woolaston Primary School
Netherend, Lydney, Glos. GL15 6PH
Pupils at Woolaston Primary School
enjoyed a fun day, learning circus
skills, as a reward for the ‘Good’
Ofsted report the school recently
received.
Ros Escott, Headteacher, said ‘’I am
proud to announce that Ofsted
(October 2013) have recently graded us as a ‘Good’ School. The inspectors
were impressed with many aspects of the school.’’
In particular the Inspectors’ Report mentions that:The teaching across the school is consistently good or outstanding
Pupils are keen and enthusiastic about their learning. ‘’It gets better and
better’’ one Year 5 pupil told an inspector.
The achievement of pupils is good and standards are above average.
The Reception Class provides a firm foundation and stimulating
environment for pupils.
Teaching Assistants give targeted support resulting in pupils making good
progress.
Pupils enjoy coming to school and speak with enthusiasm about their
learning and the range of activities the school provides.
Dr Steve Woodley, Chair of Governors, stated that
‘We are very proud of the great success that the staff, leaders and pupils
have achieved at Woolaston Primary School and delighted that Ofsted
have recognised the superb start that the school gives to our children’s
education. ’
The school runs a daily Breakfast Club from 8.00am and After School
Club until 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.
There is also a private nursery on site ‘Woolaston Under 5’s’.
Visits are always welcome- please contact the office for an appointment:
01594 529270
Email: admin@woolaston.gloucs.sch.uk Website: www.woolastonprimary.co.uk 24 Village History Group Do you recognise any of these people? Or perhaps you have heard of the “Bent Bullet”? During a turnout, these and other photos were discovered and handed to our Village History Group. The pictures are from a Cinderford press photographer probably taken some time in the 60s. The production may have been an Ali Baba pantomime If you recognise any of the players, or can explain the production or when it was made, please tell Pat Williams – 529462, or failing that, let [me] the Editor know and I will pass it on. And the Bent Bullet? Several people seem to have heard of it, but no one so far has anything more to add. 25
Probably a rumour. Do you know better?
Chimney Sweep
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No matter what make, Mechanical or Quartz
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Have you been amazed by the cost of repairs to the Premium
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01594 529492
Oak Crescent
07876 615311
Woolaston
Viney Hall Physiotherapy
The Old School, Viney Hill, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 4ND
Chartered Physiotherapists, Pilates Instructors,
Chiropodist/Podiatrist, Gait Analysis and Biomechanical Assessment,
Therapeutic Massage, Acupuncture, Counselling
Assessment and treatment of back pain, sciatica, sports injuries, arthritis,
whiplash injuries, joint or muscle pains etc.
Pilates classes or 1:1 sessions
Telephone: 01594 516810 www.vineyhallphysio.co.uk A Warm Welcome to The Wooly: Your Local Gurkha Restaurant
“Come as a Guest, Leave as a Friend”
Open 7 days a week
Telephone 01594 529222
Between 12.00 - 14.00 for Lunch - - Dinner17.30 - 22.30
Our services:
Bed & Breakfast, Bar and Restaurant serving finest Nepalese Cuisine
Birthdays and family parties. Takeaways.
Website: www.woolastoninn
Email: info@woolastoninn.co.uk
29
Severnside
Veterinary Group
SI
CE
N TR E
SE V ERN
V E T E R I NA R
Y
DE
Our experienced vets and support staff
offer a full range of services
plus some added extras:
1 Tuthill Lydney, Glos Gl15 5PA
Telephone: (01594) 842185
Coleford (01594) 835600
Surgeries also at Newnham
We are always happy to discuss your
pet s needs
Ask for details of our loyalty scheme
Now also at Hanley Court Tidenham - 01291 630100
Netherend Inn
Your Central Local
Big Outside Garden
Children’s Play Area
Tel:- [01594] 529 335
30
Domestic, Commercial & Industrial Work
Rewires, New Installations, Upgrades, Fault Finding
TV & Telephone Points, Testing and inspection
Small Job Specialist. Based in Alvington
Phone: 01594 528496 Mobi: 0788 397 33 63
Email: arh_electrical@yahoo.co.uk
Customer Focussed
ROADS
CARPARKS DRIVES CONSTRUCTED
BLOCK PAVING R E - S U R FA C I N G KERBING
GROUNDWORKS ETC
E-mail ian@deanparkcontractors.co.uk Tel : 01594 834032
www.deanparkcontractors.co.uk
Fax: 01594 834082
Plot 14B FoD Business Estate Stepbridge Rd Coleford Gl16 8PJ
31
much to offe
e
v
a
r y
h
ou
e
W
Superb Products in
beaut
y&
skin c
are
l care
persona
th &
l
a
e
h
g
bein
l
l
e
w
aloe vera
weight
management
sport &
fitness
anima
l
care
and there’s a great part/time business opportunity with
a company that grew 13% in the UK last year.
To find out more contact Nigel or Jill Rushworth
01594 529605 - E-mail: nygo@aol.com
www.achievewithus.com/store
Independent Distributors of Forever Living Products
32
Tudor Rose Carpentry
The Carpenter’s Shop Lydney Gl15 6BS
All aspects of Carpentry and Joinery
Box Sash Repairs & Replacements
Doors, Windows, Kitchens & Bathrooms
Wooden Flooring
For free advice and quotations contact
Clive Smith
Office T: 01594 836333
Mobile : 0776 7015495
Office:- 9 Stephens Place, Broadwell, Coleford, Gloucestershire GL16 7BJ
33
New Saltmarsh for Woolaston Mick Fairless The Environment Agency is working in partnership with local land owners and Natural England, to develop the first saltmarsh creation project in the upper Severn Estuary. The £1.2 million project will create 39 hectares (96 acres) of saltmarsh, on farmland in the parishes of Woolaston and Alvington on the west bank of the Severn Estuary. Saltmarsh is the upper stretch of coastal land between dry land and open sea water that is regularly flooded by the tides. This land plays a vital part in the coastal ecosystem, as it provides habitat for many different types of wildlife and plants. Brian Smith from the Environment Agency said: "Between now and 2030 we're at risk of losing 300 hectares of saltmarsh along the Severn Estuary. There's no point creating a wetland which is isn't particularly unique to the Severn Estuary ‐ we need to be certain to get the right land in the right location to create those particular habitats. It's not just about getting the floodwater on to the site, it's about getting it off again in the time cycle so that the unique grasses and plants that rely on that kind of environment have the opportunity to develop" The work that the Environment Agency are carrying out involves removing sections of an earth embankment which has been in place since the 19th century to defend agricultural land from flooding. Four sections of embankment have been removed, which will allow the higher tides to spill into the farm land and then drain off after each tide. These adjustments will create a new area of saltmarsh, and will increase the potential for plants, and breeding birds like wildfowl. The land will be kept for grazing livestock in the summer months In addition to the saltmarsh creation; an eel pass will be installed on tidal flaps in the Aylburton Pill outfall. The outfall connects the estuary to local brooks, and the tidal flaps are in place to help alleviate flooding. Once the work is complete, fish such as eels and elvers will be able to pass through freely to access their habitats further upstream. An eel pass already exists where the Cone Brook passes through the flood defence. 34 Woolaston WI ‐ November 2013 The second half of this year has seen a continuation of our excellent speakers and social events. We were fascinated by a talk on 'Things that go Bump in the Forest' which included spooky tales from our own neck of the woods. We were given some insight into the life of the Mitfords from someone with first‐hand knowledge and relived one speaker's trials during his trans‐Siberian rail trip. We enjoyed a beautiful July summer's evening in one of our member's lovely garden for our 'Wine and Gateaux Evening' and met at another member's garden for our picnic in August ‐ we are lucky to have members with such stunning gardens who are kind enough to welcome us to enjoy them. Many of our members visited Sudeley Castle in July and we are visiting the Bath Christmas Market again this year. We still hold a monthly walk around the local countryside and meet most months for lunch. With no Carnival we have donated any funds raised through other events this year to the Village Hall Fund and we shall be selling cakes at our table at the new Woolaston Christmas Market. Please come and buy some ‐ we have some wonderful cooks amongst us. We would love to welcome new members of all ages ‐ please come along and visit us ‐ we are definitely not just about Jam and Jerusalem! We meet in the Village Hall on the 3'd Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm. We look forward to seeing you. C.H. Forest Meadow Gardening Services
Planting, plant care, pruning, weeding, vegetables, lawn care.
Regular maintenance, occasional or one off visits.
RHS qualified
Tel: 01594 845744 Mobile: 0787 424 8127
Email: jane@forestmeadow.co.uk
www.forestmeadow.co.uk
Please contact Jane to discuss your needs
35
Wild flowers in the Chapel Paddock For the last couple of years we have been trying to encourage wild flowers in the chapel paddock as well as grazing our horses. We tried sowing seeds but with not much success, there are however quite a few wild flowers growing: Clover, buttercup, letch, thistle, nettle, cow parsley, bramble, teasel, ox‐eye daisy, dandelion, dock, Japanese knotweed, ragwort, ivy, sorrel, bindweed and plantain. We are sure there are others species and we may have wrongly identified some, but would be interested to know of any more that have been seen in the paddock. Ragwort is poisonous to horses so we dig it up and burn it. Dock we cut the seed heads off in an effort to stop it spreading, and will spot spray if it starts to overtake the place. Japanese knotweed we have to spray and we try not to cut as this will spread it. Bramble and teasel we also try to keep down. After the horses have eaten the grass down, we strim and mow it to keep it tidy. If the nettles are cut and left, the horses will enjoy eating them. You may see us picking up the horse poo, this helps to stop the spread of internal worms and souring of the grass. We sell the bagged up manure and will deliver locally, (10 bags or more). Our horses are Risky (mum) and daughter Ruby, who is the darker of the two. They have special rugs on in summer as they suffer from ‘switch itch’. This makes them rub their manes and tails and then they get sores and bald patches. The rug helps to stop the irritation. The electric fencing is there to keep them from rubbing on the wooden fence. They both drive as well as ride and you may have seen us out and about in our fluorescent tabards and hat bands. We would appreciate it if people did not feed the horses. They come to expect it and it could make them bite. A kind word or gentle pat on the neck is much better. Maggie Saunders 36 Woolaston Methodist Church At Christmas, our carol service will be at 10.30am on Sunday 22 December. This will be followed by coffee and mince pies, and a chance to chat with friends old and new and with our minister, Rev. Heather Upton. Many thanks to everyone who has supported our coffee mornings this year, and especially the most recent one. Half the proceeds from the latest one are going to the organisation Comfort Congo, which works with traumatised women and children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our next coffee mornings will be on Mondays 17 February and 23 June, and everyone is very welcome. Gill Claydon Memorial Hall - Hire charges
(from Oct 2013) Contract bookings (hourly rate) for village groups, clubs and societies:
Hall £6.00
Meeting room only £5.00
Non village groups:
Hall £7.00
Meeting room only £6.00
Daily Hire
Whole Day (6.30am – 10.30pm) - Hall £150 Meeting room only £100
Half Day (6.30am – noon / noon – 10.30) Hall £75 Up to 1 months notice required.
Evenings
(6.00pm – 10.30pm)
Hall £50 Up to 1 months notice required.
Children’s Parties
Hall £40
(10% reduction for user organisations and non profit making parishioners)
Field Bookings:
Including changing rooms
£35
Field only
£30
Football team
£300/ season Beginning 2013
There are plenty of slots available, so if your club, society or group are
looking for a fantastic venue (with kitchen facilities) for regular
weekly or monthly meetings contact Jackie Weller on 01594 529318
It is a condition of hire that the hall should be swept and left tidy after
use.
37
Wyedean School Adult Community Learning
Courses @ Woolaston Memorial Hall– Spring 2014
Watercolour & Acrylic Painting
Suitable for beginners to advanced. Starting with some basic drawing, you will
move on to develop your watercolour and acrylic painting techniques. (You will
need to bring your own materials).
Start: 14 January Length: 10 weeks
Tues: 10.00-12.00 Cost: £69
Zumba for Fun + Fitness
Easy to follow dance fitness workout that trims and tones the whole body.
(Bring water to drink).
Start: 16 January Length: 10 weeks
Thurs: 10.30-11.30 Cost: £37 (Concs Fee £30)
For further information on how to enrol, please ring the school
office -01291 625340 (answerphone on at times. Please leave a
message)
Or pick up a brochure/enrolment form from the school reception
Or download a brochure from the Wyedean School website:
www.wyedean.gloucs.sch.uk then go to ‘Community’ then ‘Adult
Learning’ then ‘Courses Available.’
P rivate Tuition:
Experienced Primary Teacher is offering
Private tuition for Key Stage One and Key Stage Two pupils.
Ideal preparation for SATs in Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation tests,
Reading, Writing and Maths.
Please contact Lucy Creed on 07821 900783
Music Lessons - Piano Violin or Viola
H ave fu n loc ally, learn in g or im proving
A du lts are w elc ome - great therap y for mod ern life!
H igh stand ard s set an d attai n ed
Exams to a ll levels i nc lu d in g di plo mas
Grade 5 Theory
Co mpeti ti on s
Assessmen ts
Ph on e m e fo r mo re d etai ls
Ro s Tau nto n 01 5 94 5 29 45 5
38
WOOLASTON MEMORIAL HALL AND PLAYING FIELD COMMITTEE
OFFICERS
Vice President Mr P Blatchly Highcroft House Woolaston
Chairman John Anderson 55 Birchwood Rd. GL15 6PE
Treasurer Mark Lightbound 64 Severn View Road GL15 6NP
Secretary Brian Gibbs Glenrosa Ring Fence GL15 6NX
Hall Bookings Sec. Mrs. Jacky Weller 7 Netherend Cres. Woolaston
529345
529523
529046
529381
529318
MEMBERS
Mrs Karen Bennett
Mrs G Claydon
Brooklyn Cottage, Station Rd Woolaston
Mrs Z Evans
Mrs Gemma Gibbs Glenrosa Ringfence
Mr.D J Harris
Rosemont Woolaston Common
Mrs Georgina Harris Old Post Office Netherend
Mr Mark Harris Old Post Office Netherend
Mr Ray Hughes
70 Birchwood Rd
Mr. A.C Luke
78 Severn View Road
Mr A Morgan-Watts 1 Post Paddocks GL15 6NJ
Mrs S Nixon
7 Birchwood Road
Mr M Rose
8 Swains Field
Miss Amy Spiller
Mr. D M Storrar
Roselea Woolaston Common
ORGANISATION
Guides
Co-opted
P.T.A
Co-opted
Co-opted
Co-Opted
Co-opted
Tai Chi
P.Church Council
Co-opted
Under 5s
Woolaston AFC
Carnival
Woolaston P.Council
529334
529381
529238
529893
529893
529361
529585
529381
529146
528153
529381
528160
WOOLASTON PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council meet usually on the 2nd Thursday of the month in the Memorial Hall.
The public may attend any meeting as observers. The first agenda item is Public Forum,
an opportunity at the start of each meeting to speak to the Council.
Chairman
Mr M J Fairless The Reddings Severn View Road
Vice Chairman Mr.D.J.Harris
Rosemont Woolaston Common
Members
Mrs M Greenslade 66 Severn View Road
Mr A J Lord
The Covert Woolaston Woodside,
Mr S Reece
Ashwell Grange House Stroat
Mr R W Southee
New House Woolaston Common
Mr .D M Storrar
Roselea Woolaston Common
529617
529680
528224
529336
528160
Clerk to the Council
Mrs G M Harris
529893
The Old Post Office Netherend
529309
529238
Public Information notice boards: There are two Parish Council notice boards, one opposite
the shop and new one beside the door of the Memorial hall
Parish Council website: www.woolaston.org.uk updated regularly with agenda and
minutes of Parish Council meetings. Broad details of the Parish and its history, and location
of the Charity Lands. Links to Forest of Dean District Council and Gloucestershire County
Council. The WoolastonNews can be read also online.
FOREST OF DEAN DISTRICT COUNCIL Council Office Coleford Tel: 810000
Member for Hewelsfield and Woolaston Ward Mr Patrick Molyneux
Edge Farm, Keynsham Lane, High Woolaston, GL15 6PX
Tel: 01594 529174
GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Member for Tidenham (Woolaston)
Patrick Molyneux as above
39
Advertisement Index
H o u s e a n d H o m e continued
House & Home
Anderson - Plans
In back cover
Rising Sun
Front inside cover
Ask Mike ! Garden and Home
16
Stonescapes Pete Rogers
Bailey Plumbing
27
SWM insulation build materials
Car Service Sales Wyvern Garage
14
TrunkArb Tree Surgeon
13
Carpenter & Joiner “Tudor Rose”
Chim-Chiminey Sweep
33
26
Veterinary Severnside Services
30
Watchmaker
28
Dean Park Contractors
31
WFF meals delivery service
15
Decorator Artisan Neil Hale.
31
Whitehouse Press - Printers
28
Electrical Appliance Repairs
5
Health & Beauty
Electrician
31
A.R.H Electrical
Equipment Hire - Toolhire
6
Mr Fix It - Home Repairs
13
Garden services
35
Garden Machinery Steve Virgo
B cover
Gurkha Restaurant-Woolaston Inn
Hedging Fencing Stan Davies
Lydney Tyre & Batteries
29
33
11
Netherend Inn
30
Reecer Recycling,Storage
8–9
Back inside
12
Beauty and Balance
27
Forever Living Products
32
Physiotherapy - Viney Hall
29
Personal Services
Accountant Lesa Cooksley
14
Funeral Director Philip Blatchly
26
Maths & English tuition
38
Maths Tuition
23
Music Teaching
38
You have an Internet connection? Try www.woolaston.org.uk
Most village matters are there. There are many more links now.
Deadlines for copy and advertising have varied quite considerably, very early with this one! This is to try and keep updated with news and events in Woolaston as they appear. This issue had a deadline of November 15th giving printing and distribution a fortnight and hopefully advance news of events like the Christmas Market on December 6th. Summer Publication has to be later to gather in the news of Summer events now we no longer rely on voluntary distribution, so deadline is towards the end of June. I do email or phone every advertiser and club contact to warn them of the approaching date. It will be most appreciated if copy is submitted as soon as you have it. Please don’t wait for the deadline. For this and information about advertising please contact the Editor: David Storrar Roselea, Woolaston Common T: 528160] 40
Landscaping
Walling
Restoration
Stonescapes
building on the beauty of natural stone
Peter Rogers
Telephone:
01594 528109
Smallbrook Alvington Lydney GL15 6AE
NEED PLANS?
Website: www.japsplans.co.uk
Email: janders55@btinternet.com
John Anderson Professional Services Ltd.
41
STEVE VIRGO
Garden Machinery
Lydney Tel:01594 840500
Second hand Machines
Bought and Sold
We Repair - Chainsaws, Brushcutters,
Hedgetrimmers, Rotavators, etc. etc.
LYDNEY CYCLE CENTRE
Sales-Servicing-Repairs-Accessories
Rear of 15 High Street Lydney - Opposite MINCOST