Village News

News August 2010

Personal Appeal by the Chairman of Whittington and Fisherwick Parish Council on behalf of St Giles Church, Whittington

The other day when talking to our Vicar, Fiona Haskett she mentioned her concern over  the state of the St Giles Church Account which is steadily falling into the red. This is not caused by inefficient accounting or poor management, purely and simply through rising costs. The only income raised by the Church is through contributions from the congregation, fund raising and a portion of the fees from weddings and funerals. They also make a small profit from hiring out the Church Hall – although use by village groups such as Scouts and Guides is heavily subsidised. Inevitably as maintenance and improvement costs rise, the income remains fairly static. Hence the shortfall.

I am not a regular churchgoer but believe our Church and its fabric is vital to our heritage and our community. Many are like myself, however, with the arrival of Christmas or some other Christian festival, a christening, marriage or funeral the church is always there for us.

Whittington is a very generous community, I know as I am often asking people to dig deep to support the charity events such as the Countryside Fair, Help For Heroes, raffles, sponsorship or other such fund raising occasions.

Now our church needs us. How can we help? Obviously donations are welcome, any amount large or small. But why not set up a standing order? You could give on a monthly basis or just once a year – it’s completely up to you, and what’s more, if you are a U.K. tax payer you could gift aid your donation and the church would be able to claim back the tax that you have paid on it.

If you can  support the church, and are willing to help, please phone either Fiona on 432233 or one of the church wardens – Irene Jones on 432354 or Barbara Gray on 433442. They will then bring you the relevant forms.

Perhaps we should try to imagine Whittington without a church and if we don’t like what we see, then now is the moment to give generously and help save our church.

Thank you
John Smith, Chairman, Whittington and Fisherwick Parish Council

A Youth Council for Whittington and Fisherwick?

Parish Councillors are looking into the possibility of setting up a Youth Council in the village. Young people have many opportunities these days to take part in the democratic process, usually through their school (two members of the King Edward VI School Council live in Whittington) or the Young People’s Service (formerly the Youth Service) and there is an established route which leads to the UK Youth Parliament and beyond onto the international stage.  However, youth councils linked to Parish and Town Councils are still few and far between and Whittington would be one of the first in Staffordshire, if this project comes to fruition.  An informal meeting with representatives of the Staffordshire Young People’s Service has already taken place and they are very supportive and keen for their members to be involved.  Advice has also been sought from the British Youth Council.

Whilst we are still in the early days of discussion and planning, Councillors are keen to encourage the involvement of young people.  Initial thoughts include the following:

• Membership of the Youth Council would be open to any young person living in the Parish.
• There would be around fifteen members, spanning an age range of 10 (Y6 at primary school) to 19.
• The Council would meet monthly and elect its own chair and secretary, with a member of the full adult Council attending in an advisory capacity.
• The Youth Council would give young people a direct say in the facilities the community provides and the way they are run and also advise the full Council on matters which affect them.  Once the Council is established, members would discuss details of their role and make suggestions as to the best way in which they could contribute.
• The Parish Council website would have a section dedicated to the Youth Council

If all goes well, the Youth Council should be up and running later this year.  To help us achieve this, we hope to have one or two informal meetings with young people in the village to ask them for their ideas and to discuss with them how to make the project a success.

If you would be willing to attend a meeting – and perhaps become a member of the Council when it is set up – please contact Steve Barr (Parish Council) – stevebarruk@yahoo.com or 01543 432605.

Purchase of Glebe Land

Great news, at long last contracts have been exchanged and the community is the proud owner of a further two acres of recreational land off Vicarage Lane (opposite to the Bit End Field). The Parish Council started serious negotiations to purchase this Glebe land as far back as 2005 and finally agreed a price with St Giles Hospice early in January 2009. After a further eighteen months of negotiations and delays the land now belongs to the Parish Council.  This lengthy process has been highly complicated, time consuming and indeed at times most frustrating, but thanks to the foresight of my predecessor Frank Bartlett, the tenacity and commitment of our Councillors (some now retired), we have a piece of land which will be for ever, of benefit to the community.

Where next? Our original plan centred on developing the land into a multi games facility. Though we have not abandoned this idea, significant changes have taken place since 2005 and undoubtedly grant funding for any major development will be considerably more difficult to secure in the very near future. We therefore intend to review our plans, seek views and suggestions from the community, then consider our options. In the short term, boundary fencing and access gates will be installed, some initial clearance of rubble off the land so it can be used for car parking during the Countryside Fair, and then in the autumn to re seed, install interconnecting pedestrian gates between Bit End Field and the Glebe. Hopefully by spring 2011 the field will then be opened to the public as a general play area with benches and picnic seating facilities.

The acquiring of land for the community which can be developed into recreational and sporting facilities has always been a key objective of our Parish Council and supported by many members of our Parish. With the purchase and development of the Cricket Club ground which opens in April next year, Bit End Field, the Bowling Club and our recently acquired two acres, the community now owns a large acreage of recreational land which will be used, enjoyed and benefited by many of our future generations.

News May 2010

Proposed High Speed Rail Project

You will no doubt have heard the news about the proposed High Speed Rail infrastructure project from London to Birmingham and then beyond using the existing West Coast Mainline. The proposal as published will have a very major impact upon the countryside and some of the communities around Lichfield and Tamworth. It is planned to run through the eastern part of the Lichfield Rural Eastern area.

It is likely that the community will wish to consider seriously these implications because of the effects they will have on the countryside, on the local population and the people who live in the affected areas. It is difficult to see what alternative route could be found for the scheme to transit through this area, the only other alternative, as our County Councillor sees it, being to move it into the East Midlands.

Doubts are being expressed as to the principle in relation to whether a time saving of 20 to 30 minutes between London and Birmingham (although greater the further north it would go) is necessary or worth £30billion (currently). Whether that level of funding will be available even in the timescale proposed, is questionable.

However, it is not for your Parish Council to decide what action, if any, needs to be taken without first seeking the view of our community. In order to sound out your views we ask you to complete the tear off strip below stating whether you are for or against the proposal, and whether you would wish the Council to set up a ‘support’ group to be the focus for and champion of our community's collective opinion on any future HSR development in our Region.

Please return this slip to the Post Office, Coffee Shop or any Parish Councillor by 31st May 2010. If you know of anyone who cannot get to the shops or may be away during this period please inform them about this or let the Parish Council Clerk know who they are. You can also register your opinion by emailing the Parish Council Chairman, John Smith on johnandrosemarysmith@btinternet.com or phone him on 01543 432848.

Proposed route of railway line through areas close to Whittington

Under the A51 (by Bailey’s Beating) 300 metres from junction with Whittington Common Lane. Whittington Common Lane to close off 150 metres from junction with A51. New road 400 metres east of A51/WCL via golf land to rejoin WCL 300 metres from current A51/WCL junction. Through Darnford Lane 150 metres east of golf driving range. Road to go under railway. New railway to go on 700 metres long viaduct (30 metres high) over A38 and existing rail line. Through Enterprise Industrial Estate (land take) and on towards Curborough.

Further information on the route click onto www.matthewellis.cc

………………………………………………………………………………………

I am for/against* the building of a High Speed Rail Track on the proposed site and I wish/do not wish* the Parish Council to act on my behalf in opposing this scheme.

Name……………………………..

Address………………………………………………………… (first line only)

Signature………………………………

Date…………………………..

*Delete as applicable
Please return to the Post Office, Coffee Shop or any Parish Councillor by 31st May 2010.

New Swan Park Development     
        
It was discouraging to read such a negative account in a local newssheet of the Parish Council’s  management of the new Swan Park (Sandwell) development. It is inevitable that those living closest to such a development will have concerns, but local residents have been regularly updated and consulted through personal communication, the Parish Council Newsletter, the web site and site meetings. However, no authority on earth can ever guarantee a zero anti social behaviour level but as explained, ever effort will be made to reduce the risk to a minimum.

Last year, when the Parish Council carried out a survey on the benefits of developing this derelict piece of ground into a recreational and sporting park, ninety eight per cent of the community who responded to the survey totally supported the project. The Parish Council will not be put off by adverse publicity. Over the last 18 months with the support of both the Lichfield District Planning authority and our Recreational and Sporting consultant, the Parish Council has worked tirelessly on this project. The first phase is nearly complete, the clearing of the area, levelling and reseeding, the restoration of the football pitch and the play equipment and the successful application to install a small car park and access route.

We now wait with bated breath, for a successful outcome of our two grant applications to move forward to phase two, the refurbishment of the old tennis court into a small multi games recreational area. We should know the outcome shortly.
One of the major problems of a project of this magnitude is funding and how to manage it. You can’t start until you have got some money and when you’ve got it, it has to be spent within a specified time period. Hence the reason for the various phases of the project. The other problem is, when applying for grants (which is incredibly time consuming), the whole process from submitting the application to awaiting the outcome can often take up to six months. If you are then unsuccessful, you have to start all over again and the project is then set back by that period.

Another issue is that, during these times of recession, grant funding is more difficult to secure, particularly with the 2012 Olympics costing so much. We still need further funding to finish the Park, to complete the landscaping, install a small car park and purchase play equipment suitable for the younger children. If you can help towards funding in any way, through advice, contacts or even donations, please speak to your Parish Council Chairman or any Councillor.  Thank you.

Latest Update: though we were unsuccessful in our application for £10k grant funding towards the multi games recreational area from Sport England, the great news is that we have JUST secured £30k grant funding from the Staffordshire Environmental Fund. Subject to adhering to their terms and conditions we should be able to move on to phase two of the project in the not too distant future. We will continue to research and apply for further funding.

News 21 January 2010

Help For Heroes

A number of people in the community have formed a Help For Heroes charity  group to raise money for this wonderful charity. Wounded military personnel are well looked after and have specialist medical treatment in the early years following injuries. Unfortunately, losing a limb or an eye is for life and Help For Heroes is helping to support these people ‘for life’.

We plan to run a number of events over the next twelve months, a Barbecue (date to be finalised), an Autumn Ball, 10 Sep, Carols Around the Christmas Tree, 13 Dec, a Supper with Concert Party style from ‘Just Us’ on 11 Dec and a Scottish Night on 5 Feb 2011. Please make a note in your diaries. Further information will on these events will be available on the web site the village notice boards nearer the time

Our initial target for fund raising is £5000, but we hope to exceed this figure.

Other than supporting some of these events, if anyone would like to join our support group just tell us. We can’t do enough to Help our Heroes.

John R Smith, Help For Heroes Coordinator. Tel. No.01543432848

Wind Turbines

The Parish Council would like to make you aware of a planning application which is to be submitted to Lichfield D.C. in February for their determination.

The application, by Prowind of Germany, will be for the construction of 4 wind turbines at land off Syerscote Lane between Clifton Campville and Harlaston. Each of the structures will be just over 420 feet tall which is a similar size to ‘Gulliver’ by the coast in Lowestoft which is currently the largest wind turbine in the UK.

County Councillor Matthew Ellis points out that clearly, the very substantial visual effect will be primarily in the more immediate area but it is possible that, at well over twice the height of Clifton Church, they may well be seen from as far away as Lichfield and Tamworth.

Matthew has written already to 600 houses in the Clifton, Haunton, Thorpe and Harlaston areas and significant concerns have been raised. A 250ft wind test mast constructed on the same site earlier this year proved controversial because Lichfield D.C. undertook only the minimum public consultation required by law despite the impact of the likely final application and also because the land involved is owned by a local Lichfield District Councillor.

Assurances have been provided to Matthew from Lichfield District Council that public consultation on the February application will be much wider than for the test mast. You can read more about this issue on County Cllr Matthew Ellis’s website by typing WIND TURBINE into the site search engine on the right of the page. There is also the opportunity to register for e-mail updates.

Whittington & Fisherwick Parish Council’s approach to the issue of Wind Farms/Turbines 

Although the Parish Council has no statutory authority in dealing with applications to establish wind farms or erect individual wind turbines, it will undoubtedly be consulted by Planning Authorities in order to establish the views of the local community prior to determining the outcome of any such application.  Hence, in order to formulate on a case by case basis its collective opinion, the Parish Council will examine and discuss each on its merits by considering the facts and expert advice that is available.

In particular the following will all form part of any consideration by the Council in formulating its views

• The opinion of individuals and groups from within the community
• The location of the proposed installation and its proximity to residential development and amenities
• The possible effects upon the local landscape and visual amenity of the area
• The possible effects of noise
• The potential for and effects of shadow flicker
• The impact upon the communities carbon footprint (whether by reduction or offsetting)
• The potential for reducing ‘our’ dependence upon fossil fuels/non UK energy resources
• The potential for income generation for the community
• Any other direct or indirect benefits/disadvantages to the community and any possible effects on property prices.

The order in which the above are listed should not be interpreted as an order of priority.

News 1st October 2009

Sandwell Land Development

Your Parish Council promised to keep you updated on the Sandwell land developments and give you an opportunity to voice opinion and question plans.

Indeed on Saturday 5th December we are inviting members of the community to meet on site for a briefing, see for your self the potential for this development and also, an opportunity to put questions to the Parish Council. Please meet at 10am by the garages at the end of Swan Road.

The purpose of this interim communication is to keep you abreast of what is happening and why it is happening so quickly.

Though the Parish Council has spent a great deal of time over the last twelve months planning the development of this land, it was not our intention to start the work until Spring 2010. However, having now secured some £26k grant funding we have been informed that a considerable element of that money must be spent by early 2010, otherwise we will lose it, the last thing we want.

Consequently, our plans have been moved forward and work on the clearing of the land, re installing the football pitch, clearing and setting out the picnic area and refurbishing the play equipment will now commence late October.

Planning consent for car parking space is being sought and an application for further grant funding of £30k has been submitted. We have had numerous quotations from a variety of local Companies for the development work.

The Parish Council is conscious of a number of concerns that have been raised over the development of this land, and these will not be ignored, though it is not always possible to please all of the people all of the time. In fact one of the earlier issues raised was the possible problem of balls from the tennis court being hit over the fence into adjoining gardens. A possible way of alleviating this problem might be to raise the perimeter fencing or to reposition the court at the far side, further to the left of that perimeter fence.

As you probably know we have asked the community (flyers to all houses in the village) for their views on this development. Although we have received many different suggestions on what additional facilities we might include in the ‘park’, ninety nine percent of those who responded were in favour of its redevelopment.

The ‘park’ will not be open to the public until at the very earliest, late spring.

 News 9th September 2009

After last year’s atrocious weather, though the sun didn’t actually shine, at least the day was rain free for the Whittington Countryside Fair last Saturday. Thousands turned out from all over Staffordshire and even further a field to enjoy the events and activities at the Fair, and have fun.

There were Quad bike rides for the youngsters, Face Painters, Pony Rides, a Fun Fair, mini train rides and a whole host of other events. One of the new attractions this year were the Trailer and Tractor rides. Rob Gray one of the local farmers brought his massive tractor and trailer and put on tours of the village and the beautiful Fisherwick woods and lakes, a very popular activity enjoyed by all. Another local celebrity, Jason Megan, the Farrier entertained the crowds throughout the day providing demonstrations of his art and a commentary and questions describing his skills, ably assisted by his horse Lizzie and his wife of the same name.

A massive marquee housed up to sixty craft stalls with many more outside. The produce tent held a flower and produce competition, a gardener’s question time and a scarecrow and tallest sunflower competition.

In the arena, entertainment was provided by the Dog Agility team, the Heavy Horse experience, Falconry and Gun Dog training. The Band played, the dogs performed at their very best at the Dog Show, Judo. Chain Saw Carving and Scurry Racing provided additional entertainment and the Llamas just carried on doing what llamas do. All were well fed and watered and thoroughly enjoyed a good day out at the Fair.

All proceeds from the Fair, over £9500 and  those from the Whittington Ball of £3300, events  which are both  organised and run by Whittington and Fisherwick Parish Council, are ploughed back into the community in the form of grants to the various clubs, organisations and societies in the village.

The Parish Council would like to thank the many members of our community who provided their help and support prior to, during and after the event.


News 23 June 2009

The Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust was stopped in its tracks when thieves stole the works excavator from the canal site in Lichfield last week. Between Wednesday 17th and Saturday 20th June, in an audacious raid, the yellow JCB 804 machine was forcibly taken and driven 300 metres along the footpath onto a road vehicle in the bus stop lay-by near the traffic lights on the junction of the Tamworth Road and Gorse Lane (near the A38 flyover).

Trust volunteers are actively restoring sections of the Lichfield Canal and need digging equipment to undertake the work. Brian Kingshott, Trust Chairman said: “We cannot continue with any heavy work until this machine is found. It could take months for any replacement to be settled. It is particularly scurrilous that thieves target a charitable Trust working for public benefit”.

Anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area should contact the Trust on 01543 671427 or by e-mail to bob.williams@lhcrt.org.uk or direct to Lichfield Police Station.

News May 2009

Glebe Land Settlement

Your Parish Council is delighted to report that an agreement has been made between the St Giles Hospice and the Parish Council on the purchase of the two acres of Glebe land for the community. Negotiations over the price have been lengthy and involved but throughout the process both parties have endeavoured to keep relationships cordial and positive. Though numerous issues will need to be addressed before the contract is signed Your Council is confident the land is now secure for the eventual development of recreational and sporting facilities. The Parish Council Chairman, Councillor John Smith commented, “We can now focus on supporting the wonderful Hospice movement and concentrate on developing the Glebe land recreational project for the community.” The Parish Council has appointed a solicitor who will iron out the detail and draw up the contract.

This now ensures that the majority of the Glebe land will always remain recreational and sporting land, one third owned by the Parish Council the other two thirds owned by the Cricket Club. Together with the Parish Council owned Bit End Field, a large area of recreational and sporting land for the use and enjoyment of the community.

Staffordshire Mineral Core Strategy

At a meeting held in the Parish Council Pavilion last month to discuss the Mineral Core Strategy and the possible outcome of any decision on the residents of Whittington and Fisherwick, over 90 local people listened to a presentation given by Country Councillor Matthew Ellis. Matthew talked about the imbalance of gravel extraction sites highlighted in Staffordshire compared to the rest of the West Midlands, the lack of appropriate communication on mineral core policy by Staffordshire County Council and the affect gravel extraction workings would have on local people if quarrying was given the go ahead in Fisherwick in two years time.

Your Parish Council is, on behalf of the community, opposing any gravel extraction workings. The more people who write to oppose this project the better. Please write expressing your views to:

Minerals Core Strategy, Staffordshire DSD, Riverway, Stafford, ST16 3T. copy to: Matthew Ellis, County Buildings, Stafford, ST16 2LH

You can email to: Mat.Griffin@staffordshire.gov.uk    (please note it is one 't'), copy to: matthew.ellis@staffordshire.gov.uk

Allotment Plots

There may be a couple of allotment plots available for hire. Anyone interested please contact John Smith Tel. No.432848

New News March 2009

School Walk Decision

The announcement this week by Education bosses in Stafford that they are upholding a decision designating as 'available' the 3 mile walk along busy roads from the village of Whittington to King Edward School in Lichfield has been met with outrage locally.
The original decision, made in August last year, followed protests by parents whose children would be forced to walk to the school because of a near doubling by the County Council of the cost for using school buses. Most King Edward pupils living in the village qualify for free transport but some children who live just yards under the 3 mile qualifying limit now have to pay a whopping £390 a year each for a seat next to their classmates or face a secluded walk along roads well known for speeding traffic.

Matthew Ellis, the area's County Councillor, believes the decision is an insult given the strain on finances many parents are currently experiencing and the crisis in the jobs market,

"Back in August I called for the original decision to be overturned or the massive hike in bus charges scrapped because parents were already feeling signs of the credit crunch and some with more than one child simply couldn't afford to pay. The County's claim at the time that parents who struggle to pay the new charges should have 'time off work to walk their children to school' I find pretty insulting particularly given the pressure on jobs we see throughout every industry in Staffordshire."

County Cllr Ellis says he will await the information requested under the Freedom of Information Act before deciding whether to continue to directly oppose the decision.

News 2nd February 2009

Whittington Woodland Working Party

We would like to thank WFEG and all the people who attended the Big Green Fair. We had a great response for further volunteers to help us maintain the wood and would like to thank those who put their name forward.
Our working parties this year will fall on the first Saturday of every month, starting with Saturday 7th March 2009. We aim to meet in the wood at 9.30am, the rear of Mike Tarbuck’s house, 64 Spring Lane.
We would welcome any extra support, especially from local residents who use the wood. Our management of the wood is providing a safe environment for children to play, a beautiful woodland walk and favourite of dog-walkers and an increasing diversity of wildlife. For those that can attend, please bring a friend along. If you can supply any hand tools, then please bring them too.
Working Party dates:
Sat. 7th March 2009
Sat. 4th April
Sat.2nd May
Sat. 6th June
Sat. 4th July
Simon Roberts, Chairman of the Whittington Woodland Advisory Committee. Email me for more details at beautifulgardens@hotmail.com or cal 01543 444470.

Mineral Core Strategy Developments Public Meeting

Wed 4 March, 7.30 p.m. Bit End Field Pavilion.

A public meeting has been arranged to update local residents on the County Council’s mineral core strategy and what long term affect it may have on our community if a large area of Fisherwick is selected for gravel extraction.

If a decision is made to extract locally it will not only affect Fisherwick residents but the whole of Whittington and nearby villages.

County Councillor Matthew Ellis who is supporting the Parish Council’s opposition to local extraction workings has agreed to chair the meeting, update on the present situation and answer any questions.
Please come along, find out more, it may affect YOU.

To read more about the Parish Council's response to the Staffordshire Mineral's
Core Strategy click here.

Allotment Developments

The allotment is now up and running with all plots taken and much activity going on. An allotment association has been formed and a committee set up chaired by Nigel Lawson. An informal get together of all plot holders is planned for February.

Planning consent from Lichfield District Council for change of use of the parking and garage storage area is imminent, so allotment holders will soon be able to officially use the parking area, and, if storage space for tools and equipment is required may apply to the committee for garage storage space.

We have obtained a large number of water butts and these will be used for the collection and storage of water from the garages and car port roofs for watering the plots during the summer months. We still have a problem with excess surface water but are looking into the possibility of either installing a drainage system or building a soak away or pond. The Parish Council has applied for grants to cover the cost of any such work and is awaiting the outcome of the applications. If successful work should begin early April.

At the Country Fair next September your Council is planning to develop the Produce Marquee theme and encourage all plot holders to enter allotment grown produce in the show. Rob Wincup has provided details of entry requirements in a follow up article. So to all you enthusiastic gardeners, ‘start planting.’

Note: Though we still have a few people on the reserve allotment list, if you are interested in taking up a plot in the future please give me a ring.   John Smith 01543 432848

Memorial Tree

You may have noticed that the memorial tree in memory of Ken Hay and Maurice Fisher has been replanted. The responsibility for the tree and the decision to replant it on District land was taken by Lichfield District Council.

Sandwell Land  ‘A Change to the Grange’

We continue our discussions with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council in an attempt to secure a long term lease on the Grange land and restore it to recreational and parkland for the community. We are also progressing our application for a large grant from Lichfield District Council for funding to ‘kick start’ the project. Unfortunately when dealing with local councils on issues of this type many problems have to be faced and overcome and progress is slow. Your council is under no illusions that a project of this type and magnitude can fail at any stage of the negotiations, but believe the time and effort put in and the frustrations faced are all worth while. If we succeed, in a few years time this land could be completely restored with excellent playing facilities for children including, a tennis court doubling up with a five a side football and basket ball area, a football pitch, play areas for both older and younger children, a picnic area with chairs and tables down by the canal and benches for mothers, fathers and grandparents to relax as their children play. It is a beautiful area waiting for people to enjoy. Your council is committed to its development. What are your views?

When promoting a project of this kind support from the community often helps promote the case. If any members of our community would be prepared to draft a short note of support please e mail John Smith on johnandrosemarysmith@btinternet.com or phone on 01543 432848.

Glebe Land

Your Council is still in negotiations with St Giles Hospice over the purchase of the land. We are hopeful that a decision will be made on the outcome in the near future.

Whittington Woodland Committee

Whittington Wood, formally known as Kestrels Wood, consists of approximately two acres of land bounded by the rear of Spring Lane, Peregrine Close and the canal. The parish council has et up an advisory committe to manage this lovely piece of woodland.

Working parties are periodically arranged to firstly consider any work that needs to be undertaken and secondly, to arrange for identified work to be completed. This is usually done by committee members and volunteers who will meet the first Saturday of each month from March, starting at 10.00 a.m. for a couple of hours. Any volunteers would be very welcome.

For Older News Click Here