Autumn No. 3/2016

Selattyn & Gobowen Parish Council. Distributed FREE to 1700 homes in the area. Contributions ALWAYS welcome!

Your Council Members’ Contact Numbers Ian Bennett ...... 655812 Tony Broom ...... 650557 Percy Cherrington ...... 650025 Sue Crow ...... 655385 John Davies ...... 653434 Paul Drury (Vice Chairman) ...... 654325 Huw Ellis (Chairman) ...... 650450 Craig Emery ...... 661779 Ron Jones ...... 777611 Linda Lindup ...... 679424 David Lloyd MBE (Shropshire Unitary Councillor) ...... 661315 Robert Macey (Shropshire Unitary Councillor) ...... 662615 Erica Morgan ...... 680277 Simon Westwood-Bate ...... [email protected] Steve West-Wynn ...... 657762

Parish Contact Details (office hours apply) Parish Clerk (including burial enquiries): Amy Gregory, Hawthorne Cottage, Porthywaen, SY10 8LX ...... 829571 E-mail: [email protected] ...... www.selattyn-gobowenpc.org.uk Assistant to the Parish Clerk (Playing Field & Pavilion Bookings): Nigel Thomas ...... 07906 468460 E-mail: [email protected]

Advertisements If you would like to advertise in the next edition of the Parish Roundabout please send your information to Amy Gregory (contact details above) with a cheque made payable to ‘Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council’ by 1st November 2016. We accept written details, Word documents or jpeg format. It costs £50 for an eighth of a page, £75 for half a page and £100 for a full page a year. The Selattyn & Gobowen Parish Roundabout is published 4 times a year and distributed to 1700 homes in the area. Contributions We always welcome contributions from people living in the parish. If you’d like to air your views on a particular subject or have a photograph or piece of artwork on the cover then please get in touch with the Parish Clerk (see contact details above). Articles submitted as “Word” files should be formatted for XP software or earlier. The deadline for the next issue (Winter) is 1st November 2016. Statutory Disclaimer All articles and advertisements are published in good faith. Selattyn & Gobowen Parish Council cannot check all details in the articles and any views expressed may not necessarily reflect those of the council. Neither can we be held responsible for the actions of any advertisers now or in the future. Parish Council Meetings Parish Council meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month except August when there is no meeting. Details of agendas and minutes of previous meetings can be viewed on the Council’s website www.selattyn-gobowenpc.org.uk. Current agendas are also posted on the parish notice boards in Selattyn bus shelter, outside the Library on St Martins Road, outside the Co-op on Station Road in Gobowen, and outside The Last Inn in Hengoed.

Cover image: Supported by Incredible Edible planters beside the parish notice board on St. Martins Road, Gobowen

Reports & Information

Chairman’s Report postponed. The Parish Council are extremely I would like to express my gratitude to my pleased to be able to play a role in the fellow councillors for electing me as chairman staging of this truly worthy event. Well done for this year. It is a real privilege and an to all participants and organisers in the honour to serve in this capacity. I will do my smooth running of this Tournament. utmost to uphold the high standards of office set by my many predecessors. This summer I had two very enjoyable outings, one was at Selattyn Fete and the We are all extremely grateful to Councillor other was St Mary’s church fete. It was most Sue Crow who has chaired our council for pleasing to witness first hand the positive the past two years. She is to be congratulated enthusiasm that abounds within our parish to on her achievements during her term of such events. Congratulations to all office. Not only has she chaired the Parish concerned. Council, she has also chaired numerous special planning meetings outside of our Ambling through Gobowen one cannot fail to monthly meetings. For a while she also notice the wonderful seasonal display of juggled the dual roles of both clerk and colour that we are presented with. The Cross chairman. As we all know behind every Foxes have yet again this year put an out- successful woman there is a man busily standing array of flowers for us to feast our beavering away in the background, Phil Crow eyes upon. The Parish Council are extremely has stepped in to assist us in a whole range of pleased with the quality and vibrancy of the capacities whenever called upon to do so. plants that we procured from The Derwen to Many thanks to you both. fill our planters. This year we were able to extend the planters into Selattyn further This Roundabout magazine is increasingly spreading the floral cheer. Plants in hot being viewed as an invaluable reference weather need to be tended and special manual of information and news on all Parish thanks to all who assist with the nurturing of matters. We are continually looking for new our displays as well as their own. material to include within it. If you have any suggestions for future issues then please do Even though we are only in September, the not hesitate to contact us. Please keep us nights are already drawing in and our informed of events and activities that are thoughts turn towards the Remembrance scheduled within our Parish, there is nothing Service and the laying of wreaths in worse than reading about it after it has taken November. It is an occasion where we have place and saying ‘If I had known about it I the opportunity of recording our thanks to would have gone’. We will also publicise all the individuals and their families who events of which are pre-notified of on our sacrificed on our behalf. Each year we have a website. significant turnout which is representative of our parish and wider community and it is This season The Graham Edwards Memorial uplifting to note the attendance of both Trophy had the benefit of very favourable young and old ensuring that they will not be weather with no matches having to be forgotten.

Reports & Information

The quest for the reduction in our carbon Community Meals Project footprint continues with the upgrading of our As winter starts to draw ever nearer, please streetlights to LED. This will also reduce our remember older members of the community parish power bill. Road safety issues are of a who may be struggling. One way the Parish particular concern and despite our very best Council is trying to help older residents is by efforts we are finding that progress to ad- running the community meals project. dress these shortcomings are painfully slow. Thanks to the support of a dedicated team of volunteers, hot meals are delivered every The wall running alongside the carriageway Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for the cost of into Selattyn has been in disrepair now for a £4 which includes a main meal and a sweet. number of years. We continue to lobby hard As the meals are provided by the hospital, a for its repair and are most grateful for all range of diets can be catered for. manner of support from you all in our collective effort to secure success. When this is There is no long term commitment and meals achieved Selattyn will have its second solar can be had for as little as a week at a time, street lamp installed. perfect if you are a carer who wants to take a break or if you have just returned from Early autumn marks the end of the school hospital. If you would know of anyone who summer holidays and special care needs to would benefit from this sort of service please be taken when walking to school on dark contact the Parish Clerk (contact details on mornings. Colder and wetter weather also page 2). creates problems so please spare a thought for others who may have difficulties dealing We need your help! with such a change. The Roundabout is delivered to every household in the Parish thanks to the kind Both our villages and Parish are growing in work of volunteers who give up a few hours 4 population and future needs and services times a year to post copies through required will change in the coming years. If letterboxes. We would be delighted to hear any one has any thoughts in this respect then from anyone who might be interested in please let us know so that we can forward helping out with delivering roundabouts as it plan and incorporate the future require- would lighten the load of those already giving ments into our future strategy. We aim up their time. Anybody looking to add some wherever and whenever possible to deliver volunteering experience to their CV? This positive outcomes to all parish matters. In could be the perfect opportunity. If you think order to achieve this it is essential that there you can help, please get in touch with the is engagement by you, the parishioners, with Parish Clerk – 01691 829571. ourselves the councillors and our parish clerk and assistant. We welcome and encourage Gobowen Pavilion & Playing your participation in our monthly meetings Field Booking Details and the team is only a phone call or e-mail Gobowen Pavilion is ideal for a variety of away. events including meetings, children’s parties, Huw Ellis (Chairman) social gatherings, training sessions and

Playing Field You may have noticed that a large item of play equipment, the wooden multi-play, has recently been removed from the play area. The wooden multi-play was a very popular piece of play equipment, used by a range of age groups but unfortunately it had to be removed before the Summer holidays, in the view of safety, as its condition was deteriorating. The good news is that the Parish Council are currently in the process of applying for funding to purchase and install a new piece of equipment as shown above. If funding bids are successful, the new piece of equipment will be installed in Spring 2017. Watch this space… sporting events. Features include padded Selattyn & Gobowen Parish Council on 01691 folding chairs, folding tables, full Wi-Fi access, 829571, email [email protected] or central heating, a water boiler, a fridge/ Nigel Thomas, Assistant to the Parish Clerk, freezer, cups, plates and cutlery, an overhead Selattyn & Gobowen Parish Council on 07906 projector, a white board, washing facilities. 468 460 (office hours apply). The building is wheelchair accessible, it has 4 showers, toilets, parking for 18 vehicles and If you wish to use the playing field for an the area is monitored by CCTV. activity / event, this is free of charge but you do need to go through the booking process to The cost for the main hall with kitchen and ensure it is not already booked on that day or access to toilets is just £10 per hour. For that maintenance work is not due to take further details and a booking form, please place. If you wish to book the playing field, contact either Amy Gregory, Parish Clerk, please use the contact details listed above.

Reports & Information

Parking at the Gobowen Pavilion Please can we remind parishioners and visitors to the parish that there is ample parking available at the Gobowen Pavilion.

The Car Park is accessible at all times and is monitored by CCTV. Parking in and around Gobowen is limited so if you are attending an event at the school or maybe a club at the Church, please consider parking at the Pavilion and utilising the space available.

Streetlights If you see a streetlight that is not working or burning during the day please report it to the Parish Clerk and if it is owned by the Parish Council we will arrange to have it repaired as soon as possible. As we do not undertake flashing on and off, flickering, very dim routine patrols of streetlights we reply on the etc public to report any issues. There are stickers on each of the streetlights owned by the Please note: due to part-night lighting being Parish Council so, where possible, if you can implemented in Shropshire, some street quote the reference number on the lights will not be activated during the hours streetlight when reporting it, it will help us to of midnight to 5.30am. Following the clocks locate the light for repair. going forward in March or back in October, it can take up to two weeks for the timing If the streetlight does not have a sticker on mechanism within the lamp posts to reset. with the Parish Council’s details, it is likely to During this time, the street lights may be be owned by Shropshire Council. operating slightly earlier or later than expected. You don't need to report this as it What to do.. will correct itself. ● Ring them on 03456 789 007 with the following information to hand: Rights of Way ● Name of the road the street light If you have identified any issues on Rights of illuminates Way through the Parish, please report them ● Town or parish name to the Parish Clerk so that they can be ● Lamp number - located on a label fixed to referred onto Shropshire Council. This could the lamp column include an issue with accessibility to a bridle- ● Location - eg outside houses 62/44, or way, stiles in need of repair or anything else opposite etc that would be considered a concern for the ● Type of fault - eg not lit, on all day, Rights of Way team.

Flu Vaccinations available in Bryn Y Castell Coppice Group Gobowen We continue to monitor the coppice, with From September Gobowen Pharmacy will be regular working days. There has recently offering the seasonal flu inoculation. For been some damage to the steps and fences. more information please call in the pharmacy There has also been further damage to some or call 652377. trees. The bank on the approach road now has mix of vegetation with some flowers. A Word of Thanks Some areas remain wet. Several birds nests I would like to take this opportunity to have been observed in the coppice. express my thanks to the organisers and stewards of the Graham Edwards Memorial Trophy for taking care of the parish pavilion and the playing fields during the 3 week run of the tournament in the summer. Assistant to the Parish Clerk

Recycling Figures from Shropshire Council for 2015/6 show that Shropshire is evidently very efficient at recycling - 3.5% goes to landfill (in other parts of the country this is around 15%); 52% is recycled. The remainder (44.5%) is used to produce electricity at the Energy There is still a large amount of litter left lying Recovery Facility and the ash left is used in about, particularly near the bridge and in various ways including in breeze blocks. some of the areas where people congregate. There have been occasional incidents of dog A few tips for us to improve things – Take the waste being left. This is particularly worrying tops off plastic bottles and put them in with at this time of year with young children play- the squashed bottles – this helps to reduce ing in the coppice. Most of the trees we have the volume which means more fit in one planted are growing well. Future working load. sessions Saturdays September 10, October 8, 09:00 – 11:00 in the Coppice. At the South Please recycle plastic bottles, empty cans end of playing field. Anyone who would like from the bathroom and perfume bottles. It to help would be welcome. Please wear wa- seems that these are not always put in the terproof boots and bring gardening gloves. recycle containers. Chris Jenkins

Lastly no broken glass not because it can’t be 2017 Parish Council Elections recycled but it is a Health and Safety issue, it Parish Councillors hold office for a period of could result in injury to the people who four years and retire on the fourth day after collect the waste the ordinary day of election. The newly

Reports & Information elected Councillors take office on the day on Election Materials and Guides which their predecessors retire. For detailed information visit the following websites: The next ordinary election for Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council will take place in May 2017. In the lead up to the elections, all information will be published on our website, shared in the Roundabout and on our Face- book and Twitter pages.

Included in the information published later this year will be details on nomination forms and how you can put yourself forward as a candidate to become a Councillor. To qualify as a candidate you must be:

● 18 years of age or over at the date of nomination SALC Webpage ● A commonwealth citizen, a citizen of the www.alcshropshire.co.uk/elections republic of Ireland, or a citizen of another NALC Elections Webpage member state of the European Commu- www.nalc.gov.uk/our-work/elections nity and either: NALC ‘It Takes All Sorts” (information for ● On that day and thereafter continues to prospective candidates) be a local government elector for the area www.nalc.gov.uk/publications of the parish; or “Be a Councillor” website ● During the whole of the 12 months pre- http://beacouncillor.co.uk/ ceding that day has occupied as owner or ‘Become a Councillor’ website tenant any land or premises in the parish; www.gov.uk/government/get-involved/take- or part/become-a-councillor ● Principal or only place of work during that Be a Councillor – Local Government 12 months has been in that area; or Association ● During the whole of those 12 months re- www.local.gov.uk/be-a-councillor sided either in the parish or within 4.8km of it Electoral Commission “Candidates and agents at parish and community council If you are interested in becoming a Parish elections in England and Wales Councillor, please visit our website www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/ (www.selattyn-gobowenpc.org.uk) where candidate-or-agent/parish-and-community- information will be published later in the year council-elections-in-england-and-wales or to discuss things in more detail, please contact the Parish Clerk on 01691 829571. Being a Local Councillor What’s it all about?

Want to do something positive? the Code of Conduct adopted by the Help make a difference by influencing council decisions that affect your community? ● Information about councillors is Then stand for election to become a Council- available in the council’s publication lor on your local parish council scheme ● The first business of the council’s annual What will I do if elected? meeting is the election of its chairman ● Attend council meetings ● Most councils appoint a Vice Chairman ● Raise matters that the council can con- but this is optional sider and formally decide to take action ● The normal term of office for the Chair- about at meetings man is one year ● Make informed contributions which influence the debate on the business that So, what are you waiting for? needs to be decided at those meetings ● Participate in the Council’s decision Advice is always available regarding making process, which in itself is subject becoming a councillor. Contact the Parish to strict rules and guidelines Clerk (details on page 2) today to find out ● Represent the Council externally more!

From Local Councils Explained Llangollen Canal Towpath by Meera Tharmarajah Solicitor for the One of the most enjoyable walks in our Parish National Association of Local Councils is along the canal, which runs for a couple of miles along our northern boundary. From the Key Points village you can follow part of Wats Dyke Way, ● A Councillor’s normal term of office is 4 the footpath opposite the school goes years through the meadows to Preeshenlle Lane, ● Is the holder of a public office and not a past Henlle Hall and down the Dyke Walk to volunteer the canal. It's a peaceful place where the ● The main job of a councillor is to quiet water flows, fish stirring, birds flying in participate in the collective decision the trees and bushes. The towpath is a making processes of the council. favourite place for walking the dog, they love ● He/she has no authority to make to race along and some enjoy a swim too. decisions about council business on his/ Other people use the path for running or her own cycling, you can go to Chirk or Llangollen ● A local council may arrange insurance without worrying about traffic. cover to indemnity its councillors against liability resulting from them being There's only one problem; the towpath is representatives of the council quite uneven in places, muddy and slippery in ● A councillor’s financial and certain other the wet weather. It's not good for those less interests in council business must be able with wheelchairs or pushchairs. The transparent towpath needs to be restored, as it has be in ● He/she is subject to obligations set out in many other places. Ideally we need a level, gravelled footpath.  9

Reports & Information

I have approached the Canal and Rivers Trust who now look after the waterways on our behalf but they say they haven't the money, I'm not so sure, but we need to form a group to apply for funds so that everyone can enjoy the walk along the towpath that links the villages of Gobowen, St. Martins and Weston Rhyn.

(Above: Louise Keevil, Director Charity and Corporate services with some of the archive materials at Derwen College)

“We are keen to share our story and make these wonderful records of Agnes’s life and Derwen College available for visitors to see. We have a vacancy for a volunteer archivist to come in and work with us at Derwen to really bring these archive materials to life” If you are interested please give me a ring on said Louise Keevil, Director Charity & 777611, or email [email protected] Corporate Services, Derwen College. Ron Jones Anyone interested in volunteering for the Derwen College archivist post can contact the college’s Derwen College are on the hunt for an H R d e p a r t m e n t a t archivist. As Derwen College make plans to [email protected] or call 01691 celebrate their 90th birthday in 2017 they are 661234 Ext 247 for more details. looking to share the history of the college since its founding in 1927 by Dame Agnes Agnes Hunt was honoured as Dame Agnes Hunt. Hunt 90 years ago in 1926. A year later In 1927, with the approval The college has a collection of official docu- of the education au- ments, photographs, letters and memorabilia thorities, and the finan- that they feel should be on display for the cial assistance of the public to see for a glimpse into the life of Shropshire Orthopaedic Dame Agnes Hunt who also founded, in Hospital, a house adja- partnership with Robert Jones, the orthopae- cent to the hospital dic hospital in Gobowen before setting up called ‘The Derwen’ Derwen college. was purchased, along with 35 acres of

land. Here Dame Agnes founded the Derwen The cost is £2.50, all the equipment is Training College where physically disabled provided and tea or coffee with biscuits is young people could learn a trade, suitable to included. A very warm welcome is ensured to their disability, and become either partially or all who would like to try it. For more wholly self-supporting. information contact Olwen 650736 or Kath 238071. The college are also planning on a series of drop in coffee mornings over the next few Cutting Your Hedge months at the college and also at the Station When undertaking work on garden hedges Café in Gobowen where they are inviting check that there are no birds nesting, as it is people to share their memories of the college an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside over the years. These memories will also be Act 1981 to damage or destroy the nest of added to the story of Derwen College and any wild bird while it is in shared with visitors during the celebration use or being built. The bird nesting season is year in 2017. For more information on how usually considered to run from 1st March to to get involved people can email 31st August [email protected]. (though it may last James Forster from Halls in Shrewsbury has longer for been in to take a look at the archive materials certain and was impressed with the collection that Derwen College have and said that it is certainly a story that should be shared. species Tonia Davies, Derwen College multiple broods so Gobowen Indoor Bowling always check if Twenty Five Years ago the Indoor Bowling in doubt). club was started by John and Sue Evans now sadly no Don’t throw your stamps away! longer with Charities welcome your used stamps. The us. It is a gen- Hope House shop in Oswestry will take used tle sport with stamps. the benefit of being indoors.

It is a friendly club which is a social gather- ing as much as the playing of bowls. It takes place at All Saints Church Hall, Old Chirk Road every Wednesday afternoon between 2 and 4pm.

Special Olympics North Shropshire We are part of the country’s largest provider of year-round sports training and competition programme for all people with learning difficulties. We are part of the Olympic family, but unlike the Paralympics we are not just a sporting event. We concentrate on community sport at all levels and all abilities.

Special Olympics Great Britain was started in 1978 as part of a worldwide movement, founded in the USA by Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Since that time thousands of people have benefited and seen their lives changed through sport. Special Olympics North Shropshire is one of 150 SO Groups in Great Britain. We currently have 40 athletes on our register.

The Special Olympics North Shropshire was formed in 1989 by Val Hannover, who ran the club until 2012. The club provides training with qualified coaches and offers participation in compe- titions at regional, national and international level for both children and adults with a learning difficulty.

Volunteering Special Olympics offers many opportunities for volunteering. As sport partner, driver, fundraiser or serving on the committee.

● You are guaranteed to make good friends! ● Becoming a volunteer could be part of a Duke of Edinburgh award ● Volunteering with us teaches new skills and enhances one’s CV

Training Would you like to come training with us? You are very welcome to come for a trial session.

We meet weekly during term time at the following times:

Training Times On Monday at Oswestry Leisure Centre, 5pm-7.30pm Badminton Swimming Table Tennis One Wednesday at the Venue, Park Hall, 5.30pm-6.30pm Boccia On Wednesdays at Moreton Hall School, 7pm-8pm Basket Ball during the winter Athletics during the summer

For more information please contact Brian Johnson, Chairman, telephone 01691 657370, email [email protected] or Caroline Chenery, Secretary, telephone 01691 610401, email [email protected], www.specialolympics.org.uk Brian Johnson, Chairman, Special Olympics North Shropshire

Do you struggle to get to work due to transport issues?

Do you live in Gobowen, Weston Rhyn or St Martins?

Helping you on the road to success

Thanks to funding from the Three Parishes Big Local fund, Wheels2Work is currently offering transport solutions (including 50cc Moped, 125cc Scooter, electric bicycle and bicycle loans) to residents of Gobowen, Weston Rhyn or St Martins.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Phone: 01743 237885 Email: [email protected] Website: www.shropshire-rcc.org.uk/transport

Registered charity no. 1096779 13

Clubs & Organisations

Mon 9.00-9.30am Gobowen Family Support Drop-In Gobowen Primary School 656513

Mon 9.00-11.00am Stay & Play Session Gobowen Primary School 655121

Mon 12.00pm Lunch Club (once every month) All Saint’s Church Hall 659674

Mon 1.45pm ‘Sparklers’ Pre-school All Saint’s Church Hall 672983 (2nd Mon of the month)

Mon 5.00-7.00pm Fusion Arts Gobowen Youth Sessions Gobowen Pavilion 677170

Mon 5.15-6.15pm Plastic Sword Fencing (for ages 8+) Gobowen Scout Hut 07773 454157

Mon 7.30pm Selattyn Woodturning Club (Every 2nd Mon Oaklands 661500 of month)

Tue 9.30-11.00am O.A.S.H.G. T'ai Chi Gobowen Scout Hall 656321

Tue 10.00am-4.00pm Oswestry Men's Shed Oswestry Showground 07821 357 356

Tue 10.30-11.30am Time to Listen Gobowen Library 653388

Tue 6.00-7.15pm Beavers Gobowen Scout Hall 658016

Tue 2.30pm Women’s Fellowship Preeshenlle United 658016 Reform Church

Tue 6.00-7.30pm 1st Gobowen Girls Brigade Christ Church, Oswestry 680708

Tue 7.00pm Women’s Institute All Saint’s Church Hall 656914 (1st Tue of month)

Tue 7.30-9.00pm Kempo Karate Gobowen Scout Hall 777463

Wed 10.00am-4.00pm Oswestry Men's Shed Oswestry Showground 07821 357 356

Wed 2.00-5.00pm Indoor Bowls All Saint’s Church Hall 661648

Wed 7.15pm Karate All Saint’s Church Hall 652095

Thu Phoenix Group (formerly W.I.) The Cross Keys (2nd Thu of month) Function Room, Selattyn

Thu 10.00am-4.00pm Oswestry Men's Shed Oswestry Showground 07821 357 356

Thu 10.00am-12.00pm Gobowen I.T. Project Gobowen Pavilion 655385 (term time only)

Thu 1.00-2.45pm Stay & Play Session Gobowen Primary School 655121

Thu 2.30pm Mothers’ Union (4th Thu of month) All Saint’s Church Hall 659674

Thu 4.00pm Gobowen Old Friends Association All Saint’s Church Hall 650502 (every 3rd Thu of month)

Thu 7.30pm Salsa Dancing Classes (fortnightly) The Last Inn, Hengoed 659747

Thu 7.30pm Ladies’ Guild (2nd Thu of month) All Saint’s Church Hall 650516

Fri 9.00-10.30am Little Badgers Selattyn School Hall 659744

Fri 5.45-7.30pm Cubs Gobowen Scout Hall 658016

Fri 7.30-9.00pm Selattyn Youth Club Selattyn School Hall 690511

Fri 7.45-9.30pm Scouts Gobowen Scout Hall 658016

Fri 8.00-9.30pm Explorer Scouts Gobowen Scout Hall 658016

Sat 3.00-5.00pm Gobowen Celtic Football Club Gobowen Playing Field (August 2016 to May 2017 season) Gobowen

Sun Contact the Elderly Various locations 0121 603

If there are any changes to the arrangement of these Clubs & Organisations please contact the Assistant to the Parish Clerk via email (details on page 2) to keep the information printed here as up to date as possible. Diary of Events

12th Oct ‘16 7.00pm Parish Council Meeting The Pavilion, St. Martin’s Road, Gobowen

9th Nov ‘16 7.00pm Parish Council Meeting The Pavilion, St. Martin’s Road, Gobowen

14th Dec ‘16 7.00pm Parish Council Meeting The Last Inn, Hengoed (tbc)

17th Dec ‘16 Christmas Tree Festival All Saints Church, Old Chirk Road

18th Dec ‘16 Christmas Tree Festival All Saints Church, Old Chirk Road

Gobowen Youth Sessions

usion Arts continue to deliver youth sessions at Gobowen Pavilion on Monday nights F from 5-7pm (excluding Bank Holidays).

They have a range of activities, including new gen consoles such as X box one and PS4 for gaming sessions. Sessions continue through out the autumn so everyone is welcome.

The entry fee is £1 and refreshments are available to those who attend.

Shropshire Association of Local Councils

Meeting with MPs effect on their precept. SALC urged Govern- Some members of our Executive met recently ment not to apply a cap on local councils if with the county’s MPs, Mark Pritchard, Lucy precepts were initially high as this was likely Allan, Owen Paterson, Philip Dunne, and PA to stabilise in the years ahead. If Govern- to Daniel Kawczynski who had given his ment would increase the capping level of apologies. The meeting was joined by the 1.99 % on the Unitary Council, this would Town Clerks from Oswestry, Market Drayton ease the situation for town and parish and Bridgnorth in response to their request councils who were bearing the brunt of the at the Shropshire Market Towns meeting. impact. Outlying smaller parish councils did not want to contribute and this was a sticking SALC’s Chairman, David Beechey point. SALC urged the Cabinet to consider congratulated Philip Dunne on his new the situation in rural Shropshire with its appointment as Minister of State for Health. sparsity issues. (If you are not already aware, the new Prime Minister Theresa May MP has appointed Sajiv The Clerks said that the town councils Javid MP as secretary of state for the depart- wanted to help but some areas were facing ment for communities and local government; as much as 300% increase. The MPs’ the full list of cabinet appointments is here.) attention was drawn to a letter to Oswestry TC from Marcus Jones, MP, Minister for Local SALC raised the issue of how the Business Government, who had stated that whilst Rate retention, redistributed to councils as there was nothing to prevent local councils the Regional Support Grant settlement, raising their council tax levels so long as they would impact on councils where Telford & were then able to obtain a positive outcome Wrekin were likely to benefit but not so for to a referendum proposing higher rural Shropshire. Responding Philip Dunne levels. However, the Government expects stated that there was some scope now for councils to behave responsibly and protect change but Government’s deficit reduction tax payers from excessive council tax rises plans remained. It was likely there would be and failure to do so could result in Govern- some changes in how funding would be ment imposing referendum principles on shared out with some transitional arrange- local councils too in the future. The Clerks ments and there would be more indication of said the threat of this was restrictive on local these changes in the Chancellor’s Autumn councils wishing to diversify and take on Budget Statement. more services in the future. Local people were also unlikely to approve large scale The MPs also encouraged all local councils to percentage increases and there were consider the opportunities and options in instances of areas where it was difficult to discretionary services moving down a tier, engage with parishes. In some areas, the suggesting the chairs of LJCs should take a cost of contributing to a local nature reserve leadership role. They referred to Church would mean a 23.3% increase. Stretton TC who had costed options for the Leisure Centre and Pool and who were now MPs referred to the current funding problem consulting the local population about the which was completely skewed and the need

to find a solution for rural areas which the the NHS need to improve their communica- new Minister was looking into. The question tions as to the services available at GP of a countywide referendum had been ruled surgeries. out as it was not clear what this could achieve due to the different scale of likely And finally, SALC congratulated Lucy Allan on increases. Reference was made to the the work she had undertaken in taking on increasing unavailability of employees to board the national funding formula for rural engage with over asset transfer and leasing primary schools which was in need of urgent arrangements and urged those interested to review. SALC also raised the issue of act quickly. Also, to engage imaginatively educational support grants not moving with with others such as Shropshire Wildlife Trust pupils when they move schools. Lucy Allan with whom councils might make joint was aware of the issue and would raise this arrangements. with the select committee.

The clerks also brought up the issue of high The Shropshire Way levels of insurance being experienced with The Shropshire Way was devised by Ramblers more being taken on and it was suggested in 1980 providing a long distance path of 140 that SALC writes to the British Association of miles through the best of Shropshire’s Insurers. beautiful countryside. Some 20 years later the original route was upgraded by SALC brought up the issues around FutureFit/ Shropshire Council to promote tourism. CommunityFit. MPs were pleased with the Subsequently it has been expanded to appointment of Simon Wright as Chief provide more links to market towns and Executive of Shropshire and Telford NHS more opportunities for shorter circular walks. Hospital Trust who was inspiring a speedy resolution around the issues in bringing these Whilst this was well received at the time, it disciplines together. Speaking of his new has become evident that the web of routes appointment in Health, Philip Dunne was that are now part of the Shropshire Way delighted that Simon Wright was looking at cause some confusion on the ground. This the whole of social care too and speaking means that there is no defined route that a with NHS England on a Sustainability and long distance walker could complete and say Transformation Plan reviewing how health they have walked the Shropshire Way. and social care systems could be transformed. Recommendations would be We would like to know your views about a submitted to the Department of Health in the proposed ‘Shropshire Way Main Route’ and autumn. Funding and the NHS deficit would the line it should take. Please follow the link be a challenge and this was significant across below to access a short survey to give us your NHS Trusts. opinion, the 4 routes are in pdf form on the proposal page and clicking on “How to get MPs congratulated Health Watch on the involved” will access the survey. clarity of their communications around http://new.shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/ ‘A&E’. They also noted SALC’s request that shropshire-way/

Three Parishes Big Local

During the last few months, the Three Parishes Big Local Partnership has been pleased to award a number of Community Chest grants to local groups. The groups that have been awarded grants are:

St. Martins Angling Club, who have received £320 towards equipment for their pond including safety equipment for the Carrot & Carp site, Chirk Bank Community who have received £500 towards the cost of a new door and frame for Chirk Bank Chapel building, St. Martins WI who have received £250 towards a craft workshop, Weston Rhyn Trust who have received £400 towards a project to renew the outside area on the Weston Rhyn rec.

Community Chest grants (up to £500) and Big Grants (£501 to £5000) are still available as part of our Community Plan. Please get in touch with us if you have an idea for a project or activity that Three Parishes Big Local could fund. Full details of all the activities included in our Community plan will be published in the autumn when it has been approved by Local Trust. The plan will run for the next 3 years, from September 2016 to August 2019.

As part of a Three Parishes Big Local funded project, Fairshare Credit Union have been working with Gobowen Primary School to develop a School Savings club. School staff and Year 5 and 6 pupils have been working with Andrea Broady from Fairshare to get the service up and running. The savings club finally opened its doors for pupils to make their first deposits on Tuesday 7th June, and is now open every Friday. The response from parents and pupils has been fantastic and by the end of July there are now 21 signed up members and between them they have saved a massive £349.27. Collections will resume once the children go back to school in September.

You can now join online at www.fairshare.uk.com/about/how-to-join-fairshare. If you interested in joining or would like more information but do not have online access, you can telephone FAIRshare on 01743 240403.

Finally, the Three Parishes Big Local Partnership has welcomed a new member of staff to the team. Paula Pugh joined the Three Parishes Big Local team as Communications and Community Project officer at the beginning of June. One of Paula’s tasks is to look at ways of supporting local groups to promote their events and fundraisers. If you are part of a group that is organising an event, please let Paula know.

Mail: Qube, Oswald Road, Oswestry, SY11 1RB Phone: 01691 656882 Email: [email protected] Website : www.big-local.org Follow us on twitter: 3PBigLocal Like our facebook page: 3PBigLocal

Help & Advice

Police warn of new scam the report was false and has not transferred telephone calls money and contacted the police. Police in Warwickshire and West Mercia are warning members of the public to be alert to Police warn that the scammers will make potential hoax calls pretending to be from repeated attempts to gain access to telephone or computer companies. computers by asking potential victims to input codes to target 'infected' files, or may There have been a few reports involving hoax request account details. phone calls claiming to be employees from either BT or TalkTalk to inform potential How to protect yourself victims that they have a virus on their ● Do not allow remote access to your computers, or they are due a refund. computer. ● Hang up the phone when you identify Incidents have been reported in the Harbury that the call is uninvited. and Alcester areas in Warwickshire and Never divulge passwords or pin Malvern, Worcestershire over the past week. numbers. ● BT, Microsoft, other computer compa- Incident 150-18-06-16 nies or someone on their behalf will An elderly person in her 80s received a call never call you. from Talk-Talk who advised her that they needed to download some software on to TalkTalk have also said they will NEVER: her computer and obtained their personal ● Ask for your bank details to process a information. They were on the phone for refund. If you are ever due a refund approximately for an hour and a half and from them, they would only be able advised her that she was owed a refund and to process this if your bank details this is why they needed their bank details. are already registered on their systems. Incident 219-22-06-16 ● Call you and ask you to download soft- A call from someone claiming to be from Talk ware onto your computer, unless you -Talk accessed the victim's laptop as they have previously contacted TalkTalk, claimed the victim was owed £200. The discussed and agreed a call back for victim realised later on and the offenders had this to take place. attempted to take money from the victim's ● Send you emails asking you to provide bank accounts, however the bank has your full password. They will only ever blocked money transfer. ask for two digits from it to protect your security. Incident 0243S 220616 A call from someone claiming to be from BT It is also a good idea to contact the company accessed the victim's laptop as they claimed who the fraudulent caller claims to be from, the victim had multiple hacks on the account especially if this is a bank. Police urge anyone and requested they transfer £750 to help who receives similar calls to dial 101 and ambush the hackers. The victim has realised report them.

Help & Advice

Online Fraud 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk. Online shopping websites are being utilised by fraudsters to advertise vehicles for sale Scam Awareness which do not exist. After agreeing to West Mercia Police is marked scam aware- purchase the vehicle via email with the fraud- ness month in July by raising awareness of sters, buyers then receive emails purporting identity crime, with the message 'there's only to be from Amazon Payments and/or Amazon one you; keep it that way'. Flexible Payment Service stating that their money will be held in an ‘escrow account’ (a Obtaining a person's identity, in the form of bank account held by a third party, used as a their personal details, gives criminals the temporary holding account during a transac- opportunity to commit identity crime, such as tion between two parties- for a 7 day ‘cooling fraud. Fraudsters may be able to take over off’ period). someone's existing bank accounts, open new ones, obtain credit cards, loans and mobile Once happy with the purchase the email phone contracts, order goods and get indicates the money will be released to the genuine documents in that person's name. seller, therefore offering ‘buyer protection’. In reality these emails are fraudulent and do Identity fraud was the largest fraud carried not come from Amazon. The bank accounts out against individuals, nationally, according are controlled by fraudsters. to the Annual Fraud Indicator 2016, estimated at £5.4bn a year. Protect yourself Remember that Amazon does not provide an West Mercia Police is urging people to be escrow account to purchase items. aware of the risk of this type of crime and to make sure they follow some simple steps to ● Meet the seller ‘face to face’ and view reduce the chances of falling victim. To find the vehicle before parting with any out more please take a look here: money. www.westmercia.police.uk/becybersmart ● Be vigilant of emails that purport to be from genuine companies and check Commissioner Unveils Safer the ‘domain’ name of the email West Mercia Plan for address for any inconsistencies. Consultation ● Check feedback online by searching Police and Crime Commissioner John the associated phone numbers or Campion has unveiled his Safer West Mercia email addresses of the seller. Plan for consultation with communities and ● If the vehicle is below market value partners across West Mercia. consider whether this is an opportunity too good to be true! The plan sets out the Commissioner’s specific aims for the next four years and how he will If you, or anyone you know, have been create a safer West Mercia, working in affected by this fraud or any other scam, partnership with the police, communities and report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 other agencies.

John Campion said: "I set out my vision for a You will find information about our more secure, reformed, reassured and volunteering programme and how to apply. ultimately safer West Mercia before my election and I am now delivering on that If you experience any problems opening the vision. My plan outlines how I will ensure above link please Google West Mercia Police West Mercia is served by a modern, more and click on Jobs and Opportunities then effective, more efficient police force. It Police Support Volunteers. outlines how I will enable more active citizenship, empowering communities themselves to help tackle local issues, and it outlines how I will work with partners to achieve the best possible results and value for the public."

"I promised to listen and engage as Commissioner and I am delivering on that Rural Vulnerability Service promise. Your input and feedback has helped Limited options for fuel in rural localities - shape the plan up to now. I want to hear many of which lack mains gas - make efficient from as many people as possible before the fuel use and insulation particularly important plan is finalised to ensure it represents all the for countryside communities. priorities that matter most to our communities." In addition, rural residents face the challenges of lower average wages, an ageing The plan is out for consultation until 16th of population and single-skin, solid wall or September and people are invited to send n o n - cavity wall properties. their comments via email, the PCC website, The Rural Services Network believes the na- or letter. To see the draft plan and get all the tional picture must not mask this extra rural other necessary details please visit the dimension. Commissioner’s website. West Mercia Police Leading charities have published evidence showing progress on fuel poverty has slowed Volunteering Opportunities across the UK. (Third Force News). with West Mercia Police West Mercia Police are currently seeking Social isolation can be made worse by living Police Support Volunteers. We have a in a cold home, according to NHS Highland number of exciting new roles available. If you and Home Energy Scotland. (Press & Journal). are interested in becoming a Police Support Volunteer please visit our website: Energy providers are failing vulnerable customers by not offering competitive deals https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ that include access to the Government's article/2417/Police-Support-Volunteers . Warm Home Discount of £140. (This is Money). Rural Services Network 21

Community Notices

Gobowen Old Friends Association customers who is happy to talk about their Gobowen Old Friends is open to any experiences. Gobowen resident over 60 and enquiries can be made to the secretary, Heather Ryan, on 01691 239709. These young people have had a difficult time David Ryan (Chairman) and we should give them every opportunity to tell us what they have experienced and Oswestry Equality Group’s how they feel about their situation and the Successful Summer support that they are receiving. The Equality Group has a new tag-line – Equal people, equal voice. With this in mind, we On October 20th Bill and Lynn Morris from have been involved in a variety of projects the Kenyan Schools Project will speak about this summer. These have included talks on young people in Kenya. It should be the role of local press by Colin Channon, the interesting to find out what similarities and new editor of the Tizer, the role of trade differences there are between their young unions by a regional Unite co-ordinator and people and ours. also the Special Olympics by Brian Johnson, Chair of Special Olympics North Shropshire. This will all be followed by a discussion of The group felt very strongly that those with young people’s mental health on November learning disabilities involved with the Special 17th. Kay Brophy, who is a Counsellor and Olympics are not treated in the same way as Psychologist, set up Acorn Families four years all of the Olympians who have been to Rio. ago to provide counselling services to schools They have also worked in conjunction with for children, young people and their families. Oswestry Library to put on a very successful She will talk about the mental health prob- Celebrating Age Day. lems that school age people face. She will be accompanied by John Slowley who will talk Next term’s programme is very much focused about mental health issues in pre-school on youth. On September 22nd Sarah Smith, children. who is a Senior Support Worker at New Century Court (NCC) in Oswestry will be All of these meetings speaking about homelessness among young are held at 7.30pm people. Sarah is an experienced worker who in the Upper Room has worked at NCC for 2 years, where they at Cabin Lane support young people (aged 16 – 25) who are Church. A donation homeless or at risk of becoming so, to of £1 is requested to develop their life skills so that they can go on pay for the room and live independently. hire. Light refreshments are included. She will be talking about the impact of homelessness on a young person’s life and Anybody who would like to find out more the kind of situation that these young people about these meetings or the group can con- experience before they get to NCC. She will tact Penny Rice on 01691 680382 or e-mail be accompanied by at least one of their [email protected].

Disability Oswestry (and area) – people’s attitudes towards disability, We Can DO advocacy and the siting of Shropshire’s Emer- Disability Oswestry aims to be an umbrella gency and Diagnostic and Treatment Centres. organisation for all of the groups in the area which support those with a disability. These A printed directory of these groups and their include physical disability (seen and hidden), contact details has been started and circu- learning difficulties and disabilities, dementia lated amongst the other groups. Copies of and Alzheimer’s or those who have been in this are also available in local libraries. This contact with mental health services. will be updated monthly. Much of this information is on the Shropshire Community Directory, but this is only accessible to those who are on line or can visit Qube or the library.

In the future, the group will be represented at the Oswestry Community Games on September 25th. DO also aim to meet again in the middle of September, prior to a Shropshire networking event on October 5th at The Centre in Oswestry, when all of these separate groups can promote their activities.

If you would like your group to be included in The inaugural meeting had representatives these future plans, please contact Penny Rice from ten different such groups. It was felt on 01691 680382, or e-mail oswestryequali- that it is important that people can link to- [email protected] gether, as many of these groups do not know All Saints Church Events what is happening outside their own specific The Rhos Orpheus Male Voice Choir are disability area and can feel isolated. At the giving a concert at All Saints Church, Chirk meeting there was discussion of the role of Road, Gobowen, on 4th November 2016 at carers in times of tight financial restraint, 7.30pm.

Selattyn & Gobowen Parish Council have a Tickets are £10 to include wine or a soft drink website where you can find all details of council meetings. with nibbles in the interval. Details from Chris Visit www.selattyn-gobowenpc.org.uk Davies 01691 650524. Like us on Facebook We are also having a Quiz Night with a Fish

and Chip Supper in the Church Hall Gobowen www.facebook.comSelattynandGobowenPC on 16th September at 6.30pm, tickets are £6

details from Ellen Roberts 01691 650683 or Chris Davies 01691 650524. And follow us on Twitter @SandGPC 23 Useful Contact Information Medical Cambrian Medical Centre, Thomas Savin Road, Oswestry ...... 652929 Cambrian Pharmacy, Oswald Road, Oswestry ...... 670292 Caxton Surgery, Oswald Road, Oswestry—Emergency & General Enquiries ...... 654646 Appointments...... 6536000 Dispensary...... 659250 Repeat Prescriptions...... 658519 Chirk Surgery ...... 772434 Child Health Centre, Victoria Road, Oswestry ...... 653313 Gobowen Pharmacy ...... 652377 Plas Ffynnon Medical Centre, Middleton Road, Oswestry—Appointments & Enquiries ...... 655844 Repeat Prescriptions...... 655538 Shropdoc NHS Out of Hours ...... 08444 068888 Hospitals Chirk Community Hospital, John’s Street, Chirk ...... 772430 Princess Royal Hospital, Apley Castle, Telford ...... 01952 641222 Robert Johns & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital...... 404000 Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Mytton Oak Road, Shrewsbury ...... 01743 26100 Shropshire Nuffield...... 01743 817144 Wrexham Maelor Hospital ...... 01978 291100 Schools, Playgroups and Colleges Gobowen All Rounders ...... 653147 Gobowen Primary School (Head Teacher: Mrs. L. Luke) ...... 661343 Marches School, Oswestry (Head Teacher: Mrs. S. Longville) ...... 664400 North Shropshire College, Oswestry ...... 688000 Selattyn School (Head Teacher: Ms. C. Morgan) ...... 659744 St. Martin’s School (Principal: Mrs. S. Lovecy) ...... 776500 St. Martin’s Arts Centre (Principal: Mrs. S. Lovecy) ...... 776502 Sure Start Children’s Centre, Gobowen Family Support Drop-In, School Lane, Gobowen ...... 656513 Churches All Saints ...... 661226 Our Lady & Saint Oswald’s Catholic Church ...... 652248 Preeshenlle United Reformed Church ...... 658016 St. Mary’s Church, Selattyn ...... 661226 Police Local Police...... 101 PC Kate Le’Clere ...... 07792 774024 Reporting Crime Disorder (non-emergency) ...... 0300 333 3000 Crime Stoppers...... 0800 555 111 (FREE CALL) Veterinary Surgeries Border Veterinary Centre, Maesbury Road, Oswestry ...... 670395 Park Issa Veterinary Hospital, Salop Road, Oswestry ...... 670067 Travel Arriva Midlands North, Oswestry Depot.....0871 200 2233 Community Rail Officer ...... 772784 Gobowen Railway Station ...... 681010 National Rail Enquiries for long distance travel (local call charge)...... 08457 484950 Owens Coaches, Oswestry ...... 652126 Traveline (public transport information) ...... 0871 200 2233 Dial-a-Ride ...... 671571 General Age Concern ...... 01743 233123 Childline (FREE) ...... 0800 1111 Citizens Advice Bureau, 34 Arthur Street, Oswestry ...... 08444 991100 Community Meals...... 829571 Gobowen Allotments ...... 829571 Domestic Violence Helpline (FREE) ...... 0808 2000 247 Gobowen Library - Tues: 10am-1pm, 2pm-7pm, Thurs: 10am-1pm, Sat: 10am-1pm ...... 653388 Gobowen Post Office...... 658814 Helpmates...... 656882 Oswestry Leisure Centre, Shrewsbury Road...... 677150 Qube ...... 656882 R.S.P.C.A...... 08705 555999 Shopmobility...... 656882 Signature Smiles Dental Practice...... 662719 Shropshire Council (General Enquires)...... 0345 678 9000 Social Services Dept (North Area)...... 01743 253911 Volunteer Bureau ...... 670021