Parish Magazine ‘Whittington and Fisherwick Fund’ Creating Beautiful Cutlery, Silverware Being Held in and Gifts Has Been Our the Village Hall Passion Since 1902

March 2019 Whittington and Fisherwick

ConnectParish Magazine ‘Whittington and Fisherwick Fund’ Creating beautiful cutlery, silverware Being Held in and gifts has been our the Village Hall passion since 1902. See page 5

Huge savings on high street, retail and online prices. You won’t find this anywhere else in the village SAVE AN EXTRA Spring 10% WITH THIS OUTCRY HEARD ADVERT Present in store. Terms and Conditions Apply Staffordshire County Council reverse decision to withdraw funding. See page 4 FREE PARKING OPENING HOURS:

Proud RAFTS MONDAY - FRIDAY 9:30AM - 4:30PM C MA SH N supporters of I S IT H I R P SATURDAY - 10AM - 4PM B SUNDAY - CLOSED THE UK’S ARTHUR PRICE, SAVE THE DATE BRITANNIA WAY, LICHFIELD Please be aware that the shop is located on LARGEST the first floor via a staircase. If access is an WS14 9UY th th th th th th CUTLERY, TABLEWARE issue we have a ground floor room available Wed 17 April Sat 20 April Sat 11 May Sat 8 June Sat 29 - 30 June AND GIFT STORE 01543 267324 where products can be brought down for viewing by our dedicated customer ARTHURPRICEINLICHFIELD.CO.UK service team. CFS Open Forum Community Litter Fairtrade Day Church Fete Open Gardens Pick

Page 5 Page 3 Page 14 Page 11 Page 17 Whittington and Fisherwick Magnificent Magician Paul Page 11 ConnectParish Magazine

Your Parish Council Let’s Go For Gold Wine Tasting Page 7 Is Back! Page 14

Martyn Bennett Wisteria Cottage, Fisherwick 07973 300346 [email protected] John Cannon 7 Main Street, Whittington 01543 432171 [email protected] Richard Cotterill 32 Back Lane, Whittington In this issue... [email protected] John Heeler 28 Church Street, Whittington Community Litter Pick 3 Whittington WI 12 01543 304833 [email protected] Funding of School Crossing Patrols 4 Would You Believe It? 13 Garry Hyde 11 Neal Croft, Whittington Community Foundation for Staffordshire, The Fallen of the Great War 13 01543 433190 [email protected] Whittington and Fisherwick Trust Fund 5 Whittington and Fisherwick Fairtrade 14 Andrew Jackson Norcis, Main Street, Whittington Fly Tipping Incident 5 Join Your Parish Council 15 07753 651 458 [email protected] HS2 Construction Update 6 Whittington Wednesday Club 16 Paul Jansz 7 Swan Road, Whittington Let’s Go For Gold 7 Can You Help Your Village Hall? 16 07899985718 [email protected] Parish Council Budget 2019-2020 8 Whittington Open Gardens 17 Chris Millar 95 Back Lane, Whittington Whittington Duplicate Bridge Group 9 Whittington and Fisherwick Good 01543 433189 [email protected] Whittington Art Group 9 Neighbour Scheme - Update 18 Jonathan Smith 2 The Coach House, Whittington Make Your Easter Holy and Special 10 Whittington and Fisherwick Parish Council 01543 432002 [email protected] St Giles’ Church Whittington - Summer Fete 11 Welcomes Two New Councillors 19 Julia Spencer Crossroads, Back Lane, Whittington Whittington School Nursery 12 01543 432238 [email protected] Connor Walton Park House, Fisherwick Road 01543 432842 [email protected] Community Litter Pick Anthony Ward The Bell Inn, Main Street, Whittington 01543 432377 [email protected] Cllr Garry Hyde - Vice Chairman WFPC Bob Wood 5 Swan Cottages, Whittington 01543 305668 [email protected] Save the Date - 20th April & 15th June Community Litter Pick Have your say... 20.04.19 15.06.19 Your Parish Council works hard to keep We would like to point out that there are articles in If you would like to respond to WHITTINGTON & Whittington and Fisherwick looking neat and Connect from the Parish Council and from representatives any of the issues in Connect or tidy. Unfortunately there are some people who of some village organisations and societies. At the beginning to contribute to the next edition COMMUNITY LITTER PICK seem determined to spoil things. If you would of each article the author’s name will appear. Articles written please write to or email any like to help us tidy up then come along and join AS SPRING IS HERE WE NEED TO SPRING CLEAN THE PARISH. by members of the Parish Council represent current Parish Parish Councillor. TH TH us for a Community Litter Pick on Saturday JOIN US SATURDAY 20 APRIL 2019 AND SATURDAY 15 JUNE 20th April 2019 and Saturday 15th June 2019. Council policy and are endorsed by the Parish Council as a 2019 10.00AM AT THE VILLAGE HALL whole. However, views expressed in articles submitted to us Designed and produced by We meet at the Village Hall at 10.00am. We from village organisations and societies do not necessarily provide necessary equipment but just bring represent Parish Council policy and have not been endorsed STRAIGHTFORWARD your own gloves and appropriate clothing Creative Design Agency by the Parish Council. WE PROVIDE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT and footwear. JUST BRING YOUR OWN GLOVES AND Please help us keep your Parish tidy, it reflects APPROPRIATE CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR. on all of us. So if you can spare just an hour, we 3 would be extremely grateful. Community Foundation for Staffordshire, Funding of School Crossing Patrols Whittington and Fisherwick Trust Fund Cllr Garry Hyde - Vice Chairman WFPC Cllr Garry Hyde - Vice Chairman WFPC

Many of you would have been aware and that this is ‘not the right time’. We have to ensure On Wednesday the 17th April 2019 members The Chief Executive Officer, Steve Adams, alarmed by the initiative proposed by we are fully aware and abreast of any plans to of the Whittington and Fisherwick Trust and the will be hosting the event and all residents are Staffordshire County Council to save money go back on this decision in future years. The Community Foundation of Staffordshire, who cordially invited to attend. Tea and biscuits are by cutting the funding for ALL School Crossing Parish Council is a conduit for residents to put now administer the Fund, are holding an open going to be provided. Patrols. This was an idea proposed, along with forward their thoughts, ideas and concerns, and forum at the Whittington Village Hall. This is your chance to receive the latest others, to help save £35 million from their as demonstrated, we do listen. Although the forum will be running from information from the head of the organisation Budget. The Parish Council as a whole, together We are currently working with many agencies 1.30pm to 4.30pm on this date, a presentation and raise any questions or concerns you have with many individuals, flooded the County in the Parish to plan for the future and to this on the current situation and also information on about how the fund is operating and the manner Council Consultation Website with objections. end a meeting with the School Head teacher and how to apply for grants from the fund will be in which grants are applied for and granted. Following an excellent presentation and the Parent Teacher Association is scheduled for made at 1.45pm and this will be followed by a I look forward to seeing you there. campaign by local residents at the Parish Council the 1st April 2019. general discussion period. meeting in January, the Parish Council agreed If you do have any concerns or comments Save the Date - 17th April to fund the School Crossing Patrols in our please free to contact us either personally or However, don’t forget Staffordshire Open Form village for the next school year, should County by e-mail. Council funding be withdrawn. This would have If you believe that you are eligible for a grant www.staffordshirefoundation.org.uk or phone safeguarded our children in the short term, from the fund but are unable to attend the 01785339540 while still being able to explore other avenues of forum or find it difficult to fill in forms, you funding for future years. may get assistance from a volunteer from the Whittington and Fisherwick appeared to be Whittington & Fisherwick Good Neighbour the only local Parish Council to take this action, Scheme. They will be able to give you practical but it was readily accepted by all Councillors that help on filling in the form but will NOT be the School Crossing Patrols, especially at The able to give advice on eligibility for a grant or Dog crossroads, were so necessary that these anything else. crossings could not be left unsupervised. If you would like some help with the form, I am delighted to report that following contact their duty officer on01543 624410 on extensive public criticism of the proposals, Monday Wednesday or Fridays between 10am Staffordshire County Council was forced to and 12noon. Whittington rethink its latest cost cutting exercise. Here is an Information can be found on the Community Village Hall extract from the circulation from the Council to Foundation for Staffordshire website, its members. “We have faced some incredibly difficult choices about which non-statutory areas we could continue to fund, including the school crossing Fly Tipping Incident patrol service. After listening to public feedback, we feel this is not the right time to pursue this Cllr Richard Cotterill option and therefore we will not be taking this any further at this time. Although this means SCC will continue to cost the council around Following a fly tipping incident in Blacksmith obstruction on the footpath and an eyesore £1.4m to run the [school crossing] service, and Lane just before Christmas, I would ask all over the Christmas period. therefore brings with it other financial pressures residents to be vigilant. If you see anyone which will need to be met, I am sure you will committing this offence and you can safely agree it is the right thing to do.” take pictures of the offender and their vehicle Whilst applauding the change of heart I am registration number then do so and inform concerned that the County Council document the police on 101. Many thanks to Sarah who indicated on two occasions (highlighted by me) allowed the items left in Blacksmith Lane to 5 be disposed of in her skip thus avoiding an HS2 Construction Update Let’s Go For Gold Cllr John Cannon Cllr Garry Hyde - Vice Chairman WFPC

Parish Councillors and other interested parties The following key points emerged from the recently met representatives of HS2 Ltd and meeting: their appointed contractors, namely, Laing • Work on the A38 slip roads and associated O’Rourke/Murphy (Enabling Works) and Balfour haul routes is now programmed to start late Beatty/Vinci (Main Construction Contract) to March/early April – 3 months later than discuss overall progress and matters of concern. originally envisaged. Traffic light controlled single line working to be installed in the vicinity of the West Coast Main Line rail bridge is expected to stay in place until the end of the year. • Although anticipated early in the New Year, final approval to proceed with the main construction contract is now expected by the end of March. Work planned in our locality for 2019 elates to advance works (e.g. site set up) and public utilities (e.g. service diversions etc). Main civil engineering Why Settle construction will start in 2020 with For Silver-Gilt? HS2 Meeting completion planned for the end of 2022. • Although unrelated to HS2 three way traffic light control will also be Last year Whittington and Fisherwick Villages The Parish Council has set aside funds to operational on the A51 from mid April entered the Heart of England in Bloom award pay for extra maintenance. Unfortunately not The timing of the meeting coincided with the to mid May whilst a new water main scheme and at the first attempt achieved a very everything we need to do in order to make our gathering pace of preliminary/survey works, is installed creditable Silver Gilt award. Congratulations Villages more presentable can be achieved by the which can now be seen adjacent to Cappers As soon as we have more detailed information must go to all involved, especially Mike Kinghan Parish Council; for example; we are not allowed Lane. In particular the PC had become aware we will of course let you know via the Council’s and all of those in WFEG, who gave a lot of time to cut back private hedges which overhang or of a recent planning application submitted to web site and Facebook page. to the project. obstruct pavements. Staffordshire County Council by HS2 Ltd. This This year, the Villages are entering again and we You can help by joining in with the Community related to access arrangements for constructing want to ‘GO FOR GOLD’. Litter Pick sessions (see page 3 for details), by the temporary slip roads from the A38. In order to achieve this, we need help from the keeping your property looking neat and tidy, Although Lichfield District Council was treated Community. Last year the biggest criticism from cutting back hedges and maybe clearing a few as a Consultee, Whittington and Fisherwick - as the Judges was the poor condition of our gutters weeds from the pavement and gutter in front of the community directly affected – were not. and pavements with all the weeds, plus the need your house. I know some of you already do this A direct approach to Staffordshire Highways to create a greater impact at the entrances and and we are extremely grateful, but if we all spend resulted in a response which is exits to the Villages, the amount of litter and a little time improving our surroundings, the summarised below: overgrown hedges etc around the villages. In villages could look so much better. After leaving the A38 northbound carriageway, essence, the Villages did not show themselves at It may only be small things, but small steps construction vehicles will enter the main their very best. climb mountains. construction site from Cappers Lane just beyond We would like you to help the Parish Council the A38 road bridge. They will then emerge and the villages by assisting in tidying around the LET’S GO FOR GOLD!!! onto Broad Lane and pass under the WCML rail area you live. You may not be aware but SCC are bridge before turning immediately north and into cutting back on services they are not required to For more information please call me on the materials transfer site. This will allow the slip provide by law, such as grass cutting, hedge and 01543433190 roads to be constructed to minimise disruption verge cutting, road sweeping, gulley cleaning and to A38 traffic. Vehicles leaving the site will follow highway maintenance. When approached, their the reverse route rejoining the A38 answer is ‘If you want it as a Community then pay southbound carriageway. for it or do it yourselves’. 7 Parish Council Budget 2019-2020 David Walton - Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer

We will soon be receiving in the post from next year’s budget for the first time specifically to Lichfield District Council (LDC) our Council address these maintenance issues. New Or Experienced? Tax bills and I want to explain the Parish We also want to make further improvements All Are Welcome Council’s (PC) part of that bill. The PC’s to the infrastructure of the Parish and during spending that cannot be met from fees, charges next year you will see improvements to the play and grants, has to be met from the Council Tax equipment at the PC’s parks. In addition, money payers within the Parish and is collected from has been set aside for a new Play Area. We will Whittington Duplicate Bridge Group you by LDC and handed over to the PC in the also be improving the BMX track at Jubilee Park, form of a “precept”. and putting money aside for tree surgery work. Pat Wilson and Glenda Leach Every November and December the PC The net effect of the above for the next decides what it needs to spend in the following financial year is that the PC will need to raise an financial year after taking into account anticipated extra £4,300 in total from council tax payers. The As discussed at our meeting on Wednesday 6 hope that it may be possible for you to join us inflation, and the cost of regular commitments PC’s part of your Council Tax bill will therefore February 2019, it has been decided to finish on a Sunday in the future. and new initiatives. For every £1 you pay in increase from £42.18 to £44.71 for next year, the Wednesday Duplicate Bridge Group on 20 We started the new group on Sunday 24 Council Tax, the Parish Council receives less or just an extra 5p per week for an average February 2019 and to form a Sunday Duplicate February 2019. It will be helpful if you could let than 3p. property. Incidentally the average for all Parish Bridge Group on every Sunday afternoon from Glenda or me know if you are unable to join us This time last year I mentioned our income Councils within the Lichfield district is£48.36 . 2-4 pm in the Maurice Fisher Lounge at the or unable to attend a meeting. I am on 432453 would reduce by £2,600 due to the ending It is interesting to note that of all the Councils Whittington Village Hall. The charge is £1.50, and Glenda is on 304968. It would also be helpful of a Government Grant. Next year’s Budget that raise council tax from you for their services, including a drink. This was a majority decision to have an email address or telephone number. also has to take that into account. In addition the Parish Council is the only one where the and we are hoping that meeting during the day My email is [email protected] look to reductions in income, the PC has to fund Councillors are completely voluntary and do on a Sunday will attract new members as well forward to welcoming new members, including additional spending pressures, such as inflation. not receive any remuneration. We recognise that as existing members as many of us are elderly those wishing to learn as well as experienced The PC also supports Whittington’s entry into the Government wants to ensure that you, the and prefer not to be driving at night. We accept players. the 2019 Britain in Bloom competition. Whilst last council tax payer, doesn’t pay for large increases that some members may not find the change We are meeting every Sunday afternoon but year’s entry received excellent marks, one major in council tax year on year and we have borne convenient and we thank you for your support will not be able to meet on June 2nd or 23rd or issue flagged by the judges was the weeds in kerb this in mind when producing our budget. of the Wednesday Duplicate Bridge Group and on November 17th gutters. Main entrances to the village were also The full budget details are included on the flagged by the judges as requiring improvement. Parish Council’s website. Should you have any The appearance of the Village has been affected questions on the budget please email me. by Staffordshire County Council’s policy of cutting back on non-statutory services and the Parish Council has therefore decided to put money in Whittington Art Group Pat Wilson

The Whittington Art Group which started in January 2019 is now established with members enjoying spending Tuesday afternoons painting and drawing together. We meet in the Maurice Fisher lounge at Whittington Village Hall from 1-3 pm every Tuesday. Further information from Pat Wilson on 432453 or [email protected] 9 Improving Facilities for Hospitality at St Celebrate Easter 2019 at Your Churches Giles’ Church Father Jason Father Jason

The Church will be displaying some drawings displayed during March. Any views and ideas of changes to the church showing how they to refine the plans can be emailed to the Palm Sunday - 14th April Good Friday - 19th April will be improving facilities to enable the church priest at [email protected] or posted to develop its hospitality and welcome and under the church door for his attention. If you 8.00: Palm Sunday Said Eucharist 8.15: Pilgrim Walk to Lichfield to support the needs of the congregation. would like to make a donation towards these at St Giles’, Central Hall starting at Villagers are welcome to view the plans if improvements, then please do contact Whittington Pharmacy you are interested and to offer a view of how Father Jason. 9.30: Palm Sunday Parish Eucharist they may be further improved. They will be at St Giles’, 18.30: Palm Sunday celebration of St Giles’ Church Whittigton - Summer Fete readings and music for Palm Holy Saturday - 20th April Sunday at St Giles Jane Booker 20:00: Easter Vigil Service at St Giles’, Whittington Last year’s event was a wonderful day with huge Save the Date - 8th June crowds sitting drinking tea, eating homemade Summer Fete Monday of Holy Week - 15th April cakes and listening to wonderful sounds from Easter Sunday - 21st April the Amington Brass Band. Children, young and 10.00 -16.00: A reflection day - You, God old alike, were entertained by the magnificent and the landscapes of your 6.00: Traditional Dawn Eucharist magician Paul of ‘Magical Mayhem Magic Show’ soul at St Giles’ for Easter Day at St who is returning again this year due to popular Bartholomew’s, Hints demand. Numerous displays will be taking 19.00: Contemporary Praise and place again this year throughout the day. Lots Worship for Holy Week at St 8.00 and 9.30: Parish Eucharist for Easter of stalls offering a range of activities including a Giles’, Whittington Day at St Giles’, Whittington competition for the ‘Best Dressed Stall’. Fun for all the family! Come along and support 18:30: Festival of Nine Lessons your local village. and Songs for Easter at St Giles’, Whittington Tuesday of Holy Week - 16th April Magnificent Magician Paul “Back by popular demand” 10.00 -16.00: A reflection day - You, God and the landscapes of your soul at St Giles’

Everyone is warmly invited to these special services Make your Easter special this year! 11 Whittington School Nursery Would You Believe It? What could your child discover at Whittington School Nursery? Megan and the Team

Did you know that Whittington School Nursery Pram Service/Sunbeams has been happening It will be a lovely village weekend. Open now provides all day childcare for 3-4 year olds for 40 YEARS!!! There must have been many Gardens is happening that weekend too, so it will in a school environment during term time? hundreds, if not thousands, of people who have be a great opportunity to invite back old friends Applications will open in November 2019 enjoyed the songs, the stories, the instruments, who may have moved away, perhaps to enjoy for children wishing to join our lovely village the crafts, and the company in that time. If you both events. We are trying to trace back through Nursery in September 2020. Keep an eye on are part of that crowd, we would love to invite our gradually dimming memories to make a list our website calendar for details of our open you to join us on SUNDAY, JUNE 30th, our of past attendees at Pram Service, in the hope mornings/afternoons when prospective families Ruby Anniversary Day. There will be a focus on of being able to send out personal invitations are invited to come and have a look at our Sunbeams/Pram Service at the 9.30 service in nearer the time. If you can help by adding to that setting, meet our staff and see our children ‘in St Giles Church. Then at 2.00pm there will be a list… it may be yourself, your child or a friend or action’! http://www.whittington-school.co.uk short celebration in church followed by a Grand relative… do please let Megan know, and do pass For more information, please do not hesitate Tea in the church hall. It would be wonderful the date on! to contact the school office on 01543 432487 or to meet up again with children, parents, Many thanks, and hope to see you there. [email protected] grandparents, leaders and helpers on this special occasion, so do book the date in your diary now. Whittington WI Anne Hiskins

We all enjoyed our Christmas Party and New Please save the date of Friday 5th April when Year meal out and are now looking forward to we have our Big Quiz and Pudding Night. the open meeting in February which I will tell Tickets are £7 each, in Whittington Village Hall you all about in the next edition of Connect. to begin at 7.30pm. Please advise us in advance There is a new programme of events and so we can provide enough puddings to cater for speakers which will be revealed at our AGM in everyone and as those who have been before March. We also run a very popular Book Club know you are not restricted!! 40 Years Active as well as Ladies Who Lunch Out on a monthly And Going Strong basis; these are both well attended. The Fallen of the Great War John Smith

This wonderful book written by Bill Jackson is the history of those from Whittington who died during service in the First World War. If anyone would like to borrow it (on short loan) please give me a ring, John Smith 01543432848. It’s a great read, magnificently researched by Bill, and Book Club provides details of the life and service of these Available dedicated soldiers, the majority whose names 13 are on our Whittington memorial. Whittington and Fisherwick Fairtrade Join Your Parish Council Steve Barr Cllr Jonathon Smith

By the time you read this, the 2019 Fairtrade Why doesn’t the council do something about though we can’t force either of the councils to Fortnight will be (almost) over, and some World Fairtrade Day, Saturday it. Have you said it? Heard it? So which council respond positively to our requests. readers will have called in at the Coffee and with whose taxes? A new duty has appeared on the horizon. The Morning, which this year was run in conjunction 11th May District and the County Council will carry out with the Good Neighbours Scheme and the obligations required of them by government, Sunbeams at St Giles and targeted the whole Annamarie and Andy Stone but not those over which they have discretion. age spectrum from 0 to 100+. However, the are again making their newly You want it; you pay for it; they provide it. So coming months will see much Fairtrade activity refurbished facilities at now we pay for our brown bins. In September in Whittington. The Village Market on The Woodhouse Farm available 2018 we were told that if we wanted our school Bell car park (third Saturday of every month) to mark World Fair Trade Day crossings wardens then we had to pay for them; restarts on April 20th and locally made delicious but this year they will be providing not just £6.87p pa for a band ‘D’ property had the Fairtrade goodies will feature, as always, on the Tempting Teas in the afternoon, but also a Big proposal not been scrapped. District and County St Giles Church stall. Two other popular events Fairtrade Breakfast from 9.30 in the morning, Councils have budgets that are capped; Parish are also returning, so read on… with many of the items on the menu having Council budgets are NOT capped (yet) and your clocked up no food miles at all. As well as all Over centuries the Government has established Parish Council can request whatever council tax that food and drink, the impressive walled responsibilities for various aspects of civil is required for services we believe are needed garden is looking better than ever, and there administration. So Staffordshire County Council here. Trust us to do that or… are always plenty of animals around the farm deals with child, adult and elderly social care, …join your Parish Council. Save the Date - 11th May to keep younger (and not so young visitors) education, all highways (footpaths, bridle paths, Fairtrade Day entertained. roads) libraries, environment issues, business development etc. Lichfield District Council? Planning and The news you have been waiting for – the date building control, household and commercial of the 2019 Whittington Fairtrade Wine Tasting waste and recycling, environmental health, has been confirmed: Tuesday 2nd July, at the council tax collection and benefits, Cricket Club. As usual, we will feature six or local sports facilities, licensing and seven Fairtrade wines from South Africa, South permits (alcohol, events, taxis, animal America and possibly other areas. This is not just related, camping…), collection and a wine tasting – there is food as well. This year we distribution of council tax. are aiming to provide a variety of local produce, So what does your Parish using Fairtrade ingredients where possible. Please Council do? We are as the eyes reserve your tickets as soon as possible. We and ears of our local community. have to limit numbers and the event is always a Our most important function sell-out. Ticket price to be confirmed, but there is planning. The planners in is likely to be a reduction – possibly only £10 a Lichfield can’t visit every site, head. Please contact [email protected] so we review all applications to guarantee within our parish and advise the your place. planners of any applications about Wine Tasting which you, if you tell us, or we have Is Back! concerns. But we can’t stop planning being granted. We manage the land our community If you would like any more information about these events or Whittington Fairtrade, or would be owns, including Bit End Field, Swan Park, interested in joining our friendly and informal steering group, please call Steve or Megan on 01543 Jubilee Park, Noddington Lane play area, most of 432605, or email as above. the grassed areas and hedgerows not in private ownership in the Parish and all the trees. We are a line of communication with the other councils 15 about the needs and concerns of our community, Whittington Wednesday Club Fred Stack

Open Gardens

Here we are well into 2019 with Christmas & Day, comedians from the Black Country and New Year festivities behind us for another year. speakers on various subjects, e.g. St Giles Whittington Open Gardens Here are a few programme details which may Hospice. I know it’s far too early to mention interest you. On March 13th we shall be eating Christmas, so watch this space. Karen Tatlow our annual Fish & Chip Lunch and on 27th we If you are interested in any of the above why will be entertained by the Accidental Harmonies not come and join us. We meet in the Village Choir. Looking further ahead we have trips Hall on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month Following the success of 2017, the ‘Green will be available to transport visitors between to the Black Country Museum and Oswestry. (apart from August) from 2pm – 4pm. For Fingered Folks’ of Whittington and the the gardens all day, and organisers will also be Future entertainment will include Ascot Race further information, ring Fred on 01543 432217. surrounding area will be opening their gardens working closely with The Good Neighbour again for Whittington Open Gardens 2019. With Scheme in the village to arrange an assisted a fabulous variety of gardens, many of which transport schedule for members. having an emphasis on being wildlife-friendly, New participant gardens are always encouraged Can YOU Help Your Village Hall? including the Community Orchard in Jubilee and we would be delighted to hear from anyone Park, Swan Meadow, Woodhouse Farm and St. that might like to open their garden to visitors Garry Hyde Giles Hospice, this year’s event will take place too! on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th June. Please contact David Murcott at During the weekend, gardens will be open [email protected] or call on 07823 The Village Hall is in the Centre of the Village Would you like to give something back to your between 11.00am and 5.00pm (last ticket sales 324056. Please also contact David if you and provides a valuable asset to the whole Community? 3.00pm, last entry 4.00pm), with many garden would like to volunteer in one of the gardens Community. It caters for all age ranges, diverse Contact: - Garry Hyde, Chairman Village Hall owners providing refreshments and plant sales to during the weekend, helping out with visitor activities, and helps to bring the Community Management Committee on 01543 433190 for raise money for causes close to their hearts. management (not gardening!) together and alleviate social isolation. further information or: Car parking will be provided at Back Lane, The Village Hall is administered by a dedicated Come along to the AGM on 8th April 2019 in with Blue Badge parking at St Giles Hospice, Management Committee, all of whom are the Maurice Fisher Lounge at the Village Hall at where tickets and programmes for the event Save the Date - 29th & 30th June volunteers. There is always room on the 7.15pm. Hope you can make it. will be on sale, as well as at the individual Whittington Open Gardens Management Committee for willing volunteers gardens themselves. Disability-friendly minibuses with practical skills to bring their expertise along to help run our wonderful Community Facility. If you have organisational skills, financial skills, managerial skills, I.T. skills, practical skills or just wish to be of benefit to the Community at large the Management Committee would welcome you on board. Training and mentoring is available 17 for those who are interested. Whittington and Fisherwick Good Whittington and Fisherwick Parish Council Neighbour Scheme - Update Welcomes Two New Councillors Frank Knighton Bob Wood and Paul Jansz

Over the past year, through our close link • Involvement with the recently held Fair Bob Wood Paul Jansz with St. Giles Hospice, the Good Neighbour Trade Coffee Morning. Scheme has been involved in an alliance with • Our Annual General Meeting in The other voluntary sector organisations in South Village Hall on Tuesday 9th April Staffordshire to explore how we can assist to starting at 12.30. The short meeting will improve the quality of life and well being of be followed by a tasty lunch and a glass those in the later years of their lives. At the of wine and opportunities for most recent conference we heard presentations conversation. from two well respected people in the fields • In partnership with WFEG and St. Giles of local health services and community Hospice, who will provide transport, to development who outlined studies and projects enable our clients to visit village in other parts of the UK that are proving that gardens during the Open Gardens the well-being, health and happiness of the Weekend on the 29th and 30th June. elderly, those suffering from ill health and those • The annual summer event for clients After an extended career within the military roaming the world, and I live in Whittington with disabilities or issues of mobility, are greatly and volunteers that recognises and having had a connection with the Village for 35+ years through either with my wife and two improved through their involvement with thanks them all for making the scheme family or house ownership, Whittington seemed the ideal place children who both attend opportunities for social contact and activities. so successful. Held in The Village to establish roots. For the past 10 years I’ve occupied myself with Whittington Primary There is further proof that this involvement Hall on 17th August with the volunteering, with Staffordshire Education Appeals process, Lichfield School. enhances social relationships and reduces social kind support of the Hall Committee & Hatherton Canal Restoration, in addition to helping out with local We are keen gardeners isolation. and in partnership with Whittington charitable events - all of which has led to my becoming a member of and environmentalists Our trial programme of events last year, Scouts. the Parish Council with the specific responsibility for coordinating who have an allotment some in partnership with other village groups, • A lunch in October, again to be cooked the Village Country Fair (7th September 2019). I must thank John and occasionally help out provided positive feedback from both clients for us by Whittington W.I. Smith for the excellent work he has done in ensuring this event is with the WFEG as well as and volunteers and, together with the evidence • A Christmas Lunch. Details to follow well established as the main Village summer gathering, with the added other local projects. I am of these studies, has given us impetus to further We continue to expand our services and bonus of being a fund generator for good causes. keen to help ensure that develop our programme during this year. welcome new enquiries from those we can assist I am actively seeking local business sponsorship for the Country Whittington and Fisherwick The events planned will further our aim to and from neighbours who would like to join our Fair. Do you know of any business willing to sponsor this worthy local Parish remains a safe and encourage those we are in contact with to join volunteer team. charitable event? I am always interested in ways that this event can be enjoyable place to live. with the activities of other village organisations Ring our Duty Officers on 01543 624410 on improved for the good and benefit of the Village. Should you feel the providing additional routes for regular community Monday, Wednesday or Friday (10 a.m. – 12) need to volunteer your expertise or wish to be involved in this event involvement. Our programme for this please feel free to contact me either through the PC or via my email: year includes: [email protected].

Run by Local People

For Local People 19