whitnashtc @whitnashcouncil MAYOR’SMESSAGE Since taking over as Mayor at the end of May, time has flown by, with some sad times, some worrying times and some exciting ones. On a sad note, I would like to pay my respects to the family of George Nayar, who was an ex-Councillor and all round gentleman. George sadly passed away on 28th May 2016. He was a truly lovely man and will be missed by all of us.

I also wish speedy recoveries to Cllr Tony Heath, my Deputy, and David Stocks, Freeman of and an ex councillor. Both have been ill recently, but thankfully both are now recovering.

Negotiations for the new Whitnash Community Hub have started, but we know it is going to be a long haul, before we see any noticeable progress. We need to keep the momentum going. This will be a fabulous facility for all of the community to enjoy. During my brief time in office, Kate, Matthew and I have attended many interesting and some exciting events and we have enjoyed promoting Whitnash, whilst furthering relationships with our neighbouring towns. We look forward to continuing this for the benefit of Whitnash.

I was honoured to promote Whitnash on BBC Coventry & radio, with a 20 minute interview live on air. The Whitnash Fun Day was indeed fun, well organised and extremely well attended. A fabulous way to bring the community together. Congratulations to Adrian and all concerned.

We have had a few meetings with our Charities “Rufus’ Friends” and “Encephalitis” and some exciting events are planned for the future. These include quizzes, race nights, bingo evenings, a fun Chinese auction, a cheese & wine fest, a choral concert by ex-members of the Kings College Choir and a spectacular charity ball.

Three events have already taken place. James Pratt ran a quiz, Rufus’ Friends had an afternoon tea party and we had our Civic Dinner. These have raised valuable funds for the charities already. I know it is hard to think of Christmas at this time of year, but a couple of notable dates are Saturday, 19th November 2016 the Rotary Tree of Light switch on event and Sunday, 4th December 2016 the Whitnash Christmas Lights switch on. In the meantime, enjoy the remainder of the summer. - Cllr Simon Button - Mayor

Allotment Plots: There are allotment plots available at Dobson Lane Community Allotment Association (at the end of Dobson Lane) Please contact: Action 21 Telephone: 01926 339077 or Website: www.action21.co.uk For an application form 1 WHAT’S ON IN WHITNASH Whitnash Town Council continues to publicise local events via the District News section of the Leamington Courier, and on Whitnash Town Council Website and Facebook pages.

In the last few months, a Facebook group has been set up specifically to publicise events that are happening in whitnash, this is not a Town Council group, although the Town Council sometimes posts details of events to it as well.

The group is called “Whitnash What’s On”, and anyone from the town who is on Facebook can join to find out about what is going on. In addition, any person / organisation within Whitnash can post details of events they are holding.

Whether you wish to send the Town Council details of your events to include in the Courier, on the Town Council’s website or Facebook page, or put in this new “Whitnash What’s On” Facebook group, it is all free publicity for your event!!

Please send the details to us via email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Town Council website: www.whitnashtowncouncil.gov.uk/ Town Council Facebook group www.facebook.com/whitnashtc/ “Whitnash What’s On” Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/470604193028639/ - Cllr Steve McFadden.8 WHITNASH BIG TIDY UP 2016 Whitnash Mayor, Councillor Simon Button, was joined by fellow councillors, residents and a member of the Safer Neighbourhood Team at the annual ‘Big Tidy Up’ event on Saturday, 18th June 2016. The event held at Washbourne and Acre Close Playing Fields was organised by past Mayor, Councillor Mrs Judy Falp. The town’s Groundsman does an excellent job every week to keep the parks clean and tidy and this extra clean is undertaken to pick up litter that has got caught in the undergrowth. Cllr Button thanked all those who came to help. 2 - Cllr Mrs Judy Falp STAYING DESK HAPPY

Many of us spend a lot of our life at our desks and using computers at work or home, often for long hours of the day. It’s a way of life these days, but consider things you can do to make your desk life healthier by considering how you sit during screen time.

• Chair: Make sure your chair back is just back from upright, but not at a sharp 90-degree angle, more 100 degrees. Sit your lower back towards the back of your chair so your spine is fully supported. Your chair height should be so your keyboard and mouse are at elbow level and your wrists are completely straight whilst typing.

If this results in your feet not touching the floor, use a footstool to compensate. The soles of your feet should also be flat against a surface. You can use a cushioned wrist rest.

• Place your screen so that you don’t need to bend your neck upwards or downwards, and can instead look straight ahead. When seated, the top of the monitor should be either at eye level or slightly lower, as this will help to reduce neck and eye strain. Consider dropping the screen brightness and also reflections from lights and windows.

• Blink! – many people forget to blink as often and tired irritated eyes can result.

• Arrange your other desk items within easy reach so you don’t have to stretch and strain, e.g. printer and phone. Don’t cradle the phone between your shoulder and ear, consider a headset or speaker phone options.

• Take time out often with a mini break every 20 – 30 minutes and walk around the building, pop out for a breath of air, get yourself a glass of water and try thinking about something that’s not work.

If don’t remember to take a break set an on line countdown to prompt you to step away. When you have your relaxation time after work try to take some time to do 20 – 30 minutes of physical exercise 3 to 4 times a week that will put your heart rate up and means you have to breathe a little more e.g. a brisk walk. This will be excellent for your cardiovascular system and general wellbeing and will help to counteract the more sedentary parts of your life.

(acknowledgement to PhysioMed physios for some suggestions) - Dr J Martin – Whitnash Medical Centre 3  SING TO BENEFIT YOUR HEALTH A new choir in Leamington is helping the NHS by reducing stress levels.

The Harmoneers, based at Heartbreak Productions in Leamington, is a choral group who love to sing modern and classic rock / pop songs without taking it too seriously yet have fun. In fact, their moto is 'Be Happy, Sing Happy'. Anyone is welcome to come along and give it a go. There is no emphasis on performing and you don’t even have to be a great singer, and there are no auditions. Just come along and sing!

Matthew Cherry, the organiser said 'If you like to sing your heart out this could be just the tonic for you. An added bonus is that subscription is just £4.00 per week, which you pay when you attend. We have such a diverse range of people who are benefiting from the choir, however what is coming through is destress, fun and meeting new friends.

Whitnash resident, Pam Henderson said 'I really look forward to my Monday nights now and I feel so rejuvenated.'

To find out more contact Matthew Cherry on 07881 922555 or visit the Facebook page 5 https://www.facebook.com/TheHarmoneers/ DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that you can ask District Council for advice before you submit a planning application? There is a drop in session on Wednesday afternoons at Riverside House, Milverton Hill, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. This service is for householders only and needs to be booked in advance. Further detailed advice could carry a charge. Information on how to book and other planning matters can be found at www.warwickdc.gov.uk - Cllr Mrs Judy Falp WHITNASH METHODIST CHURCH Dates to remember: Table Sale on Saturday, 24th September 2016 from 10h00 until 12h30.

Harvest Festival Service on Sunday, 2nd October 2016 at 10h30. Preacher: 6 Rev Barbara 6 Greenwood WHITNASH FUN DAY Whitnash hosted another successful Fun Day event on Sunday 3rd July. The annual Cavin Woodward Memorial 5km Road Run had the largest field yet, with 65 finishers, and was won by Dean Mawby, in 16 minutes 40 seconds. Kelly Edwards, was the first woman to finish in 18 minutes 47 seconds. This year, the annual Trolley Carnival, which is organised by Whitnash Brownies, had the theme of “space”, with participants dressing as astronauts and their favourite sci-fi characters.

The Mayor of Whitnash, Cllr Simon Button and Mrs Kate Button presented the prizes for the winners. The fun continued through the sunny afternoon with stalls, activities, displays and live music on the field at Acre Close. These included live performances by ukulele group The Spa Strummers, and displays by the Warwick Warriors, International Charity Cosplayers and The Warwick Dog Club. There were also many other activities and displays including go carts, caving, climbing wall, vintage motor bikes, football competition, plus many stalls such as those of the Whitnash Charitable Trust, Cats Protection and the Brunswick Hub. There was also a fine selection of different foods / refreshments. Organisers Adrian Barton and the Fun Day Committee would like to thank all those involved in making the day a great success, and look forward to the 2017 event!! - Cllr Steve McFadden

OPENING HOURS: THURSDAY - CLOSED WHITNASH MONDAY - 10.30am - 17.00pm FRIDAY - 10.30am - 16.00pm LIBRARY TUESDAY - 10.30am - 17.00pm SATURDAY - 10.30am - 13.30pm WEDNESDAY - 13.30pm - 17.00pm SUNDAY - CLOSED WHATS ON? Mondays Story Stomp 11.15am - 11.45am 2 to 4 year olds listen to stories and sing songs. Tuesday Silver Surfer 14.00pm - 16.00pm. 50+ learn how to go digital. Fridays Rhyme Time 11.15am - 11.45am. 0 to 2 year olds join in songs and nursery rhymes *Note: Sliver Surfers are taking a break over the summer and will return on Tuesday 4th October 2016 CHATTER BOOK WHAT IS IT? WHEN IS IT ON? A free reading group Saturday 24th September 2016 11am - 12 noon for 8 to 12 year olds Saturday 22nd October 2016 11am - 12 noon held once a month at Saturday 19th November 2016 11am - 12 noon Whitnash Library Saturday 17th December 2016 11am - 12 noon

WHAT DO YOU DO AT CHATTER BOOKS? Try fun ways to explore new books, try new things and meet new friends. 7 HOW DO I RESERVE MY PLACE? 7 Email: [email protected]. Telephone: 0300 555 8171 WHITNASH NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

The system that alerts residents to crimes in our area is changing!

Telephone alerts are now no longer possible. If you have not received information by email on how to re-register for email alerts go to the police website and click on jobs and opportunities. You have a choice to have alerts from just your own area or for your own and other areas.

The next Neighbourhood Watch briefing will be held on Tuesday, 25th October 2016 at 11h00 at the coffee morning at Whitnash Sports and Social Club. I also attend the Whitnash Community Forum along with the police team. The next forum is on Tuesday, 18th October 2016 at 6.30 p.m. in Whitnash Community Hall, Acre Close, Whitnash.

Information on what is happening in our area and when you can vote for the priorities for our police team for the next quarter are on the Warwickshire Police. www.warwickshire.police.uk

Judy Falp, Neighbourhood Watch Co-Coordinator, Whitnash

WHITNASH SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM

Police surgeries will be held on the following Saturdays at Linleigh Electrical, Acre Close, Whitnash between 11h00 – 12h00.

17th September 2016 17th December 2016 11th March 2017 8th and 22nd October 2016 21st January 2017 26th November 2016 4th and 25th February 2017

DISTRACTION BURGLARIES AND ROGUE TRADERS

With the warmer weather and longer daylight hours, this is just a reminder to ensure that windows and doors are kept closed and secure. Please remember there is an increased risk of distraction burglaries at this time of year, especially in relation to people offering gardening service / building works. As these callers are not always genuine and very often say that they have been working on neighbouring properties in order to persuade the occupants that work needs to be undertaken and that they are genuine tradespersons. Please remember if you have callers to your home, who become aggressive please call the Police. In an emergency call 999 or if not an emergency 101. Your local Whitnash SNT Team can be reached 88 on 01926 684248 or [email protected] WHITNASH WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Meet on the second Wednesday of the month at Whitnash Methodist Church Hall, Murcott Road East, Whitnash, CV31 2JJ at 7.15 p.m. for 7.30 p.m. We are a non-sectarian, non-party political women’s organisation. Email: [email protected]

Visitors are always welcome - £3 per meeting

PROGRAMME 2016

Wednesday, 14th September 2016 – Liam D’Arcy Brown Anne Noble – an English woman held by the Chinese during the Opium Wars

Wednesday, 12th October 2016 – Eugene & Margaret Schellenberg The Infakara Bakery Project

Wednesday,9th November 2016 - Annual Meeting

Wednesday, 14th December 2016 - Christmas Party Meeting

99 SUMMER HANGING BASKETS 2016

Whitnash Town Council is pleased to acknowledge the support of the following organisations and citizens:

Birk & Nagra Chemist Cllr Mrs & Mr J Falp Cllr Mr & Mrs J Short Cllr Mr & Mrs B Smart David & Jenny Mason Heathcote Fish Bar Mrs Anne Jones Partridge Electrical St Joseph’s PTA St Joseph’s School Whitnash Charitable Trust Whitnash Newsagents Whitnash Senior Luncheon Club Whitnash Short Mat Bowls Whitnash Society Whitnash Sports & Social Club Whitnash Women’s Institute

Please accept our apologies if we have omitted anyone.

1010 We touch the lives of almost 4,000 people each years across Coventry and Warwickshire, in our hospices, via our family suppoer services and in the community through our Myton at Home service. We 11 need to raise £8.4 million each and every year to run our services. We couldn’t do it without people like you. 12 13 LIVING WITH DEMENTIA Whitnash Town Council has reaffirmed its commitment to raise awareness of Dementia. I am staying in the role of Dementia Champion for the coming year. I have attended D.A.A (Dementia Action Alliance) meetings with providers of services for those with Dementia and their families. I also provide a quarterly update on the D.A.A. website explaining what Whitnash is doing to become more Dementia friendly. Do you know there are a number of Dementia Café’s in the area organized on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis for those with Dementia and their families? Is your organization or the place where you work Dementia friendly? Need more information on Dementia? Please contact: www.alzheimers.org.uk Judy Falp,activities Dementia Champion, Whitnash Town in Council the THE WHITNASH SOCIETY– AUTUMN / WINTER PROGRAMME

12 September - Talk by Mrs. Val Brodie titled "Bandages and Fresh Air - The Story of Southam's VAD Hospital”. 10 October - "George Orwell - My Father”. A talk by Mr. Richard Blair. 14 November - "Go Shopping - Clemens Street to The Parade”. Talk and presentation by Mr. Barry Franklin and Mr. Tom Lewin. 12 DecemberCommunity - Christmas Social with "Bring and Share" Buffet, EntertainmentHall and Raffle. 9 January - Talk by Mr. David Clough titled "The Truth about the Marco Polo”!

The Whitnash Society meet on the second Monday of the month at 7.45 p.m. at the New Hall, Whitnash Sportsduring & Social Club, Heathcote Road,the Whitnash. ALL VISITORS are most welcome at any of our meetings. For further details, please contact Elizabeth Trafford on 01926 330038. CAMOUFLAGEsummer AND WHITNASHholidays During the Second World War Leamington was the location of the Governments secret department,The Directorate of Camouflage, which had responsibility for Camouflage design for the Navy and all buildings in use for the War effort. 250 famous artists, sculptors and model makers were based at the Unit. Some of them lived in the Regent Hotel, but Thomas Rathmell decided to rent a house 22 Heathcote Road Whitnash.

Also in Leamington at the time was a British Restaurant, a place where anyone could buy a cheap wholesome meal. This was located at the rear of the Town Hall. During this time the artists were actively encouraged to paint murals for public buildings and Rathmell and others painted two for the Restaurant. Rathmell’s inspiration for his part of the mural was a family he knew in Halls Close at the rear of his rented house.

Whilst living in Whitnash, the Rathmells had another child, Elizabeth, who in later life married a famous musician by the name of Ian Dury who performed with his group the 1414 Blockheads. - Cllr Barry Franklin COMPLETE Carpets Vinyls

For a free NO OBLIGATION quote Wood

- Supplied and Fitted - Sample Swatches - Free Quotes - Re-stretches/adaptions (Will fit customers own Materials) Call Dylan on: 07866638674 Email: [email protected] 1515

ST MARGARET’S CHURCH ROOF APPEAL

St Margaret’s Church Whitnash receives £82,400 - a further £11,694 to be raised.

St Margaret’s Church will benefit from £82,400 to address urgent roof repairs from the Government-funded Listed Places of Worship: Roof Repair Fund. The grant will enable the tower roof to be replaced, tower parapets rebuilt, tiles replaced, repointing done and guttering renewed. The below ground roof water drainage will be improved. In order to receive this grant St Margaret’s Church has to raise £20,064 towards the total cost.Thanks to the congregation’s fundraising so far, including that of the Rector Rev Richard Suffern who carried out a sponsored three peaks challenge, £8,370 has so far been raised.

William Clemmey, the Church treasurer said, “We hope that Whitnash residents will join with the congregation to raise the remaining £11,694 before Christmas in order for us to repair our historic church in Whitnash. “Contributions towards the remaining funds to be raised can be sent to St. Margaret’s Rectory, 2, Church Close, Whitnash. CV31 2HJ, and made payable to “St. Margaret’s Roof Fund.” - Rev R Suffern, St Margaret’s Church

WHITNASH WAR MEMORIAL COMMUNITY FORUM The next Whitnash Community Forum Meeting will be held on

Tuesday 18th October 2016 at 6.30 p.m. Whitnash Community Hall, Acre Close, Whitnash CV31 2ND Please make a note in your diary

- Come along to discuss local issues in Whitnash

- Find out latest scams & information on Cyber Crime Safety

- Meet local police officers, councillors and council officers

Interested - but can't make the meeting then please contact: [email protected] Or for more information please go to: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/whitnashforum

1717 Everyone welcome! WHITNASH COMMUNITY CONSULTATION UPDATE

At the Whitnash Town Council meeting on 21st April 2016 it was agreed to undertake a community consultation to gain residents’ views on three important questions:

• How should we spend anticipated funding to improve local play equipment and play spaces? • How do residents feel about the Whitnash Tymes? • Are there any residents who would like to become Community Champions for the Town Council?

A covering letter and survey form was included in the summer 2016 edition of the Whitnash Tymes. Posters were displayed locally and we have met with a number of organisations to gather members’ views. We visited Whitnash Primary School and St Joseph’s Primary School, gave a short talk and asked children to vote on ‘visuals’ of play equipment. We received a very warm welcome from staff and children and were pleased they all helped shape their community.

We attended Whitnash Fun Day so residents could complete or comment on the survey and six local people conducted door-to-door consultations during the summer. The findings and prize draw will be presented at the Town Council meeting on 20th October 2016. 18 - Cllr. Judy Falp TIDYING UP STREET FURNITURE The roads of Whitnash have featured some unnecessary and redundant street furniture until recently. Various roads had Royal Mail storage boxes permanently installed, that used to be used by postmen to store mail, whilst they delivered post to homes. However, for some time, postmen have been using special trolleys to move and store mail, and so these boxes have been redundant. Whitnash Town Council have lobbied Royal Mail over many months to remove these, and this has now been done.

In addition, you may have noticed small concrete St Margaret’s Church, Whitnash fire hydrant posts around the town. Many of these IT IS TOO EARLY TO SING CAROLS! had no markings, and but it is not too early to put details of our special Christmas services in your diaries! there were often several Welcome to any or all of the following services at St. Margaret's Church: Sunday, 18th December 2016 at 10.00 a.m. - Nativity Presentation. clustered together. Sunday, 18th December 2016 at 6.30 p.m. - Carols by Candlelight.

CHRISTMAS EVE: Whitnash Town Council Saturday, 24th December 2016 at 5.00 p.m. - Christingle Service. investigated who was Saturday, 24th December 2016 at 11.15 p.m. - Watch-night Holy Communion.

responsible for these CHRISTMAS DAY: – a combination of the Sunday, 25th December 2016 at 8.00 a.m. - Holy Communion. Fire Service and Severn Sunday, 25th December 2016 at 10.00 a.m. - All Age Christmas celebration service. Trent Water. As a result See the next edition for details of our Beer and Carols evenings in local pubs of discussions with both organisations, a number of these redundant concrete posts have now been removed, and others are being refurbished with new signs.

If you notice any damaged or redundant bits of street furniture, please report them to your local councillor or the Town Clerk. - Cllr Steve  McFadden 2020 WHITNASHTHE TYMES DISTRIBUTION VolunteersROLE are needed to help distribute the WhitnashOF THE Tymes. The WhitnashTOWN Tymes is a quarterly magazine and weCOUNCIL need additional volunteers to help. If you can just deliver to the houses in the road where you live it will be a great help. If you are able to help deliver the Whitnash Tymes please can you contact: Jenny Mason on 01926 470394 or email [email protected]

The League of Friends at C.E.R.U. Leamington Spa Hospital are holding a Musical Concert to include The Royal Male Naval Voice Choir and The Ladies Melody Choir

at Whitnash Community Centre, Acre Close, Whitnash, CV31 2ND on Friday 30th September 2016 at 7.30 p.m.

Tickets will be available at the beginning of August at £6.00 each to include Tea/Coffee/Juice & Biscuits. Tickets available from 94 Murcott Road East, Whitnash, CV31 2JP Tel: 01926 424517

Please come along to help raise money and support your local hospital and enjoy some great music

There will also be a Raffle on the night Thank You

Barbara Moreton Events Co-ordinator League of Friends – Charity No 505765 2021  YOUR COUNCILLORS

Mayor Cllr Simon Button Deputy Mayor Cllr Tony Heath (WDC*) Telephone: 01926 739 996 Telephone: 01926 429 152

Cllr Adrian Barton Telephone: 07855 372 323 Cllr Parminder Singh Birdi Telephone: 07923 051 671 Cllr Gino Cancilla Telephone: 07748 355 232 Cllr Mrs Judy Falp (WDC*) Telephone: 01926 312 428 Cllr Barry Franklin Telephone: 01926 316 268 Cllr Bernard Kirton (WCC*) Telephone: 01926 356 128 Cllr Robert Margrave (WDC*) Telephone: 07946 214 899 Cllr Steve McFadden Telephone: 01926 882 180 Cllr Terry Shepherd Telephone: 01926 772 262 Cllr Joe Short Telephone: 01926 427 701 Cllr Brian Smart Telephone: 01926 739 675 Cllr Richard Sparkes Telephone: 01926 770 107 Cllr Steve Vaughan Telephone: 07572 606 740

Your Warwickshire County Councillor (WCC*) is: Cllr Bernard Kirton - Telephone: 01926 356 128 Email: [email protected]

Your Councillors (WDC*) are: Cllr Mrs Judy Falp, Cllr Tony Heath and Cllr Robert Margrave

Councillors can now be contacted using email: Town councillor’s email address has the same format: [email protected]

Whitnash Town Council: Franklin Rd CV31 2JH. 01926 470394 Town Clerk can be contacted at: [email protected].

Next Deadline for Whitnash Tymes Winter 2016 Copy by October 10th - Distributed 1st November 2016

For ALL communication/articles please contact Whitnash Tymes direct at: [email protected] Adverts and Copy can only be accepted on a first come first served basis, it is essential to first advise your intention so that space can be allocated and then submit your entries as early as possible.

Town Council Meetings Notice: Whitnash Town Council Meetings are held at Whitnash Community Hall, Acre Close, Whitnash, CV31 2ND.

Town Council Thursday 15th September 2016 at 7.00 p.m Town Council Thursday 20th October 2016 at 7.00 p.m. Town Council Thursday 17th May 2016 at 7.00 p.m.

The public and press are cordially invited to be present.