Marton Newsletter

(inc. Annual Reports)

May 2021

Marton Contacts

Inside the village

Marton Parish Council Clerk: Helen Keeves 01926 633338 [email protected]

Councillors: Faye Chambers (Contact via the Clerk) Rob Lummis David Fry Mike Taylor Sarah Crawford Village Organisations Marton Newsletter (Editorial) David Fry 01926 632936 Marton Newsletter (Advertising) Sharon Edwards [email protected] Marton Vicar Jenny/Janet (see below) Village Hall Maya Van Der Galien 07537 853866 [email protected] Playing Field Association Dinyar Baria Neighbourhood Watch Miranda Aston 07931 770249 Cricket Club Alan Naylor 07480193093 Marton Museum David Fry 01926 632936 Local History Andy Bolam 01926 634841 Marton Nature Joan Sherratt 01926 632837 [email protected] Marton Walkers Mike Johnson 01926 632960 Brownies Elizabeth Murray 01926 815466 Church Warden Janet Paget 01926 632509 Jenny Walsh 01926 632547 Emergency Flood Group Parish Council See contacts above Dog Warden Andrea Jacques 01926 632799 Snow Warden Graham Wood 01926 632610 Website www.martonvillage.com email: [email protected]

Join Marton group email and find out the news as it happens or circulate your requests or offers. If you want to be added to the group contact: [email protected]

Marton Diary

May Events Church Services are currently available every Sunday via the St Esprit Facebook page and Marton Village Hall communion will be held by Zoom. It is hoped the church will be open again soon (see p.29). There are no plans for the immediate reopening the

Village Hall for any activities at this point in time but it will be discussed at the May committee meeting.

During this

challenging time

do sign up for the village group email, which is Pavilion flag at half mast marking Prince invaluable for Philip’s death 9 April 2021 keeping you in touch with what is Next Marton happening. Parish Council Meeting (AGM & If you want to be Annual Village meeting) added to the group contact: NB Changed Date [email protected] via Microsoft Teams Contact Parish Clerk for joining details

6.30pm Thursday NB Please note the deadline 6 May 2021 for the June Newsletter will be Sunday 21 1 Marton News

Newsbites COVID-19: Marton Community Network – We can still help! Picochu Visits the Museum As many of you are aware, before lockdown started a small group representing the Parish The Newsletter has been Council, Church and Village Hall met to informed discuss how to support the Marton that the community. We all believe it’s beneficial to museum just work together and support each other. been added As a result, if you are self-isolating because as a of COVID-19 and need some help with: Pokemon  Picking up shopping or Stop on prescriptions Pokemon Go  Posting mail (and the  A friendly phone call playground's  Urgent supplies a Pokemon Gym now too). Please make contact with either: We are not sure what this means, but are very proud. Helen on: [email protected] or 07793 213048 or Accommodation Offer Rob on: [email protected] or 07764 377163 A vacancy has arisen at the Please don’t be afraid to ask! Almshouses at Leamington Hastings and I thought the We will be happy to arrange for you to residents of Marton may well receive the help you need. Please remember be interested for themselves you should only accept help from people you or people they may know. know and trust - always ring for clarification if you are not sure. (Full details on page 25) A big thank you: to all the wonderful Alexandra Rigler volunteers who continue to support the Marton Community with offers of help! Clerk to Trustees Leamington Hastings Thanks for reading, please take care and Consolidated Charity stay safe. Tel: 07962 169199 Rob (Marton Parish Council) Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07764 377163

2 Marton News

Hedgehog Huts Newsbites

School Bus News Just after we went to press last month we heard the news that Warwickshire County Council

had done a sudden U-turn and decided that the school bus would return to its old route through the village and not stop on the main road. Congratulations to the campaigners who did not give up. Could the village motorists please help the bus driver by not parking to close to the North Street/Shepherd Street The hedgehog huts have arrived in all their junction. glory and are due to be located around the village in the next few weeks. Feedback on Marton Covid Tree You can see from the photo above that they have been carefully labelled with the names Feedback on the idea of a Covid that were suggested as a result of an article memorial tree for Marton has in the Newsletter a few months ago. Please been positive and Jenny has make sure you do your bit for hedgehog life kindly suggested having the tree in Marton by not feeding them milk—just in the Churchyard. This is not water will do! straightforward but it will be investigated further. 3 Marton Parish Clerk

Your Village Still Needs You!

VACANCY– MARTON PARISH CLERK MAY 2021 COULD YOU BE A VALUED PARISH CLERK?

17 hours per month – flexible working

Marton Parish Council is inviting applications for the role of part-time Clerk & Responsible Finance Officer. SALARY: pro rata £19,312 (£10.04 per hour) – £22,183 (£11.53 per hour) dependent on qualifications and experience. Training can be provided and the role is entitled to annual leave on a pro rata basis.

To apply please send your CV with a covering letter summarising

your key experience to Helen Keeves (Clerk) on [email protected]. The closing date for applications is 18 June2021. Interviews will be held via Teams on the following week

.

Marton Parish Clerk

Could you be a valued Parish Clerk? Vacancy Marton Parish Council is inviting applications for the role of part-time Clerk & Responsible  Applicants must be able to Finance Officer. demonstrate good The Clerk advises the Parish Council to ensure organisational, it acts in accordance with local government communication, IT and legislation, following correct procedures in all financial skills of its decision-making processes.  It would be an advantage to THE ROLE includes: have previous experience working in or knowledge of  preparing agendas and producing minutes local government for Council meetings (usually every two months)  Knowledge of the local area and desire to be more  managing budgets and keeping financial involved in the local records community will be a  financial and operational reporting definite advantage  advising the council on policies and CLERK JOB DESCRIPTION activities and enacting decisions of the MAY 2021 council The terms and conditions of  liaising with local residents and outside employment are generally in bodies accordance with the National  being involved in overseeing maintenance Joint Council Scheme of of the Parish Council owned playing field, Conditions of Service and the playground and pavilion provisions of the National REQUIREMENTS: Some evening work and Association of Local Councils ability to work from home. Obtained or willing and the Society of Local to work towards the Certificate in Local Council Council Clerks Conditions of Administration (CiLCA) qualification. Outside of Service for Clerks of Local meetings, the monthly hours can be managed Councils. flexibly to suit the Clerk. The key personal terms of employment are:

5 Marton Parish Clerk

Vacancy of Conditions of Service. Car and equipment use: You are responsible Job title: Clerk to the Council for providing your own mode of transport and and Responsible Finance computing equipment needed for the usual Officer operations of the clerk role. Home working allowance: Salary range: pro rata £19,312 (£10.04 per hour) – £22,183 As equipment and office space is not provided, (£11.53 per hour) NALC SCP 5- you are entitled to claim tax relief of the flat 12 rate of £26 per month through HMRC’s home working allowance. Salary on appointment: tbc Reimbursement: Costs of stationary, postage, Working month: The part time photocopying, printing and consumables working commitment is 17 supported by an invoice and purchased solely hours per month. for use on council business will be reimbursed. Hours of work: The hours of A contribution to consumables used in both an work will be flexible by official and a private capacity (e.g. ink or toner agreement to include cartridges) will be paid at the discretion of the attendance at evening or council when supported by an invoice and weekend meetings and estimate of the split between official and functions as necessary. private use. The costs of training courses and Annual Leave: The pro rata materials need to be pre-authorised by the entitlement is 22 hours (2.75 council for reimbursement. days) annual leave per year. Pension: The role remuneration is below the Expenses: Attendance for the earning threshold for pension auto-enrolment Parish Council’s usual or employer contributions (Pensions Act 2008) operations (currently no more however should this change, the parish council than 8 meetings per year in will ensure entitlements are met. Marton) are exempt from Probationary period: Six months expenses claims. Reasonable Notice period: After completion of the travel and/or subsistence probationary period, 3 months on either side expenses can be agreed ahead in writing. of any exceptional meeting attendance, in accordance with Commencement date: tbc National Joint Council Scheme 6 Marton News

Improving Your Playing Field Facilities Newsbites Marton Parish Council has paid for four new picnic benches for the playing fields, kindly Great News obtained by Tim via the timber yard. Marton's Over 60s Afternoon In early April some volunteers constructed Teas have been awarded £600 these challenging, flat-pack items. from local company, The Wigley Group as part of their Community Fund Scheme.

This is absolutely brilliant news and will enable Mary Harrison and her amazing team of volunteers to continue to run this monthly activity as soon as restrictions are further relaxed. Marton's over 60s Afternoon Tea takes place on the second Three benches are set out near the pavilion Thursday of each month from with one more in the playground area. They 14.00 - 16.00 in Marton are very substantial and should prove to be a Village Hall. It brings together welcome all year addition for tired parents residents of Marton and with exuberant children, as well as a good surrounding villages for an staging post for villagers who are trying to afternoon of homemade maintain their fitness by taking walks around treats, shenanigans and the village. Please keep the parish council friendship. Mary is looking updated with any issues regarding their use or forward to welcoming everyone back as soon as condition. restrictions allow. 7 Marton News

Police News Marton Nature by Graham: Rabbits Neighbourhood Watch Rabbits were always a major part of local wildlife until 1947 when Myxomatosis arrived Rugby Rural South have been in this country. The disease came from out on cycle and foot this Australia, where it had been used to control month the rabbit population, via France and engaging with decimated the UK population. the rural Up to this time the large number of rabbits villages. A had reached number of nightmare vehicles were proportions around seized for not Marton, local having any farmers were road tax and some were having to devote five to six days each reported for unnecessary winter in order to obstruction. control them. During preventative patrols of The exceptionally large decline in the rabbit Marton the team seized an population whilst beneficial for grazing off-road bike. livestock, meant that there was less food for If you have any issues with foxes, badgers, stoats and weasels, so off-road vehicles then call the alternative food sources had to be found. They moved into towns and cities scavenging police on 101. on waste food and started eating hedgehogs, small mammals and ground nesting birds. The balance of nature has been disturbed, the arrival of buzzards to the area has exacerbated the situation as young rabbit is a buzzard’s favourite food. The rabbit has not recovered its numbers and maybe some of Marton`s gardeners are pleased to see them gone. 8 Marton Nature

Wildflower Project Wildflowers & Identification Guide help with their identification on the village website. Also there are hard copy laminated sheets on the pavilion veranda wall. Please do not take them away with you. Copies will be available from the museum if you wish Marton Parish Council led a project in 2020 to to purchase them. Do take introduce areas of wildflower meadows to the time to enjoy the result of all playing fields and surrounding areas. the hard work put in by the parish council and the The seed mix was chosen to provide a variety of multitude of volunteers. species over following years, which can be identified with this guide. If you are interested in wild flowers and looking for Thank you to residents Dr Joan Sherratt for somewhere to walk, I would producing the guide and Dr Nick Steggall for recommend a trip to overseeing the seed choices and sowing. Draycote meadows. This is Thanks also to the funders, Severn Trent very old meadowland Community Fund and Warwickshire Councillors’ managed by Warwickshire Grant Fund and the many volunteers who gave Wildlife Trust, at this time of time and energy to the project. year it is well known for its We hope you enjoy the improved biodiversity of green winged orchids the area. If you need to report any related flowering around the end of issues, please email [email protected]. May. Faye Take the right hand turn to The meadow plants are growing well and many Draycote village at the end of will soon be in flower. Though this is a long the straight mile (just before term project diversity should not be judged by Dobbies), the meadow is on short term results. the left just before you get to If the emerging plants are unfamiliar to you the village of Draycote. Joan there are species lists and drawings in colour to 9 Marton Groups

Marton Walkers

Marton Walkers Marton walkers held their first walk for over 14 months on Sunday 25 April when a select band of 6 members met at the Boat Inn at Birdingbury Wharf. The walk started in Calais Lane before joining fields of newly born lambs and their mothers as it headed into the village of Broadwell. After walking through the village the walk crossed more fields which took us over the A426 and up the hill towards Hill and the the route way-marked. You can find out more village of Leamington about the project on www.viabeata.co.uk. Hastings. It was here that we The next walk is on Sunday 23 May, starting discovered that the village at 10.00am from a local pub when the easing church is a stopping place on of restrictions will allow up to 30 walkers to the Via Beata route – a meet up together. The walk will take about 2 proposed pilgrimage route hours and will be approximately 5 miles long. over 400 miles long from A meal or drink at the pub afterwards is Lowestoft in Suffolk to St optional. To join the mailing list and learn David’s on the Welsh coast where all the walks for 2021 will be meeting which takes in Christian please email Mike Johnson on artwork along its travels. As [email protected]. Walks usually we turned left towards take place on the final Sunday of each month. Birdingbury again we saw 10 Marton Cricket Club

Marton Cricket Club News Summer activities are now beginning to get into full swing (sometimes despite the members wouldn’t have weather) with five games in May for the cricket known Nick but those of us club. Two are at home. The first is on Sunday 9 that do (Jay, Ruban, Loz and May against Bourton Cricket Club at 1.00pm. myself) remember some of On Sunday 30 May at 1.30pm Marton CC are his great cricketing strengths: playing Branston Paddox CC at home. Please be His fast and accurate bowling aware of the social distancing guidelines that from only a short run up, his are in place for anyone wishing to use the ability to throw the ball great pavilion facilities. distances, his speed to the ball and especially his fielding bravery when the ball was coming towards him at a pace. He would often put ‘his body on the line’ to stop that ball going to the boundary. I don’t remember that batting was one of Nick’s strengths Nick Brownlee yet I played with him at golf and in his prime, Nick was a Marton Village Cricket Club would like to pay really good player who was tribute to one of its former playing members, kind enough to both Nick Brownlee who died peacefully last month. encourage me and tolerate Nick lived in the village and played for the club my golf game at the same for many years (my memory says 25/30 years time! ago and then once again more recently, 5 to 10 We send our condolences to years ago). his family and friends. Inevitably, because of the years and club RIP Nick. membership ‘turnover’, many of the current Alan 11 Marton Annual Village Report

April Annual Reports: Summary of Village Activity 2020-2021 Marton Parish Council By Cllr Faye Chambers (Chair) Context • A year of Covid-19 restrictions, online meetings and community support from volunteers for those isolating or shielding. • The only parish council organised events were volunteering days for the biodiversity project (with limited numbers to enable social distancing) and two junior cricket sessions arranged in partnership with the MPFA and Marton Cricket Club. MPC organisation • No change in councillors, thanks to Sarah Crawford, David Fry, Rob Lummis and Mike Taylor for their continued dedication in volunteering. • Adopted a ‘rolling chair’ model in Sept 2020 so each councillor takes the chair role for two months to share the responsibility. • Adopted an Equality Policy and a Safeguarding Policy (Sept 2020) as recommended by WALC. • The parish council’s Financial Regulations, Constitution and Standing Orders were reviewed and adopted in Nov 2020. • Helen Keeves sadly handed in her notice as clerk in March 2021, due to other work commitments. The role has been advertised and we’d love village residents to apply. Village improvements / maintenance • Despite covid-19 restrictions, the planting project was supported by an amazing 52 residents who volunteered in small groups a total 1600 hours to improve the biodiversity of village areas totalling 2060m2.

12 • Flooding in Dec 2020: Experiences shared with the Coventry and Warwickshire Flood Resilience Team to request further support for road closures and traffic communication. A new Emergency Plan template was completed in early 2021.  The primary school bus pick up/drop off point was moved by Warwickshire County Council (WCC) to the main road without consultation while schools were in lockdown operations. Supporting parents, the MPC got the decision reversed in March 2021.  Marton Cricket Club formed a partnership with AJ Landscaping and took over the playing fields grass cutting from March 2021. • The streetlamp next to the church is due for replacement but delayed costings from WCC mean this couldn’t be completed this year. • Community Speedwatch continues to be a village ambition, various new police officers have been contacted this year and funding bids have been submitted to purchase equipment needed. Crime reports • A low crime year, with one-off reports only of a stolen catalytic converter, vandalism of the willow dome and night noise near the pavilion, in addition to isolated domestic disturbances. • Illegal motorbikes on the railway line resumed once lockdown eased, though additional temporary bollards are restricting their access. Finances • Secured a Councillor’s Grant Fund of £1050 for planting and environment improvements, including a willow dome, completed Dec 2020. • Received a Severn Trent Community Fund grant of £5597 for biodiversity

13 improvements, including community raised beds, wildflower areas and signs, completed Jan 2021 with a recycling area to follow. • Awarded a County Councillor’s Covid-19 Grant Fund of £815 for newsletter printing during restrictions limiting social contact, July-Nov 2020. • Funding of £850 for an emergency supplies shed has been allowed to roll into another year, delayed by planning issues. • The 2021/2022 precept was increased by £500 (equivalent of £2.50 per household per year) to cover increasing village maintenance costs. Assets • Monthly defibrillator checks continue to be completed by the clerk and logged on The Circuit (online database). New pads were added in April 2020. • A new bench has been donated in memory of Tim Foden, to be sited soon by the MPFA. • The annual independent playground inspection was successfully conducted and the report received in November 2020.

Marton War Memorial Hall By Rob Lummis Well, what a year ...... memorable for lots of reasons. Nobody in the audience at the showing of Downton Abbey or those happy Progressive Dinner coffee attenders in early March would have predicted that for the majority of Martonions the Village Hall was about to shut for more than twelve months. No more cinema, sporting events, History Group, Keep Fit, Pilates, Brownies, and the unthinkable: no 2020 Marton Night Out! As the nation went into lockdown in March 2020 we reluctantly shut the doors for events at the Hall. What we didn't do, however, was give up.

14 Throughout the year, I'm delighted to say, the committee continued to meet via Zoom and so we were able to remain in close contact. Whilst we were unable to meet together at the Hall thanks go to individual committee members who carried out various pieces of work. The bar area was cleaned, tidied and stock was sold off. A major refurbishment of the audio visual control box was undertaken and plans hatched for improvements to the fabric of the buildings and the heating system. Work to improve our administration also took place. A project to contact all residents and encourage them to receive our marketing communications via email has been very successful and will see a major reduction in the amount of paper that we use in future. A major step forward has also been taken in the use of technology. In future we will all be able to buy tickets for events and purchase refreshments at the Hall without using cash. We have also recently launched a revitalised, improved 200 Club...... please note we still have some numbers available. Whilst we scaled it back we still maintained basic cleaning of the Hall and although the Hall was essentially closed we were able to support a family who found themselves mid building work and kitchenless at the start of lockdown. We were delighted and very nervous when the easing of restrictions last summer meant that Pilates classes could recommence on a limited attendance basis. Again great work from committee members meant that we could declare the Hall as Covid secure. It was also positive that we were able to host Brookside surgery who again used the Hall to provide flu jabs for some Marton residents. Unfortunately good things came to a quick end with the second lockdown meaning that we, once again, had to close our doors. Whilst no events has meant that we have not sold any tickets or provided any bars or food, the Hall, again through the hard work of committee members, has been able to receive some financial support from Rugby Borough Council. We are very thankful for this as it means we have maintained a sound financial base. The pandemic also provided other opportunities. Early on in 2020 the Village Hall, together with the Church and Parish Council established the Marton Community Network. This has been a great success, working through a fantastic group of dedicated volunteers. Help and support has been provided to Villagers who have been affected by Covid whether it's a trip to the Post Office, 15 pharmacy or supermarket or just a chat on the phone. We should all be proud of the Network as it is one of the things that makes Marton such a brilliant place to live. Looking forward we are starting to discuss our plans for reopening as and when the stages of the Government Roadmap allow. There is a fantastic summer of sport to look forward to and discussions are taking place with other Village organisations about joint events during the rest of the year. We are looking forward to welcoming back our regular users, the most important thing is that we won't be opening the doors until it is safe to do so. So, an "interesting" year and one, I'm sure, we will all remember. In conclusion I have to thank all of the Committee members, and their families, for the hard work and support over the last 12 months. We couldn't have kept going without you all! I'm certainly looking forward to serving the first pint at the first Village Hall event.

Marton Brownies By Elizabeth Murray What a strange year. We stopped meeting in March and met again for 2 outdoor meetings on the playing field in September, then moved onto Zoom for the rest of the winter term and all of the Spring term. The Brownies have adapted well to Zoom meetings on the whole. We even held an enrolment ceremony online, though the internet provided a few challenges that evening. We have enjoyed Bingo online and have even managed to make a cake in a mug. We have delivered craft packs so that we can make our crafts together. We currently have only 6 Brownies and need to recruit when the world becomes more normal. Financially it has been a difficult year. We still have subscriptions to pay to girlguiding for insurance etc while income has been reduced. However, we successfully applied for a youth COVID grant from the government and this together with subs from parents last term will keep us afloat. We are going to meet outdoors and on Zoom alternate weeks until half term, then review.

16 If you know of any girls aged 7-10 in Marton and surrounding villages we would love them to join us. Wishing everyone a restful, normal and healthy summer. Marton Brownies 01926815466

Marton Playing Fields Association By Dinyar Baria Due to restrictions caused by the Covid pandemic, unfortunately all MPFA events were cancelled. In the late summer, the committee followed the available government guidance for the re-opening of the play area and gym equipment after reviewing health and safety risk assessments. The hire of the pavilion for private use was not allowed. (hiring will be available after 22 June 2022) However, on a positive note, the Junior cricket session in September and the project to introduce wildflower meadows and raised beds and willow dome lifted the spirits in a difficult year for everyone. Please get in touch if you would like to join the MPFA committee and “Keep Marton Active”. There is currently a vacancy for a treasurer and secretary. [email protected]

Marton Museum of Country Bygones By David Fry There has been little formal activity in the museum over the past year apart from a short, socially distanced, opening season during the summer, followed by a HODs Weekend with reduced activities. The latter had been prepared as if it would be a normal HODs weekend on the theme of Marton Nature but it will still serve the museum well for a fuller repetition this year. A couple of Offer Group meetings and informal Collection Group meetings have been supplemented by more individual meetings and communication by email. A tentative Zoom meeting for all the 17 volunteers is being prepared in readiness for a possible late June reopening. The museum will definitely be fully open for the Heritage Open Days Weekend with teas provided on the 18/19 September. Informally progress has been made in planning for additional storage for the museum which will require quite a bit of fundraising, mainly through grant applications. Preparatory work has also gone into hanging the small pony hoe on the side of the museum and brackets have been forged by a local engineering firm. Other plans for improved displays and signage in the museum are also to be enacted before summer opening. All in all, having more time to think has had some positive benefits, not least in recharging batteries and reviewing aspects of taking the museum into the next ten years.

Marton Newsletter By David Fry In February this year the Marton Newsletter celebrated its eleventh birthday in its new magazine format. In that time it has been entirely funded by its valued advertisers so that a print run of 235 copies is delivered each month to every household in the village (and a few beyond). This involves contributions by a team of regular writers, together with guest contributions, which are then compiled by a small editing team, with support from an advertising manager. The printed copies are delivered by yet another team of regulars. All involved are volunteers and there are too many to individually credit here, but many thanks to each of them. Along with the village website, the Newsletter continues to have a valuable role in keeping villagers informed and helping to promote a sense of community. During the first lockdown the decision was taken to continue producing the Newsletter as a vital means of communication within the village at a time when we were restricted from face-to-face contact. Fortunately a County Council grant was secured to cover additional costs imposed by having to use a commercial printer (previous costs were much lower through using a co-operative school that was closed and unavailable during lockdown). When schools did

18 return the option of using the school was no longer open to us. Thanks to the residue of the grant, improved advertising income and generous donations from residents for Christmas greetings, we have been able to guarantee production of the Newsletter for another year. Although costs have almost doubled, the use of a commercial press has improved the time lag between editing and production as well as the quality of reproduction – now even a colour cover is included in the price! For the time being we have a business plan that secures the future of the Newsletter with the continued support of the volunteers and the village. Marton Local History Group By David Fry Along with most other village organisations the Local History Group has not met this year. We await the developments of the next few months, especially the functioning of the village hall. Hopefully we will return to normal in the autumn with a full programme for the winter season. Group finances remain stable; there has been no income but the only expenditure has been on external subscriptions. A full review of the finances will be presented to the next AGM, covering the period from the last AGM held. The committee is always interested in finding local people who have already done or are prepared to do some local history research and either present it to the Group themselves, or pass the material on for someone else to do a talk. Contact email: [email protected] or telephone: 01926 632936.

Marton Neighbourhood Watch By Miranda Aston Well this has certainly been an unusual year! One thing Coronavirus and Lockdown has done for our village is create an even greater sense of local community - something Neighbourhood Watch relies heavily on! It is with your vigilance in keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity and your quick response in alerting neighbours either directly or through our magnificent Village Google Mail, that crime in our village is relatively low - Thank you so much for this, Marton is a very well connected and caring community. Crime Statistics for our area - Rugby Rural South, (Map below), can be found 19 on the Police website - www.police.uk, search by Postcode. As you can see from the map just fit in the top left boundary - Marton often seems to be on the edge of lots of boundary areas!. Crime in Marton itself for the year has been relatively low, over 12 months: 1 theft of a catalytic convertor from a vehicle, 24 reports of domestic disturbances and antisocial behaviour, 4 of criminal damage and 1 public order report. Last but not least, we continue to see speeding vehicles around and through the village. Hopefully the Speed Watch group will be trained up soon and out on our streets to catch speeding and dangerous vehicles.. The main issue from the police point of view has been off-road vehicles. The most effective means of reducing these crimes is for all to keep an eye out for both ourselves and our neighbours, secure your property - lights, CCTV and good locks, mark your property, and most importantly sign up to be included on our wonderful Marton email group - just sent a request to [email protected] I use the email group to send out all of the relevant reports and advice that I receive from the police and it is also used to report very quickly any suspicious activity- it is NB Whole of Rugby Rural South! quick and invaluable - please join if you are not already in the group, it is also a wonderful way to keep connected to your friends and neighbours in these strange times of Lockdown and social distancing, (which hopefully will come to a safe end soon). Keep safe and lets keep on looking after each other in our wonderful village, all the Best from Miranda Aston, Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator.

20 MVCC Marton Village Cricket Club "The place to play and players to play" By Alan Naylor 2020 Season results summary : Due to the COVID Pandemic only 11 games were played during the latter part of the season of which we won 5 and lost 6. The club has around 30 players of which most (21) are members and 9 are non members who can be drawn upon when we are short. The Club’s financial status continues to meet the committee’s aim which is to have sufficient funds at the end of the season to cover the following seasons’ fixed costs. Due to the reduced number of games, there was no end of season awards ceremony but there was an AGM. Also, members attending the Green Man at Dunchurch did get a chance to say farewell to Kyrone Dodd, our outgoing Chairman who was leaving to return with his family to his native country, Australia. A presentation was made to Kyrone to thank him for his support and commitment to the Club. The 2020/21 season committee members are: Chairman - Dan Liddle, Vice Chairman and Grounds - Alan Naylor , Treasurer - Alun Evans, Secretary - Neil Lawson, Captain and Fixtures Secretary - Loz Truslove, Webmaster - Sean Povey, Social Secretary - Damian Slater, Safeguarding Officer- Gareth Evans, Committee member - Jay Singh, Grounds - Reg Smith. The club is grateful for the continued support of Topgrass and Mainline Timber. The Club is also grateful for the support we receive from the village, the Village Parish Council (in particular, Helen for her management of the sports field mowing) and from other village organisations. The club has a full list (24) of home and away fixtures for 2021. For the time being at least and until advised otherwise, all of these games will be played in line with Government and ECB guidelines which basically means that the pavilion can only be used for toilets and not as changing rooms or for the purpose of serving refreshments. 21 Please do come and watch some of the home games but please also stay socially distanced and safe. Finally, if anyone wishes to join the club as a player or in any other capacity, please contact the undersigned. Yours on behalf of your Marton Village Cricket Club Alan Naylor 07480193093 Marton Walkers Report By Mike Johnson We hold our first walk for over a year this month (25 April - see report on page 10). Our last walk was in February 2020. We formed the Marton Walkers Whats App group in March 2020 and have been keeping in touch throughout the pandemic. We held four virtual reality walks between March and June visiting Hunningham, Bubbenhall, Grandborough and Offchurch. With up to 20 members involved this enabled us to “walk “whilst viewing pictures of the countryside. We hope to continue with our walks in the future. Dates for future walks are as follows 23 May, 27 June, 25 July, 22 August, 26 September, 31 October , 28 November, 26 December (Boxing Day Walk) 16 January 2022, Late Christmas Lunch 30 January. We walk approximately 5 miles starting and finishing at a pub , where you can either depart , stay and have a drink or enjoy a meal (Sunday Lunch) always nice after a country walk To join Marton Walkers contact Mike Johnson 01926 632960 mobile 07753968570. email. [email protected] or join our WhatsApp group by sending me your mobile phone number. Parish Church of St Esprit Report By Jenny Walsh Clergy Revd Jane Everitt – Priest in Charge to 28 February 2021, currently no incumbent Revd Rob Rogers ex-officio Churchwardens: Jenny Walsh and Janet Paget 22 Chair of St Esprit PCC: Joe Walsh Contact telephone: Jenny Walsh 01926 632547 or Janet Paget 01926 632509 Overview of activity from 1 April 2020 – 31 March 2021 Church Membership There are 15 members on the Church Electoral Roll of whom four are not resident in the parish. Bishop John has described us a “small church which punches above its weight!”. We were very sad to say goodbye to the Dodd family. Early in 2021 Revd Jane sent the following note to all parishioners. “It has been my joy and privilege to work and walk alongside the two villages as the ‘Priest- in-Charge’ of both Holy Trinity and St Esprit Churches since 8 January 2018. However, following a cancer diagnosis in February of last year, I am retiring early on ill-health grounds on the 28 February 2021 and we will be moving back to the Fylde Coast, Lancashire, to be near family.” Service Pattern The Covid 19 pandemic closed all church buildings in March 2020, however, St Esprit has stayed active throughout the year, holding services every Sunday via Zoom, Facebook and YouTube either recorded or live. During lockdown we have shared our virtual services on our Facebook page and have reached many in Marton, Long Itchington and beyond, with a typical reach of about 50 devices but increasing to 350 for celebration services. St Esprit has also continued to host an on- line Deanery Service “In the Spirit” and co- ordinated reflections across the Deanery. On 28 February 2021 we held an on-line thanksgiving service for Revd Jane and Tim. Bishop Christopher, the Rural Dean and children and teachers from Long Itchington CofE Academy joined us in a celebration of all that Revd Jane gave to our parishes. We hope to have an in-person tea party in the Autumn. Activities Not being able to hold funerals, baptisms and festival services in person has been challenging for the Marton community. We have held a number of burials or internments in the churchyard, in line with the COVID19 restrictions. The support of individuals and families this year has been so important but so difficult. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all 23 who have suffered loss in this year. The church building and churchyard have been used to celebrate Easter with the cross made by Megan Oliver. The Christmas season was again enthusiastically celebrated with the knitted Holy Family coming to visit and on-line with even Josh and Jack (from Australia) being included in the Nativity service, fabulous lighting of the church thanks to Dinyar and the final Advent window. We also made and displayed a banner of thanks to all those working throughout the pandemic. We have been unable to organise any fundraising events although we are grateful for the donations made for the excess costs of the vandalised windows on the north side of the church. The insurance company managed the replacement of the windows following the first lockdown. Churchyard working parties have also not been permitted this year. Thanks to families and individuals that are able to spend time tending graves in the churchyard. John Buchanan has kept the front of the churchyard well maintained. Finances The majority of the expenses for the church building and ministry costs did not change, however, the giving to the church decreased. The rent for the churchwardens’ field is also not being fully paid. The giving for the churchyard maintenance continued allowing John to be contracted. Members of the church have been working with the local foodbank throughout the year and a callout was made to the village to support those in need locally. The response was donations of over £1400 which have been converted to food vouchers or used to stock the foodbank. Thankyou for your generosity. Removing the restricted donations for the foodbank, the annual finances show a loss.

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News We also share deanery resources including In The Spirit (First Sunday evening) via Facebook and YouTube. Details are on the noticeboard and the Marton email. Please contact Joe Walsh if you want joining details for services or wish to be included on our Church mailing list (email or posted) t:01926 632547, m:07399 480966 e:[email protected] CHURCH BUILDING REMAINS ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING – 12 CLOSED BUT MAY BE MAY 7.30pm via Zoom CHANGING SOON Please contact Joe Walsh for joining details, It is hoped that the church further information is on the church building will be permitted to noticeboard and will be circulated via the open either in May or June, Marton email group. we will update via the Marton FOODBANK DONATIONS email and the church Thank you for all the foodbank donations noticeboard. St Esprit (cash and products). Tins, jars, packets and Marton’s church community toiletry items can be left in the collection continues to be active and boxes on the drive of The Cottage, North available to all. Please contact Street or in the porch of 18, Birdingbury Road. either of the churchwardens CHURCHYARD – HELP REQUIRED PLEASE (Janet Paget or Jenny Walsh) Working Party in family groups on MAY 8 with any queries or requests 10.00 -12.30 (Bring your own tools). As we are for pastoral support. We allowed to meet as 2 households or 6 people, continue discussions about a we can resume work to tend the churchyard. new vicar. All help appreciated - no group activities are CHURCH SERVICES (may currently allowed however households are change) very welcome to support your village Revd Rob Rogers continues to churchyard. Any strimming or weeding would support us, with two on-line be fantastic, thank you to those who keep services of Holy Communion plots or areas neat and tidy. If you cannot join plus we have recorded us but have any spare time to support the services on the other Sundays. churchyard, please do so at any time.

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Village News Local Business based in Marton We provide an EARLY and RELIABLE Newspaper and Magazine delivery service For more details please contact Zena Richards on 01926 633138 or 07788991933

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(Cover picture courtesy of Joan )

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Outside the village

Emergency Contacts Gas: 0800 111 999 Water: 0800 7834444 Electricity: 0800 0568090 Floodline: 0845 988 1188 NHS Direct: 111

Rugby Borough Council 01788 533533 www.rugby.gov.uk Warwickshire County Council 01926 410410 www.warwickshire.gov.uk

Councillors

Borough Councillor Emma Crane 07956895529

County Councillor Howard Roberts 01788 519603 [email protected] Member of Parliament Jeremy Wright (Conservative) 01926 853650 [email protected]

Warwickshire Police Rugby Rural South – Safer Neighbourhood Team

To contact the team directly (not for reporting a crime) 01788 853851

To report a crime or any suspicious incident 101

In an emergency 999

Email: [email protected] Twitter: @RugbyCops

Rugby Police Station, Newbold Road, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 2DH