HannahWendy MayoSaunders, Clerk to the Council, Dodington Parish Council’s Dodington Parish Council, Dodington Parish Hall, Finch Road, BS37 6JZ Tel: 01454 866546 Newsletter ’16 e-mail: [email protected] The Inside Story

Wapley Bushes Conservation Group Agincourt Event ...... page 2 Sunday, 25th October marked an important Our Wendy anniversary for the Parish. A major celebration ...... page 2 was held to commemorate an important local link QEII Playing Fields to the Battle of Agincourt, which took place 600 ...... page 2 years ago.

The Battle of Agincourt, part of the Hundred Years War, took place on St Friends of Lilliput ...... page 3 Crispin’s Day, 25th October in 1415 near the village of Agincourt. The Wapley Agincourt 600 event celebrated the area’s links with Sir John Codrington, who Dodington Parish was the standard bearer of King Henry V at the battle, when the English forces Band defeated a larger French army...... page 3 The event, which was supported by a grant from Dodington Parish Council, was organised by a committee drawn from the Parochial Church Council and local residents, including four of your Parish Councillors. On a beautiful sunny autumn day the fi elds around St Peter’s Church (kindly loaned by Mr and Mrs Hall) were “invaded” by re-enactors, performers and more than 900 visitors, helped by an effi cient Park and Ride service. Mr Adrian Dan of Danco provided marquees that housed Chairman’s Message many of the activities, and medieval I hope you enjoy enthusiasts travelled from all over the reading this Annual country to take part. Parish Newsletter. Dodington Allotments Members of the Codrington family This is my third, and last year, as your ...... page 4 from as far afi eld as Australia came Chairman…and it has had its highs and to the event. The start and end of the lows. The low point being the death of our Special Celebrations wonderful Parish Clerk Wendy Mayo last event were marked by services in the ...... page 4 August. I have written about this separately. church, the evening service being One of the high points was in May, when conducted by the Bishop of Bristol, the Keely Barrett-Waines, Chris Zapata and Summer Playscheme Right Reverend Mike Hill. Pageantry Philip Jones were all elected in as Parish Cllr Christine Howard, Chairman ...... page 4 Councillors. These young people are the and historical accuracy were the future of our Parish and have proved to be an third order of the day. The organisers were exceptional asset to us all. Green Flag Award. particularly pleased to see so many Following the Governance Review, Lilliput What a wonderful team of willing About this volunteers, who give of their time to make our young people, who were able to try on Park became a part of Dodington Parish Council and the Friends of Lilliput Park Team area the wonderful place to live that it is. Newsletter armour and chain mail. (Pat, Gloria, Malcolm and Paul to name just a The Summer Play Scheme was a great The Parish Council would like to thank few) have been busier than ever ensuring it is success. My visits have always been one of You have received this in tip top condition for all to enjoy. We have the highlights of my time as Chairman - in everyone who took part in and helped Annual Newsletter some wonderful volunteers who give up their particular being escorted around by Banana because you live in the to organise Wapley Agincourt 600, valuable free time to work on this for us. Man …. Surreal but fun. Parish of Dodington particularly lead organiser and local Earlier in 2015 Wendy had successfully secured The Agincourt Celebration is reported above, which has a population resident Jenny Shiles, and medieval two grants towards the refurbishing of the and I was thrilled to be on the organising team, of about 8,600. changing rooms at the QEII Fields. At the along with Cllrs Chris Zapata, Keeley Barrett- The Parish is a mixture of enthusiast “Henricus de Staynford” grand opening late last year, all the football Waines and Paul Hulbert. All the publicity and town and country. The who persuaded so many of his contacts teams, especially Dodington FC, gave it the seal posters that they worked so hard on ensured urban part covers the to come and take part. of approval. that over 900 people attended this free event, area between Shire Way The local ‘In Bloom’ teams along with Wapley and they were terrifi c on the day handling and Rodford Way and the A large website with many photos and Nature Reserve, Wapley Common, The Orchard traffi c management amongst a variety of other “Birds” estates on either details of the event can be found at for the Future and Dodington Allotments (plus tasks. I particularly enjoyed meeting people side of Heron Way. The Kingsgate Park in ) all won Outstanding rural part runs from the wapleyagincourt.wordpress.com. We in Yate Shopping Centre with my Knight in Awards (the highest that can be achieved). Shining Armour – Terry! But the real star was railway line south to the M4 motorway and includes have been asked when the next one is, This is a tremendous achievement. Chairman Jenny Shiles and her husband Henry the hamlets of Codrington, so we’ve put a note in the diary for the Under the leadership of Cllr Paul Hulbert, who arranged everything brilliantly with the aid Dodington and Wapley. year 2115... Wapley Bushes and the Common won their of a great team of helpers. This Newsletter tells you about some of the services and facilities that we You are very welcome to join us for our 7.30pm Wednesday 23rd March 2016 provide for you, what has Dodington Parish Hall, Finch Road, been going on during the Annual Parish Meeting Chipping Sodbury past year and activities the council is involved in during We are pleased to welcome Mr Andy Lowrey – Manager at Yate Shopping Centre – who will give a 2016. You can fi nd out presentation about how the centre is developing and the exciting changes happening… more by contacting your Refreshments will be available and Councillors look forward to meeting you. local Councillor (see back page). Abbotswood Action Group Dodington Parish Council is working closely with the Based on the detailed Abbotswood Community Plan, AAG have successfuly Abbotswood Action Group, a community organisation obtained three-year funding from Council for a part-time that seeks to improve Abbotswood and the nearby Community Development Worker to help them deliver the Plan. areas - including part of our parish - and to encourage Throughout the year events have been organised….the Christmas event was community activities and events. The area is identifi ed attended by 400 people despite dreadful weather that forced everyone indoors. Dodington FC as a Priority Neighbourhood in need of improvement. Cllr Paul Hulbert is the vice-chairman of AAG, and The St Nicholas Centre has rarely been so crowded, but it was a really enjoyable Dodington FC have other councillors are members of AAG and volunteer occasion. Music was provided by the combined choirs of Abbotswood and enjoyed a successful 2015. at events. Wellesley Primary Schools and Brass Band. Father Christmas and The highlight of which was his helpers visited of course, not to mention a giant Minion! defeating AFC Hartcliffe AAG and friends got their hands dirty for the annual Abbotswood Spring Clean, 5-1 to win the 2015 Jack involving everything from making up hanging baskets to painting garage doors, Jenkins trophy. with the help of the Police Cadets. There is also a family Gardening Group that Dodington also clinched the meets weekly and works on the Community Allotment in the grounds of the St 2015 charity shield with a Nicholas Centre. resounding 5-0 victory over A major problem for years has been that the open spaces around the Abbotswood Bristol Revolution. The season Shopping Centre were owned by an absentee landlord with little interest concluded with a respectable in spending money to improve the area. AAG were therefore very pleased mid table fi nish. Dodington when Yate Town Council bought the public areas in January. All the Group’s are currently sitting just below volunteering activites will carry on, and Yate Town Council are working on mid table at the half way point issues like the cracked and wobbly paving slabs. of this season. This is largely To fi nd out more, please “Like” Abbotswood Action Group’s Facebook page due to missing a few fi xtures www.facebook.com/abbotswoodaction or ring Paul Hulbert on 01454 315851. as a result of the recent wet weather. Everyone involved with Dodington football club would like to extend a special thank you the parish council for all the help and support they have provided over the last year. We are very thankful for the new facilities at Kelston Close which have made playing our home matches there all the more enjoyable. QE II Playing Fields Changing Rooms, Kelston Close As mentioned in last year’s newsletter – Dodington building improvements. Kay Crowe Parish Council was about to embark on a major project The changing rooms are used predominantly by to refurbish the changing rooms at Kelston Close. They Councillors were very saddened football players, and they have been designed so they are suitable to be were 30 years old, very run down and in desperate need of when Kay Crowe died in March used by people of all ages / abilities and by both male and female teams. modernising. 2015 after a long illness. She had The work was carried out during summer 2015 – and was completed in time served on Dodington Parish Council The decision was taken in 2014 to fund this project and as mentioned due to for the start of the 2015/16 football season in September. for 29 years. She campaigned Wendy’s tenacity 2 major grants were awarded to help towards the cost of the In November the changing rooms were offi cially opened by the unveiling of particularly on road safety and refurbishment. disability issues, being a key a plaque – in memory of Wendy Mayo – without whom the improvements member of Access-ability and The overall cost was £70k, but approximately half of this was grant funded – wouldn’t have been feasible. On a rainy day despite fi xtures being cancelled Shopmobility. with £25k being received from the Football Foundation and £7k from South players turned out in their kits – to pay their respects as Wendy’s husband and Gloucestershire Council’s New Homes Bonus Scheme. Kay represented the Council on many daughters did the honours. outside bodies, including Ridgewood A subcommittee was set up to decide on improvements and monitor the The playing fi elds are well used by all locally – for picnics, sports, exercise Community Association, Yate Library building work which included new shower cubicles, new toilets, disabled and dog walking as well as by footballers. New teams welcome, please contact Committee and the Yate Town Strategy access and toilet, new seating / changing area, landscaping and general the Parish Offi ce. Group. She was a real “community builder”, regularly attending meetings of the Abbotswood Action Group and giving unstinting support to all the Wendy J Mayo Group’s activities. Kay had a passion Wapley Bushes for learning and education. She served as a Governor at Abbotswood School, and received a long service award for 20 Conservation years as a governor. Kay represented the Dodington Ward Group as a South Gloucestershire Councillor from 1991 to 2011, serving on numerous Volunteers at Wapley Bushes have committees and campaigning to improve celebrated another successful year, our local area in many different ways. winning two Level 5 “Outstanding” She was made an Alderman after she awards in South West in Bloom, for the retired from South Gloucestershire Local Nature Reserve and for Wapley Council in 2011. She will be sorely Common and the Orchard for the Future. missed. In August the Parish Council were The area has also been awarded the Green devastated when their wonderful Clerk Flag Award for high quality public open space. Wendy Mayo died after a short illness. Small Grants In July wildlife enthusiasts, including a group of visitors from the Cabot Group of the Wildlife Trust Wendy was the backbone of the Council she was 100 in Bristol, explored Wapley’s meadows and woodlands. They found three of Wapley’s fi ve species percent devoted to her job and the staff and Councillors Scheme of orchids and many other meadow fl owers. Then they went into the woodland and talked about the and it has made a great void in our parish. challenge of ash dieback disease and how the Wapley Bushes Conservation Group is planning to Not only was she the Clerk but she was involved through cope with it. Finally they visited the Orchard for the Future, where local varieties of fruit trees (ones her life in many voluntary groups and always knew you can’t buy in the shops) have been planted on one side of Wapley Common. where the best grants were and went after them with a In October there was a fascinating Fungus Foray with Dr Lee Hayward of the Cotswold Fungus passion to get Parishioners a great deal. Group. Lee told many stories and facts about fungi, including how the different types reproduce and Her last venture was the changing rooms (see above) their importance for us as a species. for which she obtained 2 grants and all the football This year the Conservation Group have been using satellite technology to tackle an unwanted teams home and away have expressed their pleasure Our small grants scheme weed in the meadows. They harvested the equivalent of hundred plus commercial seed packets of at the new updated conditions inside and out. There is invites community hay rattle seeds heads, dried them off, and planted the hay rattle in patches of the invasive weed a plaque on the wall outside, which was unveiled by groups to apply for meadowsweet. Wendy’s husband and her 2 lovely daughters late last funding of up to £300. Hay rattle can tap into other plants’ root systems, and it is hoped that that this may may be a natural year, which states that the building is in memory of her. means of controlling the meadowsweet. It is believed that nobody else has tried this combination. Application forms are available on Landcare Nurseries, a company we use to keep our areas Of course, next year the volunteers will need to fi nd the particular patches they have “treated” - so our website or by contacting the planted, donated a tree in Wendy’s memory and it is they took GPS (“Satnav”) readings for each of the patches! Parish Offi ce. planted in Lilliput Park for everyone to see and enjoy. Wapley Bushes Conservation Group hold regular work mornings, with something for everyone, Wendy was a one off and will be sadly missed by so In 2015 we gave grant funding to from planting trees and clearing watercourses to litter picking and pruning fruit trees.You can check many people and organisations that she was involved the tune of £15,040 and were able out their blog at wapley.blogspot.co.uk covering their activities and about volunteering opportunities with. We all loved and respected her, but she was no to help 28 Community groups to and events on other local reserves, or ring Malcolm on 01454 310328 or Paul on 01454 315851 to pushover! When she said no we knew she knew best! achieve their aims with our support. fi nd out more. We miss her. Dodington Parish Band Wapley This year is a very special year for Dodington Parish Band. 20 years ago, with support from Dodington Footbridge Parish Council, this local brass band was formed. Its Opening aim was, and still is, to enhance and widen the scope of musical opportunities, especially for younger players, throughout the Dodington, Yate & Chipping Sodbury areas. For some years the band rehearsed in a lock up garage on Kelston Close (near the site of the recently refurbished changing rooms at the Queen Elizabeth II playing fi elds). In those early years the band performed at local fetes and at the annual duck race held as He is very keen to encourage the part of Chipping Sodbury festival. In 2001, the band younger members of the band, and works hard to ensure relocated into Dodington Parish Hall and they continue that all players are made to feel welcome and able to grow musically. to rehearse there on Tuesday evenings. In this, their 20th anniversary year, the band is as busy as ever. They are Over the years the band has grown from strength to strength and regular holding a celebratory concert in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on Saturday engagements on their calendar include a variety of bandstands (including 22 October 2016. A full list of where you can see them play throughout the Bath, Chippenham, Cheltenham, Stroud and Keynsham), the Chipping year can be found on their website www.dodingtonparishband.co.uk. You April 2015 brought the long- Sodbury Festival Street Fayre, Castle Combe Steam show, and the could also “like” their Facebook page, where they post regular updates of awaited reopening of Sargeants Remembrance Day Parade and Victorian Evening in Chipping Sodbury. In forthcoming engagements. At every performance the band gives, they raise Farm Bridge from Shire Way December the band can also be found performing carols at Morrisons in awareness of the parish of Dodington. The band is very grateful for the to Wapley Common. The Yate, and playing for the carol services at Tyndale Baptist Church, St Peter’s continued support given by Dodington Parish Council. early 1900s iron bridge had Church at Wapley, and St Andrew’s Church at . The band also to be replaced to create extra The band always welcomes new players, whatever their ability or age. If you clearance for the power lines perform at formal concerts throughout the year, including their own annual are new to playing a brass instrument or are returning to playing after a break, October concert. when the main railway line is you can fi nd out more information or contact the band through their website. electrifi ed over the next couple The band is currently around 30 strong and their musical director is Peter Alternatively, you are very welcome to come along to a rehearsal on Tuesday of years. Cornford. Peter has led the band for the last 6 years and is very enthusiastic. evenings at 7.30pm in Dodington Parish Hall. As the adjoining landowner the Council worked very closely with Network Rail’s contractors Autumn Apple Day Celebrations J Murphy and Sons, particularly their site manager Dean at Abbotswood by Cllr. Annette Parsons Oldershaw. Cllr Paul Hulbert commented “We were delighted In October I was invited to take part in Abbotswood’s annual by the great care that J Murphy “Apple Day” celebrations. The day was organised in conjunction with took to avoid damaging the Nature South Gloucestershire’s “Wild for life” project. Before the day myself and Reserve and the Common. In our Agincourt Poem: several volunteers went with Rowena Kenny from South Gloucestershire’s turn we were able to help them Environmental team, to collect apples from a local orchard. out by providing easy access for Archery historian and story-teller Veronica-Mae Our thanks go to the owner of Heath Farm, not only for allowing us to collect apples from his their equipment to that side of the Soar composed a very special poem to mark the orchard (with the help of his special apple picking tools) but also for the loan of his portable Apple Press line. They were a pleasure to work occasion. (an amazing contraption)! with” Wapley. 25th October 2015 On arrival at Abbotswood shops on the morning of the celebration the place was already buzzing with Photo: DPC Chairman Cllr Why stand these men beside this ancient tomb? people, setting up stalls and games. The apples we had collected were gathered together in large tubs. We Christine Howard offi cially Their faces solemn and their heads bowed down, had a couple of trestle tables to work on with the press next to a stall under a gazebo. opened the bridge, assisted by While words from Shakespeare echo in the gloom. Our fi rst task was to start washing the apples, using water from the nearby St. Nicholas Centre. The apples Vice-Chairman Cllr Paul Hulbert By tomb caparisoned in cloth of red then had to be cored and cut into quarters. With so many apples we were washing and cutting for most of and representatives of Network In honour of Sir John, who served his king, the day!!! The portable apple press was brilliant. It included a Rail and their contractor J Murphy They stand in silent tribute to the dead. crusher that cut the quartered apples up into small chunks and and Sons. At Wapley in old Glo’ster’s famous shire. then converted into a press. The fi rst apple juice that came out As we in solemn process gather here, of the tap at the bottom of the press was delicious and we soon The bell tolls from St Peter’s ancient spire had a queue of people waiting to taste it. People of every age and every sort The day attracted between 300 – 400 visitors – and as well as Parish From every place, upon St Crispin’s day, producing apple juice they were able to try their hand at making Are come to think and speak of Agincourt. other crafts. There was also a dog show that was organized by Councillors How on this day 600 years ago the local vets and we were accompanied by music from the Folk Upon a foreign fi eld, with beating hearts, Group and Ukuleles of U3A. Young and Old King Henry and his army met the foe. Dodington Parish Council The doughty archers let their arrows fl y; has 15 councillors, and they From sturdy bows of yew their shafts were sent FRIENDS OF LILLIPUT PARK range in age from 23 to 94. So thick, ‘tis said, they seemed to dark the sky This yields healthy debate on The royal banner waved above the fray, When the boundary changed and Lilliput Park came into Dodington parish, we decided to restart a friends group, Lilliput Park Conservation Group, to refl ect all sorts of issues, with three In Codrington’s brave hands it fl uttered forth; young councillors on board, the And many a noble deed was done that day. our interest in the wider environment as well as fl owers. Council has managed to unite O may we not forget as years go by The Friends of Lilliput Park had previously planted a lot of bulbs, primroses and shrubs. A local resident young and old, teaching all Warwick and Bedford, Talbot and their kin had planted Water Iris, the Guides had planted roses in the Quiet Corner, and Landcare had planted a wild involved to take a broader view Fighting for Henry ‘neath a leaden sky fl ower garden in what was the boules court. of every item on their monthly The choral voices rise to heav’n once more, Over the last year all this lovely planting had got overgrown, so as well as planting the small orchard we agenda. Our children hear this tale of yesteryear, have been working hard to prune the shrubs and cut back brambles which were beginning to take over. Despite a double leg amputation, As we muse on the deeds at Azincourt We meet on the 1st Tuesday of the month from 10.00 am to 12.00 at the main entrance off Kingfi sher road, the eldest, Cllr Clifford Phelps, © Veronica-Mae Soar 2015 and anyone is welcome to join us. You can work at your own pace and choose from litter picking, pruning, is a gregarious 94-year-old with cutting brambles, weeding, dead heading etc. We also have a Lilliput Conservation Group on Facebook. many a story to tell and has abundant life experiences to share with his fellow councillors. An Audience with Cllr Philip Jones At just 28 and mother to a one- year-old daughter, Cllr Keely What inspired you to become a What projects would you like to see the Council work Barrett-Waines provides insight Councillor? on in the future? into provisions in the parish for young families. I have always been interested in current I would like to see the council actively work to help create more A longer interview can be found affairs and the way important decisions houses in and around Yate in order to cater for the increased housing with both Cliff and Keely on the affect our lives. When I was eligible to vote, needs of the population, in particular for young people. website… I began campaigning and due in part to that decided What interests do you have outside your Council work? to run for council. I wanted to be a councillor because I think it is important that people have a say particularly young people who I enjoy most types of exercise, I play football, swim at the local pool are often marginalized and underrepresented, I also thought it was and like mountain biking. I also enjoy spending time with family and something I could do to help young people engage with politics. friends. What are your main interests within the Council? If you were having a dinner party, who would be your guest of honour, and why? I am particularly interested in sorting out problems which seem to be long running and obvious to the public. I also enjoy deciding on the Gordon Ramsay because I’m a rubbish cook!!! Plus I think he would grant applications. be quite entertaining to talk to after the meal! Know Your Golden Wedding Celebration! Residents celebrate their Diamond Golden Celebration for Dodington Couple - still going Wedding Anniversary Councillors strong! Bette (age 78) and Dennis (age 82) have lived in the Yate Dodington Parish Council Pictured are Mike and Pat Cotterell receiving a bouquet of fl owers area for some 47 years. They grew up in Easton and meetings are normally held on from Cllr Paul Hulbert, Vice Chairman of Dodington Parish Council, to were married at St Mary’s Church in Easton in 1955. It most Wednesday evenings at 7.30 celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 22nd May. was Bette’s torch which brought them together at Her pm in the Parish Hall. A schedule Majesty’s Cinema in Easton where she worked as an of meetings can be found on our Mike and Pat, from Chedworth, Yate, met at a café in in the Winter usherette. Dennis dropped his Maltesers but was united website. Contact the Clerk, details of 1962. The café was very popular with young people of the day. It had a below, for more information. juke box and the girls would dance. Mike had a scooter and would travel to with them again when Bette lit the way. Wickwar from Yate with his friend who also married a Wickwar girl. Dennis is a plumber by trade but spent a lot of time behind the wheel North West Ward They were married in May 1965 at the Holy Trinity Church in Wickwar. before he retired. He was a chauffeur for the Government Car Service and (Shire Way area of Yate) The secret of their long and happy marriage? Pat said “we have a lot of his passengers included John Cope and William Waldergrave. Before his Barry Adams...... 01454 853562 patience, we laugh together and retirement we worked for A E Wilcox and Son, motor agents in Wickwar. [email protected] we see the funny side of life” Bette worked at Yate Shopping Keely Barrett-Waines 07414 525888 Centre for some 25 years and this [email protected] Pat was a Dodington Parish Councillor from 2010 until included spells in Woolworths and David Fitt ...... 07971 183111 the Card Market. [email protected] earlier this year when she Paul Hulbert ...... 07771 562505 decided to devote her time to They have 2 daughters and 3 [email protected] other interests. She still gives grandchildren (boys aged 28, 24 Philip Jones ...... 07794 981655 a lot of time to the community and 22). [email protected] as a member of Friends of Yate Bette and Dennis celebrated Dave Lane ...... 01454 311939 Common, Friends of Lilliput their special day with a family [email protected] Park and as a Governor at meal. They were very pleased Cliff Phelps ...... 01454 316405 Raysfi eld Junior School. to receive a telegram from the Mandy Sainsbury ..... 07882 026239 Queen. [email protected] Bette and Dennis said: ‘Our North East Ward success has been based on the principle of give and take and we Dodington allotments have always worked closely together. We have never argued about money.’ (‘Birds’ area of Chipping Sodbury) Linda Boon ...... 01454 319509 [email protected] are thriving Annette Parsons ...... 01454 884285 Keeping our Parish [email protected] We are in this situation Adrian Rush ...... 01454 319509 for two main reasons, one clean and tidy [email protected] Dodington Parish Council Last year we reported that to Gloria Stephen ...... 01454 310328 has totally fulfi lled its tackle litter louts – a litter picker [email protected] obligation to provide had been employed to help keep allotments and secondly South Ward the Parish clean and tidy for all to (Dodington, Codrington and Dodington Allotment enjoy... Wapley) Association has a John Davis...... 01454 882760 committee that is devoted For many years Malcolm picked litter in local parks and green spaces as a volunteer – but now he is employed as a fully equipped Litter Warden – [email protected] to keeping the sites in an Christine Howard..... 01454 882151 with bags (different ones for different rubbish so that it can be recycled), [email protected] immaculate condition and litter pickers, gloves and a Dodington tabard – showing that he is offi cial to Chris Zapata ...... 07795 511228 put to full use. the area. [email protected] Dodington parishioners, and the surrounding areas come to that, are fortunate Malcolm works approximately 5 hours a week rotating the areas that he Clerk to the Council Hannah Saunders to have such a valued facility available. DPC has recently invested large sums cleanses so that each road / green space is looked at in a systematic way. Deputy Clerk .... Krystyna Hutchinson of money in the sites by completely renewing an outdated water supply and Once he has collected the rubbish – it is taken to our depot at Kelston (by purchasing a piece of land to extend the number one site, thereby providing an QEII fi elds) where there are large waste and recycling bins. Dodington Parish Council, additional thirty plots. Dodington Parish Hall, Finch Road, Over the past year Malcolm has received many compliments regarding In July 2015 No. two site was entered in a Royal Horticultural Society competition Chipping Sodbury BS37 6JZ his work and dedication, he really is doing a great job….and is defi nitely and was awarded a certifi cate at level 5 outstanding, the top level. Tel: 01454 866546 making the local area’s more pleasant for all. E-mail: [email protected] A compliment to the entire DAA membership. If you see Malcolm out and about – please say ‘Hello’….and if you have Website: www.dodingtonpc.org.uk There is a waiting list, which isn’t surprising considering the publicity that any concerns about litter / waste please contact the Parish Offi ce. growing your own is enjoying at the present time, the rewards that it brings, Parish Hall Keyholder picking fresh vegetables and fruit, healthy exercise and there can be a social Malcolm Kitteringham 07850 701538 side as well. Tending an allotment involves some hard work along with regular visits to keep the plot well cultivated, to say nothing of the battle with the weather, the pests and the diseases. Installation of Welcome We have a set of rules, as do most organisations and are they are vigorously enforced, particularly neglecting a plot without good reason. Defi brillator to our New Children are encouraged to help parents and to take part in the growing process, but allotment sites are not adventure playgrounds so children like pets In June an easy / public access defi brillator was Clerk should be kept pretty well under control. We are not Health and Safety barmy installed on a wall outside Dodington Parish Hall but we do have a Safe Sites policy, allotments are not immune to accidents, (facing Raysfi eld School Playground). New Year – New Start – our insurance companies are constantly reminding us to take all reasonable New Clerk….. steps to avoid them occurring (common sense really) With sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) killing 250 people a day in the UK – it Is it all worth it? Well there is an old adage that fi ts the bill, as ye sow, so strikes without warning and it doesn’t discriminate – it can happen to the Dodington Parish Council are shall ye reap, sums it up in a nut shell. During 2015 a couple who have a plot young, fi t, and old – anyone, anywhere, anytime as local resident Hilary very pleased to announce the each and are seasoned members, kept a meticulous account of outgoings and Turner experienced fi rst-hand 2 years ago when her 17 year old son appointment of Mrs Hannah harvestings. Expenditures included plot rent, seeds and plants, manures and collapsed early one morning in the street outside their home. Saunders as Clerk and Responsible materials. Harvestings were weighed and priced compared to local supermarket Following the recovery of Alex, Hilary Turner contacted the Parish Financial Offi cer. Hannah took up prices. Out goings totalled £135 harvested value amounted to £499. Council – requesting that they consider installing a defi brillator somewhere the position on 4th January 2016 If you fancy your chances and feel you are up to it you can put your name that is easy for all to get to in the unfortunate event that they need to… and and was warmly welcomed by on the WAITING LIST by contacting our Letting offi cer, Robert Lewis on explaining how it could help save a life. members at their fi rst full council 885678 and he will take your details. How long will it take to reach the top meeting of the year. Hilary said ‘We are so lucky that Alex survived, and if I can save anyone of the list??? Well that depends on how quickly people give up their plots else from going through what we did by asking to have a defi brillator Hannah recently moved into of course and as Dodington parish Council own the allotments, Dodington located in a central place with easy access to the public then I can rest easy Chipping Sodbury – but has lived parishioners have priority. knowing I can make a difference and help someone – as our neighbour and in South Gloucestershire for the Gordon Parsons, Hon secretary, Dodington Allotment Association. paramedics helped us’. last 12 years – and was previously Parish Clerk at Charfi eld Parish Council and Cromhall Parish Council. Summer Playscheme 2016 Hannah’s contact details are listed under ‘Know Your Councillors’ and she will be working in the Parish Dodington Parish Council’s ever popular FREE Opening times 9.30am to 1.15pm Offi ce alongside Krystyna. Open Access Summer Playscheme will be Dodington Parish Hall, Finch Road, running again this year. For children from Chipping Sodbury The Dodington Parish Newsletter the age of 5 to 11, the Playscheme offers Monday 1 August to Friday 5 August is published by Abbotswood Primary School, Dodington Parish Council, hours of fun during the fi rst three weeks of Kelston Close, Yate Dodington Parish Hall, the Summer holiday. All sessions are run on a Finch Road, Chipping Sodbury BS37 6JZ Monday 8 to Friday 12 August and Design and artwork by fi rst come fi rst served basis. Monday 15 to Friday 19 August Clarendon Press ...... 01453 843571