Stalkingham News the Local Newspaper for the Parishes of Stone, Alkington and Ham Issue 86 August 2017

Stalkingham News The Local Newspaper for the Parishes of Stone, Alkington and Ham Issue 86 August 2017

In this Issue: This issue is  Why’s it called ‘Church View’? page 5 sponsored by your  local district Parish Liftshare page7 councillors:  Do you like Orchids? Page 9 Gordon Craig Hadyn Jones  Fruit Wardens wanted! Page 12 Penny Wride  Parish Clerk vacancy Page 12

Dates for your Diary

August Saturday 23rd10.00 – 12noon, Macmillan Monday 7th 7.30pm, Stone Village Hall Coffee Morning at Stone Village Hall (see Committee meeting at Stone Village Hall. page 3). th Thursday 10 7.30pm, Stone WI meeting at Stone Village Hall: ‘Objects of Interest’ with Wednesday 27th 7.30pm, Talk at the Jenner Sandra Ashenford. Museum: ‘Dr Jenner and Dr Hunter’, with Prof. Gareth Williams. September Saturday 2nd Closing date for photos October entered in the Berkeley Library Calendar Monday 2nd 7.30pm, Stone Village Hall competition (see page 10). Committee meeting at Stone Village Hall. th Monday 4 7.30pm, Stone Village Hall Thursday 12th 7.30pm, Stone WI meeting at Committee meeting at Stone Village Hall. Stone Village Hall: Demonstration of th Saturday 9 2.30pm, Orchid Society Chocolate Making with Nicola Eaton. meeting at Stone Village Hall (see page 9). th Wednesday 25 7.30pm, Talk at the Jenner Sunday 10th Frampton Country Fair: gates Museum: ‘The King is dead, long live the open at 9.00am. King’ with Dr Bob Williams. Monday 11th 7.15pm, Alkington Parish

Council meeting at Stone Village Hall November Thursday 14th 7.30pm, Stone WI meeting at Wednesday 22nd 7.30pm, Return of the Stone Village Hall: ‘What goes wrong with popular event at the Jenner Museum: ‘The hands’ with Jeremy Fields. Amazing Magic Lantern Show’ with Pat Monday 18th 7.30pm, Ham & Stone Parish Furley. Council meeting at Stone Village Hall. Saturday 25th 10am to 1pm, Christmas Bazaar at Stone Village Hall. 1

Our sponsors write: This is issue is sponsored by your three interests range from sailing around the District Councillors, Gordon Craig, Haydn Bristol Channel to Horse Riding. Jones & Penny Wride. Our ward stretches As Local Councillors we are pleased to see from Stone to Slimbridge, but we are the success of the College on the de- ideally placed to ensure that we have licensed Berkeley Nuclear site, a fantastic good knowledge of the feelings and issues education facility serving the local of the area, Haydn lives in Gossington , community and Gloucestershire .The Gordon Berkeley and Penny in Stone. businesses setting up on site will ensure Gordon serves on that there will also be Community Services & growing employment Licensing, Haydn on the opportunities. planning committee he is We very much work as also on the planning Team Berkeley to make review panel and sure that the whole area is maintains an interest as a well represented in local former member of the issues. environment committee in Your District councillors those issues, and Penny Community can be contacted by email or phone Services & Licensing and the Audit & details on the back page. Standards Committee. Our outside

Letter to the Editors - Volunteers please! As a recently arrived resident of Stone (moving into Vale Orchard in December 2015) I am dismayed to discover the volume of traffic going through the village on the A38 and the speed at which it does so. In the medium-to-long term, we must surely have a good case for a lights-controlled zebra crossing, for the benefit of the young and not-so-young, particularly in view of the location of the primary school. This would both slow down the speeding traffic, of which there is anabundance, and greatly increase safety.

In the short term we should at least have a team of speed spotters prepared to put in a few hours a week. I would willingly contribute to, and even coordinate, such a group if the necessary volunteers can be found.

Perhaps these proposals could be discussed at your next parish council? (see page 13) Dr Benedict O'Donohoe, Tel: 01454-430705 Mob: 0787-335-7968

This edition: ©2017. Subject to the rights of third parties. Copyright the Editorial Committee. No unauthorised reproduction. Printed by: Cotswold Marketing J & C Carter (Printers), 22 High Street, Cam, Glos. GL11 5LE Tel: 01453 546645 Fax: 01453 544311 The next edition of the Stalkingham News will be published on 1st November 2017. The editorial team welcome all contributions. Please submit copy before 14th October 2017 to: Penny Wride, 1 Court Meadow, Stone (01454) 260097 [email protected] or Susan Angus, Greyhound Cottage, Newport (01453) 811145 [email protected]

Volunteers and the good jobs that need doing in a Village Any village won’t work well for its some jobs have to be done by contractors residents unless there are volunteers who are suitably qualified to satisfy prepared to help out. For example: insurance and legal obligations. The Church is kept clean and the The Parish Council is very grateful grass mown by a band of to those who go round while out on volunteers. Some are able to help a walk doing a litter pick. during the week, others can only So please don’t moan that help at the weekend, but that something should be done to sort doesn’t stop them helping out. The out a village issue. Do come forward and Village Hall is run by volunteers and that is offer to help fix it if you can. what keeps the costs manageable, though

Forthcoming Events for diaries

Poppy Day Collectors Can you spare a couple of hours in early November to help collect for Poppy Day? If so, please phone 01454 260395 for more details.

Poppy Collection Appeal From Mavourneen Gray, Area Organiser: year in its poppy collection. This is the Earlier this year I was presented with the second time that Stone, Woodford and John Bracey Memorial Trophy on behalf of Newport have been awarded the trophy Stone, Woodford and Newport for their and I wish to thank all collectors who gave Poppy Appeal collection 2015/16. The their time and worked so hard to achieve trophy is awarded to the area in the winning total of £7,699.55 and to Gloucestershire which is not supported by those who gave so generously to the a branch of the Royal British Legion and Poppy Appeal. has achieved the greatest increase year on Thank you all so much.

Macmillan Cancer Care Coffee Morning on Saturday 23rd September at Stone Village Hall, 10am-12noon Last year we had a very successful coffee Any contributions gratefully received for morning raising funds for Macmillan. It this year’s event but please, be sure to was very well attended and it was a real come along on the day. village occasion. There were Stone Women’s Institute plants and delicious home-made members will be running the cakes for sale and the tombola event this year so the cakes was such fun for all ages. are bound to be good….

Christmas Bazaar Stone Village Hall on Saturday 27th November, 10am to 1pm

To book a stall (fee £5) to sell your wares or make funds for your organisation or club, please contact Sue Chopping on 01454 260177, [email protected]

Berkeley Show This year Berkeley Show was relaunched You can become a member of Berkeley in June and what a great day out that was Agricultural Show and it is a great way to for all who went. There was something support the society. You can become a for everyone. It is an agricultural show so single member, couple or family member obviously the livestock and country crafts which will entitle you to use the members’ were main ring events but there were tent, ring side seats, and the reserved plenty of other events to see and take facilities. part in. The cookery demonstration “how to make a prize winning Victoria Sponge” Your membership includes tickets to the by Sue Allen was worthy of a French & show and of course details of other events Saunders comedy sketch and competitions that are but the tasting slice taking place. Please look proved that it was truly on the website Berkeley scrumptious!! Show for further details. Of course volunteers are The children leading their very welcome to help out livestock around the ring to make the show and was a reminder of what makes the area events a success. special and that we need to encourage So make a note in your diary to come next their learning about the animal husbandry year. that makes this area so special. Vandalism in Stone Unfortunately there have been a couple of Fortunately two people who reported the instances of cars being deliberately suspicious vehicle gave the registration scratched in Court Meadow. This has number to the police. When the police caused damage that has cost one resident stopped the vehicle it was still laden with several thousand pounds to restore the goods stolen from the sheds including bodywork of the car. some items which residents didn’t even realise had been stolen. Please, if you see anything suspicious happening, report it. So putting your postcode on your more expensive tools does pay off! There has been a spate of shed robberies in the area.

Why’s it called Church View?

This is a perennial question in Newport where Thomas Lord Berkeley founded two chantries the cul de sac of houses off the A38 is called between 1329 and 1332 in honour of St Church View. You can see the church at North Maurice. It would seem that one of these was Nibley from some parts of the village but there situated in Newport, but there is no way of is a closer explanation than that. If you look at knowing exactly where. “Meadowrose” is on a the houses on the west side of the A38 opposite likely site investigated by the local vicar of the Church View you will come across Eglise House time (John HW Fisher). However he may not (église is French for church). That house is built have been looking in quite the right place as close to the spot where the former St Maurice’s Freda Smith recalls her husband Len later Church stood. finding a number of coins which he gifted to the Taking my information from church in Berkeley. The David Tandy’s invaluable vicar did note that there book “And did those Feet”, were two chantries in the church was opened on Newport, the second Wednesday, 8th August being dedicated to St 1883. However, it was not Mary. until October 1896 that the Bishop of Gloucester travelled by train to In 1561 a chantry house, chapel and adjoining Berkeley Road and then walked the rest of the ground was granted to John and Agnes way in the pouring rain to carry out the Goodrugge. Another possible site is on the dedication. opposite side of the road where in 1606 a chapel is mentioned on the main road at the The church cost £200 to build and sat 120 back side of Newport on land held by Thomas people. It was built of wood and had red double Gibbins. Mr Tandy’s researches point to the roman tiles on the roof. The ornate windows land between the road and the stream that contained coloured glass and the exterior was flows from The Orchard to Chapel Hill at the painted white. A single bell was housed in the back of all the properties to the west of the A38. small bell tower. Mr Tandy also found out that the font from St Andrew’s, Sharpness was The final mention of a chantry that Mr Tandy presented to St Maurice’s in 1888. There is a has been able to find is dated 1638 and relates record in St Mary’s, Berkeley of the death of to a ‘mansion’ in Newport called Chantery Daisy Organ, ’50 years organist at Newport House and previously belonging to John Gibbins Church’. The church was demolished in the which was purchased by a widow from Wyke. 1970s due to lack of support and poor Either she or her husband was called Fortune attendances and the church plate, comprising a Came (anything to do with Fortune’s Farm?) and chalice and paten (both dated 1902) was given the property was inherited by her son Thomas to St Mary’s, Berkeley. Came.

But that is only the end of the story. The Copies of Mr Tandy’s invaluable book are beginning goes back much further to when available from him, tel: 01453 810833

1st Falfield (St George’s) Scout Group

Our Scout Group Hall is located in Eastley Close, Falfield and we welcome young people, both boys and girls, from Falfield and surrounding areas, including Stone, Rockhampton, Tortworth, Leyhill, Cromhall and Charfield.

key. Their programme offers a huge variety of activities surrounding areas of fitness, global and Beavers are aged 6 to 8 years old. They enjoy all beliefs. Cubs are introduced to exciting outdoor that Scouting has skills and take part in adventurous activities, as to offer; being well as camps and residential experiences. introduced to outdoor The Scout Section is for young activities, having people aged between 10½ the opportunity and 14 years. Scouts are to be creative, encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities as part of their programme including explore their local community and experience the traditional Scouting skills, such as camping, excitement of a Beaver Scout Sleepover with survival and cooking, as well as a wider spectrum their friends. of adventurous activities, from abseiling to During their time in zorbing the Colony, Beaver Scouts will get a What times do we meet? chance to try a wide  Beavers Friday 6.30 pm until 7.30 pm range of different  Cubs Tuesday 6.30 pm until 8 pm. activities, going on  Scouts Wednesday 6.30 pm until 8.30 pm trips, days out, as well as sleepovers Want to join the adventure?

Contact Arnold Tucker, Group Scout Leader Cubs are aged 8 to 10½ years old Tel: 01454 261824 or mob:07879 674807 and excitement and adventure are Email: [email protected]

Berkeley Grammar School Educational Fund This small charity distributes small grants to All applications are treated with discretion individuals and organisation with an and in confidence. . To apply, please contact educational link to those parishes. the clerk: Mrs S. Watson, on 01453 542208 The criteria for individual eligibility are: [email protected] 1. Residence in one of the five parishes (Ham and Applications should be made by the student Stone; Alkington; Berkeley; Hamfallow; Hinton) themselves (except in the case of disability 2. Attendance at a state school within those when a representative may apply on their parishes for at least 3 years and 3. (An individual) is in further or higher education. behalf if necessary). Name, address, phone Once eligibility is confirmed then the grants number, and details of eligibility, as well as are looked at individually when the trustees information on how the grant will be spent, meet each December. Grants can be made at will be required. Receipt of grant must be other times to a person in more urgent need. acknowledged with detail of how it was spent.

parish.liftshare.com You will have received a flyer about the parish displayed and where people can be collected lift initiative with your copy of the or dropped off. One of the problems of living Stalkingham News. It is a scheme, already in in the countryside is just getting to where place in the west Cotswolds, which aims to public transport is available. Offers of a lift to not only promote sharing of vehicles where a suitable bus stop may be all someone needs public transport provision is ineffective but to revolutionise their life. Or perhaps they are also promote social cohesion and community. able to cycle to a bus stop but need somewhere to provide safe storage of The lift share website will provide their bicycle while they are away. an area where both drivers and those seeking lifts can register All of this requires a degree of and become known to one community involvement so that both another. For example, if you sides of can come together and sort make a regular journey, there may well be out what suits them best. someone else who could either share the driving or would appreciate a lift. People will perceive there is some degree of risk involved both as a driver and a passenger, However, the scheme must also be available which is why registration with the scheme to those who do not use computers or do not affords some degree of security. People also have access to one so it will also require some ask about the effect on their insurance. The interaction with your friends and neighbours. advice given is that the driver is simply sharing Perhaps you go to the library every Tuesday; their journey and does not make a profit there may be someone close by who would (though the passenger may make a like to join you on that trip, but first they have contribution). If a lift does not turn up as to be aware that you go there regularly. expected the first port of call is the Helpline There are other voluntary schemes around number which, if no other option is available, such as Community Transport and Volunteer can call on registered local volunteers to help. Car Schemes but these require a large pool of volunteers to run successfully and there can Using the online register it may also be also be budget possible to identify where clusters of people constraints. require transport. This could perhaps be provided by a Amongst the other Community Transport scheme or suggestions put forward the information could be passed there is the to the bus operators. establishment of a neighbourhood hub Please take a look at the website (see the title!) and see if you can where information take part. about lifts available and lifts required can be

Dog Poo bags left hanging around: Is that you? Dog poo bags are still being left hanging on or in bushes, under hedges etc in both parishes. If that’s you, PLEASE, be responsible, Take them all back to one of the special red bins or your own black bin! Thank You.

Fauna and Flora in Lower Stone

Deer Little Egret When driving down the local lanes or walking We had a Little Egret, similar to picture, feeding the footpaths you are likely to see deer in the amongst our grazing sheep one day in February. fields. They move freely around the Vale having The Little Egret is little problem with the stock fences which they a species of small heron. Once a very rare visitor from the Mediterranean, they are now a common sight around the coasts of Southern England and Wales. As they expand their range, possibly due to climate change, they are moving northwards. In the last 4- jump. The most common species you will see are 5 years they have regularly been seen during the Fallow Deer, pictured here at Manor Farm in winter in Berkeley Vale. They can be seen by January. They come in a variety of coat colours water courses and in meadows where there is from dark grey, through light brown dappled standing water, also near the old Rockhampton with lighter spots, to creamy white. cricket club ground.

Hedge Laying Rabbits and Brown Hare A traditional winter activity in the countryside is Last year we were overrun with rabbits nearly hedge laying, which we have been doing on the decimating the vegetable garden. A more Farm this year since January. The method welcome sight has been the brown hare, always a involves selecting those stems or pleachers you delight to the eye, and now being seen in the require to form a rejuvenated hedge and cutting meadows after a few years when they seemed to through the trunk at an angle, leaving sufficient have disappeared. for it to continue growing, then bending it down Otters Neighbours have reported otter sightings at the white bridge at the Pedington end of Lower Stone.

Flying fauna There has been quite a lot of butterfly activity since the warmer weather arrived and we have seen Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell, Orange Tip nearly to the ground. In the spring the hedge and Common Blues in the garden. We have had will grow with vigour and bush out providing a blackbirds, jackdaws and wood pigeons all sitting stock proof barrier, giving weather protection on eggs around the farmyard. and an improved habitat for birds, mammals and insects. Where possible, trees are left at Bob Hargrave and Maggie James intervals to provide shelter and habitat for further variety.

Do you like Orchids?

The Bristol & West of England Orchid rewarding plants at home. Several of the society was formed in 1949 and at the time members grow just a few plants on a was a rather exclusive club as orchid windowsill or coffee table. growing was considered to be a pastime confined to the far At the meetings we generally “better off” elements of society! have an expert speaking on an But now the society is open to all orchid related topic followed by a and anyone with an interest in break for tea. This is usually a orchids is eligible to join. good opportunity to pick the brains of other members. There follows a The society has been meeting continuously session where a few of the more in various premises in the Bristol area up experienced growers will comment on until now. In the early days meetings were plants brought in my members for the held in the boardroom of the Wills tobacco monthly table show, where points are factory. Redevelopment of our latest awarded for each plant, all these points meeting place has resulted in us seeking a count towards the awarding of annual new venue. Stone Village Hall, although a trophies. This is an excellent opportunity to little way out of Bristol, has proved to be learn from the experts. the ideal location. We meet monthly on the second Saturday, except August, at 2:30pm. You will be more than welcome to drop in to see what it is all about, and if you have a The society aims to promote the plant in need of some first aid, or even knowledge, culture and enjoyment of orchid resuscitation, you are welcome to bring growing. This all sounds a bit pompous them along today but when the society was founded for a bit of orchid growing was a pastime more or less advice. You confined to people of considerable means would very and consequently attracted a much quickly learn narrower following than is the case today. how to select the Most people are familiar with the best plant when buying one, how to nurture phalaenopsis type of orchids commonly and re-pot it and a whole lot more. We are available from supermarkets and garden quite a friendly lot and always welcome new centres but there are many, many more members, so if you are at all interested different varieties which can be grown at come along to a few meetings to see what home. In fact there are many thousands of orchids are all about before deciding to join different orchids which grow in a range of us in this fascinating and rewarding pastime. temperatures from hot and steamy to almost freezing. So it is not necessary to Our next meeting will be on 9th September, have an elaborate heated greenhouse to so please do come and see what we are all enable anyone to grow quite interesting and about. Ken Morton

Come to Berkeley Community Library Activities at Berkeley Community Library Please bring your own include: wool and hook - £1 Poetry Circle held on the 1st Tuesday of per session. the month from 2-3pm Learn more about computers on the 1st Share your love of poetry in an informal and 3rd Friday morning each month at group – bring a favourite poem or book 11am – no booking required - just come to read from. along. This is an informal, friendly Drop-in crochet session for beginners on computer club where members help Tuesday mornings from 11-12 each other to learn more about using (and anyone else who would like to computers, tablets and tablets. You may like to learn how to email, use social crochet in a sociable environment) . media or use online banking.

2018 Calendar Photography Competition Enter for a chance to have your photo appear in the 2018 Calendar. The top 12 chosen by local judges will make up the calendar which will be sold to raise funds for run our Community Library. The Theme for entries is ‘Berkeley Vale through the Year’. It costs £1 per photo to enter, to be paid at the time of submission. Please print your entries at A4 size and Landscape only. Write your name, email, phone number and the location where your photo was taken, on the back of each print. Closing date: 2nd September 2017

What is Yoga?

Originating in the East, Yoga has  Relieve stress. developed over many thousands of  Control breathing to still the mind. years to promote good health and  Improve concentration. inner peace. It involves gentle holistic  Promote good health and well-being. movement designed to maintain  Improve strength and stamina. fitness, suppleness and muscle tone,  Delay the aging process. while developing and strengthening the body’s own self-healing powers. Yoga is spiritually rewarding, but it is Through stretching muscles it aids not a religion. Anyone can practice deep massage of the internal organs. Yoga.

Yoga incorporates the observation and COME AND TRY YOGA - with a well- practice of deep breathing, meditation qualified tutor of long experience, and visualization which help you work Joan Stephens, tel. 01453 843053. better, relax and sleep more deeply. Sessions are at: Stone Village Hall, Tuesday evenings Yoga is now practiced by millions of 7.30 to 9.00pm, or people all over the world, to maintain Falfield Village Hall, Wednesday and improve the quality of their lives. afternoons, 1.30 to 3.00pm Yoga can help to-

Stone with Woodford WI Congratulations to our WI Quiz and Skittles level. Wishing to remain involved, he found teams. Quiz team 2 came fourth in the group the prospect of umpiring appealing. After quiz evening back in March and went through various training courses and experience; he to the next round. Our WI Skittles team has gained his reputation as a competent umpire. also had a good start to the season this year; He was selected in June 1992 making his they have won the last two matches and debut on court for a singles match in are through to the quarter finals. which Patrick McEnroe (brother of famous John) played. And, 524 days on At our April meeting our guest speaker court and 533 matches later, Brian was Anne Blagden who gave members a decided to retire. He entertained very entertaining evening, showing how members with his talk and his obvious we could do exercises whilst carrying fondness for the game! out our domestic chores. After giving a brief talk members were asked to stand up Following the guest speaker, Sue Mason gave and don coin belts which she had brought a briefing on the resolution for keeping micro along, then we all followed her instruction, plastic fibres out of our oceans and Rita and much to everyone’s amusement, Hughes gave a briefing about ‘Alleviating proceeded to exercise. It was a fun evening Loneliness’. Members voted in favour of the enjoyed by all. resolutions. Upcoming meetings: Brian Partridge was our guest speaker for the August 10th ‘Objects of Interest’ May meeting. Brian talked about his Speaker: Sandra Ashenford experience as a linesman and umpire in Sept 14th ‘What goes wrong with hands’ Wimbledon form 1992 up to his retirement in Speaker: Jeremy Field 2002. His love for the game of tennis started Oct 12th Demonstration of Chocolate Making: whilst attending the City of Bath School. A Speaker; Nicola Eaton. career in the Civil Service followed, and he was playing for Gloucestershire at veteran

Going wild at the Wild Place On Thursday 6 July, Stone school went to the and KS1 went to see the Madagascar exhibit. The wolf exhibit was fascinating and we all loved it.

Everyone then got to experience the barefoot trail, it was fun but painful. Eventually we got through and ate lunch. Setting off again, we Wild Place. It was an extraordinary went to the meerkats, cheetahs, giraffes and experience, full of life and animals, with fun so many more. It was the trip of a lifetime, round every corner. and we never knew our feet could hurt so Each of the KS2 groups went to the wolf talk much. William & Arthur, Oak Class

Fruit Wardens needed to help save Unwanted Fruit

The Fruit Exchange is back for the third – Communicate with local pubs, cafes, year! We are looking to save more fruit restaurants and juice bars about taking (and veg and nuts) than ever this year and part. hope that you might be able to help in – Keep an eye out for fruit which is going spreading the word. We are also hoping to to waste and communicate with the recruit volunteer ‘fruit wardens’ to help us householder about the project. do this. – Try to enrol volunteers to help where necessary. A huge amount of fruit goes to – Help with harvesting waste every year in people’s and/or delivering fruit for gardens, allotments and in the those who physically can’t. countryside. The Fruit For more information please Exchange connects people who see our website: have surplus fruit and other fresh produce http://www.downtoearthstroud.co.uk/the-fruit- exchange1/ with businesses which are willing to use it. It would be great to hear from you to see

what you think of the project and whether The Fruit Exchange relies on people caring you might be able to help in any way, no about waste enough to do something matter how little! Alexandra Sore about it. A fruit warden could be anyone The Fruit Exchange, Phone: 07983 998622 who has a little spare time to volunteer to Email: [email protected] help us: Website: http://www.downtoearthstroud.co.uk/ – Distribute posters and flyers (provided by us).

Parish Clerk wanted! The position of Parish Clerk to Ham and Stone Parish Council will become available from 1st January 2018. The role requires attendance at evening meetings every two months, dealing with correspondence, managing the council’s accounts, taking Minutes and keeping up to date with changes to Local Authority administration including legal aspects. Training will be available and required.

An independent mind and Local Authority or mid-level administration experience is desirable. The successful applicant will be expected to work flexibly, at home. Expenses will be repaid. Salary based on experience. Full details are available from the current Clerk, Jenny Nichols, (see back page for details). CVs to be sent to Gareth Langdon, 2 Court Meadow, Stone, GL13 9LR, [email protected], by 31 October.

A big Thank You On July 1st 2017 John & Jean Owen celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with a big ‘Pirate Wurzel’ party(!) They had requested no presents but asked for donations that would go to two charities. They are pleased to say that the Thornbury Branch of Macmillan Care and Alzheimer’s Society will both receive £632 each. John and Jean would like to thank everyone who donated to the charities and attended their event.

Ham and Stone Parish Council Sort It Centre, Thornbury-- resident in Stone has offered to help and Although County Councillor John Cordwell has asked for others to join with him, reported, among other things, that South perhaps with speed testing as was Gloucestershire have said that they do not recently undertaken in Alkington (see want people outside their boundary using letter to the editor page 2) their recycling facilities, in fact negotiations are still continuing between In Lower Stone, work on the drainage the county council and S Gloucestershire. gullies has been completed though where the water discharges is as yet unclear. New notice boards for Stone and Ham are expected to be erected shortly. At the end of the meeting the clerk, Jenny Nichols, submitted her resignation after The use of the first part of the section 106 having held the post for 20 years. She money (arising from recent housing feels it is time for a younger person to developments in Stone) for the new paths take the Parish Council’s affairs forward in has been well received by residents. The a changing legal and administrative next part is allocated for improvements to environment requiring regular training. the Stone Play Area including some adult Councillors expressed their thanks to her fitness equipment. for her long service.

Problems with speeding through both Ham and Stone were discussed. A

School holiday activities If you’re looking around for activities with your young ones this summer here are a few sites to try: Gloucestershire: http://www.exploregloucestershire.co.uk/page867.asp Bristol: http://calendar.whatsonbristol.co.uk/ Free Activities: http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/27-free-things-around-bristol-10719 or http://www.soglos.com/children-family/37236/50-free-things-to-do-in-the-summer-holidays-in-Gloucestershire

 Have you discovered the hill and woods behind Tesco’s in Thornbury? Follow the route to the skatepark from the back corner of the car park and walk up the hill behind the industrial estate. Fab views at the top over Thornbury while you have your picnic.  Don’t forget the Deer Park in Berkeley (park sensibly in Ham, please, no dogs), but -  You can take dogs and kids for a forest walk from Old London Road in Wotton under Edge across Westridge Woods to the Tyndale monument to stretch legs and lungs.  If it rains but it’s warm - how about a swim with a difference at the open air pool at Stratford Park, Stroud? A really great Museum there too, free to visit. You’ve paid for it in your Council tax…!

Alkington Parish Council Richard Coffin re-elected Chairman cycling activity and proximity to schools and the B4066 does not meet the priority Richard was successfully re-elected at the May assessment. meeting and has now been elected Chairman to the council every year since 2011. Sue Phone boxes in Newport and Woodford Angus was elected Vice-Chairman for the 6th Both these phone boxes have been adopted by time. the parish council and, once the phones have Welcome to Alkington Parish been removed, will have defibrillators installed in them. The defibrillators will be purchased Many people find it difficult to locate the from Community Heartbeat, who work closely parish, so councillors have decided to have with the ambulance service, and managed by Welcome to Alkington Parish signs installed on them. Hopefully these will be in place by the the A38 in Berkeley Heath and Woodford to end of the year. make locals and visitors more aware of our location. Crime in the parish

Haycroft Lane At the July meeting PCSO Mike Trebble reported that crimes had dropped from 40 to Several parishioners have reported meeting 26 in the first 6 months of the year, compared caravans travelling along Haycroft Lane on with the same period in 2016. The majority of their way to the caravan sites in Lower Wick. these were people driving off without paying The lane is clearly unsuitable for this so at Michaelwood Services (now no longer a councillors asked Highways to install a sign police matter). Last year there were 9 shed highlighting this to caravan owners. This has break-ins and so far this year only 2 now been erected on the A38 end of the lane. Highways were also asked to put one at the Parish Council website entrance to Swanley Lane but they need Alkington Parish Council has a website evidence that caravans are using this lane www.alkingtonparishcouncil.org.uk where you before they will do so. They are reluctant to can find agendas and minutes and a home clutter the countryside with road signs without page news section, where we post information a proven need. of interest to parishioners. Interactive speed signs Please check the website from time to time for Council had asked for speed signs to be placed events or news items that affect Alkington on the B4066, at the parish council’s expense. parishioners. Highways advised that these signs are only The next council meeting and Annual Parish installed after looking at collision history, Meeting will take place on Monday 11th speed and volume of traffic, pedestrian and September at Stone Village Hall at 7.15pm..

Local Organisations Stone Womens’ Institute Berkeley Books -The Village Agent Penny French Sarah Dalrymple-Smith, Community Library 07776 245 726 President. (01454) 260278 (01453) 810520 [email protected] Meetings: 2nd Thursday Stone & District Village 7.30 pm, Stone Village Hall Stone Cricket Club: Dennis Booth, (01454) 260 689 Hall Bookings: Sue Woodford Silver Band Chopping 14 Court Geoff Farr (01454) 260 392 Berkeley and Stone-with- Meadow, Stone (01454) Meetings: Friday Evenings Woodford Parish Churches 260 177 [email protected] Stone Village Hall Rev. Richard Avery. Vicarage: (01453) 810 294 Neighbourhood Watch Playgroup & Toddlers: Jo Office: (01453) 511 542 Local Representatives: Thornton (01454) 260 828 Stone: Rosa Harper. Stone-with-Woodford stonewithwoodfordpat@google (01454) 260 875 mail.com School PTA Emma Fryer (01453) 810764 Lower Stone: Judy Clark. Dog Training: Alice Crick Little Paddock, Lower 07511 011 562 or email 1st Falfield (St George) Stone. (01454) 260 275 [email protected] Scout Group Arnold Tucker Wednesday evenings in (01454) 261 824 Woodford: Rebecca Stone Village Hall Thomas, Sunnybank, Old 1st Falfield & Stone Bristol Road, Woodford Yoga Group Joan Stephens Brownie Pack Gill Barber Tuesday eves, Stone Village 07793 219284 (01454) 413 759 [email protected] Hall 01453 843 053 [email protected] Chapel Hill: Craig Davey. Japanese Karate Stuart Farm Watch Colin Rea. (01453) 511 236 Richings 1st & 3rd Thursday Manor Farm, Upper Wick.

7.30pm in Stone Village (01453) 511 809 Neighbourhood Warden Hall 07828 318 408 Lisa Ellis 07779 347113 [email protected] [email protected]

Avoid a Grenfell Tower-type Fire Source: Check your machines are safe!

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) urges residents to stop using white goods that have been recalled. GFRS carry out free checks of all white goods in the home. Trained teams will visit, free of charge, and carry a full safety check for residents. Book a visit by calling free on 0800 180 41 40 or visiting www.glosfire.gov.uk for tips and advice. White goods fire safety tips: Be sure to register your appliances so you can For Indesit – http://safety.indesit.eu be contacted if a safety repair is ever needed. For Swan – http://safety-swan.eu Visit http://www.registermyappliance.org.uk/ Don’t leave appliances running overnight or You can use the free “self service” model when the house is empty. checker on these websites or call 0800 151 Clean the fridge vents, lint filters and vent hoses 0905 to confirm if your appliance is affected regularly and Don’t ignore strange appliance and needs corrective action. For Hotpoint, noises – turn it off and call an electrician. Check Creda or Proline – http://safety.hotpoint.eu your smoke alarms! Know your fire escape plan. 15

Useful Contact Details

Alkington Parish Council Ham and Stone Parish District Councillors www.alkingtonparishcouncil.org.uk Council Penny Wride. 1 Court Chair Richard Coffin. Stone Ward Councillors: Meadow, Stone. Wick House, Lower Wick, Chair Penny Wride. (01454) 260097 (01453) 810460 1 Court Meadow, Stone. [email protected] Deputy Chair Susan Angus. (01454) 260 097 Gordon Craig 01453 811021 Greyhound Cottage, David Clark. Little Paddock, Haydn Jones 01453 890888 Newport. Lower Stone. County Councillor (01453) 811145 (01454) 260275 John Cordwell. Councillors: Gareth Langdon 2 Court Meadow, Stone. (01453) 842439 Julie Brindle. Meadowside, [email protected] (01454) 260007 Berkeley Heath, ov.uk (01453) 511884 Cherry Miller The Old Lindsey Green, 13 Church Vicarage, Stone. M.P. for Stroud: David View, Newport, (01454) 260277 Drew 01453 840 080 Ted Stokes. 12 Court [email protected] 07412 311101 Gethin Lewis, Cynfal. Meadow, Stone. Stroud District Council Damery Lane, Woodford. (01454) 261359 Ebley Mill, Ebley Wharf, (01454) 261319 Ham Ward Councillors: Stroud. GL5 4UB Gordon Rea. Philip Case. www.stroud.gov.uk Middlewick Farm, Middle Walnut Cottage, Ham. Emergencies (24hrs) Wick, 07903 550363 (01453) 819221 (01453) 222104 Marie Wooldridge. Sue Dunbabin. Park View General Enquiries Holts Farm, Stinchcombe. Cottage, Ham, GL13 9QW (01453) 766321 (01453) 542712 (01453) 810119 Litter Problems Parish Clerk: Jenny Nichols. Parish Clerk: Anita Sach. (01453) 754424 Honeysuckle Cottage, Ham. Lower Wick Cottage, Lower Dog Fouling (01453) 511200 (01453) 754492 Wick 01453 810560 clerk@hamandstoneparish [email protected] council.org.uk

Water Supply Emergencies Environment Help Medical Emergencies Severn Trent Water (01452) 425500 “Out of Hours” 0800 7076 442 Highways Help Gloucestershire Practices: Sewer & Drain Problems: 0800 0514 514 0300 421 0220 South Gloucestershire Wessex Water Gloucestershire County Practices: 111 0845 600 4 600 Council Shire Hall, Electricity Supply Gloucester Police Non-emergency Problems: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk www.gloucestershire.police.uk Western Power Distribution PCSO Mike Trebble Reporting problems with 105 Tel 101 (15p per minute) potholes, street lighting Environment Agency Neighbourhood Warden: Flood Line faults and flooding etc www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/reportit Lisa Ellis 07779 347113 0845 988 1188 [email protected]