OPEN GATE NEWS – June/July 2018 The local newsletter for residents of , , Exhall, Blackcliffe, Hillborough & Cranhill Although not a Parish Council project as such, this project Welcome to the 69th Edition involves a large team under the chairmanship of Ian Pavey and To contribute simply ring or is currently preparing the questionnaire which will be e-mail the editor Ann Baylis on: distributed to all households in September. The Parish Plan will enshrine your aspirations for this 07748 171 882 community and it is vital that everyone contributes by [email protected] completing the questionnaire, multiple copies of which will be Articles for the Aug/Sep edition need to be delivered in hard copy to each household. The questionnaire th will be funded by both Exhall and Temple Grafton Parish with the editor by 10 July Councils, with some additional grant aid for the production of Please submit your articles in good time. the final document.

The PC has been working with CC to try and It costs just £60 a year to advertise your find a solution to the dangerous traffic situation on the narrow business in the Open Gate News section of Church Bank. Whilst we would love to have a or priority system, it seems that, for technical reasons, it is not £10 for an advert or insert in one edition possible. However, new signage to draw attention to the fact Temple Grafton Parish Council that there is not enough room for two vehicles to pass will help to reduce the chances of an accident. Chairman’s Annual Report We have also investigated the possibility of reducing the There seems to be a bit more of a buzz around the Graftons speed limit between Ardens Grafton and Temple Grafton but recently, with several initiatives coming to fruition and not only is this unlikely to receive CC support, it is also very others in the pipeline. These seem to have involved more expensive and the PC would be expected to jointly fund it. residents than ever before and is a fantastic sign of a We conclude therefore that this is not a viable option at community desire to help improve our parish. Perhaps our present. However, the Safer Route to Schools campaign by greater presence on social media has been instrumental the CC ensured that the pavement between AG and TG has here in raising awareness locally. been widened and resurfaced which should make this stretch The parish council annually sets a budget for its activities of road safer for pedestrians. and then requests a sum from the District Council known as The PC continues to scrutinise all planning applications in the its precept and this forms part of your Council Tax. In parish and attends planning committee meeting at the DC to general, the Parish Council finances remain sound, argue our case when our view differs from that of the planning although we do expect extra expenditure in the coming department. year, particularly with reference to the Parish Plan. We I hope you will see that there is quite a bit going on around the have not raised the amount of the precept for several years parish and it is important that we keep this momentum going. and you may be wondering how you are benefitting from It can only be sustained by the input of volunteers to share the the money we spend. workload, so please consider offering your time to help make As I reported last year, The Parish Council benefitted these various projects happen. financially by the sale of a piece of land next to the Finally, a big thank you to all those who have been involved churchyard. Two specific initiatives have been supported with matters in the parish over the last year – to the directly by this; firstly, the purchase of a new defibrillator volunteers, to our parish councillors, to our district and county and secondly, a speed gun and accessories for the councillors and of course, to the parish clerk, who keeps the Community Speedwatch team. The defibrillator was show on the road. Thank you. installed on the wall of the village hall and we are grateful The next PC meeting is on Monday 16th July all are welcome. for the donation from Mr and Mrs Knauff towards the David Keays installation costs. Two training courses for residents have been run and a further one is scheduled for September. The Exhall Parish Council Speedwatch group has received a reconditioned speed gun, Exhall Parish Council met for the financial year end on together with Hi-vis vests and warning signs. The team is Monday 21st May. The financial details of which can be now operational and is a fabulous new tool to help our found on the Parish Council web site. campaign to reduce traffic speeding in the villages. Warks John Buxton gave a summary of the events of the last year. County Council has committed to continued funding of The most significant was stopping the development of the Community Speedwatch, which is great news. In addition, caravan site known as Rosie’s Orchard on Road next we are hoping to be able to hire flashing speed signs from to the Golden Cross Inn. Town Council on a periodic basis to provide Re-election of officers for the parish council took place and additional speed warnings to drivers. Jon Buxton was re-elected as chairman with Adrian Harvey as A further sum was spent in November on a new waste bin his deputy. in Ardens Grafton, in an effort to encourage people to Owing to an excessive work load the road repair for the dispose of their litter tidily and in particular to clear up subsidence between Exhall and Ardens Grafton has not yet after their dogs. been completed but we do have a reference number for it! Finally, we were happy to make a one-off donation to the District Councillor Sue Adams and County Councillor Mark school to provide play materials for a Stay and Play scheme Cargill delivered their reports and the meeting concluded. to be set up after school hours. The next Parish Council meeting is on Monday 23rd July at So what else is going on? The major activity at the 7.45pm in the village hall to which members of the public are moment is an update to the Open Gate Parish Plan, which invited. is now eleven years old. Keith Miller Open Gate News Chairman’s Message

It is sad that this is Yvonne’s last edition of the Open Gate News in her role as Editor. She and her husband will be leaving the village this summer and moving to their new home. Yvonne has edited the OGN for nine years, since 2009. Her professionalism is remarkable and also her willingness to go the extra mile. We will miss her very Guide Dogs National Breeding Centre much. Banbury Road, Bishops Tachbrook CV33 9QJ

We are very fortunate that Ann Baylis has agreed to take on th the post and she will be given support by Susie Gillespie Open Day on Saturday 30 June and Ian Pavey. From 11.00am to 4.00pm We wish them well and look forward to future editions The centre will be open for visitors to see some of our Gillian Nussey breeding stock (some of which will take part in a dog show Chairman on the day), meet some of their volunteer holders and our staff, view puppies, and take part in blindfold challenges. Temple Grafton School There is also a hog roast, cafe’ selling homemade produce including cream teas, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, Summer Term is accelerating past us at bewildering speed, a tombola and a raffle. and our diligent Year Sixes are all delighted to say that the dreaded SATS are now safely behind them – and the post- Entry is £1 per person with under 12’s free SATS party was enjoyed by all! There will be a free park & ride

The final fortnight before half-term was a positive hive of activity for Class 4, as Enterprise week followed hot on SATS weeks’ heels, and involved both baking and a wide Summer Fayre variety of craft-making projects taking place in all corners at of the school. Class 4 have been supported by the PTA to Tudor Grange Primary Academy plan and produce their range of products, which included bookmarks and magic wands. They then enthusiastically Haselor sold their goods to children and parents – it was a fantastic th learning opportunity for them all. All profits from the sale on Saturday 14 July are yet to be counted, but will be used (at the children’s 12pm – 3pm suggestion) to provide resources for a friendship area which will be available outside at break and lunchtimes. Haselor primary school would like to invite Many of our older children will be keeping up the brisk any vintage/classic car owners to join us at pace of activity when they take part in the upcoming our school fundraiser Village Medlers Panto – Pirates! – during June. Come along and enjoy the show! Remember to book your No entry fee, static display only, at owner’s risk tickets early! If you are able to join us please contact: Our final reminder is for the TGS Summer Fair, which is being held on Saturday 7th July, 12noon – 2.00pm. Sarah Parker on: 01789 778902 As usual: make sure you arrive super-hungry, and don’t [email protected] miss all our great stalls and activities, including magnificent cakes and cool refreshing Pimms! Ann Baylis Alcester Garden Walkabout

St Peter’s Church on Sunday June 17th from 12 noon until 5.00pm

We raised more than £500 at our Enjoy a beautiful & peaceful afternoon discovering over twenty ‘hidden’ gardens in Spring Jumble Sale the centre of Alcester An astounding achievement! Plants, teas, ice-creams Thank you to all those who helped set up the stalls in the morning and those who sold the Tickets £5 on sale in Church Street items in the afternoon. The money raised will Sorry no dogs allowed in the gardens help towards the cost of improvements we need For more information ring: 01789 764756 to make to the churchyard.

Church Service Times Notices St Andrew’s Church Temple Grafton Crank-Up at Binton Social Club 3rd June 6.30pm Evensong th 10th June 8.00am Holy Communion On Sunday 10 June 17th June 10.00am Family Service 10.00am – 4.00pm th 8 July 8.00am Holy Communion 15th July 10.00am Family Service Tractors, Motor Bikes, Engines & Crafts St Giles Church Exhall with 10th June 11.00am Village Praise 17th June 8.00am Holy Communion Tractor rides & Activities for the Children 1st July 6.30pm Evensong 8th July 11.00am Village Praise There will also be: th 15 July 8.00am Holy Communion by Extension Tombola, White Elephant & Plant Stalls St Milburga’s Church Wixford In aid of St Peter’s Church th 17 June 6.30pm Compline 24th June 8.00am Holy Communion by Extension th Temple Grafton WI 15 July 6.30pm Compline nd 22nd July 8.00am Holy Communion Our meetings are held at the Graftons Village Hall on the 2 Wednesday of the month @ 7.00 for 7.30 St Peter’s Church Binton 24th June 10.30am Village Praise Wednesday 13TH June nd 22 July 9.30am Village Praise Sarah Davidson th 29 July 8.00am Holy Communion The work of GAGA Which helps children in South Africa WI News Saturday 21st July I must apologise for not advertising that Janet Jarvis was Garden Meeting for the Committee attending the Resolution Meeting on the 9th May. at Anita Thompsons’ Home & Garden She gave us a talk about her experiences on board a cruise ship through the Suez Canal and onwards, avoiding the Visitors & prospective members will be made very welcome, pirates of the high seas. She was originally giving this talk for more information ring Eileen Timms 01789 773671 at our January meeting but was forced to cancel due to the Temple Grafton Village Medlers fog. featuring children of Temple Grafton School SMJ Nature Reserve Project Present a daft summer pantomime.... We love the spring which brings in a fresh new look each Pirates! year. The plants are often different. The embankments are looking amazing, the ponds are full At the Graftons’ Village Hall of life and everywhere will be blooming by June/July. Tuesday 26th June 7.30pm The biodiversity department of Warwickshire County Council are very interested in what goes on here and will Wednesday 27th June 7.30pm th be sending their biologist for a flora/fauna list very soon. Friday 29 June 7.30pm th th th Saturday 30 June 2.30pm & 7.30pm National Moth Weekend is 15 to 17 June. We are th having a meeting here on Saturday 16 June and should Adults £7, Primary School Child £5 anyone like to come and see the wonderful moth life here Proceeds in aid of diabetes charities please phone 01789 773653. You would be most welcome. I guess everyone with moth traps will be here by 9.00pm Tickets available from Jane Fisher on: with moths finally counted around 3.00/3.30am. 07590 694449 On 12th May we had an interesting evening with forty one Exhall Rural Cinema species recorded on a very average cool night. First ‘Poplar’ Hawk-moth of the year and ‘Eyed’ Hawk-moth. Presents

Two (Na) Silver Clouds and three new micros for this site too. The Greatest Showman Jean Cholerton A musical drama which tells the story of P.T. Barnum as he creates & develops his circus Bidford Christmas Lights in New York in the mid-1800s

th The ‘Pop Up’ Charity Shop on Wednesday 27 June

is back by popular demand Exhall rural cinema continues to be on the 4th from Wednesday of the month with the exception of July th Monday 18 June for two weeks At 11 High Street – opposite Lloyds Bank Doors open at 7.00pm and we aim to start the film around 7.30pm Open 10.00am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday 10.00am – 1pm Saturdays

THE BLUE BOAR INN The Golden Cross Temple Grafton B49 6NR Ardens Grafton B50 4LG 01789 750010 01789 772420 [email protected] www.golden-cross.co.uk [email protected] www.theblueboar.co.uk Try our Tasty Summer Menu Why not try our delicious salads, pasta or tasty ploughman’s? Food Served Monday to Friday: Two Golden Cross Favourites for £12 Monday 12-9.00pm noon to 3.00pm Tuesday – Saturday 12-6pm & Enjoy our popular Friday Steak Deal, two steak meals & a bottle of house wine from just £25 12-9pm 6.00pm – 9.00pm & Enjoy the Spring Sunshine! Saturday Dine inside or join us in our beautiful gardens for food, noon – 10.00pm drinks and hopefully plenty of sunshine! JOIN OUR TEAM We are expanding our team. We have a vacancy for a Sunday Roast served full-time front of house team member and an additional 12.00noon to 9.00pm chef to join our kitchen team. Excellent rates of pay, company pension and staff discounts. Please contact Claire for details on 01789 772420

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