West Dean Parish Council Newsletter SPRING 2019 Volume 3 Issue 1 Do you love to outdoors?

Berry Hill; Bream; Brockhollands; Cannop; Christchurch; Clements End; Edge End; Ellwood; Joyford; Little Drybrook; Nine Wells; Oldcroft; Parkend; ; Shortstanding; Sling; Viney Hill; ;

Inside this issue

THANKS to funding from West Dean water— and sometimes free fruit— Parish Council and at all sessions . P2 County Councillor Richard A. Boyles, ◼ Please talk to us if your child Play Rangers are bringing their needs additional support. We special brand of free, fun, child-led welcome disabled children and their Century P3 play to West Dean. families. Come and say hello when celebrations Hosted by children’s charity Play you arrive, and you can get started! Gloucestershire, activities include Diary Dates active play (tag, tennis, football and Free play days 10am to 4pm. reamfest P4 cricket) and creative play (scrap July nd model making, den building and 22 Bream Rugby Club P5 rd New councillors giant bubbles). Play Rangers set up 23 Yorkley Recreation Ground activities, which pop up throughout 29th Sling The Scarr Bandstand the day and are chosen by the (creative play only) children. The day ends after August ££ Grant awards P6 everyone has packed away. 5th Bream Rugby Club th Things you need to know 6 Yorkley Recreation Ground P7 th Meeting ◼ Play sessions are aimed at seven 12 Berry Hill Rugby Club to 14 year olds. Under sevens are 19th Parkend Cricket Club dates welcome when accompanied by a Director of Play Pip Levett said: P8 parent or carer. “The focus is on child-led play and Thank you and all ◼ Play days are free and open not entertainment. We encourage best wishes access — there is no formal children to self-organise sports and registration; children can leave at help them to enjoy a day packed WDPC Carbon P9 any time. Play Rangers will not stop with adventure, friendship and fun. neutral by 2030 them and will not know they have “We are excited to be back in the left. Play Rangers will stay on site at and hope families will Music in P10 lunchtime to eat picnics whilst they spend the day with us to enjoy woodland take a breather. picnics and playing in the outdoors.” ◼ We encourage children to play Forest young P11 freely and choose what they do. writers They will get wet, hot, cold, smelly (wood smoke from our fire pit) Meet your P12 muddy and dirty and need to wear councillors appropriate clothing and footwear. ◼ Play Rangers promote healthy eating and will provide drinking Page 2

West Dean Centre Users

time. We’ve played football, done lots of crafts and enjoyed day trips. Mentoring Programme Spotlight BREATHE has been delivering youth work in Bream and the on surrounding area since November 2013 and in October 2018 became a registered charity. Connect Youth Club THIS club is for young people aged 11-16 years of age and meets on alternate Fridays ◼Day trip to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, B between7.30 and 9.30pm Bristol. during term time. We continue to provide a IN addition we provide a R range of activities, explore a mentoring programme range of topics and still have supporting young people food at the end of the evening. facing challenges in their lives. We’ve had sleep overs and Back Packers Holiday Club E day trips including a day out at THIS summer we will run a Drayton Manor Park. back packers holiday club for children aged five to 11 (school A years one to six) at West Dean Centre, Bream, from 10am to 3.15pm on Monday 29th July; Thursday 1st August; Monday T 5th August and Thursday 8th August. ◼ WE are always pleased to H welcome new members to our ◼Morning walk after an enjoyable groups and to catch up with sleepover friends we have not met for Bream Junior Club some time. For more E MEMBERS aged seven-11 years information please contact — school years three to six — Ruth on: 07738 422831 or meet every Monday between email 6pm and 7.30pm during term [email protected] Page 3

Centenary summer celebrations continue in the Forest

THIS summer is Forestry ’s Centenary year as well as the 20th anniversary of the Gruffalo! We're having a picnic party on Monday, 19th August so why not come and join us? You can also download an activity party pack for some fab ideas too! Forestry England Rangers will be hosting a free Play Day in the Glade at Beechenhurst on Wednesday 7th August with loads of fun, games and activities for all ages. If you haven’t already done so come and enjoy the Zog Trail which runs from the beginning of the ◼ You are invited to the Gruffalo’s birthday! Sculpture Trail. ◼ As well as the celebrations, work would have meant compromising soil Don't forget to check out the continues in the Forest. structure and unnecessarily website/Facebook pages (as well as Beechenhurst harvesting is damaging tracks. Work will continue information on site) for all activities completed now with some once conditions become drier. and events we have happening this forwarding of felled trees still to Local businesses and homes will Summer at Beechenhurst. finish and some tidying up to do. be informed of the details nearer the For more information about these Machines have now left time and site signage will be erected events please  0300 067 4814 or Oakenhill, Parkend and work has for your and the contractor’s safety. email stopped temporarily due to wet [email protected] Tamsin Sagar ground conditions. Continuing work Community Ranger

We respectfully ask that Dogs are not allowed It’s not dog owners clear up after inside the fencing of the their dogs and take the bags children’s playground for my fault home with them. obvious reasons. As we move towards the PLEASE clear up after your FOULING by dogs is school summer holidays, dog. becoming an increasing many children will be playing The Trustees of Yorkley problem, especially on the on these areas and joining in Community Centre. area around Yorkley the play activities being Community Centre, the organised. pathways near the centre, Disease transmitted by around the Cenotaph and on dog fouling is a real problem the playing fields and and care by dog owners is football pitch. paramount. Page 4

Horticultural passion at 154th annual show

◼ There has always been much to be admired at Bream Shows as illustrated by these photographs from former years from Diana Court. NINETY six classes, ranging from section and a class for local Bream Gardening Society cucumbers to cherry tomatoes schools to exhibit. For wildlife always welcomes new members – and fsweet peas to marigolds, are enthusiasts there is even a class so come along, join with open to everyone at the annual to create a Bug Hotel for the enthusiasts for your horticulture flower show on Saturday August insects in your garden. passion! With yourhelp we can 17th at 2pm on Bream sports field. The show is always in need of continue for another 150 years! In the tent you will find a volunteers to help it run smoothly Show schedules can be baking and preserves section as on the day and if you have just an obtained from outlets in Bream or well as handicraft, flower hour to give then please contact from www.breamgardeners.net arranging; and honey sections the show secretary on  01594 Helen Esplin plus photography, a children’s 834329.

Breamfest will be out of this world BREAM community 2pm. Please come along and charity’s bi-annual music The headline act has support this wonderful event comes back for a third been confirmed and will be community event. time, this time bigger and announced shortly (see the All monies raised will go better than ever. sport’s club’s noticeboard towards Bream Amateurs FC The stage has been and other noticeboards for the new sports ground moved to a new position on dotted around the village, as and the running of the club the playing field to allow well as within the press and and to Great Oaks Hospice. better sound and more on social media). Remember 1pm - 10pm access for Breamfesters to One new addition this on Sunday 25th August at get closer to the stage and year is the inclusion of Bream Sports Club. performers. Horse Racing, with the Great STOP PRESS Moving the stage also Oaks Novice Chase at ◼ Star Wars characters means there will be more 2.20pm and the BreamFest BREAM Sports Club will join the fun. stalls and activities included Grand National at 4.50pm. announces the final stages on the day. BreamFest organisers Other items include Beat of the completion of the Bands and Artist are are also happy to announce the Keeper, a coconut shy, playing field. Cricket should lined up to start from 1pm special guests in the form of air rifle shooting range, return next summer. and and finish at 10pm on Star Wars characters at bouncy castles, bottle stall football in 2020-21. Sunday 25th August 2019. Bream Sports Club around and hook-a-duck. Jon Graham Page 5 Three new councillors

I AM Sylvia Francis and I moved to the I AM Helen Acton and have lived in I AM Alan Grant and my wife Jane lovely village of Bream a year ago and Yorkley for nearly three years. I and l moved into Parkend in 1998 I wish to make it an even greater place came here looking for a home and a after I completed 23 years service to live. business for myself — both of which I with the Royal Engineers. We have With many small businesses, found—and fell in love with the area. four children and 10 grandchildren excellent village facilities and friendly I have worked in the hospitality who all live close by. people there is already a great sense Industry at all levels and managed Representing Pillowell Ward for of community. hotels. I have also had experience in four years I served as a district As a retired strategic economist, I the car manufacturing industry councillor. Under the leadership of have considerable experience in both working as a quality supplier Cllr Tim Gwilliam l was given the business and the voluntary sector, manager. My three grown-up cabinet portfolios of Planning Policy gained during my 35 years in West children and one grandson all live in and Health and Wellbeing. In both I London, the Midlands, close to my childhood considered it to be an honour to I would like to serve the residents home in Warwickshire. serve my community and help of this part of the beautiful Forest of As a parish councillor I want to safeguard the district environment. Dean. help and get to know the area and As parish councillor for Parkend I am hands-on and work hard, as communities and give something and Whitecroft l am now pleased to well as trying to change things for the back to this unique area where we be working for West Dean Parish better. live. Council.

Support for Forest Most of all it is about I wanted to pass on my getting young people skills; youth services engaged in their community, I have done voluntary by encouraging them to work for most of my adult I AM Alethea Bumpstead, attend events, activities and life, which has always been Youth Association (YA) youth organisations. An for young people and their Development Officer for the integral part of my role will local communities. Forest of Dean. be to support these Having lived and worked I work from the Forest organisations and their in the Forest of Dean for 12 Voluntary Action Forum ◼ Kitted out for fun! volunteers. years I understand how (FVAF), Belle Vue Road, voluntary youth services. I am passionate about diverse the Forest is, how Cinderford. 01594 This involves working ensuring young people have supportive the communities 822073 with youth organisations, these opportunities, because are and the challenges that The YA is responsible parishes and town councils, as a child I had so many life young people can face. for sustaining a vibrant of which West Dean Parish experiences and adventures I look forward to meeting support infrastructure for Council is one. and enjoyed myself so much and working you. Page 6 ££ Funds awarded to YOUR community ££

YORKLEY BREAM SLING FOOTBALL CLUB BREAM

FOREST SENSORY SERVICES

◼ For illustration ONLY Rugby Football Club COMMUNITY CENTRE Provide Outreach £1,600 — Tractor External furniture, Services at Bream Grass Cutting and Pitch benches and litter bins Management

£1,000 £250 £250

PILLOWELL SILVER BAND PARISH WIDE FOREST WIDE BREAM GARDENING CANOPY FOREST PULSE SOCIETY

Improvements to access Varied Arts Events at the band hut Hire of equipment for General Support show £870 £4,520 £1,000 £750

SLING AND DISTRICT PARKEND MEMORIAL SLING PLAYING BREAM CLUB HALL FIELD Early Learners

◼ For illustration ONLY Towards new building Insurance and play pods fund Patio Construction Bat Survey £5,000 £250 £400 £2,500

How your WEST Dean Parish Council awards financial grants to local projects twice a year. Following the submission of all the applications councillors then make voluntary their assessments. organisation The next grant award session will be in October. Further details will be can benefit provided in the press and on the web site — www.westdeanpc.org.uk from a Applications must be received by noon on Friday 27th September 2019. For financial more detailed information please can contact the clerk 01594 564484

award Page 7

££Funds awarded to YOUR community ££

YORKLEY PLAYGROUP FOREST WIDE FOREST WIDE Bream Amateur Sensory Garden Great Western Drop In Service Users Football Club Air Ambulance

Coach Hire

◼ For illustration ONLY Fund one emergency Social Event £720 event £150 £1,500 £1,000 Breamfest

SLING IN BLOOM PILLOWELL SLING PLAYING FIELD Next time your RECREATION GROUND community

◼ For illustration ONLY ? ◼ For illustration ONLY Fencing, Bamboo eradication See opposite page Floral display groundwork etc £400

£250 £2,000

Co-operation is the Forthcoming West Dean Parish Council Meetings All meetings will be at 7pm, where an open forum is name of the game followed by the full council meeting. FOLLOWING three successful Residents of the parish are invited to attend and raise Neighbourhood Development Plan consultation days (see page 8) in matters of concern at the open forum. Parkend, Yorkley and Whitecroft, WDP councillors are 2019 heartened by the interest shown in Wednesday 31st July Parkend Memorial Hall the need for a safe and direct route from Parkend to Lydney for Wednesday 28th August Pillowell Village Hall walkers, cyclists and mobility Wednesday 25th September Yorkley Community Centre scooters. Wednesday 30th October West Dean Centre Bream Councillors are investigating talking to fellow interested parties — Dean Forest Railway, Lydney Agendas are published on the parish council website and Town Council, The Forestry Commission and Whitemead Park on notice boards five days before each meeting. — to endeavour to make a multi Use Track a possibility. For further information contact the parish office 564484 Sharon Freeman Page 8

Thank you and best wishes to you both AT the recent West Dean Parish Foresters’ Forest and brings his of communities. Council Elections, two wealth of knowledge to that She chaired the finance and experienced councillors decided group. staffing committee as well as the not to stand for re-election However it was his actions in multi use track committee. Frank council and the community that But, like Frank, it is within McGuiness was really stand out. He was a model council and the wider not only an councillor in his hard work and community that Sharon has excellent vice — selfless actions on behalf of the stood out. chair of the communities of West Dean. The numerous projects and council, but part Sharon campaigns on behalf of residents of the finance Freeman I have are a measure of someone who, and staffing known since when they speak, others listen to committee. she was chair of and take notice. Sharon and As chairman of Bream Anti - FODDC Planning Frank had this in spades. Social Behaviour Group, he Committee and We will miss their advice and organised street lighting changes was a vastly experience and council is and CCTV installation in problem experienced different without them. areas within the village. and very influential councillor We are lucky to have called Frank chaired West Dean within her community. them friends Centre Management Committee When she was elected to the Paul Hiett and was part of the library parish council, she brought her Chair West Dean Parish Council group. He remains part of the vast knowledge and experience Pictures by Bill Gayler Appreciative response to NDP’s initial hard work

Barracks; Yorkley; the area were shared. Questionnaires were Whitecroft; Pillowell; Hot topics included plans distributed and are being Viney Hill and Oldcroft. for a safe multi-use Track analysed before A wide range of from Parkend to Lydney; producing information displays supported the affordable housing; about thoughts and discussions and each transport; play and hopes for the area. ◼ Whitecroft’s display location had one board sports facilities; arts and Questions ranged board. specifically about issues culture and the re- from public safety to related to that village. development of the now- transport, affordable RECENT Forest Edge This process will guide derelict Sheward’s Shop. housing, sports facilities South Neighbourhood the development and The second meeting and local heritage. Development Plan preservation of in Yorkley included As there will be meetings received wide communities by Pillowell, Oldcroft and further consultation appreciation for what considering issues from Viney Hill. The final one sessions it is important has been achieved and transport to recreation was in Whitecroft. With we reach residents, agreement about how and everything affecting interest high a number of workers, developers and useful it is to discuss the residents’ lives. people attended more tourists. Please look out information. The first meeting in than one event and for posters and further The NDP area Parkend was very well- some visited a different information. includes Parkend with attended and varied village when they Moseley Green and The views on the future of couldn’t make their own. Elaine Highfield Page 9

anopy is a newly ambition a reality. opportunities and celebrate the established As a major partner in culture of the Forest of Dean. organisation, currently Canopy’s establishment, the The community will be at the supported and hosted parish council has stepped up to heart of Canopy and now is a Cby West Dean Parish Council. the mark and provided significant great time to get involved. Because of comparatively low guidance which will continue Tell us what you’d like to see arts engagement and investment, throughout its set up. happening in the Forest; help in 2016 Arts Council England This involves giving input into shape the future of this exciting chose the Forest of Dean as a the steering group, leading its new initiative and dream big priority area for the South West growth and development by about what we can achieve in the Region. providing hot-desk space and a years to come. They want to see more physical home to the For further information or to cultural, creative, artistic events organisation. get involved, please contact and opportunities in the Forest West Dean Parish Council’s Carolyn Black, Creative Arts & and are willing to invest successful bid to Arts Council Culture Project Manager for significant funds to make this England in 2018 supported the Canopy on happen. recruitment of a project manager [email protected] The parish council, working at the end of 2018. with artists and arts organisations The goal is for Canopy to from across the district, have engage more people in the arts, pulled together to make this build partnerships to maximise

warming to 1.5°C may ours should be to provide still be possible with leadership and effective WDPC planning to ambitious action from communication to the national and local local residents and authorities, the private businesses.” sector and local Changes required to be carbon communities. become carbon neutral WDPC Chair Paul and ways to move to a Hiett said: “We are low carbon economy are neutral by responding to this global already well understood. challenge. The parish Currently 30% of UK council will appoint a electricity is from 2030 working group of renewable sources and the councillors and local government target is at RECENTLY West Dean on the Intergovernmental expertise to progress least 50% by 2030. Parish Council declared a Panel on Climate Change action. climate emergency which Special Report on Global “It will devise a list of Councillor Andy Moore means the parish aims to Warming published last footsteps that can be Parkend Ward be carbon neutral by October. pursued by WDPC and 2030. It describes the what the parish can do to This follows the enormous harm a 2°C rise support the district declaration by The Forest is likely to cause council. It is anticipated of Dean District Council compared with a 1.5°C that a key role for an last year which was based rise. Limiting global active parish council like Page 10

Remember Unique setting for — fire kills musical entertainment

AS part of the Fire Kills campaign, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) is urging families and child carers to think about fire risks in their home. THE 2019 season of events at the season includes the wonderful ◼ Top tips include ensuring Scarr Bandstand, Sling, got off to a Jenny Wren company performing children know the kitchen is not flying start with Rising Stars — a their new family show The Scarlet a play area. Don’t leave them celebration of the Forest's brass Pimpernel at 6pm on Sunday, 4th alone there or let them play near band training bands. August. Tickets (£10; family tickets the oven and hob. An appreciative audience £34 —two adults and two children under 16) — will be available on the ◼ Nominate your child to be the enjoyed a wonderful concert by Forest of Dean Brass Training Band, door . ‘escape champ’. Regularly role- Lydney Training Band and Lydbrook This will be followed by a free play escape routes and give Training Band. event, Festival Saturday on 24th children the responsibility to The event ended with 59 August; from 2-6pm with more keep routes clear. players producing a sensational major Forest bands, plus food and ◼ Encourage children to check massed bands finale. fun for everyone. keys are kept in an accessible The event was Come and support your local place so you can get out quickly very kindly outdoor venue and enjoy music in the event of a fire. sponsored by the and entertainment in this unique ◼ Discuss how to call 999; make Forest of Dean Lions woodland setting. Bring a picnic! sure children know what to call Club. www.scarrbandstand.co.uk in an emergency and as well as The forthcoming their own address. Explain the importance of only calling 999 in for valuables or tackle the fire. Councillor Dave Norman, a real emergency. Prevention and safety cabinet member with ◼ A working smoke alarm can education for all ages is also responsibility for give the vital time needed to offered by GFRS through its the Fire and escape a house fire. If your SkillZONE facility in Gloucester Rescue Service, alarm keeps going off while you — an interactive, life-size says: “Families can are cooking, don’t remove the indoor village with home, take simple steps batteriesmove the alarm or community, road and cyber to prevent deaths change it for one with a silencer. zones. Visithttps:// and serious injury ◼ In the event of a fire get out, skillzone.glosfire.gov.uk for from accidental stay out, call 999. Don’t delay more information. fires in the home. “ Page 11

KEEN to promote young people’s writing skills, Jeane Ball, editor of the Yorkley Newsletter, hosted a writing competition for seven to 15-year olds. There was an amazing interest with over 50 entries being received. Teachers Chris Forster and Leanne Williams from Pillowell and Yorkley Schools skilfully led their schools’ participation. A wide variety of ideas about life in the Forest of Dean led to letters, diary notes, poems, rap songs and other contributions. These all illustrated the great strengths of the village school system in connection to the woodland and local communities. They are also surprisingly frank — one entrant is only living here because her mother made her move to the Forest! The competition organisers thank Cheryl Mayo and Sarah Franklin, both published authors, who had the challenging task of choosing the winners. Thanks also go to Charles Martell, High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, who awarded writers with a certificate and their own anthology. ◼ The two poems below are used as examples of the high standard of all the entries.

Oscar in Yorkley By Oscar Gardner Out I go for a walk Seeing foxes What is it like to live in the Forest? Climbing trees so high By Stacey Aston Autumn is my favourite FOREST is amazing, climbing all those trees, lots of Really funny sheep activities, especially the big swing. Walking in the woods is such a wonderful dream. All those wonderful creature, they always make me beam. I like making dens Oh such a beautiful sight seeing all those leaves especially No more litter please! in the summer when they are always green. Running in the woods so much fun, and oh what a Young boar play fantastic time rolling in the mud! There’s so much I can say. It’s all so much fun, hooray. Owls hooting Everything is super sweet. Including honey made by bees, Riding my bike over jumps Oh the lovely Forest of Dean. Kids playing in the street Trees are glistening, just keep listening, ots of friends Birds are singing, sunshine shining, L I just can’t keep describing …….. Everybody look after the trees! Yorkley is my village Page 12

How to contact YOUR West Dean Parish Councillor Email: [email protected] e.g.: [email protected] or as below:

Bream Ward: Claire Smith Pillowell GL15 4QZ Coleford GL16 8GA Paul Hiett (chairman) The Forest of Dean  01594 562170  01594 781451 07903 397277 Helen Acton Jim Richmond Baytree Cottage, The Tufts Ellwood & Sling Ward Dean Valley Panorama B&B 29 Woodgate Road Bream, GL15 6HW Lydney Road, Yorkley GL15 4RR Mile End GL16 7QJ  01594 564571 Bill Gayler  01594 564980  01594 836 728 Steve Crick Julola, Marsh Way,  07538 925734 Christchurch Ward: Woodside Farm, Sling, GL16 8JN Parkend Ward Beech Way  01594 832969 Mike Costley Bream GL15 6NB Debra Oliver Andy Moore Touchwood, Anna’s Cottage, Woodland Road,  01594 564657 46 Tufthorn Avenue, Milkwall, GL16 8PT Wesley Road, Christchurch, GL16 7NR Bill Evans  01594 810136 Whitecroft, GL15 4RE  01594 836528 Hill Dene, High Street, Pillowell Ward  01594 563784 Clearwell, GL16 8JS Alan Grant The parish council office  01594 837211 Bob Freshwater Station House, New Road is open from 9.00am to Sylvia Francis Bemerton, Crown Lane, Parkend GL15 4JA 4.00pm Monday to Silkin Crest, High Street, Bream, Yorkley, GL15 4TP  01594 562789 Friday. We welcome GL15 6JF  01594 562014 Berry Hill Ward: enquiries from our  01594 563430 Peter Dunford Tim Gwilliam residents in person, by  07979 731107 The Willows, Upper Road 15 Astridge Close, email or by telephone.

Member of Parliament

Rt Hon Mark Harper, House of Commons, London SW1 0AA 01594 823482: [email protected]

County Councillors

Richard Boyles Bream and Pillowell 07979755101: [email protected]

Carol Allaway Martin Sling & Ellwood 01594834345: [email protected]

Terry Hale Christchurch and Berry Hill 07702660430: [email protected]

District Councillors

Michelle Mumford Berry Hill 0737624166: [email protected]

Tim Gwilliam * Berry Hill 01594836441: [email protected]

Andy Moore* Pillowell 01594563784: [email protected]

Paul Hiett* Bream 01594564571: [email protected]

Richard Leppington Bream 07816381909: [email protected]

David Wheeler Newland & Sling 01600716281: [email protected]

*also WDP Councilor