Village News

Last updated on   29 Sep 2008

25th September 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
On Saturday evening, singer Kerry Weston is appearing in concert at the sports and social club. Kerry was voted the best female singer in South Staffordshire during last year. The folk club will be held on Sunday evening starting at 8,30pm. Everyone is welcome to come to both events.

CHRISTMAS SHOE BOX APPEAL 2008:
There are leaflets at the back of the churches or from Wheaton Aston Post Office, for those who interested In taking part in filling a shoe box with gifts for a needy child. The leaflets are from an organisation called "Link Romania" which asks that the box be filled for a family. The leaflet gives guidance as to what sort of things the box could contain. The boxes need to be filled by mid-November. Last year, more than two hundred boxes were filled. Contact Anne Wright in Wheaton Aston on 01785 840656.

LIVE MUSIC:
On Friday evening, there will be live music performed by White Light at the Coach and Horses pub, High Street, Wheaton Aston. Everyone is welcome to come.

CHURCH:
On Saturday, there will be a garden party hosted by Pauline Benton entitled "Last of the Summer Wine". Due to the wet and cold weather recently, the venue will now be Wheaton Aston village hall, with the door opening at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Tiaras will be worn! There will be a cold collation supper beginning with champagne cocktails, and be music by Dennis Cornes. Tickets cost £12 and are available from Pauline an 01785 841301. All proceeds are to go to the St Mary's redevelopment fund.

SERVICES:
Today the J Team will meet at St Mary's First School at 3.15pm; on Sunday at 9.00am Holy Communion at All Saints; 10.30am a service entitled 'Back to Church Sunday Special' at St Mary's.
 

18th September 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
The end of season party for the cricket club is being held at the sports and social club on Saturday night.

LIVE MUSIC:
On Saturday evening, live music will be performed by the Diesal Brothers at the Coach and Horses pub.

ST MARY'S SCHOOL:
The annual harvest thanksgiving service will be held at 9.30am on Friday in church and all parents are welcome to attend. A donation of non-perishable gifts will be made to the Good Shepherd Centre for homeless people in Wolverhampton.
Gifts donated by the children will be displayed in church. There will also be a harvest thanksgiving workshop in the school on Saturday from 10am - 12noon.
There is currently a vacancy for a parent-governor on the school governing body. Nomination papers - available at the school office - need to be returned to the school office by Friday.

ELECTRIC BLANKETS:
There will be an electric blanket check run by the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue service at the village hall today from 10am - lpm. The electric blankets will be taken away and checked and then returned for collection on Wednesday.
If any fail the test, they will not be handed back, but anyone aged 60 and over will receive a free replacement.

SEA BEAVERS:
The Sea Beavers are the latest section to join the village's successful Sea Scouts Group. Boys and girls aged 6-8 year are eligible to join. The Sea Beavers meet at the Sea Scout HQ on Wednesday evenings from 6pm-7.45pm where the leaders are Cheryl Leo (Skipper) and Julie Brown (Chief).
Subs cost £1 per week, but all trips and outings are free. Those interested in joining should turn up for the Wednesday meetings.

WESTON PARK:
On Saturday and Sunday, the Midland Game and Country Sports Fair is being held at Weston Park and is good day out for anyone interested in traditional country pursuits, with family activities including ferret racing, action-packed arenas, antiques, fine arts and rural crafts with over 600 stands. Gates open at 9am each day. For tickets, telephone 0845230 5175.

MCMILLAN NURSES:
A coffee morning in aid of the McMillan nurses is being held at Lucy Clark's house, Newport House, Weston, from 10am-12noon on Tuesday. For more details, call Lucy Clark on '01952 850450.

0CHURCH:
There will be a choir practice at 7pm on Friday in St Mary's Church, for the harvest service.

FOLCH:
Folch (Friends of Lapley Church) are holding their harvest lunch at Bishops Wood Village Hall on Sunday October 12 with a guest speaker giving a talk entitled Winston Churchill. Tickets cost £12 and are available from Margaret Holmes 01785 840241 or Sue Smith on 01785 841334.

SERVICES:
On Saturday, there will be a thanksgiving all-age worship in the village hall at 10am. Building on the success of the Good Friday and Advent workshops, this is a new venture that is open to adults and children.
Margaret Foxall is seeking lots of empty bread bags of any type to use at the harvest workshop.
On Sunday, at 9am Holy Communion at All Saints; 10.30am harvest morning praise at St Mary's. There will be a harvest lunch at 12.30pm in the village hall after the harvest morning service. On Wednesday, Noah's Ark will sail from St Mary's at 1.45pm.

 

11th September 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
A private party being held at the sports and social club on Saturday, the folk club meets on Sunday at 8.30pm

COFFEE MORNING:
The coffee morning due to be held by the Old People's Welfare Committee on Friday at Muriel. and Don Thompson's house has been cancelled due to illness.

RURAL ADVICE SURGERY:
MP David Kidney is holding a rural advice surgery in the village hall on Friday from 6.30pm - 8.30pm. No appointment is necessary.

WIVES' GROUP:
A talk given by local resident Brian Littleford and entitled The Influence of Water will be given tonight at 8pm in the village hall.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING:
During the public participation session at last week's meeting, Dr Taylor of Wheaton Aston and Brewood Surgery said that Wheaton Aston had been deemed "rural" by the Primary Care Trust and so the application for a pharmacy to be set up by another party had been withdrawn. He also said that the surgery was not intending developing the property opposite the Coach and ftorses into a new surgery; the surgery have been considering another property nearby which they will apply to the district council for a change of use.
Councillors heard that will shortly be two buses to Wolverhampton each week, but not at times suitable for workers. Councillor Rex Roberts of Staffordshire County Council, said a meeting would be held shortly to discuss the transport situation for all the local areas.
A member of the public asked that if the Marston Road football pitch could be used for a one-off session to ascertain if there was any interest in setting up a local rugby team.
In his police report, PC Matt Smith told everyone that a divisional campaign was starting which would target those travelling without a seat belt fastened for which a £30 fine could be imposed. From October, Wheaton Aston is having a full time PCSO in the area.
MP David Kidney attended the meeting and spoke about current issues,
In his report from the county council, Councillor Roberts said that the deteriorating condition of the rural roads was of concern to him but due to a diminishing highways maintenance budget, roads were being surface dressed rather then fully resurfaced, but £2m had been secured for improving rural roads this year. He also said that the gating order for public footpath number 7 had been completed to the satisfaction of the residents nearby.
It was agreed that the hedge along Leeke Way would be trimmed this year.
The Christmas lights will be used again this year, but the parish council has been advised to consider replacing them next year. The carnival queen and chairman Barbara Cox will be switching on the lights on Saturday November 22.
The next parish council meeting will be on Thursday October 2.

CHURCH:
The cheese and wine party given by Peter and Celia on Saturday raised £292 for St Mary's development funds.
On Saturday, there is a coach trip to Chester organised by Dave and Barbara Sharratt:
On Tuesday, there will be a card-making workshop in St Mary's Church from 10am- 12noon. Tickets at £2.50 includes tea/coffee and biscuits, and materials to make two cards to take home.
Numbers are limited because of space but if there is sufficient interest, there may be another session in the evening from 7pm - 9pm.' Tickets are available from Hilary Bates on 01785 840728.

SERVICES:
On Sunday, 9am, holy communion at All Saints; 10.15am Little Fish Wheaton Aston village hall; 10.30am holy communion at St Mary's. On Wednesday, there is an informal healing service at St Mary's church at 7.30pm.

 

4th September 2008

WESTON PARK:
Today (Thursday), there will be a sponsored ride at Weston Park in aid of the Riding for the Disabled Association. The minimum sponsorship money will be £15. The event is from 3pm until 7pm. Further details on 01902 751049.

CHURCH:
On Friday, there will be a cheese and wine party at Peter and Celia Smith's house, 4 Fentonhouse Lane, Wheaton Aston, from 6.30pm - 8.30pm: The cost of £5 which will include food and a glass of wine. Extra wine will be available with all proceeds to St Mary's redevelopment fund.

SERVICES:
On Sunday at 10.30am holy communion at All Saints; 10.30am all age worship at St Mary's.
 

28th August 2008

LEISURE CLUB:
A talk entitled Doorstep Callers will be given by Vicky Singleton of the Neighbourhood Watch in the village hall at 2pm on Tuesday. A small charge will be made for non-members.

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
The club will be held on Sunday evening at 8.30pm.

WESTON PARK:
Sunday roast lunch in the Stables Bistro Restaurant will be accompanied by the jazz duo entertainment. For further details please telephone 01952 852100.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING:
MP David Kidney will be attending the next parish council meeting next Thursday September 4 starting at 7.30pm in the village hall. All members of the public are welcome to attend.

NEWS AND VIEWS:
Any articles/information to be included in the next issue of the parish council's News and Views should be submitted by Friday September 5, by email to lswapc@btconnect.com.
Text should be sent in a Microsoft word file using the font arial size 12 and photos as attachments in jpeg of tiff format. For further details, call Debra Bate, clerk to the parish council, on 01785 841639.
The autumn issue will be delivered at the end of September. The winter issue deadline for articles is Friday November 14, ready for delivery at the start of December.

LIVE MUSIC:
On Friday evening, there will be live music performed by Trigger, at the Coach and Horses pub.

CHURCH SERVICES:
10.30am Combined Group Service St Andrew's Church, Weston-under-Lizard.

21st August 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
The folk club will be held on Sunday starting at 8.30pm.

RUBBISH COLLECTIONS:
The last special rubbish collection to which household items may be disposed of is on Tuesday for the half of the village including Pinfold Lane and on towards lvetsey Road. All households included in this collection will be notified by a leaflet left by the refuse collectors.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING:
A recent parish council meeting heard concerns of residents about the reduction of bus services to Wheaton Aston. They were told that a meeting would be called with representatives of the county and district councils attending.
Parish councillors have accepted an application from Wheaton Aston Wanderers football club to use the Marston Road field for the next season's matches, for which a contract would be drawn up.
The club had agreed to mark up the pitches and would negotiate with St Mary's school to use the school car park. It was suggested that they train on the smaller pitch and use the larger pitch for the matches. As no changing facilities were available, this would be reflected in the price charged.
In his report from the county council, councillor Rex Roberts said that the planning application for the construction of an energy-from-waste facility at the Four Ashes site had been submitted to the county council planning committee for consideration.
He reported that Staffordshire County Council had teamed up with the Staffordshire Police to fund 38 new PCSO's at a cost of £3m pounds to address the anti-social behaviour and fear of crime and they would be deployed across the eight local authorities.
He also said that the problems arising from the cessation of services by the Green Bus Company were being investigated.
Lapley has come third in the small village section of the best kept village competition and a certificate has been received for the award. Coven had the award for the large village
It was decided that a presentation evening for the best kept gardens competition should be set for Friday November 7 possibly at the Old School Court.
Judging for Lapley and Stretton had already taken place; Wheaton Aston would be judged before the end of August. The district council had again offered to supply free flowering bulbs and these have been ordered.
The Salvation Army had agreed to perform at the Christmas lights turn-on event to be held on Saturday November22.
The take-up of the places for the parish council-run summer holiday playscheme had been disappointing, councillors heard, with many parents finding it difficult to pay for the events, especially those with more than child. It was suggested that next year the parish council could increase the subsidy or organise fewer events.
The play strategy working group have met, but have yet to appoint a secretary who would work for about two hours per week. Funding for the post would be sought, Councillor Rex Roberts offered to pay £500 towards this expense.
Councillors heard that Lapley, Stretton and Wheaton Aston had come sixth out of 12 places in the Inter Parish Games 2008 and that a presentation evening to celebrate has been arranged for Friday November 14th at Wombourne Civic Centre.
Don Thompson, who had organised the teams for the parish for many years, has recently retired from this post and a replacement is being sought.
Mike Kennedy, a parish councillor for 25 years, announced that he will be tending his resignation from the parish council. His wife, Marion, recently retired from the post of council clerk.
The next parish council meeting is on Thursday September 4 at 7.30pm in the village hall.

CHURCH:
On Saturday September 20, there will be a thanksgiving all age workshop at the village hall following the success of similar workshops held on Good Friday and Advent.
The new venture for harvest is open to adults and children and on the following day, September 21, there will be a harvest lunch held in the village hall, at 12.30pm after the harvest morning praise service.

SERVICES:
9am holy communion is at All Saints; 10.30am family communion is at St Mary's.
 

14th August 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
The club will be open on Sunday evening from 8.30pm

PARISH COUNCIL PLAYSCHEME EVENTS:
Today, the children attending the summer holiday playscheme will be going on a trip to visit the Black Country Museum, from 10am until 4pm. On Tuesday, they will be visiting the Birches Valley, where they will be building shelters and doing pond dipping, from 10am until 4pm.
On Wednesday, the children will be able to work with Jennifer Collier to create a journal with a hand woven cover and recycled pages, in the village hall, from 2pm till 4pm

COFFEE MORNING:
The coffee morning held recently by the Old People's Welfare Committee at Joy Machin's house The Blades, Pinfold Lane, raised £280. All proceeds are for the Old People's Welfare funds.
The committee this week expressed its thanks to Joy Machin

CHURCH:
There was a mock auction held recently at Pearl Thorley's house in Fentonhouse Lane, at which everyone was invited to bid for a mystery parcel. The event raised £210 for the church restoration fund.
On Saturday, September 13, there Will be a coach trip to Chester, which will be leaving the Green at 10am. Tickets will cost £10. The trip is being organised by Dave and Barbara Sharratt, who can be contacted for further details, on 01785 840725.
A garden party entitled The Last of the Summer Wine is planned for September at Pauline Benton's house, 8 Marston Road and comprises a cold collation supper, champagne cocktails and Tiaras must be worn: Tickets are £12 and further details from Pauline on 01785 841301.
There is still a vacancy for an organist. If anyone is interested, please telephone Kath Doyle on 01785 840525 for further details.

SERVICES:
9am holy communion is at All Saints; 10.30am morning praise at St Mary's.
 

7th August 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
The folk club's next meeting is on Sunday at 8.30pm

COFFEE MORNING:
A coffee morning is being held by the Old People's Welfare Committee on Friday from 10.30am-12.30pm at Joy Machin's house. The Blades, Pinfold Lane, Wheaton Aston.
There will be cakes, preserves, books, toys, and plants for sale, with a white elephant stall and raffle. All proceeds are for the Old People's Welfare funds.

WHEATON ASTON SEA SCOUTS:
A new group the Sea Beavers will be launched in October within the Wheaton Aston Sea Scouts and will be led by Cheryl Leo and Julie Brown.
Nine Sea Scouts have been to Wales recently for a weekend trip, powerboating on the sea in North Wales. The Sea Scouts have also been on a camping trip to Lincolnshire for a few days during which time they did archery, canoeing, kayaking, climbing, quad biking, swimming, sailing and other activities.
The Sea Explorers have recently completed a car wash event, been out for a meal at a Chinese restaurant and the Sea Cubs had a barbecue.
The group is now taking rest during August.

PARISH COUNCIL PLAYSCHEME:
Today, the children attending the summer holiday playscheme, organised by the parish council, will be going on a trip to Hoo Farm near Telford, from 10am-4pm. On tuesday, they will be visiting the Think Tank, from 10am-4pm. On Wednesday, the children will be given a Brazilian drumming and dance workshop in the village hall, from 2pm-4pm.
There are still places available on several of the summer play scheme trips. Anyone with children aged 6-12 years seeking further details should call parish clerk Debra Bate on 01785 841639 or send an email to lswapc@btconnect.com

RUBBISH COLLECTIONS:
The last special rubbish collection for this year, in which household items may be disposed of, is on Tuesday for the top half of the village (from the canal end). All households included in this collection will be notified by a leaflet left by the refuse collectors.

WESTON PARK:
On Sunday, tours are being given around the house entitled What the Butler Saw and these will be accompanied by an experienced guide to show what went on behind the scenes and behind the scenes activities in the servants quarters today.
There will also be a complimentary nature detective wildlife walk given by Neil Nash around the park at 2pm.
The miniature railway event is being held over the weekend at Weston Park with many narrow gauge engines visiting. For further details, call 01902 852100.

CHURCH SERVICES:
9am holy communion, All Saints'; 10.30am, holy communion, St Mary's.
 

31st July 2008

PLAYSCHEME:
Wheaton Aston Parish Council's summer holiday scheme is from next Tuesday until August 20 and includes five all-day outings for children aged five to 12 years, Conkers, South Derbyshire, Think Tank at Birches Valley Centre; Make a handsome journal at the Black Country Museum; Make a papier-mache tea set at Hoo Farm; Brazilian drumming and dance.
Each child must be registered. Contact the parish clerk on 01785 841639, or this year's playleader, Louise Barton.

SUGARCRAFT GROUP:
The first meeting will be on September 9 and then every first Tuesday in the month at Wheaton Aston village hall from 7pm-9pm. The cost is £5. For further details, call 01785 841118.

SUNNYBANK CLUB:
A quiz is held every Tuesday at 9pm and bingo on Saturdays.

HARTLEY ARMS:
Quiz night is on Tuesday at 9pm.

COACH AND HORSES:
Live music at 9pm is by Paul Parker and Friends.

SPECIAL SUNDAY SERVICE:
The 10.30am service of morning prayer on July 20 included the baptism of six and a half month old John Robert Thompson, first grandchild of the Rev Garry and Marieanne Thompson.

MOCK AUCTION:
St Mary's development fund at Wheaton Aston will benefit from a mock auction at 7.30-9.30pm. Friends should take a wrapped gift and then bid for the mystery parcels. Cheese and wine refreshments available. Tickets are limited at £5. Details from Pearl Thorley on 01785 840602.

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
The folk club will be held on Sunday at 8.30pm.

WESTON PARK:
On Friday, there will be a lecture entitled Weston and the Grand Tour given by Gareth Williams, Weston Park's curator. This will be followed by a lunch in the Stables Bistro Restaurant.
On Saturday, the play by Carlo Collodi entitled Pinocchio will be performed. The gates will open at 5pm and the performance starts at 6.30pm. For further details, call 01952 852100.

CYSTIC FIBROSIS:
A recent Black Country Night event with Dandy held in Wheaton Aston village hall, in aid of Cystic Fibrosis, raised £491.

OLD PEOPLE'S WELFARE COMMITTEE:
The coffee morning held recently at Pearl Thorley's house, 10 Fenton House Lane, raised £180.

WHEATON ASTON FIRST RESPONDERS:
Pat Lister of Brineton, has been doing a sponsored slim and has raised £326. Geoff Perry from Wheaton Aston has raised £26.34 from a collection held at the recent village carnival and at the show held at Chillington Hall. All proceeds are for Wheaton Aston First Responders.

PARISH COUNCIL PLAYSCHEME EVENT:
On Wednesday, the children attending the summer holiday playscheme, will be making papier-mache tea sets in the village hall from 10am-12noon.

PARISH CHURCH:
On Friday, September 5, there will be a cheese and wine party at Peter and Celia Smith's house, 4 Fentonhouse Lane from 6.30pm- 9.30pm. Tickets will cost £5 which will include food and a glass of wine.
On Tuesday, September 16, there will be a card making workshop from 10am-12noon, in St Mary's Church.
Tickets at £2.50 include tea/coffee and home-made biscuits, and materials. Numbers are limited but if there is sufficient interest, there will be a second session in the evening, from 7pm-9pm. Tickets are available from Hilary Bates on 01785 840728.
A Bible study group will shortly be meeting once a month. Those interested should put their names on the list at the back of any of the four churches and indicate their preference for a daytime or evening meeting.

SERVICES:
On Sunday at 10.30am there is holy communion at All Saints' and 10.30am all age worship at St Mary's.

 

24th July 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
The club will be held on Sunday at 8.30pm.

WESTON PARK:
The Proms Spectacular returns to Weston Park on Saturday for a sixth year. Conductor Jae Alexander will lead the English National Orchestra through a programme of popular classics, film themes, and favourites associated with The Last Night of the Proms.
The concert will again begin in spectacular style with a thrilling aerial display over the skies of Weston Park by an original Second World War Spitfire as the orchestra performs rousing themes including The Dambusters and The Great Escape.
The evening will culminate with a finale of traditional flag-waving favourites of Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory.
On Sunday, there is a cycling fun ride Le Tour de Weston, taking a route through areas of the park not normally accessible to the public. The route is open from 11.00am until the last rider departs at 5.00pm.
On Sunday, tours are being given around the house entitled What the Butler Saw and these will be accompanied by an experienced guide to show what went on behind the scenes and what goes on today in the servants' quarters. The tours are followed by afternoon tea in the Stables Bistro Restaurant.
There will also be a "nature detective" wildlife walk around the park on Sunday with Neil Nash. The walk is from 2pm until 4pm.
For further information, call 01952 852100.

CHURCH SERVICES:
On Sunday 9am holy communion is at All Saints'; 10.30am family communion at St Mary's.
 

17th July 2008


SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
The folk club will be held on Sunday from 8.30pm

GOLD AWARDS:
Four members of Wheaton Aston Sea Scouts have attained the gold Scouts' awards and will be presented their medals at a presentation evening on Friday.
Barbara Cox, of Lapley, Stretton and Wheaton Aston Parish Council will present the certificates and Don Thompson will award the gold medals.

GARDEN OPEN DAY:
The garden at The Wickets, 47 Long Street, Wheaton Aston, was opened to the public recently as part of the National Garden Scheme.
Unfortunately, the weather was poor but just under £200 was raised for charities selected by the National Garden Scheme, including that of the MacMillan Nurses.

WESTON PARK:
On Wednesday, a lecture entitled Woburn Abbey, the Russet Family and their Collections, will be followed by a lunch in the stables Bistro Restaurant.
For further details, call 01952 852104. Chris Gravett, the Duke of Bedford's curator from Woburn Abbey will talk about the Bedfordshire home of the Russells, Dukes' of Bedford and their links with the Earls of Bradford.

COFFEE MORNING:
A coffee morning is being held by the Old People's Welfare Committee, on Friday from 10.30am until 12.30pm at Pearl Thorley's house, 10 Fentonhouse Lane, Wheaton Aston.
There will be cakes, preserves, books, toys, and plants for sale, along with a white elephant stall and a raffle, with refreshments also available. All proceeds to welfare funds.

CHURCH:
During the carnival held on Saturday, the church stall made £150.
A boot bonanza is being held on Leeke Way field on Saturday from 9am until lpm. Pitches cost £5. For more details, call Margaret on 01785 840035. Funds raised will be for the church development fund.
On Saturday August 2, there will be a mock auction held from 7.30pm - 9.30pm, with all proceeds going to the church restoration fund. People will be invited to bid for a mystery parcel. There will be cheese and wine refreshments and tickets are £5 from Pearl Thorley on 01785 840602.

COUNTRY NIGHT:
A Black Country night with Dandy is being held on Saturday at 7.30pm in the village hall in aid of Cystic Fibrosis.
Tickets at £8 includes supper but patrons should take their own drinks. Tickets and more information is available from Val Howard on 01785 840092 after 6pm.

SERVICES:
On Sunday at 9am holy communion will be held at All Saints'; 10.30am morning praise is at St Mary's.

PARISH COUNCIL:
In his recent report from the district council to the parish council, Councillor Roy Wright said that a grant from the government had been received which was to be used for play areas.
A list of possible future projects within the area should be drawn up for consideration and this will be discussed by the play strategy group.
The Wheaton Aston Sea Scouts expressed thanks to the parish council for its recent grant and reported that a presentation evening would be held on Friday July 18, when gold awards would be made to four scouts.
The parish council's leaflet News and Views will be delivered by Wheaton Aston Sea Scouts. John Fisher has announced that he will be retiring from producing the leaflet and parish clerk Debra Bate has agreed to take on the task. .
The forward planning and finance committee presented its recommendations and asked that a health and safety representative be appointed - a task that Roy Wright agreed to take on.
The council's next meeting is on Thursday August 7 in the village hall at 7.30pm.

CHURCH:
The recent summer concert held in St Mary's Church raised £269.39 for the church restoration fund.
The event was organised by the Whittingham family and comprised a varied programme starting with Sarah Whittingham playing Myfanwy on the euphonium followed by her sister, Laura, singing a variety of songs and including a cello suite by Bach. Emily Bennett 13, sang a variety of songs.
Others taking part included Phil Whittington, Beth Sexty, Yvette Milford, Keith Poulson and Chris Lewin.
 

10th July 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
On Saturday evening, singer Rob Derek will be appearing at the club. On Sunday, there will be a folk club night and The Laners will be appearing.

WIVES' GROUP:
Tonight, there will be a flower arranging demonstration given by Anita Wright in the village hall at 8pm.

END OF TERM:
Everyone is welcome to join the pupils at St Mary's First School on Friday at 9am for a service in St Mary's Church where Year 4 children, who are leaving, will each be presented with a Bible from the church.

Wl:
On Monday, there will be a talk entitled Travel, Teaspoons and Chatter given by Madeleine Stride in the village hall at 7.30pm.

WHEATON ASTON CARNIVAL:
Wheaton Aston Carnival starts on Saturday with a parade of floats leaving St Mary's First School at 1 pm.
The carnival will then be officially opened at 2pm on Leeke Way field where there will be a pipe band, vintage cars, dog display, fun fair, donkey rides, Punch and Judy show, fire engines rides, and the Church Lads and Church girls.
There will be lots of children's games, such as the egg and spoon race and a tug of war. Entry to the carnival is free.

RACE NIGHT RESULTS:
Wheaton Aston Sea Scouts recently held a night at the races and raised £411 for unit funds.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING:
Councillors were met at the last council meeting by a large number of residents expressing their concerns about the axing of bus services to the village - on July 28, the service to Telford and Wolverhampton is being scrapped; the service to Cannock and Walsall has already been discontinued, causing a big impact especially on workers, older residents and young people.
District and parish councillor Roy Wright promised to pursue the matter with the district council.
Andy Mole thanked the parish council for a carnival expenses grant.
An ongoing dispute concerning the footpath from lvetsey Road to Bellhurst Lane was highlighted, but it was suggested that community action could be taken to clear the overgrown path.
Dave Wright of Staffordshire County Council highways division, said a gang of men could be in the area for three days in July and December to do agreed work and he asked the parish council to submit a list of jobs in priority order which the men could tackle.
In the police report, councillors heard that four people had been given tickets when a speed check was undertaken recently in the Stretton area. It was reported that four officers would be on duty at the Wheaton Aston Carnival. Special constables have been assisting with foot patrols during weekends, during which time a large quantity of alcohol has been confiscated from under age drinkers.
Notices have been issued to a number of car owners, warning about the manner of driving and action that may be taken. It was agreed that the situation concerning the dangerous driving of some residents had improved due to PC Smith's actions with the warning letters. PC Smith will start using the parish council office at St Mary's First School from July 23.
A discussion about Christmas lights highlighted the fact that the lights may need replacing soon. Details of various lights available would be discussed at the next meeting.
The summer play scheme registration session takes place shortly with letters and forms sent out stipulating that children must be collected after the organised events or a £10 fine would be imposed and possible exclusion from future trips if this rule was not adhered to.
 

3rd July 2008

GARDEN OPEN DAY:
The garden at the Wickets, 47 Long Street, will be open for everyone to visit from 1.30pm to 5pm. Refreshments will be available. Tickets cost £2.50 for adults (children free). Proceeds are for charity.

WESTON PARK:
On Friday, a lecture entitled Weston and the Grand Tour given will be given by Gareth Williams, Weston Park's curator who will explore the high art and fun involved in 300 years of aristocratic travelling and patronage. Lunch will follow in the Stables Bistro Restaurant.
Sunday roast lunch in the Stables Bistro Restaurant will be accompanied by the Jazz duo entertainment.
On Wednesday at 7pm, there will be an historical and horticultural tour of the gardens and pleasure grounds at Weston, led by head gardener Martin Gee.
The tour will conclude with a glass of wine in the orangery of the Temple of Diana, a building not normally accessible to the public.
For further details, please telephone 01952 852104.

CHURCH:
On Friday, a summer concert is being held at St Mary's Church at 7.30pm. Tickets are £3 (£2for concessions) and available from 01785 841853 or in St Mary's Church. All proceeds are for St Marys Development Fund.

SERVICES:
Today, the J Team will meet at St Mary's First School at 3.15pm; on Sunday 10.30am, holy communion at All Saints'; 10.30am all age worship at St Mary's. On Tuesday, Noah's Ark will sail from St Mary's First School at 1.45am.
 

26th June 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
The folk club will be held on Wednesday evening starting at 8.30pm.

INTER-PARISH GAMES:
The swimming competition, organised by Steve Brown, is at Wombourne Leisure Centre on Sunday. If anyone is interested in taking part, please contact Don Thompson on 01785 840408.

QUIZ:
A quiz being held at the Hartley Arms, starts at 9pm, with proceeds for Wheaton Aston Carnival funds.

FIRST RESPONDERS:
Pat Lister has lost 28 pounds in a sponsored slim in aid of the Community First Responders. The total has been verified by Linda Beech.

WESTON PARK:
Today, there will be will be a workshop running entitled Drawing and Sketching in the Park. The tutor will be Mike Spooner and the workshop will provide an opportunity to extend drawing skills using a variety of drawing media and is suitable for all ability levels. The course starts at 10am.
Sunday will be a cycling fun day with the park opening a cycle route within the Park, starting at 11am with the last rider departing at 3pm.
On Wednesday, Weston park is open under the National Gardens Scheme. All admission monies will be donated to the charity.

SERVICES:
On Sunday at 10.30am, there will be a combined group service held at St Mary's Church, Blymhill, during which the Bishop's Certificate group will be leading prayers and presented with their certificates after two years of study. Tea/coffee and biscuits will be served after the service. At 7pm, the C Club will meet at Wheaton Aston Youth Rooms.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:
Wheaton Aston's carnival is being held on Saturday July 12 in the field adjacent to the canal. The traditional parade of decorated floats provided by village organisations leaves St Mary's School car park at 1 pm to tour the village streets, arriving in time for the opening of the event at 2pm. Blymhill annual fete is being held on the same day, while at Lapley holds its village barbecue.

CHURCH:
The Spanish evening event held on Saturday in the village hall, a cooked supper followed by a concert by Kathryn Sharratt, raised more than £500. All proceeds are for St Mary's development fund.
On Friday July 4, there will be a summer concert held at 7.30pm at St Mary's, Wheaton Aston, which will feature music to suit everyone. Tickets are £3 (concessions, £2) and available from Clare, who may be contacted on 01785 841853 or in church. All proceeds are for the St Mary's Development Fund.
A house-to-house collection in Lapley has raised £94.71 for Compton Hospice.
The heating system in St Mary's Church, is now fully repaired, thanks to the generosity of donations raising £1660.00 on top of normal giving.
A boot bonanza is being held on the carnival field on Saturday July 19 from 9am - lpm. Pitches cost £5.
The cheese and wine party at Celia and Peter Smith's house on Friday July 18 has been postponed until after August due to building and decorating work. It is to rescheduled later in the year.
 

19th June 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
On Saturday, there is a private party being held. The folk club meets on Wednesday at 8.30pm.

PICNIC BY THE LAKE:
A picnic by the lake at Weston Park will be held from 7pm-9pm. Patrons should take their own food and seating, though tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available. Proceeds are for Weston's St Andrew's Parish Church

MOTTEY MEADOWS GUIDED WALKS:
On Saturday, Tim Coleshaw, of English Nature, will be leading a walk to see some of the 240 different specimens of wild flowers in Mottey Meadows, a national nature reserve. Those wishing to attend meet at St Mary's School car park at 2pm. The walk will be repeated next Monday at 7pm.

SEA SCOUTS:
Four members recently passed their RYA qualifications, two taking level one and two taking level two, and currently four more are doing their level two awards at Chasewater. The Sea Scouts recently raised £580 by bag packing at Sainsburys.

ITALIAN EVENING OF SONGS:
An evening of song is planned for Saturday in the village hall at 7.15pm, when entertainment will be provided by Kathryn Sharratt. Tickets are £12 and include supper. Proceeds are for Wheaton Aston Church development fund.

CHURCH SERVICES NEXT SUNDAY:
Holy communion is celebrated at All Saints, Lapley at 9am; family communion at St Mary's, Wheaton Aston at 10.30am. The Lichfield Battalion of the Church Lads' and church Girls' Brigade meet on Sunday at St Mary's School at 2.30pm to march to church for their annual service at 3pm. At 4.30pm, the band will play popular hymns and songs on the village green followed by refreshments in the village hall.

PARISH COUNCIL
The recent meeting began with resident Don Thompson making a plea for someone to take over the post of inter-parish games organiser from which he was retiring this year.
Councillors heard opponents of an application had been to the Primary Care Trust to set up a pharmacy in Wheaton Aston
Dr Husselbee, of Wheaton Aston and Brewood Surgery, said such a move would take away valuable income from the practice and make it a less viable proposition. The practice, he said, was currently considering taking over the lease of Trevitt House and expanding the services and asked that a letter be written to the PCT supporting the doctors' position in the village, a suggestion backed by the council.
Members of the public asked if any decision had been reached over the gating of public footpath number seven and were told that the parish council had withdrawn its objection and that work would go ahead.
In his police report, PC Smith told councillors that he was adopting a zero tolerance attitude to nuisance vehicles and that any vehicles removed would be crushed. He said that a flash cam camera which detects movement could be installed on Primrose Bank, but needed an 18-feet tall pole to support it.
Installation costs would have to be shared with other areas, but the parish council could buy their own camera at a cost of £5,000.
The council considered the possibility of PC Smith sharing the office at St Mary's First School with the parish clerk.
County councillor Rex Roberts said that the equal pay evaluation had cost £36m , for which the county council had borrowed money. He claimed that the knock-on effect would affect on the most vulnerable people in the county.
The council was asked if the Christmas lights event arranged for Saturday November 29 could be changed as it coincided with the church's fund-raising evening. The lights switch-on will now be on Saturday November 22.
in a report from the Sports and Social Club, the parish council heard that a health and safety inspection had revealed that more work was required to ensure that the club conforms with current legislation.
The oak tree is being pruned and leylandii trees lopped, with Rodbaston College offering to do the work.
The parish clerk said it was intended to publish the parish council's leaflet News and Views at the end of June.
The council's next meeting is on Thursday July 3 at 7.30pm.

INTER-PARISH GAMES:
The games' cross-country event held in Wheaton Aston saw eight eight teams compete with Chris Hay of Cheslyn Hay first back, followed by Mark Kirk of Perton. The positions of the first four in each team went to decide the order of winning. Team placings were: 1 Wombourne; 2 Wheaton Aston; 3 Cheslyn Hay; 4 Brewood and Coven; 5 Perton; 6 Codsall; and 7 Essington.
The crown green bowls competition is at Swindon on Sunday. If anyone is interested in competing should contact Don Thompson on 01785 840408. Don, 81, is retiring this year as the inter-parish games organiser for Wheaton Aston.
 

12th June 2008

INTER-PARISH GAMES:
Eight teams took part in the five-a-side football organised by Phil Hodson and played at the Monckton Centre, Penkridge.
The winning team taking the gold medal was Wombourne, with Penkridge taking second place and the silver medal, and Wheaton Aston coming third and receiving the bronze medal. Target golf has been arranged to take place at Wombourne Leisure Centre on Sunday at 10am. The Indoor skittles match is to be held at the Swan Inn, Brewood at 7pm on Wednesday.
Anyone interested in taking part should contact Don Thompson on 01785 840403.

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
On Saturday there is a private party is being held. The folk club will be held on Wednesday from 8.30pm.

SPRING FAIR:                                                                                                                                  A recent spring fair held at Old School Court, School Road, raised £614.93p.

HAY MEADOW FLOWERS:
On Saturday June 21 and Monday June 23, there will be a walk around Motley Meadows, a national nature reserve based at Wheaton Aston, one of England's finest series of hay meadows, to view a selection of the reserve's 240 species of wild flowers including the rare snake's head fritillary (the folfalarum).
The Saturday walk starts at 2pm, while Monday's is at 7pm, meeting outside St Mary's First School, Marston Road. The walks will be led by Tim Coleshaw from Natural England and will last about two hours.

WIVES' GROUP:
The Wives' group are going on an outing today to visit Dorothy Clives Gardens.

CARNIVAL:
The carnival is on Saturday July 12, beginning with a parade of floats leaving St Mary's First School at lpm. The carnival will then open at 2pm on Leeke Way field. More helpers are needed so if you can help on the day or would like to join the committee, contact Mr T Hughes on 01785 841364

WESTON PARK:
The International model air show is on Saturday and Sunday starting at 10am both days. Some of the top model aircraft pilots in the country will demonstrate their flying ability, and there is also a massive two day swap meet with more than 150 traders, pyrotechnic display, children's funfair, model car racing, light aircraft and classic cars.
Today there will be a watercolour painting taster workshop led by Mike Spooner, who will give advice and demonstrations in essential technique. The course starts at 10am and is suitable for the total novice. On Saturday, Mr Spooner will be giving a workshop entitled Drawing and Sketching in the Park.
On Sunday, tours are being given around the house entitled What The Butler Saw and these will be accompanied by an experienced guide to show what went on behind the scenes and what goes on today in the servants' quarters.
Sunday is also Fathers' Day and a roast lunch is available at Weston Park in the Stables Bistro Restaurant. For further details, call 01902 852104.

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE WALKING FESTIVAL:
As part of the Walking Festival for 2008 organised by South Staffordshire Council, there will be a walk around Wheaton Aston today, starting from the village hall car park at 2pm, covering a distance of about three miles.

CHURCH:
Wheaton Aston and Lapley Church fete held on Saturday at St Mary's First School raised £1,500 for the church development fund.
A cheque of £47.20 has been sent to the Bishop's Appeal, which is sending aid direct to the agencies who are already working in stricken areas in Myanmar (Burma). The development fund raisers are giving away tenners to anyone who would like to be like those people in the Parable of the Talents who increased their sum of money by various methods. If you would like to take part or would like more information, contact Dave.
There will be a Black Country Night with Dandy on Saturday July 19 at 7.30pm in the village hall in aid of Cystic Fibrosis. Tickets at £8 includes supper, but patrons should take their own drinks. Tickets and more information is available from Val Howard on 01785 840092 after 6pm.

SERVICES:
On Sunday at 9am, holy communion is at All Saints'; 10.30am morning praise at St Mary's; at 7pm, the C Club will meet at the Wheaton Aston Youth Rooms.

 

5th June 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
On Saturday evening, singer Graham Ronson will be appear in concert. The folk club meets on Wednesday at 8.30pm.

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE:
On Monday at 8pm, there will be a talk entitled Shoes-three centuries of fashion given by Helen Johnson and Gemma Oakley in the village hall.

PARISH COUNCIL:
The next parish council meeting is tonight at 7.30pm in the village hall.

LIVE MUSIC:
On Saturday evening, there will be live music at the Coach and Horses pub performed by Reluctant Heroes.

WESTON PARK:
On Sunday, there will be a complimentary nature detective wildlife walk given by Neil Nash around the park starting at 2pm and will last about two hours.

SERVICES:
On Sunday, 9am holy communion, All Saints'; 10.15am Little Fish Wheaton Aston village hall; 10.30am holy communion, St Mary's; there will also be songs of praise at Blymhill. On Tuesday, Noah's Ark will sail from St Mary's at 1.45pm.

CHURCH:
Wheaton Aston and Lapley Church fete is on Saturday at St Mary's First School, Wheaton Aston, from 2pm - 4pm.
The final sum raised for Marieanne Thompson's birthday gifts was £500. At the music festival held recently in Wheaton Aston, £391 was raised. All monies will go to the St Mary's development fund.
During June, at the All Age Worship services at St Mary's Church, Wheaton Aston, the younger church members, Little Fish, the J Team, and Noah's Ark, will be helping to lead.
 

May 29th 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
On Saturday there will be a barbecue for cricket team members. The folk club will be held on Wednesday evening starting at 8.30pm and everyone is welcome.

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE WALKING FESTIVAL:
As part of the Walking Festival for 2008 organised by South Staffordshire Council, there will be a walk around Wheaton Aston on Sunday. The walk will start from the village hall car park at 2pm and will proceed as follows: Greenhill Lane, Dirty Lane, Gunpowder Lane FP15, Stonyford Bridge FP14 to Starkeys Lane, then return to Wheaton Aston. Alternatively walkers can then continue to Longnor, on to Lapley, along the Staffordshire Way to the Shropshire Union Canal Monks Walk, and return along School Lane back to the village hall car park. The shorter walk will last about one hour and the longer one about two hours. Walkers are advised to bring refreshments. No charge will be made for the walk.

INTER-PARISH GAMES:
The next competitions to take place are the cross country run on Saturday at Wheaton Aston organised by Jonathan Punter, and the five-a-side football at 10.30am at the Monckton Centre, Penkridge on Sunday, which will be organised by Phil Hodson.
The cross country event takes place in Wheaton Aston. The following seven teams have entered - Essington, Cheslyn Hay, Brewood and Coven, Perton, Wombourne, Codsall and Wheaton Aston. All the competitors will start en masse from the Green at 11am. The route will be down School Road, over the village brook and along Stockings Lane as far as Monks Walk, then left through the trees towards the canal, across the Lapley Wood Farm bridge, along the towpath to bridge eighteen, across the farm track through the two fields ,then along Stockings Lane and School Road and on to the finish at the Green, The Coach and Horses pub will be open for refreshments and the results will be announced there
The target golf has been arranged to take place at Wombourne Leisure Centre on Sunday, June 15 starting at 10am. The Indoor skittles match is to be held at the Swan Inn, Brewood at 7pm on Wednesday, June 18. The Crown Green bowls competition is to be played at Swindon on Sunday, June 22. The swimming will be at Wombourne Leisure Centre on Sunday June 29.
If anyone is interested in taking part, please contact Don Thompson on 01785 840408.

WESTON PARK:
On Friday, there will be a lecture entitled "Ideas and Innovations" followed by lunch. The lecture is being given by Gareth Williams, curator of the Weston Park Foundation and is about Victorian technology at Weston Park, detailing the labour-saving devices of the day. For further details, please telephone 01902 852104.
For each weekend during June, anyone who takes a tour of the house can have a complimentary leaflet which focuses on the gardens, horticulture and some of the characters of the estate. For further details, please telephone 01902 85210.

CHURCH SERVICES:
9am Holy Communion All Saints' Church; 10.30am All Age Worship St Mary's Church.

SPRING FAIR:
On Saturday a Spring Fair is being held at Old School Court from 2pm- 4pm. There will be a big raffle and plenty of stalls including cakes, bottles, bric-a-brac, etc. In the lounge, refreshments will be served and beefburgers and hot dogs will be available. Everyone is welcome to come.
 

May 22nd 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
On Saturday evening, Richard Scott, a singer, will be appearing in concert at the sports and social club. A singers' folk music night will be held on Wednesday evening starting at 8.30pm. Everyone is welcome to come to all events.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING:
At the recent parish council meeting, Ms Cox was elected as the new Chairman, with Mr Stiles as vice-chairman. Representatives for the various committees that the parish council members attend were also elected. PC Smith attended the meeting to give a report on police matters. He had been away on a secondment and felt that the reported rise in anti-social behaviour was due to his lack of presence. A request was made for a night time presence at Primrose Bank and PC Smith reported that it was on the list of areas to be patrolled. He said that if the registration numbers of the cars that were being driven dangerously were given to him, he could take action.
The parish council decided to withdraw it's objection to the gating of public footpath number seven but would ask to be consulted over that the design of the gate and that a twelve month trial period be put in place so that the effectiveness of the gate could be assessed, A grant of £500 was awarded to the Wheaton Aston Sea Explorers for the purchase of life jackets; a one-off grant of £750 was awarded to the Wheaton Aston Carnival Association, as losses were incurred last year due to the poor weather; a grant of £50 was awarded to the Campaign to Protest Rural England.
The parish council discussed the future of the recent "Flicks in the Sticks" scheme that had been run by the Wheaton Aston Arts on behalf of the parish council, it was felt that shortfalls or losses could not be underwritten and suggested that the group should self-finance the scheme, and that a grant could be applied for if necessary in the future. ' A planning application had been received from Longnor Gorse farm. After much discussion and due to the strong feelings shown by the public, It was decided that an objection be raised.
In order to improve communications, it was agreed to have a copy of the meeting, minutes in the Wheaton Aston Post Office and also on the village website. It was reported that at the Lapley and Wheaton Aston Recreation Ground decking was being erected and it was planned to have picnic benches. A health and safety officer was being consulted, to help avoid fines in the future
The next meeting will take place on Thursday, June 5 starting at 7.30pm

WESTON PARK:
The miniature railway event is being run over the weekend at Weston Park. Many narrow gauge engines will be visiting from all around the country and will be available for viewing during this time. For further details, please telephone 01902 852100.

CHURCH:
The recent birthday celebrations for Marieanne Thompson held at Vicarage, raised £430 Marieanne expressed her thanks to all those Who attended and contributed. On June 7, the bonus ball draw begins. Each week when the bonus ball number is announced from the national lottery draw, the owner of the winning number has the chance to win £25.
There are still a few numbers available if anyone would like to enter. On Saturday, June 21, there will be a Spanish evening which will consist of a cooked supper followed by a concert by Kathryn Sharratt. Tickets will cost £12 from Barbara Sharratt or Marieanne Thompson and places are limited so book as soon as possible. On Friday, July 4, there will be an evening of music held in St Mary's, Wheaton Aston. The proceeds from all these events are to go to the St Mary's Development Fund.
Helpers are still needed for the Wheaton Aston and Lapley Church Fete which is due to be held at St Mary's First School, Marston Road, Wheaton Aston, on Saturday, June 7. There will be the usual stalls including cakes, raffle, tombola, plants, books, etc, and any items that can be contributed to these would be much appreciated. The helpers are also invited to a buffet in the evening which will be held at the Bradford Arms

SERVICES:
9am Holy Communion All Saints'; 10.30am Family Communion St Marys.
 

May 15th 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, there will be artistes performing for the village's music festival. The folk club will be held on Wednesday at 8.30pm.

MUSIC FESTIVAL:
The annual festival is from tomorrow Friday until Sunday, the main venues are the Coach and Horses pub, village hall and sports and social club, with sessions from 8pm-11.30pm on Friday, lpm-5pm and 7.45pm-11.45pm on Saturday, and 12.45pm-5.30pm on Sunday.
Along with many different artists, there will be art displays by local and visiting artists and featuring painting, drawing, wood carving, sculpture, photography, stained glass, needlework, video and other creative work. Artist Bob Thacker will be giving demonstrations of how he produces glass work on Saturday and Sunday at St Mary's School. The art venues are situated at St Mary's First School and 40 High Street.
Residents of Old School Court, School Road, are also staging a display of drawings and paintings. All art venues are open from 10am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
In St Mary's Church, a video will show the history of Wheaton Aston and there will also be a book stall. Refreshments are available in the folk festival cafe at St Mary's Church and also at Old School Court, School Road, during Saturday and Sunday.
Further information about the music festival can be obtained by telephoning 01785 840010 and for the art exhibitions, 01785 840830.

INTER-PARISH GAMES:
The indoor bowls competition due to take place on Sunday, has been cancelled due to the ill health of organiser Eric Renshaw. Target golf is at Wombourne on Sunday at 10am.
The next competitions are a cross country run on Saturday May 31 at Wheaton Aston (organised by Jonathan Punter), five a side football at Penkridge on Sunday June 1 (organised by Phil Hodson), and the swimming at Wombourne on Sunday June 29 (organised by Steve Brown).

WESTON PARK:
A watercolour painting workshop is being organised on Saturday and led by Mike Spooner. The course is suitable for those who have some experience of watercolour painting. For further details, call 01902 852100., Also on Saturday, there will be a "dawn chorus' and breakfast event led by John Tucker. The event lasts for approximately 21/2 hours and starts at 5.15a.m. Breakfast will be served afterwards in the Stables Bistro Restaurant. For further details, please telephone 01902 852104. On Sunday, there will be a country house car boot sale organised by the Shropshire committee of the Art Fund. Gates open at 10am with the official opening at 11 am. Tickets are £5 (£3 for children aged 4 - 14).

CHURCH SERVICES:
On Sunday 9am, holy communion, All Saints'; 10.30am, music festival service St Mary's; on Monday 7.30pm, PCC meeting at St Mary's; on Tuesday, Noah's Ark will sail at 1.45pm from St Mary's; on Wednesday 7.30pm, the Archdeacon's Visitation is at St Paul's Church, Coven.
 

May 8th 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
The folk club will be held on Wednesday evening starting at 8.30pm and visitors are welcome.

WIVES' GROUP:
The group will hear a talk about New Zealand given by Ray Sturdy in the village hall at 8pm.

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE:
The annual meeting will be held on Monday at 8pm in the village hall where the resolutions will be discussed and there will be a supper with wine.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING:
The recent annual parish meeting was presided over by council chairman Roy Wright, who gave a report of events in the area during the previous year.
He reported that during the election period, two of the parish council members, David Baker and Steve Brown, had resigned and the vacancies had been filled by co-opting two members from Stretton.
A youth shelter, bought with a grant obtained by the youth group, had been erected on the Marston Road playing field. At Primrose Bank, more play equipment had been installed and the football area resurfaced. As a result of meeting with MP David Kidney, a working group to discuss children and young-people's issues is being set up.
The parish council had continued to press for more police support in the area, he reported. A new policeman had been assigned to Wheaton Aston, but is currently away on secondment, and PCSO Adrian Price has been off ill with an injury. A bike had been obtained for PCSO Price and funded by Councillor Rex Roberts. Concern had been expressed over the possible gating of public footpath number 7 and the matter was still unresolved, he said. A new development of 24 flats is currently being built at Old School Court for a housing association, but had caused concern over the construction traffic and noise for the local residents.
Warmer weather, he said, had meant that extra grass cutting around the area has been necessary, incurring extra costs
In the best kept village competition, Lapley had come second In the small village section. The children's posters supplied by the schools of St Mary's and Vernon Lodge, had been displayed around the parishes; these had scored extra points in the competition for which the chairman expressed his thanks.
There had been a successful visit from the Glen Ellyn Wheaton Chorale, from Wheaton in the United States and it had given a concert in the village as part of its UK tour. The summer holiday play scheme had again been successful with five outings for the children.
Marion Kennedy, clerk to the parish council for 20 years, is now retiring and the chairman expressed thanks to her.

WESTON PARK:                                                                                                                           On Sunday, tours are being given around the house entitled What the Butler Saw and these will be accompanied by an experienced guide to show what went on behind the scenes and what goes on today in the servants' quarters.
The tours are followed by afternoon tea in the Stables Bistro Restaurant. For further information, call 01952 852104.
There will also be a nature detective wildlife walk around
the park with Neil Nash who has a wealth of knowledge of the natural world, having worked for the RSPB and Nature Conservancy Council.
The walk commences at 2pm and finishes at 4pm. For further information, call 01952 852100.

CHEESE AND WINE EVENING:
A cheese and wine evening is being held on Friday, July 18 at Peter and Celia's house with proceeds to the St Mary's Development Fund.

CHURCH:
On Saturday, there will be a coach trip to Liverpool and Port Sunlight. Tickets cost £11. For more details, contact Dave and Barbara Sharatt on 01785 840725.

SERVICES:
Today, the J Team will meet at St Mary's First-School at 3.15pm; on Sunday 9am holy communion is at All Saints'; 10.15am Little Fish will be swimming in Wheaton Aston village hall; 10.30am holy communion is at St Mary's; 7pm, the C Club will meet at the Wheaton Aston Youth rooms.
 

May 1st 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
The folk club will be held on Wednesday at 8.30pm.

PARISH COUNCIL:
The next parish council meeting is tonight at 7.30pm in the village hall. If anyone has any issue they wish to bring to the attention of the parish council, they are welcome to attend the public 'participation session held at the start of the meeting.

WHEATON ASTON SEA SCOUTS:
Sam Frost-Huskinson and Lewis Brown, who are both 14, have been selected to enter a national youth sailing competition at Conway in May.
They recently entered three races at Greensforce, Gailey, and both got a third placing against a field of adults, despite learning to sail within the last year. The Sea Cub Pack has been rehearsing through the winter to put on a spectacular show entitled Peggy the Pint Sized Pirate and the free performance was attended by about 60 people.
A new Beaver colony is to be launched in September, so for anyone in the village between the ages of six and eight who likes getting wet, dirty and muddy, recruitment evenings are being held shortly at the village hall. The Sea Cub pack has now reached its numbers limit and until more adults can be recruited to assist as leaders /instructors or helpers, any potential recruits will have to be turned away.

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE INTER-PARISH GAMES:
Three further competitions were held at the end of April. These were angling held at Kings Pool, chess held at Perton, and badminton held at Wombourne.
Angling results: 1 Essington, 2 Perton, 3 Penkridge, 4 Brewood and Coven, 5 Codsall, 6 Bilbrook, 7 Wheaton Aston, 8 Featherstone, 9 Wombourne.
Chess results: 1 Bilbrook, 2 Brewood and Coven, 3 equal Perton and Codsall, 5 equal Penkridge and Wombourne.
Badminton results: 1 Perton (who also played their joker), 2 Wombourne, 3 Brewood and Coven, 4 Penkridge, 5 Essington.
The Scoreboard now stands at: Perton 77.5, Wombourne 74, Bilbrook 68.5, Brewood 65, Wheaton
Aston 55, Penkridge 48, Essington 30, Codsall 29, Great Wyrley 7, Featherstone 4.
The next competitions, bowls and target golf are being held on Sunday, May 18 at Wombourne. Anyone able to take part should contact the Wheaton Aston organiser Don Thompson, on 01785 840408

WESTON PARK:
Every Saturday during May, there will be a rare opportunity to see inside the cabinets in the
Weston Park collection.
A "bluebell walk" and meal is being held at Weston Park on Sunday. There are two walks - a short one through the grounds to see the flowering bluebells and a longer picturesque route of approximately 3.5 miles. Both walks are followed by a two-course meal in the Stables Bistro restaurant. The walks commence at 10am and 2pm. For more information, call 01952 852104.

CHURCH:
The recent St George's Day supper and entertainment at the village hall raised £720 for St Mary's development funds.
Help is needed in the church during the weekend of May 17-18 when the festival takes place in and around the village, with serving at the cafe, manning the stall selling books and items, and/or making cakes. All proceeds are to go to the St Mary's development fund. Please sign the list at the back of St Mary's Church.
Lapley and Wheaton Aston church fete is on Saturday, June 7 at St Mary's First School from 2pm -4pm. Donations of any items for the stall and any offers of help will be gladly accepted. Please contact Joyce on 01785 840554.


SERVICES:
Today, the J Team will meet at St Mary's First School at 3.15pm and there will be an Ascension Day holy communion service at St Mary's at 7.30pm. On Sunday holy communion is at All Saints' at 10.30am while at the same time there is all age worship at St Mary's. On Tuesday, Noah's Ark will sail from St Mary's at 1.45pm.

 

April 24th 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
The club is open on Wednesday from 8.30pm.

VILLAGE SPRING CLEAN:
The annual village spring clean session is on Saturday starting at 10am from the village hall car park. All members of the public are welcome to help. Plastic sacks and gloves will be provided.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING:
The meeting is on Monday is at 8pm in the village hall. All members of the public are welcome to attend.

ART WORKSHOP:
Wheaton Aston artist, Margaret Bailey is running an art workshop at Pendrell Hall on Saturday from 9.15am-4.30pm.
The course is a more experimental approach to painting and will be using acrylic paints on paper, board or canvas. The theme/inspiration of the workshop will be Spring Growth. For more details, please telephone Margaret Bailey on O1785 840830.

WESTON PARK:
On Saturday, there will be a watercolour painting taster Workshop led by Mike Spooner who lives locally. He will give advice and demonstrations in essential technique. The course starts at 10am and is suitable for the total novice. For further details, call 01902 852104.

FRITILLARY WALK:
The annual village walks around the Motley Meadows national nature reserve to see the nationally rare plant, snake's head fritillary (the folfalarum) and other spring flowers are on Saturday at 2pm and Monday at 7pm and the meeting point for both walks is outside St Mary's First School, Marston Road.

FIRST RESPONDERS:
Brewood Middle School recently held a fund-raising event for the First Responders, pupils holding a non-uniform day and raising £739.31 to be split between First Responders teams from Wheaton Aston and Brewood.

SEA SCOUT GROUP:
On Sunday, the Wheaton Aston Sea Scouts will have its first parade of the year for St. George's Day.
Anyone interested in joining the group as a young person, adult helper, or instructor, should contact Steven Brown on 01785840500.

CHURCH:
On Friday, a St George's Day celebration will be held in the village hall when two-course supper will, be served and entertainment will be the Last Night of the Proms-style led by John Read.

SERVICES:
Today, the J Team will meet at St. Mary's First School at 3.15pm; on Sunday, 9am, holy communion, All Saints'; 10:30am family communion, St Marys.
 

April 17th 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
On Saturday evening, Kaz, a singer, will be appearing in concert at the sports and social club. The folk club will be held on Wednesday evening starting at 8.30pm.

CARNIVAL COMMITTEE AND WOMEN'S INSTITUTE:
The carnival committee in conjunction with the Women's Institute is looking for three girls who would be willing to take leading roles in this year's carnival.
The entrants' names will be entered into a lottery to elect a carnival queen (aged nine-10) and two attendants (aged seven - eight). The entrants must have their parents' or guardians' consent and be available to join in the carnival on Saturday, July 12.
Entry forms are available from St Mary's First School or Wheaton Aston Post Office, where there will also be a ballot box available for completed forms. For further details/information, contact Trevor Hughes on 01785 841364 or Andy Mole on 01785 840062.

FLICKS IN THE STICKS:
The next film to be shown will be on Tuesday and will be Miss Potter starring Renee Zellweger. The film is based on the life of Beatrice Potter. Tickets cost £3.50 and include refreshments, and are for sale at Wheaton Aston Post Office during normal opening hours. The doors open at 7.30pm and the film starts at 8pm. Further information regarding Flicks in the Sticks from Sam O'Toole at South Staffordshire Council on 01902 696525.

ART WORKSHOP:
Wheaton Aston artist Margaret Bailey is running an art workshop at Pendrell Hall on Saturday, April 26 from 9.15am-4.30pm.
The course is a more experimental approach to painting and is aimed at the more adventurous beginners/improvers who will be introduced to a bold and exciting way to use acrylic paints on paper, board or canvas.
The theme/inspiration of the workshop will be "spring growth" so that paintings can be created reflecting the shapes and textures in the natural world.
The workshop is open to everyone. For more details, call Margaret Bailey on 01785 840830.

FRITILLARY WALK:
The annual village walks around Mottey Meadow's national nature reserve to see the village's nationally rare plant, the snake's head fritillary (the folfalarum), and other spring flowers, is on Monday, April 28 at 7pm or Saturday, April 26 at 2pm.
Both walks will be led by Tim Coleshaw of Natural England and the meeting point is outside St Mary's First School, Marston Road, Wheaton Aston. Both walks are open to anyone and are free. The website for Natural England is www.naturalengland.org.

RUBBISH COLLECTIONS:
The twice yearly special rubbish collections are on May 20 and August 12 for the top half of the village (from the canal end) and June 3 and August 26 for the other half (including Pinfold Lane onwards).
All households included in each collection will be notified by a leaflet left by the refuse collectors.

LEISURE CLUB:
A talk by Carol Wohlers of trading standards is being given on Tuesday in the village hall at 2pm for club members.

CHURCH SERVICES:
Today, the J Team will meet at St Mary's First School at 3.15pm. On Sunday, 9am holy communion, All Saints'; Little Fish will be swimming in Wheaton Aston Village Hall at 10.15am; 10.30am, morning praise, St Mary's; 7pm the C Club will meet at Wheaton Aston Youth Rooms; On Tuesday, Noah's Ark will sail from St Mary's at 1.45pm.

PARISH COUNCIL:
Councillors heard at their latest parish council meeting that when the summer holiday playscheme committee met Louise Barton to discuss future plans, she had suggested five locations for future trips in the summer and that three days be spent on the "Sussed" scheme run by South Staffordshire Council.
The playscheme runs from August, 5-20 and registration is at St Mary's First School on July 7.
A report on the sports and social club revealed that advice is being sought concerning health and safety regulations and that the bar and charity accounts are to be separated for legal reasons.
The end of year accounts showed that the club had incurred a small loss, but because there had been a profit in the previous year, the club had broken even. The club was considering putting decking in the area overlooking the cricket pitch and quotes for the work are being sought.
Parish councillors heard that a letter had been received from Don Thompson saying that he intended to retire from the post of inter-parish games organiser for Wheaton Aston, at the end of the year.
The next council meeting is at Wheaton Aston Village Hall on Thursday, May 1 at 7.30pm.
 

April 10th 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
Singer Alison Louise will be appearing in concert at the club on Saturday evening. Alison is the Midland Counties Award winner. The folk club will be held on Wednesday at 8.30pm.

WIVES' GROUP:
A talk entitled The Barn Owl will be given by Alan Peace when the group meets in the village hall tonight at 8pm.

SEA SCOUTS:
The unit recently completed a free car wash as a measure of their appreciation for the continued support of the group by the local residents.
More than 40 cars were washed in under two hours. The unit now plans to repeat the free car washing sessions on a monthly basis.

WHEATON ASTON ARTS:
The group has successfully applied for and been granted £4,400 from the Big Lottery Fund for setting up and producing five workshops to be run by local artists, and to buy display/presentation equipment and a projector.
Wheaton Aston Arts plans to share the projector and display equipment with other local organisations and will be used during the art trail it is staging over the music festival weekend of May 17-18.
As part of the art trail, local community artists may display their work at St Mary's First School at the costs of £1 per piece of artwork. The closing date for all entries is this weekend. For further details, contact Mary Davies on 01785841954.

LEISURE CLUB:
Club members are going on a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon on Tuesday to see the Blossom Trail.

WESTON PARK:
A five-mile sponsored ride will optional jumps is being organised today at Weston Park in aid of Riding for the Disabled Association. The minimum sponsorship money will be £15 and the event is from 3pm until 7pm. For further details, call 01902 751049.
A watercolour painting taster workshop led by tutor Mike Spooner, an experienced freelance teacher and local artist specialising in watercolour painting, is being held on Saturday from 10am.
He will give advice and demonstrations in essential technique. The course is suitable for novices and for further details, call 01902 852104.
On Sunday, there will be a nature detective wildlife walk around Weston Park with Neil Nash, whose career has encompassed work for the R.S.P.B. and the Nature Conservancy Council. The walk is from 2pm until 4pm.
For further details, call 01902 852100.

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE:
A talk called Yoga and Relaxation-seated will be given at 8pm on Monday in the village by Barbara Tarbuck.

CHURCH COUNCIL AGM:
The annual meeting for Lapley with Wheaton Aston Parochial Church Council is on Saturday in Wheaton Aston Village Hall. Coffee be served at 9.30am for a 10am start and expected to finish by 2.30pm. Lunch will be provided. Those attending and requiring lunch, should sign the list at the back of All saints' or St Mary's or call Kath on 01785 840525

CHURCH SERVICES:
On Sunday, 9am holy communion, All Saints, Little Fish will be swimming in the village hall at 10.15am; 10.30am, holly communion, St Mary's.

PARISH COUNCIL:
The monthly council meeting was held last week at Vernon Lodge School, Stretton, and was well attended by the public.
Among items for discussed in the public participation session was the gating of public footpath number 7, between Pinfold Lane and Broadholes Lane, Wheaton Aston.
The parish council was asked about progress in setting up a satellite station for the police, but as the local police officer is on secondment, nothing has taken place yet. It was reported that a SID (a device which calculates vehicles' speeds) is being set up in June at Stretton near the Bell pub for a two-month period.
Councillors also heard that the footpath in Broadholes Lane is being replaced and work will take 3-4 weeks. When complete, the footpath in Fentonhouse Lane will then be replaced and again, work will take 3 -4 weeks. The bad state of footpaths in Stretton are being reported to the county highways. During the discussion about public footpath number 7, it was reported that no details about the gating being used had been received from Staffordshire County Council, even though these had been requested. The council expressed its disappointment because the county had asked for a decision at the April meeting.
Councillors heard that work is ongoing for the Stretton war memorial and surrounding area, with help from local residents with the chain being repainted. Goal posts on the Marston Road field are to be repainted. No quotes had been received for the summer planting in Wheaton Aston. The posts at Lapley Green are damaged and need replacing and also require a running chain with quotes sought for the work.
Stafford MP David Kidney had attended a meeting in Wheaton Aston to discuss youth and play areas and, as a result, lottery funding is to be sought for play initiatives. In a debate on neighbourhood policing in the House of Commons, David Kidney had twice mentioned Wheaton Aston when raising the issue of more policing needed in Staffordshire.
The parish councillors heard that the first meeting with the youth council is being held on April 17 and the parish clerk was requested to write to all groups represented at the David Kidney meeting to ask for a representative attend the meeting, so that a steering committee could be formed.
In his district council report, Roy Wright said the council tax was being raised by three per cent, the fourth lowest rise in the country.

More parish council news next week
 

April 3rd 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
On Saturday evening, a duo called Mother's Worry will be appearing in concert at the club. The folk club will be held on Wednesday at 8.30pm.

SPRING CONCERT:
The next spring concert is on Tuesday in the village hall and will feature harpist Louise Thompson. The concert is from 2pm - 3pm and tickets are £1 each and are available on the door or can be ordered from 01785 841162. There will be a raffle and refreshments will be served. The concert arranged courtesy of South Staffordshire Council and Staffordshire Housing Association in conjunction with Live Music Now.

SEA EXPLORERS/SEA SCOUTS:
Wheaton Aston Sea Explorers and Sea Scouts group is looking for adult volunteers (men and women) who would be willing to assist them.
The group is looking for leaders, one-off skill instructors, assistants, helpers and committee members to help its continued expansion.
Anyone interested, should 01785 840500 for more details.

PARISH COUNCIL:
The next parish council meeting will be held tonight at7.30pm at Stretton school. If anyone has anything that they wish to bring to the attention of the parish council, they are welcome to attend the public participation session held at the start of the meeting

WESTON PARK:
The Spring Horse Trials event is run over three days from Friday to Sunday and incorporates dressage, cross-country and show jumping. Everyone is welcome to attend.
For further details, please visit the website www.westonht.freeserve.co.uk.

CHURCH:
On Saturday May 10, there will be a coach trip to Liverpool and Port Sunlight. Tickets cost £11. For more details, contact Dave and Barbara Sharatt on 01785 840725.

SERVICES:
On Sunday 10.30am, holy communion is at All Saints'; 10.30am, all age worship, St Mary's; 7pm, C Club, Wheaton Aston Youth Rooms; on Tuesday at 1.45pm, Noah's Ark will sail from St Mary's.

 

March 27th 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
A private party is being held at the sports and social club on Saturday. The folk club will be held on Wednesday starting at 8.30pm.

FLICKS IN THE STICKS:
The film When Did You Last See Your Father was shown recently in the village hall. The next film will be on Tuesday, April 22 and will be Miss Potter starring Renee Zellweger. Tickets are £3.50 and include refreshments and are for sale at Wheaton Aston Post Office during normal opening hours.

SPRING CONCERT:
The next spring concert as part of South Staffordshire Council and Staffordshire Housing Association's "Live Music Now" series, will be on Tuesday, April 8 in the village hall and will feature harpist Louise Thompson.
The concert is from 2pm-3pm and tickets at £1 each are available on the door or can be ordered on 01785 841162. There will be a raffle and refreshments.

WESTON PARK:
Today, as part of the Year of Food and Farming, Dr Paul Stamper, of English Heritage, will be giving a lecture entitled Farming through the Ages in Shropshire and Staffordshire.
Dr Stamper has written extensively on many aspects of agricultural history especially how changing farming practices. Following the talk, there will be a two course lunch after which participants will have the opportunity of exploring the house, park and gardens.
On Sunday, Weston Park's head gardener Martin Gee will conduct a walk around the gardens. The walk is at 10am and covers three and a half miles and is followed by lunch. For further details, please telephone 01902 852104.

CHURCH:
The spring cleaning day is on Saturday at St Mary's Church starting at 10am and will be followed by lunch at the Hartley Arms at noon.

SERVICES:
On Sunday there will be a combined group service at 10.30am at St Mary's.

INTER PARISH GAMES:
The cross country competition, due to take place on Saturday, May 17, has been re-arranged for Saturday, May 31 because it would have clashed with the music festival. The team captain is Jon Punter.
Total points for each area are: Wheaton Aston 50, Wombourne 47, Bilbrook 31.5, Cheslyn Hay 31, Brewood 29, Perton 24.5, Codsall 21, Penkridge 19, Featherstone 8, Great Wyrley 7, Essington 4.
The next competition will be the rifle shooting at Aldersley Stadium on Sunday, April 6. Team organiser is Steve Brown.

SEA SCOUT GROUP:
As a measure of their appreciation of the continued support of the Sea Scout Group by the residents of Wheaton Aston, Stretton and Lapley, Wheaton Aston Sea Explorers are doing a free car wash on Saturday for anyone who goes to the Sea Scout Group HQ between lpm to 3pm.

CHURCH COUNCIL AGM:
The annual meeting for Lapley With Wheaton Aston Parochial Church Council is on Saturday, April 12 in Wheaton Aston village haH. Everyone is welcome to attend to hear news about the future of this parish. Coffee will be served at 9.30am and the meeting starts at 10am and will finish by 2.30pm. Lunch is provided..
Anyone intending to attend and taking lunch, should sign the list at the back of All Saints' or St Mary's, or telephone Kath on 01785840525.

CHURCH HEATING:
Three of the heaters in St Mary's Church have been condemned by the gas fitter and will cost £2,000 to repair. Some generous people have already donated £920 for the purpose, but if anyone else would like to donate funds towards the repairs, the money would be gratefully received.
 

March 20th 2008

ART EXHIBITION:
Wheaton Aston resident Samantha Rock, a second year student at Wolverhampton University and fellow student Anna-Louise Wakelam, are holding an art exhibition at St Peter's Collegiate Church in Wolverhampton from Saturday until Saturday, April 5. The title of the exhibition is Absence and Loss and will feature both painting and sculptural works. On Saturday, there will be an opening reception with refreshments at 5pm. Following this, the exhibition will be open from 10am until 4pm on subsequent days.

PARISH COUNCIL:
After several members of the public asked for parish council support for the forthcoming music festival in May, county councillor Rex Roberts said he would donate £500 from his county funds towards the festival costs. Later in the meeting, the council made an award of £750.
A member of the public asked if any consideration could be given to getting a prioritisation order put on the canal bridge as it is narrow for drivers going in opposite directions and pedestrians crossing.
Councillor Roberts gave a report about the county council's budget and the current net expenditure with a breakdown of the figures. He said that the resultant council tax would be four per cent higher this year.
He reported that there was an application by the county council to build a waste disposal plant at Four Ashes which would generate 18 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 20,000 residential properties.
The gating order for public footpath number seven was discussed and it was decided to get more details about some of the wording on the proposed order. The residents adjacent to the footpath would be contacted for their opinions.
District council member Roy Wright said that a list of post offices in the area was being prepared and that six had been earmarked as being the most important, with Wheaton Aston being one of them.
He said that the council tax for the district would increase by three per cent. Travel tokens would be issued on April 3 in the village hall from 11am-1.30pm.
It was decided that the village spring clean session would be held on Saturday, April 26 starting at 10am from the village hall car park.
The annual parish meeting is on Monday, April 28 at 8pm in the village hall and the next parish council meeting is on Thursday, April 3 at the school at Stretton at 7.30pm.

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
On Saturday evening, singer Linzie will be appearing in concert at the club. The folk club will be held on Wednesday evening.

INTER PARISH GAMES:
South Staffordshire Inter-Parish darts competition at the Coach and Horses on Sunday saw eight teams compete with Cheslyn Hay playing their joker.
Results of the marathon session from 11am until 4pm were: Wombourne 13, Cheslyn Hay 12, Penkridge 9, Wheaton Aston 8, Great Wyrley 7, Brewood and Coven 6, Bilbrook 5, Featherstone 0, Perton 0.
Total points are as follows: Wheaton Aston 30, Wombourne 47, Bilbrook 33.5, Cheslyn Hay 31, Brewood 29, Perton 24.5, Penkridge 19,Featherstone 8, Great Wyrley 7, Essington 4.

PUBLIC FOOTPATH NUMBER 7:
The parish council will re-discuss the matter mentioned in last week's Wheaton Aston news at its next meeting on April 3.
Residents living in the area surrounding the footpath have been sent a survey asking for their opinions and whether they object/support the permanent gating of the footpath.
Anyone wishing to express an opinion may write to the parish council clerk, Mrs Kennedy, at 44 Greenhill Lane, Wheaton Aston, or post their letters in the box at Wheaton Aston Post Office.

CHURCH SERVICES:
Today 7.30pm Maundy Thursday holy communion at St Mary's; Good Friday, 7.30pm evening prayer at St Mary's; Easter Day, 9am holy communion, All Saints; 10.30am family communion, St Mary's.
 

March 13th 2008

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
A private party is being held at the sports and social club on Saturday. The folk club on Wednesday features Gary Copeland with the Bunch of Keys.

INTER-PARISH GAMES:
Sunday's cribbage competition at the Coach and Horses pub saw Brewood emerge as winners, with Wombourne and Bilbrook tying for second place, and Wheaton Aston and Perton tying for the final points. Totals after the three games played are: Wheaton Aston 42, Wombourne 34, Bilbrook 26.5, Perton 24.5, Brewood 23, Codsall 14, Penkridge 10, Cheslyn Hay 9, Essington 4.
The darts match is on Sunday at the Coach and Horses from 10.45am and the team captain will be Gary Audis.
Players are required for rifle shooting (Aldersley Stadium, April 6) and badminton (April 20). Anyone prepared to help should call Don Thompson on 01785 840408.

WIVES' GROUP:
Tonight's meeting at 8pm in the village hall will hear a talk and display about Albrighton Pottery.

FLICKS IN THE STICKS:
The next film being shown in the village hall is on Tuesday and will be And When Did You Last See Your Father starring Jim Broadbent, Colin Firth, Juliet Stevenson and Gina McKee. Tickets at £3.50, including refreshments, and available at Wheaton Aston Post Office

WESTON PARK:
On Sunday, the Meynell and South Staffordshire Hunt will be returning to Weston Park for their annual point-to-point races. Gates open at 11am with the first race starting at midday.

PARISH COUNCIL:
The parish council's recently monthly meeting heard from residents living close to the public footpath number 7 ask why the parish council had not supported the scheme to gate the footpath.
The council chairman replied that not enough time had been given to get full consultation from all village residents and that it had been thought that possibly gating the footpath would make the situation worse if access was difficult to remove people who had entered the area illegally. The county council had now granted an extension until Friday April 4 and that a decision would be reached at the next parish council meeting.
More parish council news in next week's Newsletter.

CHURCH:
The final session of the Lent course, when all the groups come together, will be held at Blymhill Village Hall at 7pm on Friday.

SERVICES:
On Sunday, 9am holy communion at All Saints; at 10.15am, Little Fish will meet in the village hall; 10.30am, morning prayer at St Mary's; on Tuesday at 1.45pm Noah's Ark will sail from St Mary's; 7.30pm.
 

March 6th 2008

INTER-PARISH GAMES:
The second competition in the South Staffordshire Inter-Parish Games was the table tennis, held at Cheslyn Hay on Saturday, with eight teams competing and a win for the Wheaton Aston team which comprised Simon Dangerfield, Graham Morris and John Dangerfield.
Wheaton Aston played its joker and doubled its points, the competition resulting. Wheaton Aston 26, Wombourne 11, Cheslyn Hay 9, Bilbrook 8, Codsall 7, Perton 6, Brewood with Coven 5, Penkridge 4.
The cribbage matches are on Sunday at the Coach and Horses at 10am and the team captain will be Bob Northwood. For further details, contact Don Thompson on 01785 840408.

PARISH COUNCIL:
The next parish council meeting is tonight at 7.30pm in the village hall.

FAMILY KARAOKE AND DISCO:
On Friday, there will be a family karaoke and disco from 8pm until late in aid of the Wheaton Aston Carnival.
Everyone attending should take their own food and drink. Tickets cost £3 (£1.50 for under 14s and free for under fives). Tickets are available from committee members or please telephone Andy Mole on 01785 840062, Trevor Hushes on 07798 838329, or Jean Jones on 01785 841136.

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE:
On Monday at 8pm, there will be a talk entitled Flowers for Spring given by Linda Balls of Wulfrun College. Tickets cost £3 which includes refreshments and are available from WI members. All flower arrangements will be auctioned off afterwards.

CHURCH:
Men, women and children from 170 countries will be celebrating the Women's World Day of Prayer on Friday.
The local service will be at 1.30pm in St Mary's Church, Wheaton Aston, and the speaker will be Rev Linda Beech. Refreshments will be provided afterwards and the service will end in time to collect children from school. Tickets are now on sale at £12 for the St George's Day celebration on Friday April 25 from Pearl Thorley on 01785 840602 or Marieanne Thompson on 01785 840395.
There will be a two-course supper and entertainment will be the Last Night of the Proms-style led by John Read.
If anyone has letters and cards for Russia, contact Anne Wright as soon as possible.

SERVICES:
Today the J Team will meet at St Mary's First School at 3.15pm; on Sunday 9am holy communion at All Saints at 10.15am Little Fish will meet at the village hall at 10.15am; 10.30am holy communion at St Mary's; at 7pm,the C Club will meet at the Wheaton Aston Youth Rooms.

News Courtesy of Doreen Wildman and the Staffordshire Newsletter