Village News

4th March 2010

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. Tomorrow is singers’ night. This is open mic with Chris Edwards, where everyone is welcome to come and join in. To book a spot in advance please telephone 01902 845400. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355 or visit the website www.unicornfolkclub.co.uk.

SPRING CONCERT:
The next Spring Concert will be on Tuesday in the village hall and two ladies, Clare Jefferis and Abigail Burrows, will both be playing the flute. The concert will run from 2.00pm – 3.00pm and tickets cost £1.00 each and are available on the door. There will be a raffle and refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome to come. The concert is brought to the village by South Staffordshire Council and will be hosted by members of the Old People’s Welfare and the Leisure Club.

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
On Friday the ‘Ultimate Quiz Night’ will be held at the Lapley and Wheaton Aston Recreation Club, starting at 8.30pm. Everyone is welcome to come. Admission will cost £1 and is free for anyone aged under 14 years old. For further details, please ring Pete Cooper on 01785 840889.

WHEATON ASTON AND LAPLEY WOMENS’ INSTITUTE:
There will be a talk entitled ‘Sign Language’ by Julie Ashford on Monday, starting at 8.00pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. Everyone is welcome at attend. For further details telephone Pearl Thorley on 01785 840602.

WESTON PARK:
On Sunday, there is an opportunity to join a walk through areas of the park that are not normally open to the public, which is led by head gardener, Martin Gee. The landscape at Weston Park has developed over the last 650 years and was designed to impress both the family and visitors alike. The walk costs £5.00 per person and £3.00 for children, and starts at 10.30am lasting about 2 hours, covering trackway, fields, and hilly areas. For further information, please telephone 01952 852100.

BOXERCISE SESSION: P.C.
Andy Smith is running the next session of boxercise at St Mary’s First School, Marston Road, Wheaton Aston, in the sports hall, on Monday from 6.00pm. – 8.00pm. This is funded from the Staffordshire local community fund. The next boxercise session will be on Thursday March 18 at the same time and venue. Boxercise is a mixture of boxing and aerobics. All ages are welcome to attend. The session will cost £1.00. To book, telephone 07854 774715.

PARISH COUNCIL:
The next parish council meeting is tonight at 7.30pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. 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 that is held at the start of the meeting.

CHURCH:
The next informal walk will take place on Tuesday, leaving St Mary’s at 10.00am, and returning to the church afterwards for coffee and cake. Everyone is welcome to come. Walking boots/stout shoes are needed and walkers walk at their own risk. For further details, telephone Brian and Mary Littleford on 01785 840552.
SERVICES: Today, the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School, Marston Road, at 3.15pm. This year, the Women’s World Day of Prayer is on Friday. There will be an interdenominational service held in the Congregational Chapel, Marston Road, at 1.30pm, which will be led by Deaconess Chris Holland with Anne Wright speaking. Everyone is welcome to attend. On Sunday 10.30am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am All Age Worship St Mary’s; the C Club will meet at 7.00pm at the Wheaton Aston Youth rooms. On Tuesday, Noah’s Ark will sail from St Mary’s Church at 1.45pm.

25th February 2010

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. Tomorrow Steve Jinski and Dave Kennedy who are from the North-East, will be appearing to sing contemporary songs and rugged country blues. They will be supported by the Unicorn band. Everyone is welcome to come and join in. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355 or visit the website www.unicornfolkclub.co.uk.

A NIGHT AT THE RACES:
On Saturday, starting at 7.30pm, there will be a fund raising evening entitled ‘A Night at the Races’, which is being held in Wheaton Aston village hall. Tickets cost £7.50 which includes a hot pork bap. For further details please contact Jan on 01952 691541 or Hilary on01952 691413. Bring your own drinks. All proceeds are to go to STAG (Stop The Turbines Group).

BOXERCISE SESSION:
P.C. Andy Smith is running another session of boxercise at St Mary’s First School, Marston Road, Wheaton Aston, in the sports hall, on Friday from 6.00pm. – 8.00pm. The next boxercise session will be on Monday March 8 at the same time and venue. Boxercise is a mixture of boxing and aerobics. This is funded from the Staffordshire local community fund. All ages are welcome to attend. The session will cost £1.00. To book, telephone 07854 774715.

WESTON PARK:
Throughout March, there is an exhibition being held in the Gallery, of works by Russell Gilder which are for sale. Devon based Russell has a strong link to the Heart of England with many of his paintings inspired by the woodland areas of Shropshire. His large sale landscapes create the illusion that the Gallery itself is a woodland clearing. The Gallery is open daily from 11.00am until 4.00pm and admission is free. For further information, please telephone 01952 852100.

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
On Friday it is band night at the Sports and Social Club, and ‘Super Unknown’ will be appearing. This event is open to anyone who wishes to come. For further details, please ring Pete Cooper on 01785 840889.

CHURCH:
This year’s Lent course is entitled ‘Rediscovering the power and passion of prayer’. This plenary session will be held today in Wheaton Aston village hall starting 7.00pm and there will be a meal served.
The quiz held last Saturday raised £289. All proceeds are to go to the St Mary’s Development Fund.
This year, the Women’s World Day of Prayer is on Friday March 5. There will be an interdenominational service held in the Congregational Chapel, Marston Road, at 1.30pm, which will be led by Deaconess Chris Holland with Anne Wright speaking. Everyone is welcome to attend.
On Saturday May22, there will be a coach trip to Windsor for the day. The cost is £15 per person. For further details or to book, please contact Barbara and Dave Sharratt on 01785 840725.
SERVICES: Today the J Team will meet at 3.15pm at St Mary’s First School. On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.15am – 11.30am KFC Wheaton Aston village hall; 10.30am Family Communion St Mary’s.

18th February 2010

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. Tomorrow is an open mic night with Tony Barratt where everyone is welcome to come and join in. To book a spot in advance, please telephone 01785 841274. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355 or visit the website www.unicornfolkclub.co.uk.

FREAKY FRIDAY’S DISCO:
On Friday, there will be a Freaky Friday’s disco held in Wheaton Aston village hall, for those aged 12 – 18 years old, from 8.00pm – 11.00pm. Tickets cost 50p. Snacks and soft drinks will be available. For further details, call Suzy on 07891 538369. The no FADS rule will apply – no fighting, no alcohol, no drugs, no smoking.

CHURCH:
The next informal walk will take place on Tuesday March 9, leaving St Mary’s at 10.00am, and returning to the church afterwards for coffee and cake. Everyone is welcome to come. Walking boots/stout shoes are needed and walkers walk at their own risk. For further details, telephone Brian and Mary Littleford on 01785 840552.
The confirmation service this year will be on Sunday May 16. Classes for those wishing to be confirmed will begin during Lent. For further details, please contact Linda Beech on 01952 850149.
On Saturday March 20, the Lapley with Wheaton Aston Parish day will be held in the village hall.
SERVICES: On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Morning Praise St Mary’s; the C Club will meet at 7.00pm at the Wheaton Aston Youth rooms. On Tuesday, Noah’s Ark will sail from St Mary’s Church at 1.45pm.

BLYMHILL NEWS
CHURCH: On Friday March 19, there will be an evening of entertainment entitled ‘Henry VIII’ held in St Mary’s Church, starting at 7.00pm. Tickets cost £10 which includes a hot pork bap and a glass of wine. Additional refreshments will also be available, and there will be a raffle. For further details or to get a ticket, please contact Pat Lister on 01952 691336 or June Hill on 01952 850370.

LEISURE CLUB:
On Tuesday afternoon, starting at 2pm in the village hall, there will be a speaker at the Leisure Club session, talking about the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas. Everyone is welcome to attend and there will be a small charge for non-members. For further details, please contact Christine McDonald on 01785 840672.

11th February 2010

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. Tomorrow a duo called Take Two, featuring singer Kevin Arnold and Dave Rolfe playing the guitar, will be appearing. Everyone is welcome to come and join in. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355 or visit the website www.unicornfolkclub.co.uk.

WHEATON ASTON WIVES’ GROUP:
Today there will be an aromatherapy session given by Justine De Cesare, starting at 8.00pm in the village hall. This session is open to anyone who would like to come. For further details please telephone Jean Roberts on 01785 840556.

A NIGHT AT THE RACES:
On Saturday February 27, starting at 7.30pm, there will be a fund raising evening entitled ‘A Night at the Races’ held in the village hall. Tickets cost £7.50 which includes a hot pork bap, and can be bought in advance by contacting Bob and Yvonne Giles on 01785 841519. Bring you own drinks. All proceeds are to go to STAG (Stop The Turbines Group).

FREAKY FRIDAY’S DISCO:
On Friday February 19, there will be a Freaky Friday’s disco held in Wheaton Aston village hall, for those aged 12 – 18 years old, from 8.00pm – 11.00pm. Tickets cost 50p. Snacks and soft drinks will be available. For further details, call Suzy on 07891 538369. The no FADS rule will apply – no fighting, no alcohol, no drugs, no smoking.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING:
Before the parish council meeting started, a presentation was given by Richard Barker from Kings Street Wind Farms, to the parish councillors, concerning the proposed wind farm project at Church Eaton. Mr Barker gave an overview of what having a wind farm built nearby would entail giving details of the accompanying factors such as the visual effects that Wheaton Aston would experience, the noise, the supporting roads and access routes, etc. Afterwards, there was a brief question and answer session.
A minute’s silence was observed by all those present in memory of Peter Taylor, who had recently died, as he had previously been a member of the parish councils for several years.
In her report, Debra Bate, the Clerk, said that the proposed village agent had secured another post elsewhere so another candidate was being sought. Mrs Bate has been identifying owners of empty commercial properties in the area so that these details could be forwarded to South Staffordshire Council who would then look at ways of using the properties until they are rented out/sold. In an attempt to improve communication, press releases about the work of the parish council, would be sent out to various local newspapers. A database of local businesses in the parishes was to be set up to allow the clerk promotion of initiatives, to forward appropriate details of help and advice, and generally improve engagement. A colour inkjet printer with a scanner incorporated, and a digital camera are to be purchased. The camera could be used to take photos of problems and these could then be forwarded to the appropriate people to deal with. The parish tidy sessions for the 3 villages have been organised for Saturday April 24 and Saturday May 22, starting at 11.00am.
In the police report, the parish councillors heard that there had been an attempted burglary at Longnor Gorse Farm but the 2 men involved were arrested and have been charged to appear in court. There had been some incidents of children throwing snowball or eggs at cars or properties. A number of individuals had been identified as being responsible and were being dealt with.
There had been 4 new planning applications. Wheaton Aston Cricket and Sports Club have applied for permission to replace the flat roof with a pitched roof and install a stand for an LPG tank; there were no objections made to this application. Oaklands Farm situated on the A5, Watling Street, propose to demolish 2 existing buildings and erect a new replacement building to accommodate existing bio-fuel pelleting machinery; there were no objections made to this application. On the land adjacent to the Bungalow, Bellhurst lane, it was proposed to improve the site access and erect a stable; it was queried whether the entrance would be wide enough for proper access. At Birchenease, Ivetsey Road, it was proposed to build a new garage and swimming pool in a new single storey extension, along with an extension to a bedroom; it was suggested that the site would benefit from a tidy up after the work is completed, along with some improvements made to the verge and the stark grey railings. The previous planning application by 7 Bickford Close for a pitched roof, had been granted.
Four grant applications had been received and all were granted varying sums of money. Wheaton Aston Carnival - £300; the Samaritans - £50.00; Citizens Advice Bureau - £150; the Youth Club - £1365.90. The parish councillors asked that a review be done of the Youth Club as the sum requested was for the previous 6 months only.
Mr David Wright from Stafford County Council Highways had visited the area recently in response to various highways issues raised by the clerk. He and Mrs Bate inspected all the areas that needed work and discussed how best to deal with them.
During discussions over parish maintenance, it was suggested that a semi-permanent chain link fence to go around the Christmas tree, could be considered. An annual contract with South Staffordshire Council to deal with moles is to be taken out. To enable residents to deal with dog mess, poop bags were to be made available at Wheaton Aston Post Office and the newsagents; dispensers containing poop bags were to be erected at Lapley and Stretton. It was reported that the Stretton Aquaduct is in poor condition and needs attention; British Waterways would be contacted about this.
A report on the latest WAPSWG meeting was given. The skate park is £1000 short and there is no money left in the Youth Capital Fund until next year. Rampmental will be asked if the work could be done for the original amount of £46,000; if so, the work could be carried out in the next 8 weeks. An application for £40,000 has been submitted to the Santuary Housing Group for the BMX track. The outcome will be made known by April 2010. The Playbuilder application has been revised to reflect more challenging equipment for children and will be submitted by February 24 . A second quote of £13,300 for security fencing for the Broadholes Lane play area had been received but this was for supply only (the first quote had been for £14,950). It had been suggested that an application be made to ‘Community Spaces’ which is Lottery funded, for the whole project amount of about £30,000. This will be looked into. The parish councillors thanked all those involved in WAPSWG for all their hard work and effort.
It was reported that correspondence had been received from Stafford County Council concerning a review of the mobile library service. It is proposed that from April 2010, the visit rota will operate on a 3 weekly basis, instead of the current two weekly rota.
The next meeting for the parish council is on Thursday March 4 2010, starting at 7.30pm, in Wheaton Aston village hall.

CHURCH:
On Saturday, there will be a quiz night held in Wheaton Aston village hall, starting at 7.30pm. Teams will consist of four people but if anyone is on their own, they will be put into a team on the night. Tickets cost £5.00 per person to enter but this will include a ploughman’s supper. Please bring your own drinks. All proceeds are to go to the St Mary’s Development Fund. For further information or to enter, please contact Kath Doyle on 01785 840525 or Joyce Albany on 01785 840554.
SERVICES: On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Holy Communion St Mary’s. On Wednesday 7.30pm Holy Communion St Mary’s – this will be a combined group service.

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
On Friday there will be a Valentine’s Disco in the evening at the Lapley and Wheaton Aston Recreation Club, from 8.30pm – midnight.
There is to be a quiz night on Wednesday each week from now on, starting at 8.00pm.
Every Monday, there is line dancing. The beginners’ session is from 7.00pm – 8.30pm; the intermediate session is from 8.30pm – 10.00pm.
Everyone is welcome to come to all events.
For further details, please ring Pete Cooper on 01785 840889.

4th February 2010

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. Tomorrow is singers’ night. This is open mic with Colin Hough where everyone is welcome to come and join in. To book a spot in advance please telephone 01952 526520. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355 or visit the website www.unicornfolkclub.co.uk.

WHEATON ASTON AND LAPLEY WOMENS’ INSTITUTE:
There will be a talk entitled ‘Ironbridge Gorge Museum’ given by John Powell, on Monday, starting at 8.00pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. Everyone is welcome at attend. For further details telephone Pearl Thorley on 01785 840602.

CHURCH:
The next informal walk will take place on Tuesday, leaving St Mary’s at 10.00am, and returning to the church afterwards for coffee and cake. Everyone is welcome to come. Walking boots/stout shoes are needed and walkers walk at their own risk. For further details, telephone Brian and Mary Littleford on 01785 840552.
This year’s Lent course is entitled ‘Rediscovering the power and passion of prayer’. If anyone would like to join the Lent Groups, please sign the list at the back of the church.
SERVICES: Today the J Team will meet at 3.15pm at St Mary’s First School. On Sunday 10.30am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am All Age Worship St Mary’s. On Tuesday, Noah’s Ark will sail from St Mary’s Church at 1.45pm.

28th January 2010

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. Tomorrow, O D Slope will be appearing to give a performance of blues music. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355 or visit the website www.unicornfolkclub.co.uk.

RETAILER OF THE YEAR AWARD:
Blakemore’s Cash and Carry has awarded Mr and Mrs Doal the Retailer of the Year Award for 2009. Mr and Mrs Doal’s shop is ‘Doal’s Food and News’ in Long Street, Wheaton Aston. This has resulted in a prize of £1000 which Mr and Mrs Doal have donated to the Wheaton Aston First Responders as their nominated local charity. Sue Whittingham on behalf of the Wheaton Aston First Responders, has thanked the couple for their generous gesture.

ART EXHIBITION:
At the next monthly art exhibition to be held in the Granary Gallery at Weston Park, there will be recent works by Rianna Lane, including dramatic portraits of sports personalities used to help raise funds for the Great North Air Ambulance . Rianne is Gloucestershire-based and at 18, is the youngest talent to exhibit at the Gallery. She takes inspiration from music and fashion and has also developed portraiture of the female form for an emotive new collection. The exhibition runs from January 30 – February 28. The Gallery is open daily from 11.00am until 4.00pm and admission is free. For further details, please contact Mary Peace, the curator and Gallery administrator, by email using mary@weston-park.com or telephone 01952 852100.

POLICE MEETING:
Tonight the Watling Police Authority Consultative Group will be holding a meeting at the community centre at 7.30pm at Huntington and members of the public are invited to attend to raise issues/concerns for all areas. Councillor Roy Wright will be attending to represent out three parishes so if anyone has any issues that cause concern, please contact Mr Wright on 01785 840342.

CHURCH:
On Friday, the Watershed Benefice meal is being held at the Bradford Arms starting at 7.30pm (but please arrive at 7.15pm), at which the members of the four parishes will meet to celebrate all the hard work done over the past twelve months. This is the first year that the four parishes have been united into one benefice so this will be a special meal. The cost is £11 per person for a two course carvery meal and includes coffee. Anyone is welcome to come. Contact Kath Doyle on 01785 840525 for further details.
On Saturday February 13, there will be a quiz night held in Wheaton Aston village hall, starting at 7.30pm. Teams will consist of four people but if anyone is on their own, they will be put into a team on the night. Tickets cost £5.00 per person to enter but this will include a ploughman’s supper. Please bring your own drinks. All proceeds are to go to the St Mary’s Development Fund. For further information or to enter, please contact Kath Doyle on 01785 840525 or Joyce Albany on 01785 840554.
Ash Wednesday is on February 17, marking the start of Lent. This year’s Lent course in entitled ‘Rediscovering the power and passion of prayer’, This plenary session will be held on Thursday February 25 in Wheaton Aston village hall starting 7.00pm and there will be a meal served. There ill be no healing services during Lent. The confirmation service will be held on Sunday May 16. Classes for those wishing to be confirmed will begin during Lent. All those interested should contact Linda Beech on 01952 850149 for further details.
There will be a Henry V111 Evening at Blymhill on Friday March 19. The Lapley with Wheaton Aston Parish Day will be held on Saturday March 20 in Wheaton Aston village hall.
SERVICES: Today, the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School, Marston Road, at 3.15pm. On Sunday, there will be a combined Group Service at 10.30am in St Mary’s. This service is one of the five times the congregations of all four churches meet to worship together. If you need a lift or can offer a lift, contact the church wardens.

21st January 2010

14th January 2010

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. Tomorrow, Rebecca and Emily who are known as Ember will be appearing, to give a contemporary multi-instrumentalist performance of folk music. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355 or visit the website www.unicornfolkclub.co.uk.

WIVES GROUP:
Tonight the Wives Group will be going to the HartleyArms for the annual meal. For further details, please telephone Jean Roberts on 01785 840556.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING:
Before the parish council meeting started, a presentation was given by Tony Lendon who is chairman of STAG (Stop the Turbines Action Group), to the parish councillors, concerning the proposed wind farm project at Church Eaton. Mr Lendon told of the visual effects that Wheaton Aston would experience, along with the environmental and economic aspects, the effects on Mottey Meadows, and what would be required to build the wind turbines and the supporting roads and access routes. Afterwards, there was a brief question and answer session.
No questions were raised from the local residents present during the public participation session so the parish council meeting was able to start immediately after the presentation had ended.
The clerk reported that a debriefing meeting had been held after the successful Christmas Lights event, so that ideas for improvements for next year’s events could be discussed. A village orderly, a local resident from Wheaton Aston, had been appointed and has started work doing jobs around the three parishes. It was decided that no gritting around the village Green would be undertaken as the parish council would be liable for any subsequent accidents.
PC Andy Smith attended the meeting to give a police report. There had been a burglary at the Sports and Social Club, at which the front door was smashed down and the safe with all the takings inside, removed. There was an attempted burglary in Pinfold Lane but two local residents had confronted the offenders who escaped but the vehicle registration number of their vehicle had been passed to the police. The police had thanked the 2 residents involved. CID is now dealing with this incident. PC Smith was pleased to report that there had been no damage caused to the Christmas tree on the green at Wheaton Aston, during the festive season, which is a great improvement from the previous year. He also said that he had been using the village hall on occasions, when it was available, to allow local youths in to watch a DVD, thus stopping them from loitering around public areas.
Roy Wright gave a report from the district council. He said that the new cemetery at Wombourne was now open. The district council were going to keep the precept at 3% or lower for the next three There were to be no reductions in staff numbers. A new benefits system was to be installed as the previous system had been discontinued. It had been decided that the twice yearly special rubbish collection service was to be continued. The next licence for the V Festival was being considered but traffic control for this would have to be improved. All work for grass verge maintenance will in future have to be paid for, which will mean an increased bill for the parish council.
No planning applications had been received.
A grant request had been made by the Wheaton Aston Crew who run the Freak Friday’s Discos in Wheaton Aston. So far, six events have been run in the village hall. It was decided that a grant of £300 would be given.
A report of a meeting by WAPSWG was made. The skate board park contractors’ invoice shows VAT at the new increased rate, and it will be necessary to erect an information board, so this will also result in extra costs. The grant application had been made using the old VAT rates. Therefore it may be necessary to get another grant to cover these extra costs. Figures are to be submitted to Sanctuary Housing for the BMX track. The Play Builder application has got to be resubmitted with more details supplied. In total, the district council had received 13 Play Builder applications. Some of the local residents near the Broadholes Lane site were looking at suitable types of fencing for the play and orchard area so that grants for this could be considered.
The parish council logo design has been amended as suggested at previous meetings, and has now been accepted.
When discussing highways matters, it was pointed out that the area at the bottom of Wenlock Bank needed urgent attention. The water seepage problem had not been resolved and this resulted in water constantly lying on the road. During the cold weather, this always froze over and was dangerous to drive over. The clerk said she would contact the highways department over this matter. Work on improving the A5 near Stretton had been started. This is part of the Staffordshire Motorcycle Casualty Reduction Project run by the County Highways.
It was reported that moles were present at the Primrose Bank area and on the Marston field. A quote for dealing with them had been received from a firm but a quote from a local person is also to be obtained.
The next meeting for the parish council is on Thursday February 4 2010, starting at 7.30pm, in Wheaton Aston village hall.

CHURCH SERVICES:
Today, the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School, Marston Road, at 3.15pm. On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Morning Praise St Mary’s. On Wednesday at 7.30pm, there will be a service of Healing and Wholeness at St Mary’s.

7th January 2010

17th December 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. This week the Deacons, who are a local group from Stafford, will be appearing to join in the Christmas celebrations with friends. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355 or visit the website www.unicornfolkclub.co.uk..

WICKED WEDNESDAY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL DISCO:
On Wednesday there will be a Wicked Wednesday Christmas Special Disco held in Wheaton Aston village hall, for those aged 12 – 18 years old, from 8.00pm – 11.00pm. Tickets cost £4.00. Free food will be served, with snacks and soft drinks also available. For further details, call Suzy on 07891 538369. The no FADS rule will apply – no fighting, no alcohol, no drugs, no smoking.

WESTON PARK:
Today there will be a talk entitled ‘A Place in Town – The London Houses of the Earls of Bradford’ by Sally Goodsir. For the aristocratic and landed families of England, a house in the capital was an important residence from which to attend the London season. With the onset of the 20th century and 2 world wars, many families gave up their grand urban houses, many of which were in their own right, important works of architecture and a place where great collections of art were shown off. Sally Goodsir has researched the Earls of Bradford whose collection at Weston Park is renowned. The talk starts at 2.00pm and is followed by coffee. Tickets cost £12.00.
On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, Christmas lunches will be served in the Orangery, either for friends and family or office party groups. There will be a glass of champagne on arrival and then a 3 course lunch followed by coffee and homemade chocolates.
Traditional Christmas dinners will be available on Friday and Saturday in the House which has been elegantly dressed with Christmas trees and traditional decorations. A team of chefs, led by award winning head chef Guy Day, will prepare the meal.
For further information or to book, please telephone 01952 852100.

CHURCH:
On Friday, the Church Family Christmas Party will be held in Wheaton Aston village hall, starting at 7.00pm. Tickets cost £5 each and are available from Marieanne on 01785 840395 or Pearl Thorley on 01785 840602. Bring your own drinks and a new wrapped present, value approximately £3.00.
In readiness for the Christingle Service at 3.30pm on Christmas Eve, Christingles will be made on Wednesday at 12.00 noon in St Mary’s, Wheaton Aston. Anyone who is available to help will be most welcome.
SERVICES: Today, at 7.00pm, the Sea Scouts will be holding a carol service in St Mary’s. On Sunday, 10.30am Morning Praise at St Mary’s; 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight at All Saints.

WESTON-UNDER-LIZARD NEWS
CHURCH:
On Friday at 7.00pm, there will be a celebration of Christmas in St Andrew’s church, where carols will be sung and the Christmas story related. The theme will be ‘angels’ and any children attending are invited to dress as angels for this special service. Afterwards, mince pies and mulled wine will be served.

10th December 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. Tomorrow is singers’ night. This is open mic where everyone is welcome to come and join in. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

OLD PEOPLE’S WELFARE COMMITTEE:
The Wheaton Aston and Lapley Old People’s Welfare Committee are having the annual Christmas Drop-In today, in the village hall, starting at 1.00pm. There will be refreshments and drinks available and a raffle. All pensioners are welcome to come and entry is free.

WIVES’ GROUP:
Tonight there will be a Christmas buffet followed by carol singing, in St Mary’s Church, Wheaton Aston, for the Wives’ Group starting at 7.30pm.

WICKED WEDNESDAY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL DISCO:
On Wednesday December 23, there will be a Wicked Wednesday Christmas Special Disco held in Wheaton Aston village hall, for those aged 12 – 18 years old, from 8.00pm – 11.00pm. Tickets cost £4.00. Free food will be served, with snacks and soft drinks also available. For further details, call Suzy on 07891 538369. The no FADS rule will apply – no fighting, no alcohol, no drugs, no smoking.

WHEATON ASTON AND LAPLEY WOMENS’ INSTITUTE:
The Christmas Party will take place on Monday, starting at 8.00pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. For further details telephone Pearl Thorley on 01785 840602.

CHRISTMAS PARTY:
A Christmas Party is being held the Wheaton Aston Sports and Social Club on Friday from 8.00pm until late. There will be a disco and karaoke, a drinks promotion, and a light finger buffet will be served. Tickets cost £6.00 for adults and £1.00 for children.

WESTON PARK:
On Saturday and Sunday, there will be a Christmas Food and Craft Fayre showcasing local food, drink and handmade crafts from 10.00am – 4.00pm. Entry to the Fayre is free. At an additional cost, there will be an opportunity to view the House decorated for Christmas between 12.00 noon – 3.00pm each day.
Traditional Christmas dinners will be available on Friday and Saturday in the House which has been elegantly dressed with Christmas trees and traditional decorations. A team of chefs, led by award winning head chef Guy Day, will prepare the meal.
For further information, please telephone 01952 852100.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING:
At the recent parish council meeting, during the public participation session, the parish councillors were briefly told about the details of the meeting held by STAG concerning the proposed wind farm project at Church Eaton. The spokesperson told of the visual effects that Wheaton Aston would experience, along with the environmental and economic aspects, and what would be required to build the wind turbines. The parish council decided to set up 2 future sessions to hear the arguments for and against the proposals, so that they would be more informed of the situation. Also, in the public session, some of the members of the Wheaton Aston Youth Club, gave a report of their recent activities and outings, and invited questions from those present
The Clerk reported that the village agent has yet to start work. A draft action plan based on the last public meeting has been produced by the District Council. A mobile phone has been purchased by the Clerk so that she could deal with urgent telephone calls when she was not in the office, as she had been receiving a lot of calls on her personal mobile. She was also planning to buy a pre-loaded visa debit card for payments that could not be made in cash, such as online purchases. The Clerk said that the recent Christmas Lights Fair had been a very successful night and that about £2000 had been raised for various local community groups. Over 300 people had attended and some photographs will be printed in the parish council leaflet, the News & Views. A follow-up meeting is to be held so that the event for next year can be improved where possible.
No police officer was available to attend the meeting but a report of the current situation had been supplied in which few incidents were noted.
Two planning applications had been received, one for an extension at & Bickford Close, and one for a barn conversion at Lichfield House, Water Eaton Lane. No objections were raised. The planning application received previously for 12 Long Street, had been approved.
It was reported that the bulbs had been distributed to various groups and individuals around the village along with a map which they were asked to mark to show where bulbs had been planted, so that everyone would know where the bulbs were situated. More bulbs than usual had been planted this year so that there would be a better display in the spring. A member of the public had offered to plant the snowdrops that had been sent, correctly, otherwise they would not grow.
A report of the recent PCC meeting was given in which the parish councillors heard that a new name had been adopted for the 3 churches who are now known as the ‘Watershed’. The confirmation date had been set for May 23.
The Wheaton Aston Play Strategy Working Group had met. There was to be a discussion about the skate park on December 9 but the work has to be completed by the end of March 2010. Sanctuary Housing has agreed to help with funding of the BMX track. The police have visited the site at Broadholes Lane and are going to comment on the safety aspect. South Staffordshire Council do not want to sell this area of land but have agreed to extend the lease if necessary. Three residents have offered to look into the cost of fencing for the area. The group should hear by Christmas whether the Playbuilder funding application has been successful.
The next meeting for the parish council is on Thursday January 7 2010, starting at 7.30pm, in the village hall.

CHURCH:
The Wolverhampton Orpheus Male Voice Choir is coming to St Mary’s on Saturday at 7.30pm. This is always a popular event so buy your tickets early to save being disappointed. Tickets cost £5.00 and include hot punch and mince pies.
An event entitled ‘Christmas Through the Ages’ is being held at All Saints’, Lapley, at 7.00pm on Saturday. Tickets will cost £5.00 which includes hot savoury refreshments and mulled wine.
The greetings boards are available in the churches. Make a small donation then write your greeting to who ever who wish. This method is environmentally friendly, saves times and benefits this year’s charity which is Water Aid.
On Saturday, there will be a concert given at All Saints’ Church, starting at 7.00pm, hosted by FOLCH (Friends of Lapley Church).
An informal walk will take place on Tuesday, leaving St Mary’s at 10.00am, and returning to the church afterwards for coffee and cake. For further details, telephone Kath Doyle on 01785 840525.
SERVICES:
On Sunday, 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.15am KFC Wheaton Aston village hall; 10.30am Holy Communion St Mary’s; the C Club will meet at 7.00pm at the Wheaton Aston Youth rooms. On Tuesday, the Guides Carol Service will take place at St Mary’s, starting at 7.00pm. On Wednesday, there will be a service of Healing and Wholeness, starting at 7.30pm, in St Mary’s.

3rd December 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. This week, Bram Taylor will be appearing who will feature traditional songs together with contemporary and humorous material performed on an acoustic guitar, duet concertina, or unaccompanied. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

PARISH COUNCIL:
The next parish council meeting is tonight at 7.30pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. 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 that is held at the start of the meeting.

WESTON PARK:
For the next 3 Saturday and Sundays, there will be a Santa Special taking place between 10.30am – 3.30pm.
An exhibition is being held in the Gallery throughout December, of works by Felicity Kershaw who lives in Criccieth, North Wales. Her work is inspired by the visual stimuli in the world around her and she aims to communicate the idea that ordinary every day things have their own beauty and are worth looking at. The Gallery is open daily from 11.00am until 4.00pm and admission is free.
On Sunday you can join Anne-Marie Young of Posh Posies to learn how to make a Christmas wreath which you can then take home with you. You will also be able to see the House as the festive season starts and enjoy a lunch in the dining room. Pre-booking is required.
For further information or to book, please telephone 01952 852100.

CHURCH:
On Saturday there will be an advent workshop in Wheaton Aston village hall from 10.00am – 12.00 noon. This is aimed at 5-11 year olds and there will be lots of fun things to do while considering the true story of Christmas. Please let Margaret Foxall know you are coming, on 01785 850035 so that she knows how many biscuits to buy.
The recent appeal for local wartime memories has proved so popular that Janet Fox has put together a book. It is a fascinating piece of social history and an entertaining read. Copies are available for £3.00 each from Janet Fox on 01785 840334 or Pauline Benton on 01785 841301. All proceeds are to go to the St Mary’s Development Fund.
The recent Christmas Fair at which the new range of Christmas lights were turned on, raised £1570 for the St Mary’s Development Fund. Thanks are given to all those who supported and helped at the event.

SERVICES:
Today the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School, Marston Road, at 3.15pm. On Sunday 10.30am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am toy service which is open to everyone, at St Mary’s. Would those attending please bring the toys that they are donating with them so that these can be put together for collection by the Salvation Army. All toys donated during this special service will be distributed to disadvantaged local children. Toys may be new or second hand but must be in good condition and complete.

26th November 2009

19th November 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. This week, the John Richards band will be appearing, playing some fine contemporary music with added bite from one of the scene’s best songwriters. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

WHEATON ASTON AND LAPLEY OLD PEOPLE’S WELFARE COMMITTEE:
The next meeting for the Wheaton Aston and Lapley Old People’s Welfare Committee will be on Monday in the village hall, starting at 7.00pm.

COFFEE MORNING:
A coffee morning is to be held at the home of Angela Hughes which is 12 Long Street, on Tuesday December 1, from 10.00am – 12.00 noon. There will be a raffle and Christmas crafts for sale. Admission will be £2.00.

CHURCH:
An informal walk will take place on Tuesday, leaving St Mary’s at 10.00am, and returning to the church afterwards for coffee and cake. For further details, telephone Kath Doyle on 01785 840525.
There will be a toy service on Sunday December 6 at 10.30am in St Mary’s. All toys donated during this special service will be given to the Salvation Army at Cannock to be distributed to disadvantaged local children. Toys may be new or second hand but must be in good condition and complete.
As from November 1, the three parishes are now officially united under the title ‘The Watershed Benefice’. This name was chosen because the three parishes meet around a watershed of local rivers and streams. The weekly newsletter from the Churches has therefore also been renamed in honour of the event.
There is to be an advent workshop on Saturday December 5 in the village hall from 10.00am – 12.00 noon. This is aimed at 5-11 year olds and there will be lots of fun things to do while considering the true story of Christmas. Please let Margaret Foxall know you are coming, on 01785 850035 so that she knows how many biscuits to buy.
The Wolverhampton Orpheus Male Voice Choir is coming to St Mary’s on Saturday December 12 at 7.30pm. This is always a popular event so buy your tickets early to save being disappointed. Tickets cost £5.00 and include hot punch and mince pies.
SERVICES: Today the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School, Marston Road, at 3.15pm. On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.15am KFC Wheaton Aston village hall; 10.30am Family Communion St Mary’s.

BLYMHILL NEWS
CHURCH: There will be a tree of light service at St Mary’s, Blymhill, on Sunday November 29 at 2.30pm. If you would like to have a star on the tree in memory of loved ones, please contact June Hill on 01952 850370 or Pat Lister on 01952 691336. A donation of £5 is requested. The proceeds will be divided between this year’s chosen charities, the premature baby unit at New Cross Hospital and Hope House Children’s hospice.

12th November 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. Tomorrow is singers’ night. This is open mic where everyone is welcome to come and join in. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

WHEATON ASTON WIVES’ GROUP:
Today there will be a talk entitled ‘Travels with the Terrible Twosome’ given D and J Roberts, starting at 8.00pm in the village hall. This talk is open to anyone who would like to come. For further details please telephone Jean Roberts on 01785 840556.

ROCK BOTTLE ‘N’ BLUES:
The Stonewashed Blue Band will be appearing at Wheaton Aston village hall on Saturday from 8.30pm – 11.30pm. Bring your own alcohol/soft drinks. Tickets cost £3.00 from Wheaton Aston Post office or £4.00 on the door. A contribution from the proceeds will be donated to the Wheaton Aston First Responders.

FREAKY FRIDAY’S DISCO:
On Friday November 27, there will be a Freaky Friday’s disco held in Wheaton Aston village hall, for those aged 12 – 18 years old, from 8.00pm – 11.00pm. Tickets cost £4.00. Free food will be served, with snacks and soft drinks also available. For further details, call Suzy on 07891 538369. The no FADS rule will apply – no fighting, no alcohol, no drugs, no smoking.

WESTON PARK:
Throughout November, there will be a free daily exhibition of the work of Alan Albert Smith, which is for sale and situated in the Granary Gallery from 11.00am to 4.00pm. Born in Romford, Essex, Alan has made Shropshire his home for the last 20 years. His works, considered to be in the top five in the UK, are held in both Shrewsbury’s and Chester’s public collections and include a great sense of meaning, involving a large clarity of colour, occasionally with amusing incident. For further information, please telephone 01952 852100.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING:
At the recent parish council meeting, the clerk reported that she and the chairman had met the future village agent who hoped to meet the parish councillors soon and to start work on the parish plan in December. The parish council is adopting the telephone kiosk at Lapley but will have to cover the electricity costs as it costs a lot of money to have it disconnected. In order to save paper, the parish council could agree to electronic consultation on planning applications by South Staffordshire District Council. It was proposed that some suitable equipment for viewing the plans be purchased so the clerk would look into this. In the clerk’s office, the old shower wall has now been removed to create more space and some good quality second hand office furniture has been donated for the clerk’s use.
P.C. Smith was unable to attend the meeting but he sent a report which said that PCSO Adrian Price has returned to Wheaton Aston but he will also have responsibility to police Brewood and Coven.
In his report from the district council, Roy Wright said that work was being carried out at the mobile homes park at Hinksford to the river bank. He said that a new housing benefits system was being purchased to replace the old system which was only 3 years old but the company who supplied it has now been bought out and the new company do not support this system. No applications had been received for the wind farm but there was to be a public meeting held in the village at the end of November hosted by those who are opposing the scheme.
No new planning applications had been received but the application for the Vaughan Arms at Lapley had been refused and the one for Sowdley Lane had been deferred for further consultations.
The land at Broadholes Lane which is being considered for recreational purposes belongs jointly to the parish council and the district council. It was suggested that the parish council purchase the half belonging to the district council, as the project to improve the site will involve a lot of time, effort and expense, and the purchase would secure the site for the long term. The designs for the natural play area at Marston Road were considered and approved. The WAPSWG group have asked the parish council to commit to maintaining and insuring all equipment in the future, as the grant applications need to show that the projects are sustainable. This was agreed by the majority of the parish council members. It was reported that the youth forum had secured a grant of £46,000 which will be used towards the cost of the skateboard area. It was reported that Sanctuary Housing may help with funding towards a BMX track and that a meeting was planned in the near future.
The twin town co-ordinators, Mr and Mrs Cowley, had agreed to set up and run a website to promote friendship and exchange of information between Wheaton Aston and Wheaton, Illinois. The parish council agreed to pay for the cost of the domain name and a host site.
The parish councillors chose a logo from the logo designs which had been submitted and agreed that it should only use 2 colours in the print.
The clerk said due to the regulations concerning VAT, if the parish council charged more than £1 for the use of the football pitch, the VAT could not be claimed back on the non-business invoices such as grass cutting. It was agreed that the football team would therefore pay the parish council £1 for the use of the pitch but would pay the school caretaker separately for his services.
It was agreed that a diary be bought and placed in Wheaton Aston post office where it was hoped that the different organisations that exist within the area, would enter any events, meetings, etc, that were taking place, so that everyone would be aware of what was happening and that where possible, no dates would clash.
The SUSSED activities were considered as funding for this has now ended. It was agreed that 3 SUSSED sessions would be paid for (at £60 per session) and these would run in addition to the parish council play schemes.
The Christmas Lights Fair is to take place on Saturday December 28, starting at 4.30pm. The parish council have purchased new Christmas lights. A Christmas tree will be put up in the square but due to health and safety issues, it would have to have a safety fence of 1 metre high surrounding it. The chairman hoped the event would be well supported by the parish council members and the public.
The next parish council meeting is to be held on Thursday December 3 in Wheaton Aston village hall at 7.30pm.

CHURCH SERVICES:
Today the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School, Marston Road, at 3.15pm. On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Morning Praise St Mary’s; the C Club will meet at 7.00pm at the Wheaton Aston Youth rooms; on Tuesday, Noah’s Ark will sail from St Mary’s Church at 1.45pm. On Wednesday, there will be a service of healing and wholeness, an informal service which allows worship and prayer to restore peace of mind and body.

WESTON-UNDER-LIZARD NEWS: On Saturday, there will be an autumn concert held in St Andrew’s Church, Weston-under-Lizard, presented by Abbey Chorale, a local choir, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6.00 and this includes light refreshments, and are available from Elaine on 01952 850534 or Iris 01952 850257. Proceeds will benefit St Andrew’s Church and Abbey Chorale music collection.

5th November 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. This week, there will be a folk and blues night with TNT featuring Tony Barrett, Nick Thompson, Tony Portlock, and friends. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

WESTON PARK:
On Sunday Weston Park will again be hosting a bonfire and firework extravaganza. There will be entertainment for all the family including a fun fair, stalls, catering and the Beacon Radio Roadshow. The gates open at 3.00pm and the Beacon Radio Roadshow will run from 4.00pm – 8.00pm. The bonfire will be lit at 5.30pm and there will be two firework displays, one at 6.00pm and the second at 7.30pm. For further information, please telephone 01952 852100.

PARISH COUNCIL:
The next parish council meeting is tonight at 7.30pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. 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 that is held at the start of the meeting.

ROCK BOTTLE ‘N’ BLUES:
The Stonewashed Blue Band will be appearing at Wheaton Aston village hall on Saturday November 14 from 8.30pm – 11.30pm. Bring your own alcohol/soft drinks. Tickets cost £3.00 from Wheaton Aston Post office or £4.00 on the door. A contribution from the proceeds will be donated to the Wheaton Aston First Responders.

WHEATON ASTON FIRST RESPONDERS:
Recently the Wheaton Aston First Responders held a race night at the sports and social club at which £608 was raised. Thanks is given to all those who attended and helped with the event. All proceeds are to go the Wheaton Aston First Responders funds. For further details, please telephone Sue Whittingham on 01785 841038.

WHEATON ASTON AND LAPLEY WOMENS’ INSTITUTE:
There is an evening event entitled ‘Suraya Silver’ on Monday, starting at 8.00pm in Wheaton Aston village hall, featuring jewellery will suit all ages and pockets. Entry is free and everyone is welcome at attend. Light refreshments will be served. For further details telephone Pearl Thorley on 01785 840602.

CHURCH:
The next informal walk will take place on Tuesday November 24, leaving St Mary’s at 10.00am, and returning to the church afterwards for coffee and cake. For further details, telephone Kath Doyle on 01785 840525.
The Christmas Lights Fair takes place on Saturday November 28 starting at 4.30pm. If anyone can spare some time to help or can donate any gifts for the stalls, please contact Joyce Albany on 01785 840554.
Anne Wright is collecting shoeboxes to send to Eastern Europe again this year. All boxes must be delivered to church or the post office by Saturday.
SERVICES: On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion St Mary’s; 10.45am Service of Remembrance All Saints’. If anyone needs help with transport to this service, please contact the church warden.

WESTON-UNDER-LIZARD NEWS:
On Saturday November 14, there will be an autumn concert held in St Andrew’s Church, Weston-under-Lizard, presented by Abbey Chorale, a local choir, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6.00 and this includes light refreshments, and are available from Elaine on 01952 850534 or Iris 01952 850257. Proceeds will benefit St Andrew’s Church and Abbey Chorale music collection.

29th October 2009

22 October 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. This week, four vocalists called ‘The Laners’ who sing accappella style, will be appearing. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

NON UNIFORM DAY:
On Friday at St Mary’s First School, Marston Road, it will be a non uniform day and it will cost £1.00 each for all those taking part. All proceeds are to go to the P.T.A. funds.

VILLAGE ORDERLY VACANCY:
A new part-time position for a self-employed village orderly has been created by the Parish Council. The job will entail all aspects of grounds and equipment maintenance, removal of graffiti and (some) litter, keeping footpaths clear, inspecting trees, hedges and other Council property for damage, assistance with moving goods and equipment, and liaising with external contractors.
For a the full description and further details, please contact the Clerk, Mrs Debra Bate on 01785 841639 or email LSWAPC@btconnect.com. The deadline for applications is Friday November 20.

FREAKY FRIDAY’S DISCO:
On Friday October 30, the Freaky Friday’s disco will be a karaoke Halloween special with a prize for the best fancy dress and will be held in Wheaton Aston village hall, for those aged 12 – 18 years old, from 8.00pm – 11.00pm. Tickets cost £4.00. Free food will be served, with snacks and soft drinks also available. For further details, call Suzy on 07891 538369. The no FADS rule will apply – no fighting, no alcohol, no drugs, no smoking.

WESTON PARK:
On Sunday, there will be a walk around the woodlands at Weston entitled ‘Autumn Tree Trails’ which will be led by Martin Gee, the head gardener. The collection of trees has been built up over the centuries and consists of trees from all over the world as well as Britain. The walk commences at 10.00am and lasts approximately about 2 hours. Children are welcome and an activity pack will be
provided for them to encourage them to learn about the trees around them. There will be an opportunity to collect chestnuts from the avenue of sweet chestnut trees so bring a basket. Tickets can be bought on the day or in advance. For further details, telephone 01952 852104.
On Saturday October, there is a halloween event being held at Weston entitled ‘Weird and Wonderful’. Those attending can come in fancy dress (as there are prizes to be won), ride the phantom express, walk through the wild woods following the pumpkin lantern trail, play Halloween games, hear stories told, have a sizzling sausage, and (for the children), take home a spooky goody bag. All tickets must be purchased in advance as there will be no tickets available on the night. For further details, please telephone 01952 852100.

CHURCH:
An informal walk will take place on Tuesday, leaving St Mary’s at 10.00am, and returning to the church afterwards for coffee and cake. Walking boots/stout shoes are needed. For further details, telephone Kath Doyle on 01785 840525.
SERVICES: On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Family Communion St Mary’s.

15th October 2009

8th October 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. Tomorrow Dave Tighe and Nigel Bullock will be making a welcome return. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

HARVEST AUCTION:
There will be a harvest auction at the Coach and Horses pub on Saturday starting at 9.00pm. Included in the items for sale will be exotic food, hampers of roast dinners, vegetables and fruit, Mrs Roger’s pickles, Mrs Punter’s bread and butter pudding, harvest loaves, etc.

WHEATON ASTON WIVES’ GROUP:
Today the harvest supper will take place for the Wheaton Aston Wives’ group, starting at 8.00pm, in the village hall. For further details please telephone Jean Roberts on 01785 840556.

WHEATON ASTON AND LAPLEY WOMENS’ INSTITUTE:
There will be a talk entitled ‘Katherine House Hospice’ on Monday, starting at 8.00pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. Everyone is welcome at attend. For further details telephone Pearl Thorley on 01785 840602.

WHEATON ASTON FIRST RESPONDERS:
On Saturday October 17, there will be a race night at the sports and social club starting at 7.30pm. The first race will start at 8.00pm. Tickets cost £5.00. All proceeds are to go the Wheaton Aston First Responders. For further details and tickets, please telephone Sue Whittingham on 01785 841038.

BOXERCISE SESSION:
P.C. Andy Smith is running the next session of boxercise at St Mary’s First School, Marston Road, Wheaton Aston, in the sports hall, on Friday from 6.00pm. – 8.00pm.Boxercise is a mixture of boxing and aerobics. All ages are welcome to attend. The session will cost £1.00. To book, telephone 07854 774715.

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB:
On Saturday evening, the international stage hypnotist, Chris Lee, is appearing at the sports and social club. Tickets cost £5.00 and are for sale at the post office or call 01785 289740. Adults only.

COFFEE MORNING:
The coffee morning held last Thursday at Sue Neeld’s home, 22 Fentonhouse Lane, raised £76. All proceeds are for the St Mary’s Development Fund.

WESTON PARK:
From Friday to Sunday, the International Autumn Horse Trials ‘Three Day Event’ is being run for the National Junior Championships, National Under 21 Championships, CCI* and CCI** classes, which consists of dressage, cross-country and show jumping. For further information visit the website www.westonht.freeserve.co.uk
An exhibition is being held throughout October in the Gallery, of the recent works of Fabienne Russell, who was born in Morocco, which celebrates colour, paint texture and the painting process, exploring the abstract. This is the first major UK showing of the French artist’s work . The Gallery is open until 4.00pm daily.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING:
At the recent parish council meeting, it was reported that 2 planning applications had been received during the last month. One was for a ground floor side extension at 12 Long Street, and the other was for Keepers Cottage, Sowdley Lane, which gave details of the replacement dwelling and outbuildings proposed. All agreed that this would be a significant improvement on the existing building. No objections were made to either application.
A report of the recent meeting with Staffordshire County Highways at which the detailed proposals to improve safety for motorcycles on the A5 between Gailey and the county boundary by Weston, were discussed. This work should result in the road conditions of this stretch of the A5 being improved for all road users with better signage and drainage being included. During the next year, half of the area targeted will be tackled, and it was planned to do the rest the following year. .
It was reported that the Staffordshire County Highways had recently been reorganised. The work done by the highways community gang (now renamed as the neighbourhood highways team) over the past year had been very effective and it was planned to continue with this initiative, and increase the number of visits, with the next one to this area to be in November. A list was provided by the clerk of the outstanding jobs to be done, and everyone was asked to consider if there were any other tasks that could be included.
At the Primrose Bank play area, the roundabout and the notice board had been repaired, and a RoSPA report on the area had been received. There is a water pump for drainage situated here, and Severn Trent is to be asked to check the cover to ensure it is secure.
The structure of the proposed parish plan was discussed, as a draft outline document showing the themes, strategic aims and objectives covering all issues raised, had been produced. A village agent is soon to be appointed by the district council and will be able to work with the parish council to assist with the parish plan. The draft document was accepted in principal by those present but it was agreed that further refinement of the wording used was needed.
In response to a letter from BT, it was agreed that the parish council should adopt the red telephone box at Lapley for £1, rather than paying to keep it operational for a fee of £500 per year. Previously the parish council had objected to its’ removal due to the rural nature of the area, the lack of facilities in the village, and the limited network coverage, but the kiosk is not a protected model. The parish council will have to pay to have the electricity supply cut off.
A report of the meeting of the Wheaton Aston Play Strategy Working Group was given in which the parish council heard that the youth capital group were applying for funding for the skate board park area and that the play building funding application is due on November 20. A question and answer session had been held at the school. A member of the public has offered to help with the orchard at the Broadholes Lane area for which the South Staffordshire Housing Association has expressed an interest. It is planned to put the BMX track next to the skate board park and it is hoped that funding may be available from the Sanctuary Housing Association. An exhibition is planned for Tuesday October 20 in Wheaton Aston village hall which is open to all residents from 5.30pm – 8.30pm, at which all available drawings and plans can be discussed. The working group hope to be able to utilise the excess soil at Lapley graveyard, to create a rolling bank in the play area. The soil will have to be moved by professions as there is a large amount of it and quotes for the work would be sought but it would cost about £700 to complete the task. However it would benefit both parties involved if this soil could be moved.
The next parish council meeting is to be held on Thursday November 5 in Wheaton Aston village hall at 7.30pm.

CHURCH SERVICES:
Today the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School, Marston Road, at 3.15pm. On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.15am KFC Wheaton Aston village hall; 10.30am Holy Communion St Mary’s. On Tuesday, Noah’s Ark will sail from St Mary’s at 1.45pm. On Wednesday, at 7.30pm, there will be a service of wholeness and healing.

BLYMHILL NEWS:
CHURCH: The play ‘Henry V111’ is being held in Blymhill Church on Friday.

1st October 2009

24th September 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. Tomorrow the Tindall Family will be appearing. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

COFFEE MORNING:
The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support will be held at Old School Court from 10.00am – 12.00 noon on Friday. There will be a big raffle as usual and a cake stall. Everyone welcome to come.

WESTON PARK:
On Sunday there will be a walk open to everyone interested, with John Hughes from the Shropshire Wildlife Trust who will be foraging in the woodlands for all things ‘fungi’. John, who has 20 years experience of the woods, will be able to give advice on everything from the proper way to pick a fungus, to how to identify this extraordinary fruit. There will be a morning walk followed by a meal in the Stables Bistro Restaurant. For further information please telephone 01952 852104.

BEST KEPT GARDENS COMPETITION:
There is to be a presentation evening for the owners of gardens who have been awarded a place in the Best Kept Gardens Competition for the three villages, on Friday at 7.30pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. The evening will consist of the presentation of the certificates and prizes, a buffet, drinks, and music.

FLICKS IN THE STICKS:
The next film to be shown from the ‘Flicks in the Sticks’ scheme, is ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ on Tuesday October 27 starting at 7.30pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. Anyone can attend and tickets will be available for sale in Wheaton Aston Post Office soon costing £4 each which will include light refreshments.

CHURCH:
An informal walk will take place today, leaving St Mary’s at 10.00am, and returning to the church afterwards for coffee and cake. For further details, telephone Kath Doyle on 01785 840525. The next walks to take place will be on October 27 and November 24.
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 – 9.30pm. The cost will be £5 which will include a cheese supper and a glass of wine. Extra glasses of wine will be available. All proceeds are to go to the St Mary’s Redevelopment Fund.
On Sunday, there will be a special ‘Back to Church’ morning praise service where those who have not been to church for a while will be welcomed.

SERVICES:
Today the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School, Marston Road, at 3.15pm. On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.15am KFC Wheaton Aston village hall; 10.30am Family Communion St Mary’s.

BLYMHILL NEWS
CHURCH:
A quiet garden day is being held today at Gatherwynd, Blymhill Common, from 2.30pm – 4.30pm. Admission is £5.00 and children aged 10 and under can enter for free. All proceeds are for St Mary’s church, Blymhill.

17th September 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. Tomorrow is singers’ night. This is open mic where everyone is welcome to come and join in. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

BOXERCISE SESSION:
P.C. Andy Smith is running the next session of boxercise at St Mary’s First School, Marston Road, Wheaton Aston, in the sports hall, on Monday from 6.00pm. – 8.00pm.Boxercise is a mixture of boxing and aerobics. All ages are welcome to attend. The session will cost £1.00. To book, telephone 07854 774715.

POLICE COMMUNITY SURGERY:
There will be a police community surgery in Wheaton Aston village hall on Sunday from 3.00pm – 5.00pm. All residents are welcome to come and talk to the local officer, P.C. Andy Smith, about any worries/concerns.

WESTON PARK:
On Saturday and Sunday, the Midland Game and Country Sports Fair is being held at Weston Park. This is the premier event of its kind for anyone interested in traditional country pursuits featuring a wide range of events from world class clay pigeon shooting to game and coarse fishing demonstrations, gundog competitions, falconry displays, ferret racing, etc, and family activities including action packed arenas, antiques, fine arts rural crafts, and over six hundred trade stands. Gates open at 9.00am each day. For tickets, telephone 0845 230 5175, and all other enquiries 01889 563232.
Also available is a Midland Game Fair weekend package with VIP weekend tickets, and includes fine dining and accommodation in the House. For further details, telephone 01952 852100.
The British Food Fortnight runs from Saturday September 19 - Saturday 4th October. The Granary food shop will be celebrating the very best in local produce. A variety of events will be held, at which Head Chef, Guy Day, working with local suppliers, will include product sampling, Chef’s specials, and seasonal demonstrations.

PARISH PLANNING EVENT:
On Tuesday, there will be a meeting in the village hall at 7.00pm which is open to everyone in the village to attend. The meeting will be attended by members of the parish council in conjunction with the South Staffordshire Community Safety Team, led by Maggie Quinn, and representative from other interested agencies such as South Staffordshire Council, the Housing Association, the Community Council of Staffordshire, etc. The aim of the event is to take issues that have been raised so far and ask agencies to identify where they can help and for agencies and residents alike to come up with solutions to problems and ideas for improvements they would like to see.

ELECTRIC BLANKET TESTING:
This will be carried out at Penkridge Fire Station on Tuesday from 2.00pm – 4.00pm by Staffordshire Scientific Services. The testing is free but all blankets that are tested and fail will not be returned. Everyone over 60 will be offered a free single or double under-blanket as a free replacement for a failed test. Residents in the parish can have their blankets collected and returned at no cost by ringing Chris Guy on 01785 840710 before Monday September 21.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING:
At the recent parish council meeting, it was reported that a speed check had been carried out at Stretton but no details of the event were known. PCSO Adam McAree has been moved from Wheaton Aston to Featherstone on a permanent basis due to resourcing issues.
The Christmas lights working group reported that the format for the planned evening event will include traditional Christmas stalls selling mince pies, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and hot pork baps, and the Church’s Christmas fair will be held in the village hall, along with a Santo’s grotto and stalls selling Christmas cards, gifts, and crafts in St Mary’s. There will be carol singing, a brass band and activities for the children.
In his report from the district council, Roy Wright said that a policy to deal with gypsies was being set up as currently there was not one in existence. The new cemetery at Wombourne is now open and is being run by the district council. It is planned to set up another new cemetery at Cheslyn Hay. Steve Winterflood is the new chief executive, having been promoted from his previous role as deputy, and he has taken over from Mr Levesley who has recently retired.
No new planning applications had been received. Previous applications had all been granted. These included an irrigation reservoir at Longnor Mill Farm, use of Hurst Coach House as a dwelling, erection of a detached timber summer house at Parkfield Cottage, Park Lane, and a proposed wall and gate at Park View, Park Lane. The planning application for the Vaughan Arms, Lapley, had been rejected. The residents of Meadow View were appealing against their rejected application. The application for Stretton Mill was being looked at by the environment agency with regard to flooding problems.
The roundabout included in the play equipment at Primrose Bank had been looked by at by Wickstead, as it was noisy when used and it was found that the bearings had worn. Although the cost of replacement parts was under £100, the labour to repair the roundabout was over £400.00. It was agreed that it would have to be repaired otherwise it would not be safe to use.
In the Best Kept Village competition, Lapley had been awarded first place as the best kept small village in South Staffordshire, and also the County winner as the best kept small village. Both Stretton and Wheaton Aston were highly commended. Thanks were given to the working group for their efforts.
An evening event is scheduled for Friday September 25 at 7.30pm at which the best kept gardens awards would be made. It is planned to invite all the winners and also people who have been active in the community so that certificates could be presented to those who had made an outstanding contribution. There is to be a buffet and a local duo will play some music. The event will be held at the sports and social club if it is available, or the village hall is not.
Three design entries had been submitted by members of the public for consideration as a basis for a new parish council logo. One was selected and this will be used as a basis to design several logos from. These will then be considered by the parish council in order to select the winning design.
The parish plan was discussed. A public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday September 22 at 7.00pm in the village hall, with South Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership facilitating the event and providing support afterwards. The aim of the meeting is to discuss issues and develop ideas for possible improvements to the area. A confirmation questionnaire is planned for the future in order to get evidence of the whole parish’s views.
A report of the progress of the Wheaton Aston Play Strategy group was made, as 3 meetings have recently been held in order to prepare an application for the Playbuilder funding, and the drawings for the changes planned to the Marston Road field and Broadholes Lane have provisionally accepted by the parish council. A further full meeting is planned for Tuesday September 15.
The next parish council meeting is to be held on Thursday October 1 in Wheaton Aston village hall at 7.30pm.

CHURCH:
On Saturday, there will be a banner making session from 9.00am – 12 noon in the village hall. Everything will be supplied so come along and help make banners which will be used to decorate St Mary’s Church for the Harvest Festival. Everyone is welcome at come but children must be accompanied throughout by a parent or guardian.
SERVICES:
On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Harvest Morning Praise St Mary’s. On Wednesday Noah’s Ark will sail from St Mary’s Church at 2.30pm.

10th September 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. Tomorrow, Chris Moreton will be appearing. Chris plays banjo folk and bluegrass. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

WHEATON ASTON AND LAPLEY WOMENS’ INSTITUTE:
There will be a talk entitled ‘Let them all come’ given by Mr Dorien Russell who will tell of the experiences of a university landlady and her husband on Monday, starting at 8.00pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. Everyone is welcome at attend. For further details, telephone Pearl Thorley on 01785 840602.

DANCE NIGHT:
On Friday, there will be a dance night with professional D.J. Andy Banner in Wheaton Aston village hall from 7.30pm – 11.30pm. There will be a wide range of buffet style Indian food, alcoholic drinks will be available to purchase, and there will be a raffle which will include a prize of football tickets. Tickets cost £20 per person or 2 tickets for £30.00, and are available from Doal Food & News shop, Long Street, Wheaton Aston. All proceeds are in aid of breast cancer research. For further details, please telephone 01785 840243.

WHEATON ASTON WIVES’ GROUP:
Today there will be a talk about the Black Country Museum by the Friends of the Black Country Museum, starting at 8.00pm in the village hall. This talk is open to anyone who would like to come. For further details please telephone Jean Roberts on 01785 840556.

COFFEE MORNING:
A coffee morning is to be held at Sue Neeld’s home from 10.00am – 12.00 noon on Thursday October 1. Admission will be £2.00 and there will be coffee/tea, cakes, and a raffle. All proceeds are for the St Mary’s Development Fund.

EXERCISE CLASS:
A gentle exercise class is being held in Wheaton Aston village hall on Wednesday, starting at 2.00pm. This is being run by South Staffordshire Council and will be led by a qualified instructor with the exercise session lasting for 45 minutes, followed by free tea, coffee and biscuits when there will be a chance to chat with your friends. This week’s session will be free of charge. The course will run for a further 10 weeks and will cost just £1.50 each week. For further details or to book your place, please telephone Lisa Embrey (Physical Activity Deliverer) on 01902 696683.

CHURCH:
On Friday September 25, there will be a cheese and wine party at Peter and Celia Smith’s house, 4 Fentonhouse Lane, Wheaton Aston, from 6.30pm – 8.3-pm. The cost will be £5 which will include food and a glass of wine. Extra glasses of wine will be available. All proceeds are to go to the St Mary’s redevelopment fund.
SERVICES: On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.15am KFC Wheaton Aston village hall; 10.30am Holy Communion St Mary’s. On Wednesday Noah’s Ark will sail from St Mary’s Church at 2.30pm; at 7.30pm there will be a service of healing and wholeness at St Mary’s.

BLYMHILL NEWS
CHURCH: A quiet garden day is being held on Thursday September 24 at Gatherwynd, Blymhill Common. All proceeds are for St Mary’s church, Blymhill.

3rd September 2009

27th August 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club will be closed on Friday as local festivals are taking place. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

SUMMER HOLIDAY PLAYSCHEME 2009:
Today there will be a trip to Cadbury World which will cost £9.00 per child. On Tuesday, there will be a trip to Pendeford Mill which will cost £4.50 per child. For both trips, the coach will leave St Mary’s First School, Marston Road, at 10.00am and return at 4.00pm. Those attending should take a packed lunch and spending money if wished. For further details, telephone Debra Bate, Parish Clerk, on 01785 841639, or Louise Barton, play scheme organiser, on 01785 716858.

WESTON PARK:
Sunday Roast Lunch in the Stables Bistro Restaurant will be accompanied by the Jazz Duo for entertainment. For further information or to book, please telephone 01952 852100.

CHURCH:
An informal walk will take place today, leaving St Mary’s at 10.00am, and returning to the church afterwards for coffee and cake. For further details, telephone Kath Doyle on 01785 840525. The next 2 walks are due to take place on September 24 and October 15.
Anne Wright is planning a return trip to Russia in September. If anyone wishes to send brief greetings to Ludmila or Valentina, please let Anne have the letters/cards by the end of August.

SERVICES:
On Sunday 10.30am, there will be a combined group service for all 4 congregations at St Mary’s Church, Blymhill. If anyone needs a lift, please contact the respective churchwardens.

20th August 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club will be closed on Friday as local festivals are taking place. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

SUMMER HOLIDAY PLAYSCHEME 2009:
Today there will be a trip to Shugborough Hall. On Tuesday, there will be a trip to the West Midlands Safari Park. For both trips, the coach will leave St Mary’s First School, Marston Road, at 10.00am and return at 4.00pm. Those attending should take a packed lunch and spending money if wished. The cost is £8.00 per child. For further details, telephone Debra Bate, Parish Clerk, on 01785 841639, or Louise Barton, play scheme organiser, on 01785 716858.

DANCE NIGHT:
On Friday September 11, there will be a dance night with professional D.J. Andy Banner in Wheaton Aston village hall from 7.30pm – 11.30pm. There will be a wide range of buffet style Indian food, alcoholic drinks will be available to purchase, and there will be a raffle which will include a prize of football tickets. Tickets cost £20 per person or 2 tickets for £30.00, and are available from Doal Food & News shop, Long Street, Wheaton Aston. All proceeds are in aid of breast cancer research. For further details, please telephone 01785 840243.

PARACHUTE JUMP:
Mrs Doal, who runs the newsagents’ shop in Long Street, Wheaton Aston with her husband, made a sponsored parachute jump recently at Whitchurch. She raised almost £1500 which is to go to Breast Cancer research.

RURAL INVOLVEMENT MEETING:
Today there will be a meeting in Wheaton Aston village hall from 7.00 – 9.00pm, hosted by South Staffordshire Network for Mental Health, to discuss all aspects of living in the country. This will cover topics such as adequate services, employments, public transport solutions, stress, anxiety, prejudice, isolation, depression, etc. For further details, please telephone Rebecca or Karen on 01543 301139.

WESTON PARK:
On Saturday and Sunday, the V Festival is taking place at Weston Park. This is a nationally acclaimed rock and pop festival that runs on both days with over 100 live acts due to appear. Campers will be arriving on Thursday and Friday and be departing on Monday. For further information please visit www.vfestival.com

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

CHURCH:
The afternoon tea event held recently at Kath Doyle ’s house, raised £200.00 which will go to the St Mary’s Development Fund.

SERVICES:
On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Family Communion St Mary’s.

13th August 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. On Friday, guest singers, Richard Heath and friends, will be appearing. Richard, Busby and Gerry will give a giving a performance to close the summer season. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

SUMMER HOLIDAY PLAYSCHEME 2009:
On Tuesday, there will be a trip to Dudley Zoo. The coach will leave St Mary’s First School, Marston Road, at 10.00am and return at 4.00pm. Those attending should take a packed lunch and spending money if wished. The cost is £6.50 per child.
On Thursday August 20, there will be a trip to Shugborough Hall which will cost £8.00 per child. On Tuesday August 25, there will be a trip to the West Midlands Safari Park which will cost £8.00 per child. On Thursday August 27, there will be a trip to Cadbury World which will cost £9.00 per child. On Tuesday September 1, there will be a trip to Pendeford Mill which will cost £4.50 per child. For further details, telephone Debra Bate, Parish Clerk, on 01785 841639.
On Wednesday, there will be a SUSSED mini beasts safari in Wheaton Aston village hall from 10.00am – 12.00 noon. Children will be able to take a journey of exploration into the undergrowth and discover the hidden world of the mini beast. This activity is provided free of charge by South Staffordshire Council and the Parish Council. To book places/get further details, parents/guardians should telephone 01902 696 000.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING:
A minute’s silence was observed at the start of the recent parish council meeting, in memory of the late David Baker who had been a parish councillor for Stretton for many years, and who had recently died.
During the public participation session, a member of the public asked that the parish council obtain permission from Mr Brewster of Longnor Mill, Bickford Meadows, for access to the area where the indian balsam plants were growing so that these could be removed as there were concerns that the plants were spreading around.
Another planning application had been received concerning the Vaughan Arms at Lapley. The parish council decided that their views remained unchanged from when the previous application had been discussed and concerns were raised that the Vaughan Arms is the last remaining facility within Lapley. A suggestion is to be made that the premises should remain on the market as a public house for 12 months to see if anyone would be interested in buying the property. A planning application was also received for Lichfield House, Water Eaton, to refurbish the property in keeping with the existing style. No objections were made. A further planning application had been received for Stretton Mill which was similar to plans submitted 2 years ago but currently with 1 less building. It was pointed out that the sole reason for the development of Stretton Mill area had originally been to fund the refurbishment of the Mill and this point should be noted. The previous planning application for Park Hall, Lapley, had been granted.
An application to amend the opening and licensing hours for Doal’s Food and News shop to 6.00am – 10.00pm, was considered. No objections were made to the opening hours but the licensing hours would be brought into line with those of the Spar shop so that it would be possible to buy alcohol from 8.00am.
It was agreed that a loan of £260 be made to P.C. Smith who would use the money to run and train for boxercise classes. This money would be repaid shortly. P.C. Smith intends to run the boxercise classes in the sports hall of St Mary’s First School when he is available to do so.
It was agreed that the WAPSWG plans for the Broadholes Lane play area and the Marston Road playing field be accepted. This will mean that WAPSWG could proceed with funding applications. The plans are preliminary ideas and may be adapted in the future. The parish council thanked Mrs Kath Doyle for all her efforts concerning this project and for co-ordinating all the groups who had had input into it. It was agreed that this was a long term project and the funding for it will have to be considered.
The parish council were told that as the parish is part of locality 2, it will have the use of a village agent which will be funded by the district council. The parish council is to work together with Maggie Quinn from the South Staffs Community Safety Partnership, to avoid duplication of effort. It was agreed that there would be a training evening covering what was involved in putting together a parish plan, for all parish councillors.
A request had been received by the Wheaton Aston Wanderers to use the Marston Road football pitch for the next season, and this was agreed. The cost would remain the same but a contribution to St Mary’s First School for the use of the school car park would be suggested.
A letter from Mrs Muriel Thompson had been received, thanking the parish council for donating a trophy for school team work, in memory of the late Mr Don Thompson.
The next parish council meeting will take place on Thursday September 3 at 7.30pm in Wheaton Aston village hall.

CHURCH:
Today, come along for a cup of tea, a slice of cake and a chat in Kath’s garden at Bodiam, Fentonhouse Lane, Wheaton Aston. The event runs from 2.00pm – 4.00pm and there will be cakes and hand made cards for sale. Admission costs £2.00 and all proceeds are to go to the St Mary’s Development Fund.
There will be another informal walk taking place on Thursday August 27, leaving St Mary’s at 10.00am, and returning to the church afterwards for coffee and cake. For further details, telephone Kath Doyle on 01785 840525.

SERVICES:
On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Morning Praise St Mary’s.

6th August 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The club meets at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, every Friday, tomorrow being singers' night. This is open mic where everyone is welcome to come and join in. For further details, call Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

WESTON PARK:
On Sunday, What the Butler Saw tours are being given around the house 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. Tours start at 12noon and 2pm. For further details, call 01902 852100.

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.

FREAKY FRIDAY'S DISCO:
Tomorrow, the Freaky Friday's Disco is to be held in the village hall, for those aged 12-18 years old, from 8pm -11.30pm. Tickets cost £4.
The event is entitled 'School's Out For The Summer Party' and there will be a limbo dancing competition, the prize being tickets to the Snowdome. For further details, call Suzy on 07891 538369. The no FADS rule will apply - no fighting, no alcohol, no drugs, no smoking.

PARACHUTE JUMP:
Mrs Doal, who runs the newsagents' shop in Long Street, with her husband, is to make a parachute jump on Friday at Whitchurch at 11am to raise funds for Breast Cancer. Anyone wishing to make a donation can sign the form in the newsagents' shop.

30th July 2009

WESTON PARK:
On Sunday, there will be a lecture about the life and paintings of Thomas Prytherch, who was a professional landscape artist based at Wroxeter near Shrewsbury. He exhibited at the Royal Academy and included the fourth Earl of Bradford amongst his patrons. Several of his works remain at Weston Park and his descendant, Marjorie Downward, will relate the family history quest about the life of this talented artist. For further details, please telephone 01902 852100.

BOXERCISE SESSION:
P.C. Andy Smith is running a boxercise session at St Mary’s First School, Marston Road, Wheaton Aston, in the sports hall, on Friday from 6.00pm. – 8.00pm.Boxercise is a mixture of boxing and aerobics. All ages are welcome to attend. Participants must sign a consent form which can be obtained from the Post Office, High Street, Wheaton Aston, and the form must be returned to the Post Office when completed.

FREAKY FRIDAY’S DISCO:
On Friday August 7, the Freaky Friday’s Disco is to be held in Wheaton Aston village hall, for those aged 12 – 18 years old, from 8.00pm – 11.30pm. Tickets cost £4.00. The event is entitled ‘School’s Out For The Summer Party’ and there will be a limbo dancing competition ‘How Low Can You Go’ for which there is a prize for the winner, of tickets to the Snowdome. Free pizza will be served, with snacks and soft drinks also available. For further details, call Suzy on 07891 538369. The no FADS rule will apply – no fighting, no alcohol, no drugs, no smoking.

PARISH COUNCIL:
The next parish council meeting is tonight at 7.30pm in Wheaton Aston village hall. 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 that is held at the start of the meeting.

NEWS AND VIEWS:
Any articles/information to be included in the next issue of the parish council’s ‘News & Views’ should be submitted by Friday August 7, 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 please telephone Debra Bate, Clerk to the parish council, on 01785 841639. This autumn issue will be delivered at the start of September. The winter issue deadline for articles, etc, is Friday November 13, ready for delivery at the start of December.

CHURCH SERVICES:
On Sunday 10.30am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am All Age Worship St Mary’s.

23rd July 2009

16th July 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. On Friday, there is a double bill of music from local entertainers, Paul Walker, and Rich and Martin, performing easy listening music. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

WESTON PARK:
Sunday Roast Lunch in the Stables Bistro Restaurant will be accompanied by the Jazz Duo for entertainment. For further details, please telephone 01902 852100.

ST MARY’S FIRST SCHOOL:
Today a PTA disco is being held from 6.00pm – 7.30pm which is open to all year groups. Tickets for year 4 children are free and £1.00 each for all other school children.

GARDEN OPEN DAY:
The Garden Open event held recently at the Wickets, 47 Long Street, Wheaton Aston, attracted 65 visitors and raised £190.74. This is the ninth year that the Wickets has been opened to the public, as part of the National Gardens Scheme, with all proceeds going to charity.

CHURCH:
The recent picnic raised £250 and the ‘Tea with the Townsend’ event raised £130. All proceeds are to go to the St Andrew’s Church funds. The generous donations of prizes for the picnic and cakes for the teas were all much appreciated.
SERVICES: On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Morning Praise St Mary’s.

FUND RAISER:
There will be an open garden and cream tea event at Gatherwynd, Blymhill Common, on Sunday August 9 from 2.30pm – 4.30pm. Admission will cost £5.00 and will be free for children under 6 years old. All proceeds are for the St Mary’s Church, Blymhill.

FIRST RESPONDERS:
At the carnival held recently in Wheaton Aston, Carol and David Blakemore had a white elephant stall which raised £71.00. The proceeds have been donated to the Wheaton Aston First Responders in memory of David’s mother, Mrs Blakemore. The Wheaton Aston First Responders thanked the Blakemores for their gesture.

9th July 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

WHEATON ASTON AND LAPLEY WOMENS’ INSTITUTE:
There will be a talk entitled ‘Living with hedgehogs’ given by Mrs Sue Thrupp on Monday, starting at 8.00pm in Wheaton Aston hall. Everyone is welcome at attend.

WHEATON ASTON WIVES’ GROUP:
Today there will be a talk entitled ‘An Evening with Sooz’ given by Sue Luteman. This talk is open to anyone who would like to come. For further details please telephone Jean Roberts on 01785 840556.

ST MARY’S FIRST SCHOOL:
On Friday, there will be a service in St Mary’s church at 9.30am. Then at 2.30pm, there will be a music assembly at which all the children will participate and parents are welcome to attend. On Tuesday, a ‘meet the teacher’ session will take place at 7.00pm where general information about the organisation of the classes will be given. On Thursday July 16 a PTA disco is being held from 6.00pm – 7.30pm which is open to all year groups. Tickets for year 4 children are free and £1.00 each for all other school children.

WESTON PARK:
Camper Jam is Camper and Commercial Magazine’s very own show which is running from Friday to Sunday at Weston Park, and is aimed at owners and lovers of the VW bus in all its models and types. The show is a chilled out, laid back event, with people and buses getting together for a relaxing weekend of friendship and fun. There is a full entertainment programme offering something different with the chance to DJ your own set, live music, Camper Jam crufts, cooking curry in a camper, bus doctor, and more. It is a family oriented event with plenty for children to do in the VDub craft workshop and giant VW camper bouncy castles. For further details, visit the website www.camperjam.co.uk.

FREAKY FRIDAY’S DISCO:
Tomorrow the Freaky Friday’s Disco is to be held in Wheaton Aston village hall, for those aged 12 – 18 years old, from 7.30pm – 11.30pm. Music will be by ‘Digital Sounds’. Tickets cost £4.00 and are on sale at Mill House, Mill Lane, Wheaton Aston, the Spar shop, or call Suzi on 07891 538369. The no FADS rule will apply – no fighting, no alcohol, no drugs, no smoking.

CHURCH:
On Sunday July 26, afternoon tea will be served in the Vicarage garden from 3.30pm – 6.30pm. Entertainment will be supplied by Vic and John, along with a mock auction. Tickets cost £7.00 and can be ordered from Marieanne on 01785 840395. All proceeds are to go to ‘balance the Parish budget’.
On Thursday August 13, afternoon tea will be served in Kath Doyle’s garden at Bodiam, Fentonhouse Lane, Wheaton Aston, from 2.00pm – 4.00pm, where there will be cakes and hand made cards for sale. Admission costs £2.00 with all proceeds going to the St Mary’s Development Fund.

SERVICES:
On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.15am KFC at Wheaton Aston village hall; 10.30am Holy Communion St Mary’s; 7.00pm C Club at the Wheaton Aston youth rooms. On Wednesday, there will be a service of Wholeness and Healing at 7.30pm at St Mary’s.

GARDEN FETE:
The Blymhill garden fete takes place on Saturday, starting at 2.00pm. There will be all the usual stalls and sideshows. For further details, please telephone David Hill on 01952 691552.

2nd July 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. This week, David Macconnell, Vicky’s brother who is from Australia, will be giving a performance. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

GARDEN OPEN DAY:
On Sunday, the garden at the Wickets, 47 Long Street, Wheaton Aston, will be open for everyone to visit from 1.30pm to 5.00pm. Refreshments will be available. Tickets cost £2.50 for adults with free entry for children. This is part of the N.G.S. Gardens Open for Charity events, with all proceeds going to charity.

GUARD OF HONOUR:
Alison Groom, a Wheaton Aston Sea Scouts leader, got married recently. To send Alison on life’s voyage, the Sea Scouts gave her a surprise guard of honour outside Stafford registry office. Mike Groom, Alison’s father who is deputy head of the local school at Brewood, said “The Sea Scouts were extremely smart and made the day for Alison and Andy. They were a real credit and it made everyone proud. It was a fitting tribute to Alison as she spends so much of her free time with the Sea Scouts”. Group Skipper Steve Brown said “Alison is a very popular leader and the Sea Scouts wanted to do something special for her. On the way through the guard of honour, she was given a loud ‘oggie, oggie, oggie’ which is a trademark of the Wheaton Aston Sea Scouts”.

LOCAL HISTORY:
Ray Cowley, a resident of Wheaton Aston who has a wealth of knowledge of the history of the surrounding area, has produced a DVD entitles ‘The History of Lapley Priory’. This relates the story of how and why the priory came to be built and follows the history up to the current day. The DVD costs £5.00 and can be bought from the Post Office in Long Street, Wheaton Aston.

WHEATON ASTON CARNIVAL:
On Saturday, the Wheaton Aston Carnival will take place on Leeke Way Field. There will be a horse and carriage for the carnival queen who will accompany the procession of floats, and together, starting at 1.00pm from St Mary’s First School, they will parade through the village to Leeke Way field, where the carnival will then open at 2.00pm. At the carnival, attractions will include a display of birds of prey, vintage cars, a fun fair, a display band in the arena, the youth club jazz band, etc, and also there will be lots of children’s games such as the egg and spoon race, a tug of war, etc. There will also be lots of stalls and refreshments will be available. Entry to the carnival is free.

CHURCH:
On Friday July 3, a concert is to be held at All Saints’, Lapley, where Tantallon, a group of male and female singers, will be performing. The group will sing popular music will be sung in the first half and swing in the second. Tickets cost £10 which includes a finger buffet and a glass of Pimms.
SERVICES: On Sunday at 10.30am, Holy Communion at All Saints’; 10.30am All Age Worship at St Mary’s.

25th June 2009

18th June 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. This week, Pete Kelly will be giving a performance of songs and stories. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

MOTTEY MEADOWS HAY FESTIVAL:
A farm walk aimed at land managers, will take place today starting at 7.00pm, around Mottey Meadows National Nature Reserve, to discuss traditional hay meadow management opportunities in agri-environment schemes. All those interested should meet at Mottey Meadows.
Also, today, there will be an illustrated talk by Tim Coleshaw, providing a chance to gain an insight into the natural history of hay making at Mottey Meadows, starting at 8.00pm in Wheaton Aston village hall.
On Friday, there will be a course entitled ‘a beginner’s guide to hay meadow flowers’ given by Shirley Burton, which will run from 10.00am – 12.30pm. Also on Friday, there is a watercolour workshop being run by Beverley Fry, from 11.00am – 50pm, where the beauty of hay meadow flowers can be discovered. Some experience of watercolour painting is required.
On Saturday, a hay festival is being run from 10.00am – 4.00pm. This is a celebration of hay making on one of England’s finest series of hay meadows with activities for all the family. There will be displays, vintage machinery, guided walks, activities, trails, games, refreshments, and more. This will take place at Mottey Meadows.
All events are free but due to their popularity, booking is essential. To book any of the above or for further information, please contact Caroline Dahn on 0300 060 0583 or email caroline.dahn@naturalengland.org.uk.

SKITTLES NIGHT:
The skittles night held at the Wheaton Aston recreation centre last Friday, raised £240 which will go the Wheaton Aston First Responders. The organiser, Sue Whittingham, thanked the Club for allowing the fund raising evening to be held there as no charge was made for the event.

BAG PACKING:
The Wheaton Aston Sea Scouts recently spent a day at Sainsburry’s supermarket at Cannock where they were helping customers to pack their shopping. They raised £624 which will go to the group’s funds.

WALKING FESTIVAL:
South Staffordshire Council is once again organising a series of walks throughout south Staffordshire during June, as part of the Walking Festival 2009. On Sunday there will be a walk entitled ‘Lapley Priory’ which will be led by Ray Cowley, a local resident of Wheaton Aston, who has already produced a DVD on the subject as he has a wealth of knowledge on the matter in hand. The walk will start at 2.00pm from Wheaton Aston village hall car park and will last for about two and a half hours, covering a distance of four miles. The route will follow the ‘Staffordshire Way’ from the Shropshire Union canal near Wheaton Aston, to the ancient village of Lapley, where the Norman Church will be examined and the history of how the monks came from a far off abbey and ruled there for 350 years will be told. There will be no charge for the walk. There are leaflets at Wheaton Aston post office, which detail the walks in the area throughout June. For further details, please contact the Health and Wellbeing Team at South Staffordshire Council on 01902 696310 or visit www.sstaffs.gov.uk.

CHURCH:
On Saturday, the annual spring clean will take place in St Mary’s Church. This will be followed by a lunch at the Hartley Arms, for all involved.
On Friday July 3, a concert is to be held at All Saints’, Lapley, where Tantallon, a group of male and female singers, will be performing. The group will sing popular music in the first half and swing in the second. Tickets cost £10 which includes a finger buffet and a glass of Pimms.
SERVICES: Today the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School at 3.15pm. On Sunday, 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Morning Praise St Mary’s; at 7.30pm, the C Club will meet at the Wheaton Aston Youth rooms.

WESTON-UNDER-LIZARD NEWS
CHURCH: A village picnic and mini fete is to be held in the grounds of St Andrew’s Church, Weston-under-Lizard, on Friday, any time from 6.00pm onwards. Entry costs £2.50 for adults (which includes a free glass of wine) and is free for children. There will be a few stalls and games, with a wet weather alternative venue available. Contributions of prizes, etc, are welcomed. For further details, please telephone Iris on 01952 850257 or Elaine and Tony on 01952 850534.

BLYMHILL NEWS
CHURCH: On Friday, there will be a ‘Quiet Garden Day’ at Gatherwynd, Blymhill Common, from 10.30am – 3.3-pm. The Quiet garden Movement offers ‘time out’ for those who wish to contemplate and meditate in a tranquil rural setting where the peace and quietness can be experienced.

11th June 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. Tomorrow is singers’ night. This is open mic where everyone is welcome to come and join in. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

WHEATON ASTON WIVES GROUP:
An outing is to take place today for the Wheaton Aston Wives’ Group.

FUNDAY CHARITY CHICKEN RACES:
Due to the wet weather, the Funday Charity Chicken Races did not take place at the Meadows, Starkeys Lane, Wheaton Aston, last Saturday. The event has been postponed until September. For further details, please contact Val Howard on 07817 800683.

SKITTLES NIGHT:
A skittles night with supper is being held at the Wheaton Aston recreation centre on Friday, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets costs £5.0 For tickets or more information, telephone Sue Whittingham on 01785 841038. All proceeds are to go the Wheaton Aston First Responders.

WESTON PARK:
On Sunday, to commemorate National Cycling Month, Weston Park is once again opening up a cycle route within the Park. The route will be open from 11.00am with the last rider departing at 3.00pm.
For further details, please telephone 01902 852100.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING:
The parish council meeting last week took place at Vernon Lodge School, Stretton. During the public participation session, a member of the public complained about the continuing problem of traffic speeding through Stretton village and asked for more police speed checks. It was also reported that heavy goods vehicles had been seen using School Lane and when turning out onto the A5 from there, would not be able to get a clear view of oncoming traffic, which could be dangerous for all concerned.
In his report from the District Council, Roy Wright said that the sickness rate (of 6.69 days per employee) was the lowest in the region. He reported that the Codsall swimming baths were to be closed during the summer months for refurbishment, as it was not possible to close them during school term time. The grass cutting contact is up for review as it nears the end of the 5 year period.
A retrospective planning application had been received for an irrigation water reservoir at Longnor Mill Farm at Longnor. A lot of work has already been done on the reservoir but there was concern about water being pumped out of a nearby stream into the reservoir as Bickford meadows, a nature area, is close by. If the water table were to fall as a result, it would have a serious effect on Bickford meadows. The environment agency will be consulted on this matter. It was also pointed out that the footpath for the Staffordshire Way had been diverted whilst pipe work was being completed. This too will be checked out to see if permission had been sought first. A certification of lawfulness was being sought for the Hurst Coach House, Wheaton Aston. A planning application for a wooden summer house at Park Field Cottage, Lapley, had been received, as this was in a conservation area. No objections were made to these applications. The application for the erection of a bungalow and garage at Meadow View, Stretton Road, had been refused. The possibility of a wind farm being built at Brineton was briefly discussed but no planning applications for this had been received as yet.
The forward planning and finance working group recommended that a grant application form should be used in future by anyone applying for a grant from the parish council and a specimen form had been devised. This was agreed. It was also agreed that the parish council would contribute up to £2000 towards the cost of a village agent but only if further funding from other sources was obtained as well.
The possible use of CCTV cameras being sited in the village was discussed. It was felt that a monitored system using a camera which produced good quality pictures would be preferable. The main sites being considered were the village square outside the Church and the Primrose Bank play area. It would be expensive to install so the District would be approached to see if any help could be given, and further grants from other sources would also be sought.
The creation of a school award in memory of Don Thompson was discussed and agreed in principal. The details and the type of award to be given would be decided at a future date.
The village hall management committee had met and it was reported to the parish council, that a new cooker for the hall was to be bought. The outside of the premises was to be painted. One corner of the hall needed attention. The small committee room was to be refurbished and redecorated. The lights in the ladies toilets were now working. There had been a loss of £320 for the last financial year.
The Wheaton Aston play strategy group had met. It was reported that the recent questionnaires had been analysed and that the 3 most popular requests were for a BMX bike track, a skateboard area, and a play area for young children (up to 3 years of age). A meeting with a landscape professional was to take place so that recommendations could be made.
In a report from the recent PCC meeting, it was said that the refurbishment work in St Mary’s was to be phased in. There had been a possible deficit for the year for the Church. The future of the Church Lads and Church Girls brigade was uncertain. The next meeting was scheduled for July 13.
The next meeting of the parish council will take place in Wheaton Aston village hall on Thursday July 2 at 7.30pm.

FREAKY FRIDAY’S DISCO:
Friday is the opening night for the Freaky Friday’s Disco, in the village hall, for those aged 12 – 18 years old, from 7.30pm – 11.30pm. Music will be by Dan D Disco. Tickets cost £4.00 and are on sale at Mill House, Mill Lane, Wheaton Aston, or call Suzi on 07891 538369. The no FADS rule will apply – no fighting, no alcohol, no drugs, no smoking.

CHURCH:
Last weekend, the Church Fete went ahead, despite the weather being so wet. St Mary’s First School kindly allowed the school hall to be used so that the event could be held indoors, and £1700 was raised, which will go to the St Mary’s redevelopment Funds. Thanks is given to all those who attended and to all those who contributed/helped in any way.

SERVICES: Today the J Team will be meeting at St Mary’s First School at 3.15pm. On Sunday, 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; the KFC will meet in Wheaton Aston village hall from 10.15am – 11.30am; at 10.30am Holy Communion St Mary’s; on Wednesday, Noah’s Ark will sail from St Mary’s, at 1.45pm; at 7.30pm there will be a service of Healing and Wholeness at St Mary’s.

BLYMHILL NEWS
CHURCH: An evening of music and song is being held in Blymhill church on Friday. The evening features Pat Lister who will be singing a selection of songs from her professional days with the Ted Heath Orchestra, and Dennis Cornes will be playing the organ. Tickets cost £12.50 which includes supper and a glass of wine, and are available from Pat on 01952 691336, June Hill on 01952 850370, and Anne Wright on 01785 840656.

WESTON-UNDER-LIZARD NEWS
CHURCH: If you have a favourite hymn or memory, come and join the songs of praise service to be held on Sunday, starting 6.30pm in St Andrew’s Church, Weston-under-Lizard. Coffee will be served afterwards. If you have a favourite hymn to nominate or a memory to contribute, please contact Linda on 01952 850149 with details.

4th June 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. Tomorrow Isambarde will be performing. This group is comprised of 3 talented and versatile musicians. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

WHEATON ASTON AND LAPLEY WOMENS’ INSTITUTE:
There will be a talk and slideshow entitled ‘A guide to hidden Stafford and it’s ghosts’ given by Mr. Geoff Elkin on Monday, starting at 8.00pm in the village hall. Everyone is welcome at attend.

FUNDAY CHARITY CHICKEN RACES:
On Saturday, there will be Funday Charity Chicken Races held at the Meadows, Starkey Lane, Wheaton Aston, from 2.00pm – 5.00pm. Entry costs £1 for adults and children, and is free for those aged 12 or under. As well as bets on the chosen chickens to win, other attractions will include a tombola, cakes, refreshments, animals, etc. All proceeds are to go to the cystic fibrosis fund. For further details, please contact Val Howard on 07817 800683.

PARISH COUNCIL:
The next parish council meeting is tonight at 7.30pm in Stretton school hall. 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 that is held at the start of the meeting.

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 start at 12 noon and 2.00pm.
For further details, please telephone 01902 852100.

CHURCH:
The Wheaton Aston and Lapley Church Fete takes place on Saturday, starting at 12.30pm at St Mary’s First School, Marston Road. The fete will be opened by the Wolverhampton Pipe Band and attractions include children’s races and games, singing, a belly dancing display, and a variety of stalls for plants, home made cakes, white elephant, books, handmade cards, gifts, bottle tombola, toy tombola, and a raffle for a gent’s mountain bike, signed football from championship winner’s Wolves and other prizes. There is a children’s fancy dress competition that is free to enter, with 2 classes for under 5s and 6 - 12s. A baking competition is taking place – adults should make a 3 egg Victoria sandwich cake filled with jam and sprinkled with sugar, and children should make 6 fairy cakes which should be then iced and decorated. All entries need to be brought to the cake stall by 1.00pm. Refreshments will also be served which will include hot food for lunch with hot dogs, beef burgers, and hot pork baps available. A programme has been delivered to everyone in the area detailing the event.

SERVICES:
On Sunday at 10.30am, Holy Communion at All Saints’; 10.30am All Age Worship at St Mary’s; at 7.30pm, the C Club will meet at the Wheaton Aston Youth rooms.

28th May 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The club meets at the Bradford Arms every Friday. Tomorrow, Dave Gibb will be singing for Vicky's birthday celebrations. For further details, call Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

WHEATON ASTON PLAY STRATEGY COMMITTEE:
A meeting on Tuesday at 7pm, but beforehand there will be a brainstorming session to decide on a new name for the committee, appoint a chairperson, and divide the participants into interested groups so that plans can be made. All interested parties are welcome to attend.

OLD PEOPLE'S WELFARE COMMITTEE:
The annual meeting of the Lapley and Wheaton Aston Old People's Welfare Committee is on Monday at 7pm in the village hall. Nominations will be required for the election of officers.

WHEATON ASTON SEA SCOUTS:
In memory of Don Thompson, the Wheaton Aston Sea Scouts have named the HQ as 'SSS Thompson' (Sea Scout Ship Thompson).
Their leader, Steve Brown, said: "Don will be remembered as a straight-talking selfless Yorkshire man who did so much for the people of Wheaton Aston".

RUBBISH COLLECTIONS:
The second special rubbish collection for this year is on Tuesday for selected streets within the village (including Pinfold Lane onwards). All households included in this collection will be notified by a leaflet left by the refuse collectors.

WESTON PARK:
Sunday roast lunch in the Stables Bistro Restaurant will be accompanied by the Jazz Duo entertainment. For further information, call 01952 852100.

CHURCH:
Wheaton Aston Arts recently held a display of paintings, sculptures, photography, film and glass in St Mary's Church with refreshments provided in aid of the St Mary's Redevelopment Fund which raised £150,
Anne Wright and Peter Smith will be leading a new Bishop's Certificate course this September. The course is in six stages over two years. Each session usually begins at 7.30pm and lasts for about an hour and a half, with eight meetings per term. Course workbooks cost £8.50 each term.
There are eight to ten places available. Those interested in learning more about your faith should contact Anne on 01785 840656 or Peter on 01785 840458 to reserve a place.

SERVICES:
On Sunday, there will be a combined group service at All Saints' at 10.30am. If anyone needs a lift, contact the churchwardens.

21st May 2009

14th May 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The Unicorn Folk Club has can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, Wheaton Aston, next to the A5, every Friday. Tomorrow Steve Tilston, a popular singer/songwriter with an individual style, will be performing. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

WHEATON ASTON WIVES’ GROUP:
Today there will be a talk entitled ‘An evening with Jack Hurley’ given by Jack Hurley. This talk is open to anyone who would like to come. For further details please telephone Jean Roberts on 01785 840556.

WHEATON ASTON FESTIVAL:
On Saturday, the Wheaton Aston Festival will be putting on a day of music which will run from 12.00 noon until 12.00 midnight. There will be a full programme of music taking place in the village hall with ale and food also available, as well as open mic sessions at the Coach and Horses, and there will be the alternative Wayside and Woodland stage. For a full list of all the artists appearing, visit the website www.wheatonastonfestival.co.uk.
There is also a free exhibition of arts and crafts in St Mary’s Church which will run from 11.00am – 5.00pm, where the artists will be in attendance to discuss their work, and refreshments will also be available, the proceeds from which are to go to the St Mary’s redevelopment fund. For further details of the arts and crafts, please telephone Margaret Bailey on 01785 850830.

QUESTIONNAIRE:
The Wheaton Aston play strategy working group is trying to discover what facilities residents would like to see in the area and so have produced a questionnaire which has been distributed around the village. Please could everyone complete the questionnaire and return their forms to the Post Office by Monday May 18.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING:
At the parish council meeting, there was a minute’s silence in memory of Don Thompson, who has recently died, as he had served on the parish council for many years, been the headmaster of the local junior school, and had started up the scouts group.
Barbara Cox was re-elected as chairman and Peter Timpson as vice-chairman. The parish council representatives on the various committees were re-elected en bloc for another year with minimal changes. In her report, the clerk told everyone that the notice boards on the village hall and at Lapley, had been repainted. She had been, with the chairman, to the Best Kept Village poster presentation at Vernon Lodge School, Stretton.
PC Smith could not attend the meeting but had sent in a report which said that the anti-social behaviour incidents had reduced slightly although there was still concern over the areas at the Church and Primrose Bank, now that the nights were lighter. A further 4 youths had been issued with ASBO warnings and their parents informed. A motor vehicle had been removed due to being driven in an anti-social manner. Two young females had been identified as being responsible for the damage to the village hall signs and P.C. Smith is dealing with this. He also asked that consideration be given to ‘Flash Cams’ being installed around the village which would help deter youths from congregating and in identification purposes.
A funding request for about £1000 had been submitted by the Wheaton Aston Play Strategy working party in order to arrange a consultation with a professional designer. This would entail a site visit so that drawings could be produced in order to illustrate the best ideas from the working party. This was granted. There had been a request for lighting at the Marston Road playing field so this will be looked at by the parish maintenance working party and the district council approached to see what was feasible.
Rex Roberts, from the County Council, was present at the meeting but was unable to give a report at this time as a purdah had been imposed by the Government preventing any county council business from being discussed until the county council elections had taken place on Thursday June 4.
In the report from the district council, Roy Wright said that he had been re-elected as deputy leader of the direct services, and of the ruling group. A transport committee which included Roy as a member, had been set up to discuss transport issues in the area.
Planning applications had been received from the following:- Birchenease, Ivetsey Road, for a single storey extension; White Gate Farm, Watling Street, for an extension to an agricultural building; Longnor Mill Farm, Wheaton Aston Road for an extension to an agricultural building (2nd phase as the 1st phase has already been granted); the Spinney House, Bellhurst Lane, for a side extension; 19 High Street, to have an oak tree which has a preservation order on, trimmed. No objections to the applications were made although it was asked if some trees could be planted at the Longnor Mill Farm building in order to soften the view. The previous planning applications had been granted for The Four Ashes Waste Facility, Longnor Mill Farm, Aquaduct House in Watling Street, White Gate Farm, Hunterscombe Stafford Hospital, and Edgelands Farm. Planning applications had been refused for 5 Marston Croft, and the Vaughan Arms, Lapley.
A grant of £150 was given to the All Saints’ and St Mary’s P.C.C. towards advertising costs for the church fete and a banner. A grant of £250 was made to the Wheaton Aston Carnival and a donation of £50 was made to the S.S.C.V.A.
The parish councillors heard that a problem solving event had been held recently in the village hall, which had been set up by Maggie Quinn from Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership at the district offices. As a result, a meeting to be held on June 2 which will encompass the Wheaton Aston Play Strategy working group and any other interested parties to further discuss how to proceed in the future.
It was reported that the 2 empty shops next to the Post office are to be re-let, one as a café and one dealing with antique furniture.
The next parish council will be on Thursday June 4 in Stretton school hall.

CHURCH SERVICES:
Today the J Team will meet at St Mary’s First School at 3.15pm. On Sunday 9.00am Holy Communion All Saints’; 10.30am Morning Praise St Mary’s; at 7.00pm the C Club will meet at the Wheaton Aston Youth Rooms. On Wednesday there will be a service of Healing and Wholeness at St Mary’s at 7.30pm. This is a less formal service of worship and prayer for the church, the community and each other.

7th May 2009

WHEATON ASTON POST OFFICE:
Phil Elson has been at Wheaton Aston Post Office for 10 years today and to celebrate, he will be offering refreshments to all customers throughout the day. Mr Elson is a member of the parish council.

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The club can be found in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, every Friday. Tomorrow is singers' night. This is open mic where everyone is welcome to come and join in. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

MOTTEY MEADOWS:
A 'Friends of Mottey Meadows' group may be set up in Wheaton Aston. Anyone interested in getting involved should meet at the village hall on Tuesday at 7pm.

WHEATON ASTON AND LAPLEY Wl: The annual meeting of Wheaton Aston and Lapley Wl is on Monday in the village hall at 8pm.

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

WESTON PARK:
There will be a bluebell walk, led by head gardener Martin Gee. followed by a two-course lunch in the Victorian Orangery at Weston Park on Sunday. More information on 01952 852100.

CHURCH:
The coach trip to Llandudno takes place on Saturday.
The Church Lads and Church Girls Brigade is holding a treasure hunt in Wheaton Aston on Saturday from 12noon to 3pm. Further details from Jim Comes on 01785 840969.

SERVICES:
Today, the J Team meets at St Mary's First School at 3.15pm. On Sunday, 9am holy communion All Saints'; 10.15am, KFG Wheaton Aston village hall; 10.30am Holy Communion St Mary's. On Wednesday Noah's Ark will sail from St Mary's at 1.45pm.

30th April 2009

UNICORN FOLK CLUB:
The club now meets in the upstairs function room at the Bradford Arms, Ivetsey Bank, on the A5, every Friday.
Tomorrow, Bedlam will be performing. For further details, please telephone Vicky Evans on 01952 810355.

WHEATON ASTON SEA SCOUTS:
The unit recently held a race night evening and has so far raised £240. Sea Scouts are collecting paperback books and boiled sweets to send to the Royal Marines fighting overseas. Donations to the Sea Scout HQ or call Steve Brown on 01785 840500

WHEATON ASTON FESTIVAL:
Wheaton Aston Festival will stage a day of music on Saturday, May 16 from 12 noon until 12 midnight.
Performances will be in the village hall, where ale and food will be available, as well as open mic sessions at the Coach and Horses and there will be alternative Wayside and Woodland stages.
A free exhibition of arts and crafts will be staged in St Mary's Church from 11am until 5pm with artists in attendance. Refreshments will be sold, the proceeds for St Mary's redevelopment fund.
For further details of the arts and crafts, call Margaret Bailey on 01785 850830.

CHURCH:
Drop-in sessions held on Wednesday mornings include the sale of hand-made cards by Joan Gettings, who recycles old cards into new creations. Joan will also have a stall at the church fete on Saturday June 6th
Christian Aid Week is from May 10-16 and additional envelope collectors are needed. Anyone willing to help should contact Anne Wright on 01785 840656.

PROBLEM SOLVING EVENT:
On Tuesday, a problem-solving event is being held in the village hall from 7pm-9pm by Maggie Quinn, of Staffordshire County Council.
Problem-solving trainers will be leading the event with a view to helping groups/individuals identify the problems that are in the community and how to tackle them.

VILLAGE TIDY UP:
On Sunday, there will be a litter-picking session in the village and volunteers are needed to help. Volunteers should meet in the village hall car park at 10am. Plastic sacks and gloves will be provided.

FIRST RESPONDERS AGM:
Wheaton Aston First Responders' annual meeting is tonight in the village hall at 7.30pm.

SERVICES:
Today, the J Team will meet at 3.15pm at St Mary's First School. On Sunday at 10.30am. holy communion in All Saints'; 10.30am all-age worship in St Mary's.

16th April 2009

WHEATON ASTON AND LAPLEY WI:
A talk entitled "Planting up tubs and hanging baskets" will be given by local resident Thomas Hodgkin on Monday at 8pm in the village hall.

WIVES' GROUP:
A talk entitled The Race for the Pole will be given on Thursday April 23 by Steve Mills in the village hall starting at 8pm where he will also be showing original photographs by Herbert Ponting.
The illustrated lecture will feature Scott's attempts from 1910 -1913 to be first to reach the Pole. Admission to the open meeting is £1.50 which includes refreshments. Further details from Jean Roberts on 01785 840556.

CARNIVAL COMMITTEE AND WOMEN'S INSTITUTE:
The carnival committee in conjunction with the Women's Institute are looking for three girls willing to take leading roles in this year's carnival.
Entrants' names will be entered into a lottery to elect a carnival queen (aged 9-10) and two attendants (aged 7 - 8). The entrants must have their parents' or guardians' consent and available to join in the carnival on Saturday July 4. Entry forms are available from Wheaton Aston Post Office or Brownie pack leader and the closing date is May 4. The completed forms should be put in the ballot box in the post office.

WESTON PARK:
On Sunday, there will be a one-day workshop led by Jayne Evans of the City of Wolverhampton Collage on digital photography. For further information or to book, call 01952 852104.

CHURCH:
Due to a larger coach being booked for the coach trip to Llandudno on Saturday May 9, there are a few tickets still available.
Call Dave or Barbara Sharratt on 01785 840725 for details or to book.

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

9th April 2009

LIVE MUSIC:
On Friday there will be a live music evening by Lexanna at the Coach and Horses pub.

WESTON PARK:
The granary building at Weston Park is opening tomorrow as a food shop and exhibition gallery.
On Sunday and Monday, the Midlands Festival of Transport will take place at Weston Park, with gates opening at 10am each day.
On Wednesday, a lecture with the theme of My Ancestor was a Gamekeeper: Estate Records and the Family Historian will be given by Joanna Terry, of Staffordshire records office. For further information, call 01902 852100.

PARISH COUNCIL:
In the police report, PC Andy Smith said that an anti-social behaviour officer had been appointed who would highlight any offenders who had caused more than one problem so that appropriate action could be taken. The number of anti-social incidents had reduced over the past month with five asbos being issued A meeting has been called for Tuesday April 14 for representatives of various organisations including the police, Staffordshire County Council, South Staffordshire District Council, the Youth Services, and the South Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership.
The meeting is open to all residents to raise their concerns.
Planning applications were received for comment and they included the proposal to build two houses on the Vaughan Arms site at Lapley and an application to erect a bungalow and detached garage at Meadow View, Stretton Road, Lapley, to which the parish council objected.
A grant of £1,000 was made to the Brewood and District Voluntary Car Scheme; £36 was given to the Ramblers' Association; and £140 to the Wheaton Aston Rainbows.
It was reported that Staffordshire Highways have agreed to kerb Leeke Way and a safety survey of the road on Stretton Road where work has been carried out on the brook has been requested. A new notice board is to be purchased for Stretton.
The footpath at Bellhurst Lane was again discussed, again and it was suggested that the parish council could seek legal advice in order to decide what action to take.
The idea of establishing a twinning association with Wheaton, Illinois, was also discussed.
After hearing a report from the village's best kept village working group, the council decided to install a dog poop bag dispenser at Lapley and at Stretton, and a supply of free bags would be put in the Post Office at Wheaton Aston.
The summer play scheme, which will include three free Sussed sessions and five subsidised trips out, is to be run again by Louise Barton.
'The village hall management committee reported various faults/repairs needed at the hall including rising damp, a big clear-out of old costumes and the new small tables.
The annual parish meeting is on Monday April 27 in the village hall at 7.30pm.
The next parish council meeting is on Thursday May 7 at the same time and venue.

FRITILLARY WALK
The annual village walks around Mottey Meadow's national nature reserve to see Wheaton Aston's rare plant, the snake's head fritillary (the folfalarum) and other spring flowers, are on Saturday April 25 at 2pm and Monday April 27 at 7pm For further details or to book, please contact Caroline Dahn on 0300 060 0583 or email Caroline.Dahn@naturalengland.org.uk.

CHURCH:
Today at 7pm, there will be a Maundy Thursday passover supper in the village hall. Admission is by ticket only and there will be no charge but donations will be appreciated.
On Friday, there will be a Good Friday workshop from at 10am and 12noon at St Mary's.
On Sunday, an Easter bonnet competition is being held at St Mary's with junior and senior categories. There will be prizes for the most original entries, but no live chickens or lambs please.

SERVICES:
Today, Maundy Thursday, there is to be a service at Wheaton Aston Court starting at 2.15pm. On Friday at 7.30pm, there will be holy communion service at St Mary's; on Sunday, 9am holy communion All Saints'; 10.30am holy communion, St Mary's. On Wednesday, there will be a service of healing and wholeness at St Mary's at 7.30pm.