Church Services in April
7th
9.00 Holy Communion BCP Burton Dassett
10.30 Holy Communion Gaydon
10.30 Morning Prayer Fenny Compton
6.00pm Evensong Farnborough
14th
9.00 Holy Communion BCP Farnborough
9.00 Holy Communion Gaydon
10.30 Holy Communion Fenny Compton
10.30 Communion by extension, Northend
6.00pm Evening Service Burton Dassett
21st
9.00 Holy Communion Farnborough
9.00 Holy Communion BCP Gaydon
10.30 Family Service Fenny Compton
10.30 Holy Communion Northend
6.00pm Songs of Praise Northend
28th
9.00 Holy Communion Fenny Compton
10.30 Holy Communion Farnborough
10.30 Prayer and Praise Gaydon
10.30 Morning Prayer Northend
As you are all aware, Jonathan Crowe resigned as Chairman and Councillor earlier this year. Jonathan gave a considerable amount of his time to the community and is already being sorely missed. The Parish Council would like to thank him for the help and support that he has given over the years. Annette Conway has agreed to join the Parish Council and she was co-opted at the March meeting.
We have learnt that there will not be a public consultation in respect of these plans. The initial information that was provided to the Parish Council was incorrect.
Councillors have met with the County Highways Design Team to look at the draft plans. The plans are available on the Gaydon website on the home page under the link for maps.
One of the concerns expressed by the councillors present, was regarding the loss of pedestrian/horse/cyclist access from Gaydon to Bishops Itchington. The Highways team are planning to turn the M40 bridge crossing into a dual carriageway and our understanding is that there is insufficient space for pedestrian access. They have also expressed safety concerns regarding pedestrian access on a dual carriageway. However, they have agreed to look into this issue. We have arranged for a Gaydon Information Session to take place on Monday, 8th April, between 6.30pm and 7.30pm in the Village Hall. A full set of plans will be available and officers from County Highways will be there to note any concerns and answer questions. If you do have any issues following this session can you please email the Parish Clerk or talk to a Parish Councillor as we will be discussing this topic at the May meeting.
The company that is developing the Gaydon Inn pub and the car park attended our March meeting. They explained that they are planning to turn the pub into a residential property and build three other houses on the site.
The Parish Council has not been notified by the District Council of any planning applications in respect of this proposal and when we are, we will advertise this on the notice board.
We have also been contacted by residents who have received an anonymous leaflet regarding development of the Gaydon Inn field. The Parish Council has no idea where this information has come from or who has sent it. Our advice is to wait and see if a planning application is submitted. We have not been approached regarding development on the field.
We are hoping that Stratford District Council will adopt the Parish Plan at a meeting in April.
The cemetery gates have been shot-blasted, painted and rehung. Thanks to Cllr. Rickman and his team of helpers.
One of the litter bins by the telephone box has been moved to the
play area.
We would like to remind residents that the Parish Council follows the same code as the County and District Councils: they do not investigate anonymous complaints. Anyone wishing to bring any issue to the attention of the Parish Council can do so at the public meetings, by email or letter to the Clerk or by talking to a councillor or the clerk.
A tree surgeon has re-examined this tree and said that because of the condition of the tree and the close proximity to the bus shelter, road, power cables and properties it should be either considerably reduced in height or felled.
Councillors decided that if they reduced the tree only a trunk would be left and this would be unsightly on a Village Green. Therefore, it was agreed reluctantly that the tree should be felled, as soon as possible, because of safety issues. A local tree surgeon has been instructed to carry out this work and we understand that it will probably take place either the 1st or 2nd week of April. Once Western Power have confirmed a date for the power to be shut off, the Parish Council will place a notice on the noticeboard and on the website. Nearby residents should receive letters from Western Power.
A Parish Councillor has expressed concern at this decision and so we have written to the District Council explaining that the tree is considered 'historic' because it was planted for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, and asking if they would consider placing a Tree Preservation Order on it. We have expressed the need for an urgent reply and we are sure that if they believe that the tree should be protected, they will contact us quickly in order to prevent the tree from being felled.
The Parish Council has agreed that the wood from the tree should be given to any residents who would like some. Exact details are still to be finalised but a notice will be placed on the noticeboard.
Next Meeting will be on Tuesday, 7th May, at 8pm.
23rd April for Shakespeare and St George
Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;
Or close the wall up with our English dead.
In peace there's nothing so becomes a man
As modest stillness and humility...
I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,
Straining upon the start. The game's afoot:
Follow your spirit, and upon this charge
Cry God for Harry, England, and St George!
Henry V Act III (1598)
Seasonal Recipe Monastery Soup Ingredients 2 large potatoes 2 large carrots 200g Savoy cabbage 1 large onion 1 leek 2 cloves garlic 2tbs olive oil 1litre vegetable stock or water 1 tbs chopped fresh herbs e.g. parsley
I've spent the past few weeks in China but gather that the cold spell has continued its icy grip here, although March heralds the Spring Equinox in a few days.
The Snowdrops in Chadshunt are a great show and those transferred from there to our own churchyard are increasing in number too. A few catkins on the Hazel trees are a hopeful sign!
China is a most interesting place.
It has experienced rapid industrialisation and a cultural Revolution which have taken their toll on the environment; but there is now a great interest in restoring native species, recycling and altermative energy.
The Sparrows that were exterminated on Mao's orders have returned to Bejing. Exotic Doves, Babblers and Laughing Thrushes are a common sight, whilst the two species of Magpie (one is the familiar Eurasian species) are by far the most frequently seen birds, nesting in almost every tree.
On the subject of Trees, these were one of the few species that were untouched by the Red guards. Venerable Baobabs, Figs, Elms and Pines, often centuries old, are lovingly preserved and often covered in rope or hessian to protect them from frosts; or bound with iron bands to prevent their splitting. Around them, many old traditional buildings are being restored regardless of cost. The error of destroying ones own heritage is now realised only too well. Our own centenarian Horse Chestnut Tree is now under threat from the H and S brigade! I notice that in Bejing artists even paint rather tasteful pictures of wildlife to cover unsightly stumps: perhaps we may be able to do the same if the tree is saved.
"Woodman, Woodman, spare that tree!" It is such a pleasure to see the "Sticky buds" and candelabra blossom in Spring, the spiky conkers and colours of the leaves in autumn; irreplaceable once gone! Wood of such dense grain it will never split or fall and a life expectancy of 300 years. In spite of the cold, Rooks are already nest building and one of my hens has gone "broody". Let's hope the warmer weather comes soon! Bernard Price