Kings Bromley village news

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Village Hall Refurbishment

Below find cost of the refurbishment work undertaken

To date the cost of the work undertaken to refurbish the village hall is £67,823.00p excluding vat which can be reclaimed. This figure covers the cost of the new kitchen, toilets, including providing a disabled facility, lobby area and storage. Further work on the main hall, including double rear doors to the garden and decorating will cost a further £8,955.42p. The Village Hall Committee will fund work to the main hall floor, decorating to the stairs and new doors to the upper rooms. Any questions on the funding provided should be directed to the Parish Clerk in the first instance.

Buy a brick - final chance

Buy a brick is to raise funds towards the village hall refurbishment

The 'Buy a Brick' campaign will soon be finished and bricks displayed on the side of the Village Hall. Any monies left in the Refurbishment Fund will be spent on further works in the VH, but substantive extra works will be paid for by the Village Hall Committee.

Policing of Weight Restricted Turns on A515

At a meeting of Kings Bromley Parish Council

At a meeting of Kings Bromley Parish Council on Wednesday 10th July there was an agenda item on this issue. We regret that you could not attend but were glad that your representatives PC Amy Sketchley and PCSO Adam McAree could. At that meeting there were representatives of Draycott in the Clay Parish Council, Yoxall Parish Council and YTAG, the Yoxall Traffic Action Group.

The Police representatives reported that they had attended the A515/A513 junction several times and tickets and convictions had been made. When they had attended, the number of HGVs flouting the ban had been quite small. They had also visited companies that they believed were constant offenders. They stated that the photos of offending vehicles sent to them by us and others could not be used to prosecute offenders, which was contrary to what we previously understood. It was made clear that, given pressure on police resources, the junction could only be occasionally manned, and that any help we could provide as to when a police presence would be most effective would be welcomed. We will provide this information by analysing the stream from the webcam sited at the junction.

While we understood that specific instances could not be named, we asked the PC and PCSO to provide us with summary information on the number of times the junction had been policed, the number of tickets issued/convictions made, and the number of haulage companies visited. It was made clear than this was important in order to reassure our parishioners, who see offenders ignoring the turning ban every day, that police action was being taken. We await this information.

In a general open discussion it was made quite clear to the officers that there was a strong feeling amongst parishioners that the turning ban was being flouted regularly and that an increased and better targeted police presence would help. District Councillor Nick Binney, himself an ex-Police Inspector, made the point that the most effective way of treating this problem was by approaching haulage companies directly. This confirms our belief. We have had a very positive reaction from several companies, who have not only committed to instructing their drivers not to flout the turning bans, but in many instances - Wincanton, Shell, Lomas Distribution, Tarmac and Tesco being examples - to avoid using the A515 at all, as they recognise it, especially through Yoxall, to be dangerous to the local inhabitants and environmentally damaging along its whole length. We believe that HGVs from the Fradley Industrial estate now use the A38 route almost exclusively.

We will now stop sending you photos of offending vehicles, but we will collate the information we have to let you know when offending is most prevalent and which companies are involved. We appreciate your cooperation and add, on a positive note, that the HGV traffic on the A515 and A513 has reduced dramatically since the TROs were implemented without, as far as we can tell, any detrimental effect on other routes in the County. This confirms our belief that a total HGV ban on the A515 between Woodend Lane and Stubby Lane is the logical next step. A solution which, I am sure that you would agree, would also be much easier to police.

Allan Howard, Chairman, Kings Bromley Parish Council.

Policing of Weight Restricted Turns on A515

At a meeting of Kings Bromley Parish Council

At a meeting of Kings Bromley Parish Council on Wednesday 10th July there was an agenda item on this issue. We regret that you could not attend but were glad that your representatives PC Amy Sketchley and PCSO Adam McAree could. At that meeting there were representatives of Draycott in the Clay Parish Council, Yoxall Parish Council and YTAG, the Yoxall Traffic Action Group.

The Police representatives reported that they had attended the A515/A513 junction several times and tickets and convictions had been made. When they had attended, the number of HGVs flouting the ban had been quite small. They had also visited companies that they believed were constant offenders. They stated that the photos of offending vehicles sent to them by us and others could not be used to prosecute offenders, which was contrary to what we previously understood. It was made clear that, given pressure on police resources, the junction could only be occasionally manned, and that any help we could provide as to when a police presence would be most effective would be welcomed. We will provide this information by analysing the stream from the webcam sited at the junction.

While we understood that specific instances could not be named, we asked the PC and PCSO to provide us with summary information on the number of times the junction had been policed, the number of tickets issued/convictions made, and the number of haulage companies visited. It was made clear than this was important in order to reassure our parishioners, who see offenders ignoring the turning ban every day, that police action was being taken. We await this information.

In a general open discussion it was made quite clear to the officers that there was a strong feeling amongst parishioners that the turning ban was being flouted regularly and that an increased and better targeted police presence would help. District Councillor Nick Binney, himself an ex-Police Inspector, made the point that the most effective way of treating this problem was by approaching haulage companies directly. This confirms our belief. We have had a very positive reaction from several companies, who have not only committed to instructing their drivers not to flout the turning bans, but in many instances - Wincanton, Shell, Lomas Distribution, Tarmac and Tesco being examples - to avoid using the A515 at all, as they recognise it, especially through Yoxall, to be dangerous to the local inhabitants and environmentally damaging along its whole length. We believe that HGVs from the Fradley Industrial estate now use the A38 route almost exclusively.

We will now stop sending you photos of offending vehicles, but we will collate the information we have to let you know when offending is most prevalent and which companies are involved. We appreciate your cooperation and add, on a positive note, that the HGV traffic on the A515 and A513 has reduced dramatically since the TROs were implemented without, as far as we can tell, any detrimental effect on other routes in the County. This confirms our belief that a total HGV ban on the A515 between Woodend Lane and Stubby Lane is the logical next step. A solution which, I am sure that you would agree, would also be much easier to police.

Allan Howard, Chairman, Kings Bromley Parish Council.

HS2 Bill - Parliamentary Progress

High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) Bill - Up-date

Just to keep you all up-to-date, the HS2 Bill cleared all its stages in the House of Commons on 15th July with a substantial majority. It passed its First Reading in the House of Lords on 16th July.

If anybody wishes to Petition against aspects of this Bill to the House of Lords, the Petitioning Period is from 17th July
to 18th August.

Although we have received proposals from HS2 regarding finding an alternative to Common Lane traffic being forced to go past
Richard Crosse School following our Appeal to the House of Commons Select Committee, the issue has still not been satisfactorily resolved. Therefore, the Parish Council is in constant contact with Staffordshire County Council, HS2 and the landowners directly affected to monitor what is happening.

The Parish Council HS2 Sub-Group will be considering these developments and will communicate any further actions.
If any Kings Bromley resident wishes to discuss any issues relating to this, please let me know by e-mailing me on charleswcole13@aol.com.

Charles Cole

Village news from Helen Price - 18th July 2019

As sent to The Mercury

Kings Bromley WI

On Thursday evening in the newly refurbished village hall, Kings Bromley WI held their ‘Swishing Evening’. By way of explanation, members were asked to bring two quality, clean garments and exchange them for two others, and if there was anything else they liked the look of, the item price was just £2.

The evening went well. The ladies were very impressed with the refurbished hall, using the toilets as changing rooms. The kitchen works very well for teas and coffees, which came out on time. What more could the ladies want? The WI members are very grateful for all the hard work the village hall committee and everyone else involved has done.

The meeting opened with the singing of Jerusalem, minutes and any other business was completed, then the ‘Swishing’ began. It was manic, never have so many ladies, swished around so many clothes. It was great to watch. When it all died down, most of the clothes had gone and the rest were donated, indirectly, to the village hall fund.

Ladies were reminded that the WI stand at the Kings Bromley Show on the 13th needs help and cakes to sell – here’s hoping we have good weather this year.

The next event will be our ‘Kings Bromley Bake Off’. Everyone can be involved. It will be on Saturday 10th August, from 2-4pm. Cakes for entry in the competition should be brought along for 1pm – any sort of cake will be welcome. We shall be serving afternoon tea, cake, scones, tea and coffee all for £2.50. Visitors will also get to taste each cake entered and judge them – it is up to the public to decide the winners. First prize will be £25, second £15.00 and third prize £10. A trophy will also be awarded. There will be a number of author-signed cooker books too.

Everyone is welcome to come along – where else can you get afternoon tea for £2.50? For a donation of £2 why not have a glass of prosecco?

Gardening Guild

At the June meeting, Members were able to appreciate the newly refurbished Village Hall and the Chair, Allan Howard, talked about the opening of the Hall the previous Saturday, as part of the Open Gardens weekend. Unfortunately, the weather was a little wet over the weekend, but a number of people enjoyed walking round the nine open gardens.
The speaker at the meeting was Kevin Reynolds, talking about 'Garden Birds' from a historical viewpoint and explaining how our attitudes to birds have changed over the centuries. Five hundred years ago most people did not have gardens and birds were seen as a source of food or as a pest which ate the farmers' crops. In the 19th century the SPCA (later RSPCA) was formed and children were encouraged to be kind to animals; the RSPB was set up by three women to discourage people from shooting birds, collecting eggs and particularly from using birds' feathers in hats. The Victorians were keen on feeding birds in their garden, but attitudes changed during the two World Wars when birds were seen as the enemy, eating food needed for the local population.
However, after the Second World War, people took up gardening for pleasure, more houses now had kitchens overlooking the garden and the first book on 'Garden Birds' was published in 1945. Bird tables, bird baths and feeders were installed in gardens, and a bird-feeding industry started to get established. Kevin finished a fascinating talk by looking at the recent bird 'invaders', such as the collared dove and the ring-necked parakeet, and wondered about the effects of pollution, climate change, decline of insects and the prevalence of cats on 'our feathered friends'.
The meeting on 15th July will be an evening visit to Paul Shum's garden in Yoxall.

Village news from Helen Price - 4th July 2019

As sent to The Mercury

Kings Bromley Centenary Show, Saturday 13th July

For our centenary year we have lots of new features as well as old favourites. All afternoon there will be a live music stage featuring local bands, kicked off by the Kings Bromley Harmony choir. In the main arena we welcome a spectacular trapeze display providing a variety of aerial performances by the Above and Beyond Trapeze Troupe. Mighty Smith will be demonstrating his impressive feats of strength in a strong man show and the H&M Dog Display team will perform various sequences to entertain the crowds.

There will be the usual favourites in the form of equestrian events, farm animals, vintage car display, trade and craft stalls, all day refreshments and much, much more. For further information, please see our website at www.kingsbromleyshow.co.uk or ring Kirsten Harber on 01543 472120.

Any offers of help setting up during the week or on the day, would be very welcome – again, please contact Kirsten on the above number.

Kings Bromley Bowling Club Fish n Chip Supper, Friday 5th July

Come and join us for a fish and chip supper followed by “healthy sweets” and/or cheese and biscuits. Tickets will be £7 per head. Weather permitting, the green will be open and if you feel so inclined, you will be able to join in social bowling from 6.00 pm.
If you intend to come, please pass your name together with appropriate payment to Anne Ashcroft, Margaret Smith or any Committee member by Thursday 4th July.

Village news from Helen Price - 27th June 2019

As sent to The Mercury

Kings Bromley Open Gardens

The re-opening of the newly decorated Village Hall was celebrated with a stirring performance by the Kings Bromley Harmony choir and later there was also a Jazz Band performance. 9 gardens, including a new one at the Royal Oak, welcomed 223 visitors despite inclement weather.
An amazing total of £2100 was raised and will be split between the church restoration fund and the Village Hall restoration.

Kings Bromley WI

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Women's Institute in Kings Bromley. The ladies enjoyed a celebration in the conservatory at Curborough with a lovely meal and welcome bubbles to enjoy. The room was beautifully decorated in our traditional pink and mauve and looked splendid.
The committee made some prettily decorated baskets with raffle prizes of champagne and chocolates and a lot of other goodies to be won. There was an opportunity to win the table floral decorations.
The ladies and guests from other local WIs enjoyed fabulous entertainment from Kate’s Party. This duo of Larry and singer Kate, sang some old favourites from Doris Day and the Everly Brothers. Larry played the guitar and did a few Shadows numbers. They entertained us with a quiz on television theme tunes and Kate told some very funny jokes and humorous stories.
The next meeting will be held in the Village Hall on 4th July when we will be holding a Swishing Evening, with a clothes exchange and this is open to all ladies in the village. Please bring 2 or 3 items of new, or good as new, clothing, bags, scarves, shoes and jewellery on hangers and you can exchange these for something else. If you see more than you bring than you can purchase these for a £2 donation.
We shall be collecting donations for the Village show raffle hampers, please bring these along to the meeting too.

Wednesday Club.

The Chair welcomed everyone and thanked Gillian for once again allowing us to hold our meeting at the Royal Oak. She then introduced our speaker Jonathan Nason. A keen photographer from the age of 11, Jonathan was to take us on “A French Mystery Tour” as seen through the eye of the camera.
The tour began on the Normandy/Brittany ferry from Portsmouth. Appropriately, on the eve of the 75th anniversary of D Day, one of the first photographs was of the beach at Arromanches-les-Bains (Gold Beach) and the remains of the Mulberry Harbour there. Jonathan’s tour then took us on to Le Mans and the Le Mans Classic a biennial vintage sports car event. We then followed part of the Lawrence of Arabia cycle route. As a student T.E. Lawrence had spent the summer touring France by bicycle pursuing his interest in Medieval history. One of the places visited by T. E. Lawrence and the next stop on our mystery tour

Suspicious activity and drug use in the village

Reports have been received from the police.

At the last parish council meeting PSCO Tracy Horton reported that there have been instances of youths gathering at some locations and possible taking drugs. Resident are asked to report any suspicious activity directly to the police by calling 101.

Kings Bromley Book Club

The old BT red Phone Box

The Village Phone Box which was bought from BT by the Parish Council has been converted into a small Book Exchange by the Kings Bromley Book Club and is now open. This has helped us to keep the iconic box in the village when so many are being either destroyed or sold for profit. The idea is to take a book and if you wish replace it with a book that you have enjoyed. The Exchange contains books for all ages and is totally free. The Book Club would like to thank Jack Amberton, Rob Braycotton and Phil Brown for their generous help in converting the box to its new use.

Village news from Helen Price - 4th April 2019

As sent to The Mercury

Jumble Sale, Saturday 6th April

The jumble sale will be held at the Village Hall at 2.00 p.m. on Saturday 6th April. Any clothes, small bric-a-brac and books in good condition would be very welcome. Please bring offerings to the hall on the Saturday morning between 10.00 and 11.30 am or ring Peter Gee on 472157 to arrange transport. Offers to help sort and sell the goods would be most welcome; again, please contact Peter Gee.

Spring Fete, Saturday 13th April 2019

Kings Bromley Care Home hold their Spring Fete on Saturday 13th April from 3.00 – 5.00 pm. Amongst the attractions will be a tombola, craft stalls, raffle and BBQ. Sounds Familiar provide entertainment.

Entrance is free: do come along and support this local event to raise much-needed funds for activities within our local nursing home. Anybody wishing to volunteer their time and help at the Home, e.g. with activities such as knitting etc. or our garden project, would be warmly welcomed. Please ring Emma on 01283 576145 for further information.

Mobile Library

With effect from April the Mobile Library service is changing its dates and times in Kings Bromley. Starting from Friday 12th April the library van will be calling fortnightly on a Friday from 10.00 am until 11.00 am. It will still be sited in Lanes Close opposite the Richard Crosse School.