September 2024
Tribute to Cecil Sandford
There was a strong turnout from Shipstonians, the motorcycling community and the media to see the installation of a commemorative plaque for twice-world champion Cecil Sandford in September.
Cecil was winner of two World Championships and two Isle of Man TT races between 1952 and 1957. The plaque was unveiled by Mayor John Dinnie next to Harry’s Barbers, the site of the garage where Cecil worked as a car salesman after retiring from racing at 30.
Cecil’s wife and sons were among the 50 people who gathered for the ceremony. Family and friends appreciated the efforts of Councillor Chris Howarth and the Town Council’s Heritage and Leisure working group to create this commemoration to Cecil.
Community Grant Awards
Shipston Town Council is inviting grant applications for the 2025/26 financial year.
Grants are made to support a wide range of community initiatives across the town, delivered by voluntary groups and charities.
The scheme is open to any voluntary group or charity based in Shipston, or those who actively work in the town.
Applications must be made for specific projects, for example, the purchase of equipment or to support a planned event.
Grants typically range from £250 - £2,000.
Larger sums may be awarded for certain causes.
The closing date for applications is 31st October 2024
Application packs are available from:
New Clark House, West Street, Shipston on Stour, Warwickshire, CV36 4HD
enquiries@shipstontowncouncil.org
01608 662180
Shipston Food Festival
The second year of Shipston’s Food Festival was a resounding success. Run by the Stour Valley Lions, all profits from the event go towards local good causes. This year the event raised over £5,000, all of which will be donated to support the surrounding area.
Opened by Mayor John Dinnie and our Town Crier, Marion Lowe, trading was brisk from the time of opening with the town centre full of stalls selling quality food and drink for the thousands of visitors who attended across the day. The weather held fair and there was a real buzz about town with a local musician adding to the atmosphere. The goods on sale were so popular that several stalls sold out before the end of the day.
Visitors took part in games run by the Lions who also sold 3,000 tickets in the best raffle yet. The amazing prizes were kindly donated by local residents and businesses including Max Warner, The George Townhouse, Pinnock’s Distillery and Tesco. The lucky winners are off to enjoy a glider flight, a supercar experience and a family day at the Cotswold Wildlife Park.
“The Food Festival couldn’t have happened without help and the Lions would like to thank Shipston Town Council for their grant which helped us to get started on the planning process back in the depths of winter,” said Lions’ treasurer Sue Bains. “We want to offer special thanks to those who donated prizes, to all local businesses who opened up on the day and made the event even better and finally to the people of Shipston who flocked to the town centre to support the event!” Photographs of the event are available at (www.shipstonfoodfestival.org/gallery). Next year’s Food Festival will be on Sunday 14th September 2025 – a date for your diary!
Meadow up for award
Cornmill Meadows has been shortlisted as a ‘Best Green Business’ project in the Stratford Herald Business and Tourism Award.
Winners will be announced on 18 October at a black tie event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford.
The others in the category include the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and the Shakespeare Distillery.
Meet your new councillor – Jerry Corless
Jerry has been resident in the area since 1968 and is an engineer and businessman and is keen to play a part in the council.
He says he would like to contribute to any aspect of the council’s work where his skills would be useful.
Jerry is married with two adult daughters and four grandchildren. His wife is local and went to Shipston High School.
He says: ‘In my spare time I make model engines with little success and I enjoy cooking.’
Get ready for Shipston Bookfest!
The first Shipston Bookfest is nearly here!
Shipston Bookfest is a community-run festival celebrating books and the joys of reading. Taking place between 21st and 29th September 2024 in venues across Shipston-on-Stour, there are events covering crime and psychological thrillers to gardening and rom-coms - there is something for everyone.
Check out the programme to discover more events and visit the website to book tickets.
Pre School is Outstanding
Shipston Pre School has been awarded an Outstanding in its most recent Ofsted inspection. The report, published in June, gave them top marks for the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership.
‘We are all really proud that the hard work we have put in has been recognised and celebrated,’ says manager Charlotte Langford.
A parent added their own praise: ‘We can see through the children’s joy every day that it’s not just a job to the team! They have created a space for all the children (and their families) to feel totally safe and loved.’
The Pre School has also recently achieved a Gold WincKs award from the Warwickshire Inclusion Kitemarking Scheme, which recognises the need for flexible inclusive early years provision in Warwickshire, supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The WIncKS award recognises and celebrates those settings who go even further.