Shipston Town Council is now back to full capacity following the election on 12 December 2013. The two successful candidates joining the council are Sheelagh Saunders and Martin Ferrier.

In what was the first contested town council election for some years, three candidates, Dan Scobie, Martin Ferrier and Shelagh Saunders campaigned to win votes ahead of the poll. With just two votes separating Martin Ferrier and Dan Scobie, it was a close-run contest in which just under 20% of the electorate voted.

Sheelagh Saunders is Shipston born and bred and has lived in the district most of her life. Sheelagh runs the Black Horse Inn, Horseshoe Inn and The George in Lower Brailes. On her election, Sheelagh said, “I am very much looking forward to representing the residents of Shipston and looking after the interests of our very special little town.

Martin Ferrier retired to Shipston with his wife in 2011. An experienced IT consultant, Martin is also a keen geneaologist. Commenting on his new role, Martin said, “my aim as councillor will be to work for sustainable growth in Shipston.” The new councillors will attend their first full council meeting on Monday 13 January 2014 where they will get an insight into the work ahead.

Mayor, Ronnie Murphy, said "On behalf of councillors and staff at Shipston Town Council, I would like to welcome both Martin and Sheelagh to our team. I am confident they will bring more ideas and enthusiasm to the table and will help ensure the views of residents across the town are heard. “It is great news for Shipston that we are back to full strength on the council and I look forward to us all developing a productive working relationship going forward," she added.

Shipston Town Council has voted to freeze its precept for 2014-15 at £206,000, the same level set for the current financial year. This is likely to represent a modest saving for residents as the number of households paying council tax in the town has increased.

Thanks to careful financial management and planning, the town council has been able to make some savings, allowing it to continue to support local community groups and activities. Mayor, Ronnie Murphy, said, "I’m delighted we have been able to avoid a rise in our precept while still being able to deliver a high standard of local services and providing community groups with the support they need."

Shipston's Neighbourhood Plan team will be encouraging residents to 'make a Christmas wish for Shipston' at the Victorian Evening as part of a campaign to raise awareness of and encourage involvement in the Neighbourhood Plan.

At the Neighbourhood Plan stall at the Shipston Rotary Victorian Evening on 6th December, residents will be invited to post their Christmas wishes for Shipston in a special Neighbourhood Plan postbox, while getting up to speed on the themes that have emerged from public consultation to date. To help incentivise a steady flow of ideas, the team will be selling homemade mulled wine and mince pies in aid of Rotary charities.

In keeping with the Victorian theme, the Neighbourhood Plan team has put together a display charting some of Shipston's history and how the town might develop as themes for the plan emerge. As well as viewing the display at the Victorian Evening, the banners will be on show throughout the festive period in the window of the former Sandra's dress shop.

Town councillor and Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee member, Ian Cooper, said "we are grateful for the feedback the public has given so far to help inform the plan but there is plenty of scope for more input. Our window display and stall at the Victorian evening are designed to remind people that the plan is progressing and encourage further involvement so while you munch on a mince pie, don't forget to make your Christmas wish for Shipston too."

Shipston's Victorian Evening is open from 6pm to 8pm in the town centre. The Neighbourhood Plan stall will be positioned outside the former Sandra's shop - please pop by and say hello.

On the 12th December, Shipston residents will have the opportunity to vote for two new town councillors in a local election. This follows the resignation of councillors Mark Wildish and Adrian Jelf, both of whom have had to step down due to family commitments.

Shipston Town Council plays an important role in managing local issues and has a busy workload from giving views on strategic projects and large  scale planning applications, to town cleaning and maintenance.

The council is made up of 13 councillors and having every seat filled helps to ensure there is a good cross section of views to represent residents.

Mayor, Ronnie Murphy, said "We are very sad to lose both Adrian and Mark and would like to thank them for their hard work  and  enthusiasm  during  their  time  as  councillors.  I sincerely hope there will be a lot of interest from local residents and that the council will soon be back to full strength".

Stratford District Council must receive nominations by 15th November. To put your name forward, please contact the Town Clerk on 01608 662180 for full details and eligibility.

Despite significant efforts by residents, councillors and businesses to persuade HSBC to reconsider its decision to close, the High Street bank will cease operating in Shipston from 15th November.

Since the announcement of the planned closure, a number of individuals and organisations have worked hard to try and persuade HSBC to stay open, recognising the important role the bank plays in servicing residents and businesses from Shipston and surrounding areas.

Former Mayor and HSBC customer, Brenda Broughton, has invested considerable time and effort in writing to the bank and encouraging others to do the same. Copies of some of her letters can be viewed at below.

Mayor, Ronnie Murphy, said "I am extremely disappointed that HSBC is going ahead with this closure despite strong evidence of the need for the branch in Shipston. I would like to thank everyone who has supported efforts to try and keep the branch open, particularly Brenda Broughton."

Letter from Brenda Broughton to HSBC:

Brendan Cook                                                                                  

Retail Banking and Wealth Management                               

HSBC Bank plc                                                                                 

8 Canada Square                                                                            

London

E14 5HQ

September 24^th 2013 

Dear Mr Cook

Re your comments in The Mail on Sunday September 22^nd where you are quoted as saying  “Our branches are an important way for our customers to bank with us”. I am delighted to hear this as our branch in Shipston on Stour is one you propose to close in early November.

May I point out that this branch serves 32 villages,  listed separately ,all within a radius of approximately 6 miles as well as the town of Shipston. 

The County has long considered Shipston on Stour as a service centre for this area.  They sponsored a Link bus to bring people from the villages into Shipston.  It is so successful that this now runs without a subsidy.  In addition the  Co-op store found it viable to sponsor an additional Saturday service.

If you check the attached list you will see many of your customers who use your online services live in these areas.  However, their nearest access to cash is Shipston. 

One ATM at the Shipston branch proved inadequate.  A second was installed and I understand that each machine supplies at least £200K cash per week. These ATMs are the first point of call when shoppers and visitors come to the Incidently, last Bank Holiday both HSBC’s ATMs were out of service causing huge problems.

Internet banking has obviously caused a reduction in footfall.  Nevertheless customers still require counter service, particularly businesses. 

In conclusion why has Shipston been chosen?.  An expanding town, in the middle of a thriving rural area, with housing applications already granted for 300 further houses and your current television commercial  is promoting mortgages.  There is space here for the Branch to grow its business.  Could we become a Sub Office to Stratford  upon

Avon with counter and cash service only?.

Yours sincerely Please reconsider your decision, not out of sentiment but on a purely commercial basis.

Brenda M Broughton

HSBC Pensioner, Shareholder and Ex-Mayor of Shipston on Stour

Copies to J M Flint, Chief Executive Retail Banking and Wealth Management

Mike Tate, Retail Branch Manager, Stratford upon Avon

News that the Shipston branch of the HSBC is set to close in November has been met with anger by Shipston councillors, residents and businesses. One of only five closures announced across the UK, the closure will lead to the loss of two cashpoints in the town, with only one bank still providing a counter service.

The news comes at a time when Shipston’s High Street is showing signs of growth and new homes in the town are on the increase.

Individual district, county and town councillors, as well as Stour United Businesses, have written to the decision- makers at HSBC demanding a rethink. In addition, Shipston Town Council has formally written to the bank and has raised the matter with the local MP.

Mayor, Ronnie Murphy, said, "we are all appalled at HSBC’s decision to close Shipston’s  busy  and  much-needed branch. There has been no consultation with customers or councillors and the implications will be significant both for Shipston and surrounding villages. Businesses are particularly reliant on branch banking but are now expected to travel to Stratford or Moreton to manage their accounts."

Former Mayor and bank customer, Brenda Broughton, is calling on all residents to write to HSBC, a plea echoed by Shipston Town Council. "We have already received a number of complaints about this closure and I sincerely hope, with the support of local residents and businesses, that we can persuade HSBC to rethink its plans," Councillor Murphy added.

Final preparations are underway for Shipston’s first Food Festival, taking place in the town centre on the 29th September.

Organised by a small group of local foodies and supported by local businesses, the festival is designed to be a truly interactive celebration of local and artisan food. Cookery demonstrations will be held throughout the day by Francis Green, The Cotswold Traiteur, while special children’s workshops will be encouraging the youngsters to get stuck in.

Keen local amateur chefs will have the chance to show off what they can do by entering a dish into one of the competitions being judged on the day, while local producers will also be in with a chance to win an award.

With almost all the stalls reserved by the beginning of August, a hog roast confirmed, plus wine tasting and a beer tent booked, the town centre promises to be a sumptuous showcase of gastronomic delights to tempt all taste buds.

Deputy Mayor, Philip Vial, one of the organisers of the event, said "this event started as a bit of a personal passion shared among a small group of foodies and has grown into a really exciting, full-day event. We are thrilled with the amount of interest we’ve received and feel very confident everyone attending will have a fantastic day out. The best advice I can give is arrive hungry – you won’t be disappointed!"

The event runs from 10am to 4pm in the High Street, with competition entries invited from 9am to 10am. To vote for your favourite local producer (within 30 miles of Shipston), please email dan@shipstonfoodfestival.co.uk. For all the latest news on the event, follow @ShipstonFood on Twitter, visit www.shipstonfoodfestival.co.uk or like the event’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/shipstonfood

A message from the Medical Centre, you can contact them on 01608 661845:

Seasonal Immunisations

Flu is a highly infectious disease which is different from having a cold.  The symptoms of flu come on suddenly and include fever, headache, extreme tiredness and an aching body. A dry cough, sore throat and stuffy nose are other common symptoms of the infection.

Flu occurs most often in the winter months and usually peaks between December and March.  The national vaccination programme is particularly aimed at those individuals who have a higher risk of serious complications of flu, such as older people, aged 65 and over and people with serious medical conditions, such as

• Chronic respiratory disease
• Chronic heart disease
• Chronic renal disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment

 Last year we vaccinated nearly 3000 people in a six week period, and this year we plan to do the same.  If you are eligible for a flu vaccination we will write to you inviting you to one of our flu vaccination clinics, which at the point of writing were scheduled for:

• Saturday 28^th September 9am until 11:30am
• Friday 4^th October  2.15pm until 4.45pm
• Saturday 5^th October  9am until 11:30am
• Thursday 10^th October 4:45pm until 6:45pm

 Due to the number of patients requiring the vaccine the vaccination programme is carefully planned, and we therefore ask you to attend one of the clinics to which you are invited.  Due to available capacity and the need to continue to provide a full primary care nursing service throughout the period we will not make individual appointments for flu vaccination for anyone aged 17 or over, so please attend one of the clinics.

 Shingles

This year, there is a national vaccination programme to vaccinate those aged 70 against Shingles and also this year there is also a ‘catch up’ campaign to vaccinate those aged 79 (born between 02/09/33 and 01/09/34).   If you are going to be eligible for this vaccination we will write to you individually to advise you how you can receive the vaccination should you wish to have it.  

The launch of Warwickshire County Council's Councillor Grant Fund takes place today, Monday 22 July. The scheme is administered locally by the County Council's Stratford Area Office.

The Councillors Grant Fund is designed to help communities to help address issues of local concern to them. It is primarily aimed at community and voluntary organisations and provides grants of £5,000 per councillor (ideally up to 4 projects per councillor in order to keep administration costs to a minimum, but there is flexibility in this if there is a significant demand for more projects to be funded) for small scale projects that meet community needs within the district of Stratford-on-Avon. Bids should be supported by the councillor for the electoral division in which the project is based.

Town and parish councils are also eligible to apply to the fund for a community project, but this will be at the discretion of the councillor and will vary according to the preference of the councillor.

Full details about the fund are set out in the application form and guidance notes, which can be downloaded from the VASA website:

http://www.vasa.org.uk/news/article/warwickshire-county-council-councillors-grant-fund-2013-14/

If you require hard copies of the application form then please contact Amanda Wilson-Patterson or Anita Kendall using the contact details below.

The deadline for the return of completed applications to the Area Office is Friday 11 October (5pm). They will then be evaluated and recommendations made to the relevant councillor.

A funding workshop for all prospective applicants to the fund will take place on Tuesday 17 September, 11 am at Stratford District Council Offices, the aim of which will be to provide support and guidance to community and voluntary organisations (including town and parish councils) on the eligibility of their project for the fund, along with signposting to other suitable sources of funding.

If you require any further information please contact Amanda Wilson Patterson by email amandawilsonpatterson@warwickshire.gov.uk or telephone 07780 995817. Alternatively please telephone Anita Kendall on 01926 456102.

There have been a number of recent changes to the rules surrounding planning applications. This may be the dullest posting we've ever made, but it's worth a read if you're interested in local planning rules:

1          CHANGE OF USE

From 30 May owners of underutilised properties will have more opportunity to secure tenants whilst those looking to dispose of their interests may have access to a wider market of prospective purchasers.   After this date the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2013 will permit the change of use of class B1(a) offices to class C3 residential dwellings.  There will be no need to obtain express planning permission for this change of use. 

Other development set out in the Order which no longer requires planning permission includes the following:- 

changes from a number of commercial uses to either retail, financial and professional services, restaurants and cafes or business use for a period of two years from the date on which the change of use occurs in a move that seeks to encourage the reuse of existing buildings;

change of use of agricultural buildings to uses comprising retail, financial and professional services, restaurants and cafes, business, storage and distribution, hotel and assembly/leisure uses in an effort to boost rural enterprise;

until 30 May 2016, increasing the maximum size threshold for industrial/warehouse building extensions to up to 1,000 sqm or 50% of the gross floorspace of the original building (whichever is the lesser); and

until 30 May 2016, increasing the maximum size threshold for retail, catering, financial and professional services and office building extensions to up to 100 sqm or 50% of the gross floorspace of the original building (whichever is the lesser).  

All of the amendments set out above are subject to certain conditions prescribed in detail. 

2.         HOUSEHOLD EXTENSIONS

As from the 30 May 2013 planning permission is no longer required for single storey rear extensions with length up to 6m (attached houses) or 8m (detached houses) to be erected during the 3 year period from 30/05/2013 to 30/05/2016 on houses that are not in Conservation Areas nor on a site of special scientific interest.

Anyone proposing a 3m-6m or 4m-8m extension will have to notify their local authority before starting works and provide the following information:

“- a) a written description of the proposed development including—

— (i) how far the enlarged part of the dwellinghouse extends beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse;

— (ii) the maximum height of the enlarged part of the dwellinghouse; and

— (iii) the height of the eaves of the enlarged part of the dwellinghouse;

- (b) a plan indicating the site and showing the proposed development;

- (c) the addresses of any adjoining premises;

- (d) the developer’s contact address; and

- (e) the developer’s email address if the developer is content to receive communications electronically.”

The local authority will need to consult only the immediately adjoining premises with a minimum consultation period of 21 days. (Ward Members and Parish/Town Councils are not to be consulted).  The legislation sets out specific requirements as to the information that must be provided by the consultation letter including a description of the length, maximum height, and eaves height of the extension.

Where any owner or occupier of any adjoining premises objects to the proposed development, then “the prior approval of the local planning authority is required as to the impact of the proposed development on the amenity of any adjoining premises”. To assess this impact, the local authority “may require the developer to submit such further information regarding the proposed development as the local planning authority may reasonably require in order to consider the impact of the proposed development on the amenity of any adjoining premises”.  When assessing this impact, the local authority will need to:

“- (a) take into account any representations made as a result of the [consultation process]; and

- (b) consider the amenity of all adjoining premises, not just adjoining premises which are the subject of representations.”

The legislation states that the development shall not be begun before the occurrence of one of the following:

“- (a) the receipt by the developer from the local planning authority of a written notice that their prior approval is not required;

- (b) the receipt by the developer from the local planning authority of a written notice giving their prior approval;

- (c) the expiry of 42 days following the date on which the information [required for the notification] was received by the local planning authority without the local planning authority notifying the developer as to whether prior approval is given or refused.”

The legislation requires that any 3m-6m or 4m-8m extension “shall be completed on or before 30th May 2016″.

Nominations for the Anne Sankey Award for voluntary service by individuals in Shipston are open.  You can download the form here.

Last year's winner was Stuart Eastbury.  The 21-year-old has been a member of the town’s St John Ambulance, a fund-raiser for the Warwickshire and Northampton Air Ambulance, and a co-ordinator for the First Responders in Shipston.

If you know someone who'd be equally desrving of recognition then please fill in the form and drop it off at New Clark House.

Shipston Town Council has been asked to nominate a group or groups for the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service is an annual award made to recognise and reward excellence in voluntary activities carried out by groups in the community.

The award was announced in 2002 as part of celebrations for The Queen's Golden Jubilee, and was first known as The Queen's Golden Jubilee Award.

It is given for outstanding achievement by groups of volunteers who regularly devote their time to helping others in the community, improving the quality of life and opportunity for others and providing an outstanding service.

Who do you think the Town Council should nominate? Let us know - and remember it has to be a group of two or more people.

Shipston Academy Aegon Team Tennis 2013 

The Shipston Mini Red 8's and Under team have had a fantastic 2013 Summer Season. They played 4 matches in total, winning every one in convincing style, making them the outright winners of their league. A big well done to – Chloe Cavanagh, Jamie Smith, Rhys Bennett, Ben Gibson and Matt Steer -the commitment and dedication of the players and their families has been outstanding, together with some excellent tennis.

Everyone worked so hard and showed great teamwork throughout the season, which hugely contributed to their achievement and this deserving result.

Captain - Hannah Moore

The Shipston A 9 and Under Boys Team have also had a great season. They won all five of their group matches to top the Group, beating teams from Warwick Tennis Club, Kenilworth, Henley-in-Arden, Leamington, and Beechwood LTC. A big well done to the whole team – William Noyes, Jack Boden, Bernardo Fernandez, Josh Goodman, and Max Lloyd-Thomas – for putting in some great performances.

For Josh and Max it was their first experience of Orange competition so they did really well to record some good wins and William remained unbeaten throughout. I would also like to thank all of the parents for their support this summer. 

Captain - Vicki Noyes

To find out more information about our Junior Tennis coaching programme, please contact Lucy Stevenson at admin@tennisolutions.co.uk. 

Summer Tennis camps starting 29th July - 30th August. Check out www.shipstontennis.org.uk for course details

Stratford upon Avon and District Citizens Advice Bureau helps people to resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing information and advice, and by influencing policymakers.  We are affiliated to the national organisation Citizens Advice whose aims are:

• To provide the advice people need for the problems they face
• To improve the policies and procedures that affect people’s lives. 

Our service is independent and provides free, confidential, impartial and independent advice and information to everyone in the community regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, religion or age.  In all aspects of its work, the service recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination.

 Shipston Citizens Advice Outreach Service

Stratford Citizens Advice Bureau has run an outreach service in Shipston for a number of years.  This allows Shipston residents who are unable to make it into Stratford upon Avon to get face to face advice in their local town. 

Since July 2012, the Citizens Advice Bureau outreach has been open every Monday morning in the old police station, New Clark House, on West Street.

For those unable to make it to New Clark House, a home visit service is also available.

Since July last year, the service has helped over 120 local residents by answering queries on a wide range of issues, from benefits to debt, housing to family relationships and consumer issues to employment queries.

Sue Green, bureau manager, is keen to encourage people to get help as soon as possible.  She said “Approximately 50% of the people nationally will contact Citizens Advice for help at some point in their lifetime.  The most important advice I can give is not to avoid the things that worry you.  Asking for help isn’t always easy, but when people share their difficulties with us, we are often above to make a real difference and improve the situation.”

The service is available to everyone and is entirely free, confidential and impartial.  If you would like some advice, contact the CAB team on 01789 200136 to book an appointment or a home visit.  For 24 hour tips and advice, log on to www.adviceguide.org.uk.

Case Study

Shipston resident Mavis visited the outreach service for help with her benefits.  She lives in rented accommodation with her son, Bob.

Mavis receives pension credit, but because Bob is self-employed they were receiving almost no help to pay for their rent.

The CAB adviser checked Mavis’ entitlement and established that she should be receiving about £60 per week towards her rent.  The adviser obtained all the necessary proofs of income for Mavis and Bob, and liaised with Stratford District Council (SDC).

Within a few days, SDC confirmed that Mavis was entitled to over £60 per week in housing benefit.

The adviser also discussed Mavis’ disabilities with her, and although she decided not to claim at the moment, she is aware that she might soon be eligible for Attendance Allowance.  She plans to return to the CAB for help with that in the future.

Martha Hayes of Shipston High School is pictured here in rehearsals for an ambitious co-production of a community opera.

Students from the school are among the cast performing with the Orchestra of the Swan for Benjamin Britten’s community opera Noye's Fludde – Noah’s Flood - which forms part of this year’s Shipston Proms starting next week.

There will be three performances of the opera at Townsend Hall, Shipston, on Friday and Saturday 28th and 29th June. The work is part of celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of the composer’s birth.

Also staging the production is Shipston Music Society. Pupils from Shipston Primary School are also taking part, as well as the town’s Amateur Dramatic Society, Shipston Town Council, Shipston Town Band, Cantamus, Community
Arts and individual local musicians.

Information on all the Proms events is on the website http://www.shipstonproms.org/ You can also follow Shipston Proms and Orchestra of the Swan on Facebook and Twitter.

Proms highlights also include Loyd Grossman and his band The New Forbidden at Townsend Hall next Friday, 21st June. Headline act on the Last Night of the Proms on 6th July will be the David Bowie tribute band ‘Ultimate Bowie’ plus the ukulele supergroup, Rinky Dinks.

Shipston Youth Club are running a fun, exciting and challenging activities day at the Youth Club and Shipston High School Playing Fields. Activities include: Skate Park, 6m Climbing Wall, Zorb Walkers, Quad Bikes and Laser Quest. Other items include Dance, drama and Graffiti workshops; model plane and car displays, sports challenges plus barbecue, and refreshments. Please download and display the poster below – don’t miss it!

There will also be a BBQ raising money for DASH - Drugs Action Shipston - with Deputy Mayor Philip Vial trying out his culinary skills.  Go a buy a burger off him for a good cause.

For details: Call Mandy 0n 01608 663415 or email:info@smatrust.org

Jazz, blues, folk, rock and classical performers will be amongst the acts that are due to appear in our two week Shipston Proms music festival 2013.

The Shipston Proms aims to cater for all tastes and this year will be no different with an eclectic mix of artists, both local performers and world renowned talents.

You can find more details on the Proms, including the famed Last Night of the Proms, at the website here.

Speak up for your town! Whatever your likes, dislikes and wishlist for Shipston may be, your views are wanted to help inform Shipston's Neighbourhood Plan.

Head down to Shipston High Street on the 27th May to enjoy the delights of the annual Wool Fair, and while you're there, pop into the Neighbourhood Plan marquee to add your comments to our 'graffitti wall' and find out more about the Neighbourhood Plan.

Don't miss the chance to have your say on the vision for Shipston - and involve the whole family. They'll be a quick quiz for kids to fill in as well as the opportunity to find out how you can take part in the plan's development.

So don't be Sheepish - head down to the Wool Fair and have your say on Shipston's future.

Two charities are £500 better off thanks to the fundraising efforts of Shipston's outgoing Mayor, Fay Ivens.

At her final Town Council meeting as Mayor, Fay was delighted to award two cheques of £500 each to Shipston Youth Club and Shipston First Responders. The funds were raised through a series of stalls, raffles and events led by the mayor.

Fay Ivens said "it gives me great pleasure to award this money to two such important local charities. I would like to thank everyone who has helped organise and support our fundraising efforts over the last twelve months."

A new medical model has been introduced in Shipston on Stour in partnership with local GPs. This has involved increasing the resource in the community to provide more care in the patient’s own home and by reducing the number of beds at Ellen Badger Hospital from 24 to 18 as in-patient demand decreases. There are many benefits for patients receiving care at home which includes: 

Shipston on Stour is a lovely little market town on the edge of the Cotswolds, with roots in the sheep and wool industries.  Indeed, the name ‘Shipston’ derives from the old ‘sheep wash town’, as it was here, in the river Stour, that farmers from the surrounding hills would drive their sheep to be washed for shearing.

In times gone by a Sheep and Wool Fair’ was held every year, but the tradition died out early last century until 2009, when it was revived by the late Mayor elect Angela Noyce.  It was so successful that a group of volunteers aimed to stage the Wool Fair every year, and indeed it is going ahead for it’s fifth consecutive time, this year on Bank Holiday Monday 27th May.

Its purpose is to put people in touch with their heritage in a ‘fun’ and quirky way, fostering inter-generational contact and local enterprise.  The highlight of the fair, as always, is the real life exhibition of sheep including many rare breeds and ‘celebrity’ sheep.  Brought to the fair with long coats, they will leave after being shorn in front of a captive audience, led by shearer Alan Scorer.  This is no mean feat as traditional shearing methods will be demonstrated alongside the more modern electrical cutters.  And of course there will be a heated competition to guess the time taken to shear a sheep!  Amongst the rare breeds will be Portland Sheep from nearby Armscote Manor.  For the first time, this year their fleeces have been spun and a range of double knit Portland Wool and Portland with a dash of Black Welsh Mountain sheep can now be purchased locally.

A ‘Wool Process’ marquee will be showing the evolution of the product from fleece through spinning, weaving, knitting and felting.  The Stratford upon Avon Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers will be on hand with their support and craft demonstrations showing the many applications of wool, and there will be knitting tuition for all ages!  Large screen entertainment will be a new addition this year, showing marvellous sheep dog demonstrations, filmed especially for the Wool fair. 

This year’s event will also offer attendees a chance to see the progress of the Shipston Tapestry, which was last year’s event highlight.  Designed by Ros Lobb of the Stratford Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, the tapestry which will measure almost 5ft in length, has been steadily evolving, under the watchful eye of one of the Guild’s founder members Ann Howells.  The tapestry, which is being woven on a traditional wooden loom, depicts the wonderful landscape which surrounds Shipston, including the famous river Stour where sheep were once brought to be washed, some of Shipston’s prominent buildings from its iconic Georgian Architecture to its much used churches and schools.  The wooden loom was commissioned by Shipston Wool Fair and has been getting good use outside of the event too, most recently at Compton Verney where it was used as part of a larger exhibition and helped with tutorials in the age old art of weaving.  

The Shipston Wool Fair will be celebrating all that Shipston has to offer and is a great chance for visitors and residents alike to have a look around the vibrant independent retailers that Shipston is proud to boast.  From eateries, delicatessens, to ladies fashion boutiques, florists and furniture stores, Shipston has it all.

There will be an abundance of games for children of all ages in the High Street, all manned by volunteers from Shipston Young Farmers.  The day’s entertainment will be showcasing all that the local community has to offer through a musical and dancing line up that is sure to satiate all tastes.   And whilst you’re listening, why not peruse the variety of stalls that will be present in the square which will be selling local crafts, all things woolly, and much more besides.  Hook Norton brewery will be running a promotion as well as bringing along their heavy horses and dray!

The Shipston Wool Fair is a great day out for all the family, with lots to see, do and discover, held in the pretty historic market town of Shipston-on-Stour.  So, join us at 10am on Bank Holiday Monday 27^th May, for the opening ceremony led by Claire Bowry of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and Hook Norton Brewery.  It’s sure to be a fantastic day!

For more information, visit www.shipstonwoolfair.org

Photo’s supplied courtesy of Philip Vial

Transition Shipston is inviting everyone to join in a “Local Lunch” at the Townsend Hall. The "Local Lunch" will showcase some of the great locally produced and available food that is out there, to share skills and recipes, and of course to enjoy a sociable and delicious lunch out.

Visitors to the event will have the opportunity to sample some local produce get involved in some 'mini-making workshops', contribute to our 'Recipe Sharing Wall' for the chance to win a prize, eat some of the wares they have help create, or simply relax and have a bite to eat! Bread, pizzas and soups will be made on the day, using locally produced ingredients as much as possible.

Entry to the event is free and food will be available to buy at £1 per portion in the ‘all-ages-friendly’ eatery.

Don’t forget to bring along your favourite recipe to add to the recipe wall - there will be a prize for the best entry and everyone is encourage to photograph the recipes to then use at home.

For more details, about this hand-on, family-friendly event, visit the Transition Shipston website or call Erry Lilley on 01608 638422

Shipston Sports Club's cricket section are aiming to complete a gruelling mountaineering challenge in July to raise funds for their club and for local charity Shipston Home Nursing.

Five intrepid cricketers must climb Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike all within a 24 hour period to complete their challenge successfully.

They will be hoping for public donations to raise funds and are also selling commemorative wristbands from various outlets around Shipston-on-Stour.

Please give generously to this worthy cause - click here to donate, buy a wristband or dig deep when the climbers come calling with their sponsorship forms!

Shipston Town Councillors are to conduct a thorough assessment of the roads in Shipston after repeated complaints about potholes and blocked drains.

The town has been split into ten segments, with most councillors taking on at least one section. Armed with maps, the councillors will be recording any hazardous potholes that present a danger to road users or which could damage cars or bicycles. The results will be collated by the Town Clerk and fed back to Warwickshire County Council’s Highways Department for urgent action.

Mayor, Fay Ivens, said "although we accept that the recent weather conditions have damaged the road surfaces, the number and severity of potholes and blocked drains around Shipston has got out of hand. Despite repeated efforts to get these problems fixed, progress has been slow. We hope that this thorough assessment will encourage the county council to take the necessary action."Although the audit will focus on potholes, blocked drains and other highways issues will be recorded where possible.

In the meantime, residents are encouraged to continue reporting potholes via the county council website at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/potholes or by calling 01926 412515.

A project that aims to improve broadband across Warwickshire has made improvements in some areas before a penny of the project budget is even spent. CSW Broadband has been gathering information from communities about the broadband challenges that they face and where the local infrastructure, such as communications cabinets, are located. As a result of the information received the project has been able to convince BT to upgrade cabinets at Coton Park in Rugby and at Warwick Gates so that those communities are now able to access superfast broadband. Furthermore, as a result of information received from parishes around the county a further 45,000 properties are now to be included in the commercial broadband roll-out, meaning that the project funds can be utilised to help more communities in harder to reach areas.

Looking ahead, the contract should be awarded in May of this year, and then the work can start on the design of the network. The solution chosen will depend to a large extent on which bidder is successful as they use different technologies, but in any event roll-out should start this year and is due for completion by 2015. CSW Broadband still needs businesses, individuals and community champions to engage with the project. There are areas where the levels of survey returns are quite low. This may be because there is little demand for faster broadband, or it may simply be that everyone is assuming that someone else is taking action. It will be easier to justify investing in those areas that show a high level of demand than in those were there appears to be little requirement.

This has been evidenced by the fact that it is those areas that have been most active in completing the surveys that have now been included in the commercial roll-out. For more information about the project, including maps showing where surveys have been completed and the surveys themselves, please visit http://www.cswbroadband.org.uk/ 

Not long after its installation, the new CAT (Customer Access Terminal) is being put to good use in New Clark House.  You can see in this picture the systems first user, Mr Olsson, who is a Shipston resident and used the system to apply for a parking permit.  

Well, here we are well into 2013 but l must mention the two visits which we made on Christmas Day to the Ellen Badger Hospital and Low Furlong; It was a privilege to meet so many residents and visitors on that special day.

We had a good turnout for the first litter pick of 2013,when we were blessed with a lovely sunny spring like morning.Why not come and join us? We are a very friendly group and meet on the first Saturday of every month at New Clark House at 10am,followed by coffee and biscuits with a chance to chat and make new friends. I would like to once again take this opportunity to thank the huge number of volunteers who do so much for our town.It never fails to amaze me to see just how many people give their time so freely for the benefit of others---not only for special events but also on a regular weekly basis.  Thank you. 

I am looking forward to my next Meet the Mayor visit at Shipston Primary School later this month ---the first ones with Year 5 and 6 were a most enjoyable experience, l was quite delighted to meet the children,we had very interesting discussions about the town where they are growing up and they put forward some very well thought out questions and ideas.

I was delighted to hear that Mr.Sid Peachey has received a letter from Buckingham Palace in recognition of the fact that he has been involved with the building of all four Beacons during H.R.H Her Majesty the Queens Reign.Many,many congratulations Sid [The Gaffer]---such a marvellous achievement---we are very proud of you.

With another of my‘Hats’on = if it snows and you are unable to clear your front path or need any other assistance during periods of bad weather please do not hesitate to get in touch with Georgina or Liz at the town council office on 662180 or myself 662133.

Town and district councillors united in their opposition to Warwickshire County Council’s plans to remove chaperones from buses taking children as young as four to and from school. At the January town council meeting, Shipston’s county councillor, Chris Saint, also admitted he was not in favour of the plans.

Although the number of Shipston children directly affected by these plans is very small, a number of neighbouring parishes may be more seriously affected. Shipston Town Council agreed to write to WCC to express its concerns about this cost saving initiative, which will deliver limited savings and yet, it believes, could have a significant impact on the safety and wellbeing of the children, bus drivers and other road users. Anyone wishing to add their name to a countywide petition against the plans should visit http://bit.ly/11t528M.

AN EERIE video taken from a drone flying over Shipston-on-Stour during the recent snowfall has been put on YouTube. Be mindful of the creepy music!

Dog fouling is not just unpleasant, it can be a health hazard. Shipston Town Council is calling on all dog owners to clean up after their pets as part of its Proud of My Town campaign. It is illegal to allow your dog to foul public ground, be it a road, bridleway, footpath or field. Dog faeces often contains the roundworm toxocara which can cause the serious infection, toxocariasis, in humans.

According to information produced by ENCAMS (now the Keep Britain Tidy campaign), toxocara eggs are not infectious until they embryonate, which is usually two to three weeks after they have been deposited by a dog. It is therefore safer to clean up after a dog immediately, but leaving mess lying around could be hazardous. Keep Britain Tidy states many UK parks are contaminated with toxocara eggs.

If ingested, either because hands haven’t been washed properly or toys or other objects may have come into contact with dog faeces, toxocariasis can develop, sometimes leading to serious symptoms. Shipston Town Council has joined forces with the police and the district council dog warden to tackle the dog fouling issue. An action plan is being developed, which is expected to include awareness raising, reporting and fines. In the meantime, all dog owners are asked to ensure their dogs are wormed frequently and effectively and that any mess is rapidly cleaned up.

Please consult your vet for further advice. Mayor, Fay Ivens, said, "it is always a joy to see people out enjoying walks with their dogs, but there is no excuse for leaving dog mess lying around. I’m particularly shocked that so much dog mess can be found near schools and playgrounds. Please be responsible – clean up after your dog and use one of the many dog bins provided to safely dispose of the mess."

Shipston's largest employer could be closing following an announcement this morning. GE Power & Water have confirmed it is proposing to close Turbine Blading Ltd, an engineering firm in Station Road, which could affect up to 64 members of staff.

The company will now begin a 30-day consultation period with impacted employees before a decision is made whether or not to close the facility. Nicolas Delaby, spokesman for GE Power & Water, said: “This announcement is in no way a reflection of our employees and their hard work, but part of a long term strategy to simplify our business, manage costs and improve the overall competition position of our fulfillement network. “We expect a consultation period for a minimum of 30 days. Subject to the consultation, the business will decide whether or not to close the facility. “If so - in this kind of transitions, GE provides a full range of services and benefits – fully supporting impacted employees.” Since the closure of the Norgren factory in 2008, Turbine Blading was thought of as the town’s largest employer.

Councillor Jeff Kenner, Shipston ward member at Stratford District Council, said: “This is terrible news for the town if the proposed closure is certain. “My thoughts are with the workers and their families at this difficult time.” 

It is all change for Shipston High School as a project to redevelop its site in the town takes shape. Since its adoption of academy status in September, the school has been working with architects on a project divided into five phases. It will include a new six-classroom teaching block and sports hall complex to be built on land at the back of Shipston Leisure Centre.

Jonathan Baker, headteacher, said: “We know from community sports groups we have spoken to that this will be a popular new facility in the Shipston area and one that really will benefit the whole community. “We are holding a public meeting so that we can share our ideas with local organisations and listen to the views of potential users of the new sports hall.” The project has been kick-started by the need for the school to expand in order to cope with existing numbers and projected future growth.

The school currently has capacity for 388 students but has 436 on roll, and has been working with Birmingham-based architects BDP since September. Phase one will include the construction of the teaching block, new toilet facilities, offices and storage space. The school has submitted a bid to the Department for Education, and is awaiting its agreement so that work on phase one – costing £1.4 million – can begin in March. Later phases of the school development include the gradual demolition and replacement of the entire school building, with only a core of the existing site remaining including the school hall, canteen and kitchen. Mr Baker said: “Phase two of the project is particularly exciting as we are looking to build a new four-court sports hall complete with a dance studio and classroom on school land at the back of Shipston Leisure Centre so it can be used by local schools during the day and by community groups in the evenings and at weekends.” Since the project was unveiled the school has been receiving considerable interest in its proposals and the plans have received support from Shipston Town Council.

Warwickshire County Council has agreed to fund the development costs of the project and contribute to the cost of the new building. A public meeting to discuss the proposals will be held on Thursday, February 7 at 7pm at the school. All are welcome.

The Shipston Town Council Snow Wardens are out clearning the town centre of snow, pathways and working with the vulnerable residents in the town to ensure their safety. 

If you need help, please call the out of hours number: 01608 662113

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Shipston-on-Stour Outreach

Clark House
West Street
SHIPSTON-ON-STOUR
Warwickshire
CV36 4EL

Advice sessions

Many bureaux now have a short introductory interview to help decide how you can be best advised. You may then be asked to make an appointment. If the bureau is open only for appointments or specialist advice this will be indicated in the notes.

Wed: 10.00 - 13.00.  Appointment only.

To make an appointment call 01789 200136. Telephone advice 0844 855 2322

The survey took place during the peak visitor period from the middle of July 2012 until the end of September 2012. Comparisons with the previous survey in 2007 are included in the report.

The survey took place in order to:

• Provide basic data on the profile, origin, behaviour, use of facilities and opinions of visitors to Shipston to help improve understanding of tourism within the town.
• Ensure that marketing campaigns are properly focused and allow their effectiveness to be monitored.
• Identify the main reasons why visitors come to Shipston and their particular likes and dislikes.

The findings of the visitor survey research which took place in Shipston are detailed in this
report.  Download the full report below: