Home  What's new  What's on  News Now!  Community  Sherbourne  Wasperton  Church  Local Business  History  Parish Plan  Nature  People  PictureGallery  ByPass  Recreation  Travel  Features  SmallAds  Genealogy  Guestbook  ContactUs  SiteSearch  SiteMap  Policies  Links 

AN EVENING WITH GYLES BRANDRETH:

"Just a Minute" and "One Show" regular Gyles Brandreth brings his new, one-man show, "Looking for Happiness" to Barford on Saturday 22nd June at 8:00pm.

When Gyles Brandreth set out to find the secret of how to be happy, he ended up in the psychiatrist's chair with Dr Anthony Clare. What the great man taught him about the nature of happiness and exactly who gets to be happy and how, plus other useful lessons picked up along life's way (from Freud, Frankie Howerd, and the Queen among others), provide the essence of a unique one-man show that should make you laugh and could change your life.

Suitable for ages 12+. Runs for approximately one hour.

In aid of General Church Funds.

To pre-book, or for more information,

[Back to top]

AFTERNOON TEA WITH TRICIA STEWART:

Afternoon tea with Tricia Stewart, the original "Calendar Girl".

Friday 5th July at 2:00pm in St Peter's Church.

Tricia Stewart is the originator and driving force behind the alternative WI calendar that became a worldwide phenomenon. The movie and stage play "Calendar Girls" are based on her story and the WI members who wanted to raise £5,000 in memory of John Baker, husband of Angela - one of their group- who had died of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma...but who have, to date, raised ovre £3.5 million for Leukaemia and Lymphoma research.

Tricia's talk, "The Story of the Calendar Girls", will make you laugh, make you cry and most of all it will be a complete inspiration.

Tickets, £12.50 including a glass of fizz and afternoon tea and cakes etc

In aid of General Church Funds.

To pre-book, or for more information,

[Back to top]

NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN :

Following the recent Barford Annual Parish Meeting I was charged with organising a preliminary meeting to explore undertaking a NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN.

Neighbourhood plans are part of the Localism Agenda and empower communities to significantly influence planning/development in their parish. It has to be compliant with national, regional and district wide planning regimes and as such cannot simply block development, BUT, it can significantly influence the amounts, rate, style, type and actual location of development within our parish(es). It is not a Luddites charter but can be a very powerful realists’ tool! Once completed it will allow us considerable influence very early in all planning processes and will only need to be completed once in the Local Plan cycle. If we fail to rise to the challenge we will continue to need to mount rear-guard, fire-brigade responses to inappropriate developers planning applications.

Importantly it has to be COMMUNITY BASED and must reflect considerable public consultation and pass close scrutiny. It will require some significant input which can hopefully be spread over a large number of volunteers. Parish councillors must not be the sole drivers of this style of planning although the official legal/channel will always be through the JPC who will obtain and hold the funding needed for the project.

I have booked the Barford Memorial Hall for 7.30pm Monday June 17th where we can have an informal discussion to determine if we are able to take things forward. Some JPC members have already committed to attend but it is far more important that you show community support for the concept and come along and see if you can join in.

John Murphy
Chairman
Barford Parish Meeting

[Back to top]

BROADBAND PROJECT UPDATE :

Superfast broadband: To 91% and beyond . . . !

A £14.57 million project to transform broadband speeds for homes and businesses across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire was announced on 6th June 2013.

CSW Broadband, a partnership of eight local authorities led by Warwickshire County Council, has agreed a deal with BT to help deliver superfast fibre broadband to around 91 per cent of premises by Spring 2016.

The project will build on BT’s on-going commercial investment in fibre across the area, which has already pledged to bring faster fibre broadband to more than 1.7 million homes and businesses across the counties of the West Midlands by the end of Spring 2014 as part of its UK-wide £2.5 billion programme.

As a result of today’s new partnership around a further 40,000 premises should have access to broadband speeds of 24Mbps and above by the end of the project. The project will transform broadband speeds across the partnership areas narrowing the bandwidth gap between urban and rural areas.

BT was awarded the contract following a procurement exercise through the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) framework. Openreach, BT’s local network division, will now begin the work on the ground with engineers surveying locations around the county and analysing the best way to roll out the network across the county. Following initial planning and survey, the CSW Broadband Project should be in a position to connect the first premises in early 2014..

Click here for the latest e-mail from CSW Broadband (PDF).

You can also join the campaign on Superfast Barford's facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BarfordSuperfastBroadband

[Back to top]

MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT :

Bring your own picnic and relax in the delightful private gardens of Hareway House, Barford on Saturday 20th July whilst revelling in wonderful music from the famous FLOWERS BRASS BAND

Gates open at 6.00pm: music starts at 7.30pm

Tickets £17.00 to include a raffle ticket.

Tickets available from BARFORD VILLAGE SHOP or Peter Reynolds 01564 795969.

Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907)and the Isle of Man (604). A company limited by guarantee.

[Back to top]

BARFORD CYCLING CLUB :

Enjoy the comraderie - and extra safety - of cycling in a group.

Join us for our inaugural ride on Sunday, July 21st.

Meet at the village shop at 8:45am for a two hour ride of approximately 25 miles with a coffee stop. All ages welcome.

Any enquiries – call Sarah on 07850 719715

[Back to top]

BARFORD TABLE TENNIS CLUB :

Come along and join in the fun – you don’t need to be an expert!

Junior (8yrs & above) starts 6.30pm £1 entry fee.

Senior (ALL ages) starts 7.30pm £3 entry fee.

Wednesday 12th and 19th June.
Wednesday 17th July.

[Back to top]

BARFORD VILLAGE SHOW :

A one day Village Show will be held this year on Monday, August 26th, 2013

Activities will include:

Flower and Vegetable Show to be held in the Scout Hut

Scarecrow Competition on the Village Green

Refreshments in the Village Hall

Art and Craft Show in the Church

Punch and Judy Shows

There may be a Car Boot Sale/ Stalls on the Playing Field – put the date in your diary and watch this space.

[Back to top]

SEARCH FOR SHERBOURNE PERSON :

We are looking for one or two Sherbourne residents who would like to become involved alongside Wasperton and Barford members of the Barford Community Website Group.

The website covers the local affairs and interests of the three villages, Wasperton, Sherbourne and Barford. We usually meet up every two months.

You don’t necessarily need to be very computer literate, but would like to reflect a Sherbourne influence on the site, its general content and our donations to village causes.

If you think you may be interested, for a preliminary chat click here for committee members’ contact details. Or just phone 624595.

David Winstone

[Back to top]

ST. PETER’S CHURCH QUIZ NIGHT :

Thanks to all who came or helped.

It was an enjoyable evening and we made £206.46 for church funds.

[Back to top]

BARFORD HERITAGE GROUP:

Barford Heritage Group would like to thank their audiences for throwing themselves into the experience of wartime with us. As you found out we enjoyed it as much as you did and found it both funny and extremely poignant. The hall decorations took us back to the forties and so did the food!

Many thanks to the Drama group for their support and expertise. We made £200 towards "Help the Heroes".

[Back to top]

WARWICKSHIRE MOBILE LIBRARY VISITS BARFORD:

From May 2012 the service has been reduced to one central stop for Barford which is located by Beehive Nursery in Church Street which is already well supported.

The existing customers of the other stops have been notified and have indicated that they are happy to use the mobile service at this stop.

The library will visit Barford on Friday 14th June from 09:30am to 10:00am outside the Beehive Nursery.

For further information on the routes and dates of stops of the Mobile Library Service, please call 01926 815031.

Click here for more details.

[Back to top]

WARWICKSHIRE DIRECT WEBSITE :

I would like to draw your attention to the following webpage at the Warwickshire Direct website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/scams

This regularly updated webpage provides information about current scams in operation, alongside advice on what to do if you think you come across a scam. If you are particularly concerned about scams, please do visit the website for information on how to protect yourself.

Anita Kendall
Area Support Officer
Community Partnership Team

[Back to top]

"BECOMING BARFORD" :

Barford Heritage Group’s book, "Becoming Barford - The story of a Warwickshire Village".

The full colour publication traces the development of the village from a small Anglo-Saxon settlement to the 1960s using over 200 pictures and many reminiscences.

The book is now on sale in Barford Village Shop, price was £12.99, now £9.99.

[Back to top]

PLAYBOX THEATRE :

Playbox Theatre is one of the UK's leading theatre companies working exclusively with, and for, children and young people aged between 3-19 yrs. The home of Playbox is a beautiful arts complex, The Dream Factory, in Warwick and it is here that workshops, holiday courses and productions take place.

Playbox also has centres across the region, including Stratford-upon-Avon, at Cox's Yard by The River Avon. The company's mission is to develop the imagination, confidence and self-esteem of every young person we work with. Our members have the opportunity to explore a range of performing arts, including mime, movement, voice, film, circus, dance, musical theatre and Shakespeare.

All members take part in weekly training workshops, and every young person has regular opportunities to appear in major productions.

If you would like to know more about Playbox Theatre, please call Emily on 01926 419555 ext.3 or . Lots more information can be found on our website.

[Back to top]

THE GRANVILLE WINS TOP AWARD :

The Granville @ Barford has been celebrating after winning one of the region’s top food & drink awards. The award-winning dining pub had been shortlisted as one of three finalists in the Pub of the Year category in the 2012 Warwickshire Life and Worcestershire Life Food & Drink Awards. The Granville was announced the winner of this highly coveted award at a gala dinner and ceremony held last Thursday at Spring Grove House in Worcestershire.

The magazine’s readers were invited to recommend their favourites in the industry through forms in the magazine and online. Once nominations had closed, a panel of judges used set criteria to whittle down the nominations to just three finalists in each category. The final judging stage was conducted over the last month when the judges visited and dined at each of the finalists’ eateries, anonymously. The winners of each category remained a secret until the awards evening.

Val Kersey, Proprietor, stated "We are absolutely delighted to have won Pub of the Year in these prestigious awards, which just goes to prove that The Granville is undoubtedly one of the region’s most popular dining pubs. I would like to thank all of our customers who voted for us and to my hard-working and dedicated team led by Head Chef, Lewis Baldwin and Manager, Chris Swain, who have made winning this award possible".

[Back to top]

EMAIL UPDATES FROM THE JPC :

Chairman’s Chatter can often send out timely reminders, updates and notices direct to your in boxes. If you do not already receive these from John Murphy AND WOULD LIKE TO DO SO so that you can be added to the circulation list.

The list will not be shared with others, will be sent out as Bcc (so not revealing your email) and will only be used for matters which should reasonably interest/ concern you.

It’s free, easy and just occasionally is the only way to get urgent things out to a wider audience – and you can always hit DELETE or ask to be unsubscribed.

[Back to top]

FINANCIAL HELP FOR LOCAL STUDENTS :

The Hampton Lucy Grammar School Foundation is an educational charity which provides grants to young people under 25 years of age who live in the parishes of Hampton Lucy, Charlecote, Wasperton and Alveston and who may be at school or in further or higher education or other training programs.

The Trustees consider applications very carefully and, as well as assisting individuals in meeting educational costs, make grants to local schools.

The Trustees would like to hear from parents and from young people who may be in financial need. Provided applicants meet the relevant criteria, the Trustees may award a grant or a series of grants towards the provision of education, training, additional classes or equipment e.g. for music, art, dance, or sports, as well as help towards college or university.

Requests for Grant Application Forms and other enquiries should be sent to the Clerk to the Trustees, Hampton Lucy Grammar School Foundation, Highdown House, 11 Highdown Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 1XT.

[Back to top]

VILLAGE PUBLIC ACCESS DEFIBRILLATOR :

Thanks to the generosity of Barford Parish Council, a Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) was installed in the car park of the Village Shop late in 2011.

This PAD is for use by people who have not been trained in CPR or other first aid procedures when it seems that a person’s heart has stopped, and it complements the work of our trained First Responders. The PAD provides step-by-step vocal prompts so that it can be used by any responsible person.

Should there be an emergency you should still dial 999 and, if there is no First Responder on duty, you will be directed by the emergency services to the PAD with instructions on how to access it. Don’t worry that you won’t know what to do or may do harm; when you open the box a voice gives you clear verbal instructions. If it is not a cardiac arrest, the machine will prompt you not to deliver any shocks.

We need more First Responders. If you feel you might like to help, or would like more information, please contact Ann Starkey, telephone 624372.

[Back to top]

BARFORD TRUST:

Need a bit of support with over-stretched finances? The Barford Trust can help.

It tries to relieve financial strain, old age and sickness and to help with the educational aims of Barford residents, young and not so young. No form-filling. Just an informal visit from one of our trustees to see how best the Trust can help.

Contact: Terry or Barbara Offiler, Clerks to the Trust (624153) or one of the following trustees:

John Barrott (624766),
Reverend David Jessett (624238),
Philippa Mitchell (624940),
Lorraine Sayers (624565),
Phillip Swallow (624479),
Gerard Veness (624576)
Ian Webster (624090)

[Back to top]

BARFORD COMMUNITY CHARITY :

The Barford Community Charity has been established for 4 years with the aim to help fund community projects for the benefit of the residents of Barford, Wasperton and Sherbourne. The charity is registered with the Charity Commission and the registration number is 1122038.

The charity's aim is to direct its activities to support projects that benefit the whole community. It will use its charitable status to raise money from grant making bodies for the projects it is backing.

The charity assisted the Community Shop in raising funds to enable it to open and be as successful as we all know it has been.

As a registered charity, it is also able to accept individual donations under Gift Aid. This means that for every £100 donated, an extra £28.21p can be reclaimed from the government.

The charity has three trustees:
- John Barrott: Chair
- Kate Moyce: Secretary
- Mary Peirson: Treasurer

Under the terms of the charity's constitution, it is now time for the Trustees to step down and applications are invited from interested residents who wish to become Trustee. Although the charity currently has only three Trustees, there is no reason why there cannot be more and it is suggested that perhaps that number could be as many as six.

If anyone is interested in becoming a Trustee would they please contact the Chair in writing either or by post to 17 Sandy Way, Barford, Warwick CV35 8DY.

The current Trustees will stay on for a period of time after the appointment of new Trustees to enable a successful handover to take place.

John Barrott
Chair
Barford Community Charity

[Back to top]

RAMBLERS :

When you are out walking have you ever come across an obstructed path, a broken stile or even a sign saying ‘keep out’?

These types of problem should first be reported to the Rights of Way Officer at either the county or unitary council  responsible for the place where the problem occurred. These officers should then take action to ensure that the problem is rectified.

But you can also report these problems to us, either by using our  path problem report form  or via our facebook tool. We will pass the information you provide onto a local Ramblers volunteer who will investigate further.

Many thanks,

Rachel Alcock
Campaigns Officer

[Back to top]

PROPOSED BARFORD/ WASPERTON BOUNDARY CHANGES :

At the request of the JPC, the District has undertaken a review with the following terms of reference:

To review the Barford/ Wasperton parish boundary between points A and B on the attached plan with a suggested amendment to show a revised boundary between points A and C on the plan.

The first stage of the review, a comprehensive consultation exercise, has now been completed and the Council has considered the results of that exercise and has made the following recommendation:

That the parish boundary between Barford and Wasperton Parishes be amended to follow the line between points A and C on the plan attached.

Click here for plan (PDF 791k)

Click here for more information (PDF 37k)

The Council accepted that there has been development over the existing boundary between Barford and Wasperton Parishes and an amendment to the boundary can therefore be justified. In the absence of any comments to the contrary and bearing in mind that the change was requested by the local Joint Parish Council the proposed change of boundary is considered appropriate and reflects the identities and interests of the community in that area and is effective and convenient.

[Back to top]

BOOKS AT HOME :

Are you an avid reader but unable to visit your local Library or Mobile Library due to long term ill health or infirmity?

Are you a full-time carer and unable to access a Library?

If you fit these criteria you may benefit from this Service.

The Home Library Delivery Service offers a service directly to your door using Age UK volunteers in all areas of the County.

We can supply books in both ordinary print and Large Print, books on cassette or cd and jigsaws.

If you would be interested in receiving this service, please contact the Home Delivery and Mobile Library Service on (01926) 851031.

Click here for more details.

[Back to top]

POST OFFICE - OPENING TIMES :

Opening the Post Office 5 days a week gives the village a much better service, but it does give our small team of volunteers a problem covering sickness and holidays.

If you would like to help and can spare a few hours one afternoon a week then we would love to hear from you.

If you want to find out more then ask one of us at the counter or telephone me on 624434.

The Post Office is open 3.00 pm - 5.15 pm Monday to Friday in the village shop.

Rod Scott

[Back to top]

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING :

Barford Scottish Country Dancing Classes has re-started for the Summer term at 8:00pm in Barford Memorial Hall

Anyone interested in coming along for a trial session will be assured of a warm welcome.

We are a friendly group and fortunate to have expert tuition from Margaret Baker. You don't need to bring a partner as you will find out you hardly dance with the same person twice which makes it more fun!

Please call Hilary on 624416 for more details.

Hilary Rhead

[Back to top]

RIVER AVON –WASPERTON :

Whilst walking my dog recently near the river in Wasperton, I noticed a swan, which looked very unwell and I wanted to do something to help it.

After a little research online I discovered Wychbold Swan Rescue, a registered charity, and called them to see if they could help.

They came along and rescued the stricken swan and I have now heard that they have managed to dislodge the fishing hook and line, which was stuck in the poor creature’s throat and the swan is making a good recovery at their Sanctuary near Droitwich. Once it is well enough they will release it back to its natural habitat.

They have given permission for their contact details to be published, should anyone else need to contact them.

Click here for their website.

Angela Chambers

A resident from Sherbourne reports:

We found a swan with a broken wing on the Avon near Sherbourne. Thanks to the information on the website and in Plurality we were able to ring Wychbold Swan Rescue and they came to collect the injured pen and also took her mate. She has now had the infected wing removed and is doing well; her mate is very attentive to her!

Thank you to the Wasperton resident who alerted readers to the Wychbold Swan Rescue.

[Back to top]

DO YOU HAVE AN INTEREST IN LOCAL HISTORY? :

Chedham's Yard restoration project in Wellesbourne is looking for an enthusiatic team of volunteers to carry out historic research.

Click here for poster (PDF 449k)

[Back to top]

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS -
ADVICE FROM WARWICKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS:

Take Care When Switching Energy Suppliers

Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards has had reports of "rogue" energy sellers operating locally who will say anything to gain access to your property. One claimed to be a "council home energy surveyor"; another claimed that he had been sent out to check meters in the area because of a report of "overcharging on tariffs" and carried a device similar to those used to record meter readings; a third claimed that the gas and electricity meter had been mis-calibrated.

New rules introduced this year to protect consumers state that:

• Salespeople must carry a badge giving their name and that of the company

• They must give you a written quotation before the sale goes through

• If you have a pre payment meter you can now owe up to £200 and be able to switch

Trading Standards advises:

If you really want to do business on the doorstep, do not switch on the first visit - get the written quotation and then check out whether it really is a better deal by using a price comparison website e.g. TheEnergyShop.com

If it really is better for you, arrange for the agent to call back at a later date to suit you.

For more advice on problems with shopping or buying services, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

[Back to top]

PLURALITY EDITORS REQUIRED :

We would like to hear from anyone who is interested in helping us to produce the parish magazine. The more people who are willing and able to take on this task the easier it is for everyone.

The job of editor requires use of a computer along with basic IT skills. The software we use is quite easy to get the hang of and there will always be plenty of support if needed.

At present we produce the magazine on alternate months so that we cover 12 issues between us. The number of times a year the new editor/s would be required to take their turn in the production is negotiable as this depends on how many people are in the team.

If there is anyone who is interested in becoming one of the production team and would like to know more about it, please give us a call – Kath on 624088 or Wendy on 620182.

[Back to top]

THE CHILDREN'S SOCIETY :

I have recently taken over the co-ordination of the box holder collection for the above Society. The boxes are usually collected annually during the month of June. I have a number of box holders but still have room for more so if you wish to have a box I would be very pleased to hear from you. When a child’s life is going wrong The Children’s Society can make things better. A house collection box filled with silver coins can contain over £25. By donating this change to them you can make lives better for thousands of children who are neglected, living in poverty or in fear of violence. Below is a story of such a child:

Ella ran away from her care home when she was 13 to escape persistent bullying.

While she was on the streets she was targeted for exploitation and one night she was badly beaten.

When she went back to the care home Ella was referred to a project worker from The Children’s Society. They listened to her, recognised how vulnerable she was and helped her report the bullying. Above all, they helped her realise the danger she was putting herself in on the streets, Now, Ella is at college and hasn’t run away for over a year.

Thank you
Jo Burman (624292)

Click here for The Children's Society website.

[Back to top]

NEED A BREAK FROM CARING? :

Caring for older people is often rewarding – but it can be tiring too. Whether you are a live-in carer or whether you just keep an eye on an elderly relative, you cannot do it 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Jephson Plus, Sheltered Housing Service offer short term respite care (not nursing or personal care) in Huntley Lodge, a sheltered housing scheme in Leamington Spa. A stay here can be a good way to find out what it is like to live in sheltered housing.

The charge for a week at Huntley Lodge is £299. This includes all meals, electricity, heating, hot water and social activities.

To find out more or arrange a visit, please call Liz on 01926 313838.

[Back to top]

IT’S YOUR STORY PROJECT :

I am writing to you from Heritage Education, the education arm of the Warwickshire County Council Museum Service. We are looking for five villages within Warwickshire to take part in our ‘It's Your Story’ project. We would bring our Museum on the move bus to your village (currently themed around ‘memory’), and using the onboard recording equipment, record conversations between willing participants, such as fathers and sons, children and grandparents etc, as they talk about the treasured memories they have. The conversation would be informal, but the sharing of these memories would hopefully really bring people together and also store these stories for future generations. Furthermore, we will be taking these stories and in conjunction with Playbox Theatre Company in Warwick, we will be devising a show, which would then return to the villages to give a performance.

We are only at the early raising funds stage, so we are looking for expressions of interest only. There is no commitment on your part at the moment, but the more who are interested the more likely we are to get this exciting project off the ground. The bus could come to any of your summer events, fetes etc, or run on into the autumn, and there would be no charge. I'm sure many of your villagers have a story to tell. If you are interested please let me know as soon as possible.

Simon Startin
Audience Development Officer for Schools LLC,
Adult, Health & Community Services.
Tel: 01926 412034

Click here for the website.

[Back to top]

NATIONAL TRUST :

Do you enjoy baking?
Do you have an interest in history?
Have a hankering for a bit of acting?

If so, we need you for our Victorian Kitchen!

The National Trust at Charlecote Park is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to bring our Victorian Kitchen to life.

As an Atmospheres re-enactor, you will…

• Step back in time - in a period costume.

• Offer our visitors a glimpse into the lives of working women in a Victorian kitchen.

• Put your baking and bread-making skills on public display.

There’s no script to memorise. Although we will provide you with the basic historical information (about the time period, the house, and the family), we want you to be you, and allow your own sparkling personality to shine through!

If working behind the scenes is more you, we are also in need of volunteer seamstresses/craftswomen to create our Victorian kitchen staff costumes.

Why not come along and make new friends, join a team, tell a story, rebuild confidence, give a warm welcome, burn off a few calories, get behind the scenes, discover your potential, broaden your horizons, feel alive, have fun …join us?

Help us bring history to life.

If you’d like to join us, please contact Alycia Timmis, Community Ambassador - Charlecote Park on 01789 470477 or 01926 624346.

[Back to top]

NEW EUROPEAN FUNDING PROGRAMME :

A new European funding programme has been launched for rural villages in Warwick District and Rugby Borough. This is the LEADER Programme and it will deliver £1.5 million in the period to 2013.

The programme has three themes:

• community growing projects;

• community arts projects and events;

• projects linking communities to land-based rural industries.

A feature of the programme is that applications are encouraged from community groups and voluntary organisations. Further information can be obtained from the programme’s web site: or contact the programme team on 024 7621 77412.

If your local group has a project in mind within the above three themes, the programme team will be able to give you advice on how to apply for funding.

Cllr. Rob. Mulgrue

[Back to top]

FIRST RESPONDERS :

SAVING LIVES IN BARFORD, SHERBOURNE AND WASPERTON

Barford First Responders is a team of local volunteers trained to attend emergency calls received by the ambulance service and provide care until the ambulance team arrives.

The Barford scheme, which serves the three parishes, is due to go “live” in the very near future and is keen to attract more members.

This worthwhile role means that you can be first on the scene to help a patient in need, administering vital first aid and often, a much needed second pair of hands for the ambulance crew when they arrive.

Call outs can range from cardiac arrests, to diabetic emergencies and seizures. To become a First Responder you must be:

• Over the age of 18

• Have access to a vehicle

• Be willing to undertake a short training course

• Be prepared to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check

If you want to become a First Responder and help save lives in our community, Ann Starkey is co-ordinator of Barford First Responders.

Phone number 624372.

[Back to top]

LOCAL FLYBALL GROUP SEEKS NEW TRAINING GROUND :

A local Flyball group seeks a new training ground for use at weekends.

Flat grassland, min 30ft x 110ft with parking and ability to store equipment.

Must be either fenced or away from main roads, and as we can have dogs barking we would want to be away from residential areas so as not to disturb the neighbours.

If you can help,

References can be provided.

[Back to top]

WELLESBOURNE HOUSEHOLD WASTE AND RECYCLING CENTRE :

Opening times from 9th January 2012.
Opening hours may vary during holiday periods.

[Back to top]

YOGA CLASSES :

This is a reminder that Yoga classes continue to run on Sunday mornings 11:15am to 12:45pm in Barford Village Hall.

Each session is £5 based on a pay-as-you go system.

For further information please contact Karen Fawke on 07800 645731.

[Back to top]

LEAMINGTON & DISTRICT PARKINSON'S DISEASE SOCIETY :

Meetings on the second Monday of the month 2.00pm to 4.00pm at Sydni Centre, Marloes Walk, Sydenham.

Contact Secretary 01926 853023
Freephone Helpline 0808 800 0303

[Back to top]

BARFORD COMMUNITY CHARITY :

Barford Community Charity was established to help fund community projects for the benefit of the residents of Barford, Wasperton and Sherbourne. The charity is registered with the Charity Commission and our registration number is 1122038.

The first project that the charity supported was the Village Shop Campaign. As at the 31 st March 2009 £20,203.92 of donations was secured through the charity. With another £4,491.67 from Gift Aid a total of £24,695.59 was given to the Village Shop Campaign. Our thanks go to all those residents of Barford, Wasperton and Sherbourne who gave generous individual donations to the charity, along with a number of organisations that also gave very generous donations.

The charities accounts have been completed and audited and sent to the Charities Commission. The accounts will be posted on the Barford Community Website..

Barford Community Charity has three trustees, John Barrott (Chair), Kate Moyce (Secretary) and Mary Peirson (Treasurer). The charities constitution states that one of the trustees will step down each year and this year Mary Peirson is stepping down as Secretary. If you are interested in becoming a trustee, then please get in touch with John Barrott on 624766.

Now that the Village Shop is up and running successfully, the charity can turn its attentions to other community projects. If you are involved in a community project that needs additional funds to be secured, then please get in touch with us, outlining your project and financial needs.

John Barrott, Kate Moyce & Mary Peirson

[Back to top]

BARFORD ALLOTMENTS :

Can you dig it?

Allotments are proving extremely popular these days, and Barford is fortunate in having two allotment areas.

Contact for the Parish Council allotments is Roger Clay on    01926 624028

Contact for the Church Allotments is Tim Barlow on 01926 624296

[Back to top]

VOLUNTARY DRIVERS SCHEME :

A small number of people have generously offered to act as drivers for those in the three parishes who find themselves in difficulty in reaching hospital, doctors, dentists, chemists and in emergency situations.

Should you need some help, please telephone me and we will try very hard to find someone who is able to offer transport. It may not always be possible but we will do our best.

Barbara Winstone 624595

[Back to top]

INTERNET SAFETY:

Protect your family online

The internet is fantastic for information and great for communication, but we all need to know how to use it safely. Your children are likely to have internet access in more than one place, so it's important to equip them with the skills to handle this new technology safely.

Click for more information.

[Back to top]

COMPOST AT HOME :

Warwickshire County Council is part of a nationwide "Compost at Home" campaign. The campaign encourages residents to transform their kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost for a blooming garden.

Residents are being encouraged to put their compostable kitchen and garden waste to good use by ordering one of the scheme’s subsidised compost bins. The Council have teamed up with WRAP (the Waste and Resources Action Programme) to provide the bins — along with a free guide to composting and a handy sticker highlighting what can and can’t go in — delivered direct to people’s doors. The Warwickshire scheme will play its part in the nation-wide drive covering 6.5 million households across England and Scotland to promote the recycling of kitchen and garden waste and reduce the amount of rubbish sent to landfill.

Nearly two thirds of kitchen and garden waste can be tipped straight in the compost bin. You might be surprised to discover that it’s not just fruit and vegetable peelings and prunings that can go in either — cardboard, eggshells and teabags make for great compost too. Composting means hugely cutting down on the amount of waste we put out for collection — not to mention a beautiful garden to enjoy as well.

WRAP is helping to provide Warwickshire residents with compost bins starting from £5, including delivery. People eager to start home composting should call 0845 073 2001 to order their bin.

A Home Composting Advisor is working closely with Warwickshire County Council. Local residents can call 0845 600 0323 for advice and information on home composting, or click to visit their website.

For further information contact: Penny Holmes, WRAP 07985 953184 or

[Back to top]

BARFORD BEGINNERS

Parent Baby and Toddler Group

Friendly group meets at Barford Scout Hut 10.00 – 11.30 am every Thursday during school term time.

For more information, call Catherine Steed on 419770 or just drop in on a Thursday.

Click here for more information.

[Back to top]

HEALTH & SAFETY: PEST CONTROL

The following services are provided by the Environmental Health Department at Warwick District Council:

Rats: treated free of charge

Bedbugs, fleas, cockroaches, wasps, mice: there is a charge made for these treatments with the exception of those who claim income based benefits, or half price for those receiving state pensions, proof of which will need to be seen by the Pest Control Operator.

Pests not treated: bees, bats, squirrels, wild cats, rabbits, foxes, ants and other insect pests. However, advice can be given.

For further information, telephone 01926 450000 for service or 01926 456705 for advice, or log onto www.warwickdc.gov.uk

[Back to top]

BARFORD E-MAIL ADDRESS

Did you know you could have your own Barford e-mail address, for example johnsmith@barford.org.uk

The cost is a very reasonable £10 for two years.

E-mails received at your Barford e-mail address can be forwarded on to any existing e-mail address that you already have, and this forwarding can be changed at any time at no cost. This would give you the flexibility to change your internet service provider (ISP) without needing to change your e-mail address. Alternatively, you can use the Barford e-mail address directly, by setting up an e-mail account in Outlook for example.

The website has recently moved to a new hosting service, and we can provide an improved service with effective spam protection.

Phone Keith Roberts on (07748) 644515, or e-mail the Website Group via the Contact Us page, for full details.

[Back to top]

HELPLINE NUMBERS

The following phone numbers may be useful:

Environmental Crime Hotline, for reporting abandoned vehicles, fly tipping, refuse and recycling issues:

Phone: (01926) 456339
Fax: (01926) 456753

Click here to email environmental problems to Warwick District Council.

Reporting fly-posting on street furniture (lampposts, benches etc): (01926) 412525
Reporting fly-posting on WDC property: (01926) 416523
Reporting graffiti on WDC property: (01926) 456031

Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111


[Back to top]

THE RURAL HOUSEBOUND SERVICE:

The Rural Housebound Service is a partnership between the Warwickshire Library and Information Service and Age Concern Warwickshire. It offers a free library service to housebound people living in rural areas of the county. A team of thirty volunteers assist with the selection of books and their delivery to readers throughout the county.

If you live within rural Warwickshire, do not have access to transport or do not have family or friends who can regularly exchange library books for you and you are unable to visit your local library or mobile library, you will qualify for this service. Two volunteers will visit your home once a month, bringing a selection of books, stories on tape, music cassettes or jigsaws. You may request any item free of charge and we can also help you with any information enquiries.

This is a free service. If you think you are eligible for this service or know of someone who might benefit from receiving it, please contact: Debbie Sly, Rural Housebound Service, Kenilworth Library, 11 Smalley Place, Kenilworth CV8 1QG, call (01926) 851031 or click here for the website.

[Back to top]