The Beaudesert and Henley-in-Arden Joint Parish Council wishes a Happy Christmas and a Successful 2009 to all Residents, Businesses and Visitors to our town and a special thank you to all who have contributed to the life of the town during this year.
The 15th century Henley Market Cross situated on the High Street is an important historical monument which needs repair and attention for its preservation. The Parish Council with the assistance from the Heritage Centre (our local Museum), Henley and Beaudesert Society, Henley in Bloom and Jonathan Dovey our local historian, has launched a project with the aim to preserve the Market Cross and to improve the area around it.
The Market Cross
The following tasks need to be carried out:
Clear the flowers and containers around the Market Cross, clean the monument and remove moss.
Undertake repairs on the surface of the stone and to re-mortar the base and steps.
Carry out preservation measures and protect the surface with shelter coat finish.
Install metal railings around the cross. The railings will be painted black and their top gold. The height of the railings will not be greater than one metre.
There will still be Henley in Bloom flowers around the cross outside the metal railings.
Information Board Design
At present there is lack of information for visitors about the Market Cross and its history. An information board will be installed at an appropriate location close to the Cross. The type chosen is similar to the type used by National Trust. On the left hand side of the board the Market Cross will be shown as it appears in the 19th century drawing by J Basire. On the right hand side there will be an easy to read description suitable for adults and children. The height of the board will be appropriate for disabled persons using a wheelchair or equivalent. In addition, some writing will be in Braille. The colour of the frame will be similar to the metal railings around the Cross and the nearby bollards i.e. black and gold.
The ground around the Market Cross
A large part of the ground around the Market Cross consists of cobble stones. This type of surface is difficult to cope with by many people such as ladies with heels, the disabled and those who suffer from sensitive feet. Since the aim of this project is to preserve the Market Cross, enhance the area around it, encourage visitors to go and see the Cross and read its history, we should provide a more user friendly surface.
Timetable
The Parish Council would like to complete this project in 2009. However, we are still at a preliminary stage and the final decision has still to be taken. At present we are waiting to receive quotations from a number of suppliers and need to discuss our plans with English Heritage and the Conservation Officer.
If any residents wish to comment on our current intentions for the Market Cross and its surrounding area please do so. Email or write to the Clerk of the Parish Council.
07/11/2008 - Warwickshire Life Food and Drink Awards 2008
Henley's very own Bucher, R S Mills, was a finalist in the Butcher of the Year Section of the above awards. Since buying the shop just over 3 years ago from his brother, Rob has worked hard to build up the business to his own high standards, ably supported by Eddie and Vicky.
Rob is keen to buy local and free range products wherever possible and also provides speciality meats as well as a well-stocked delicatessen counter.
30/10/2008 - More Good News for Henley Tennis Club
Henley in Arden Tennis Club was delighted to hear yet more good news this week. They are to receive a further £5,000 grant funding from The Foundation for Sport and the Arts. This Foundation is funded by Littlewoods Football Pools and is a nationwide charity. Jane Palmer and Linda Lardner, two members of the club, who both play for the ladies A team, volunteered to help in the search for external funding, to help pay for the huge refurbishment programme which Henley were keen to implement. Although the two of them had never attempted anything like this before, they worked extremely hard to fulfil all the criteria demanded by the Foundation. Jayne Ashton from Warwickshire L.T.A and Donna Bickley from the L.T.A were on hand to offer them invaluable advice, and the Foundation this week have offered them £5,000 towards the cost of laying Astroturf on 2 of their courts. The Club are keen to begin the work in November and are speaking to contractors. Henley has 7 tarmac courts at present, 4 of which are floodlit.
Henley in Arden Tennis Club runs coaching sessions for FREE!
With the help of successful Lottery funding Henley in Arden Tennis Club is running a FREE tennis-coaching programme for six weeks. The coaching programme is for girls and women aged 14 and over and is available for all non-members!
The new FREE coaching sessions will start on Thursday November 13th 2008 from 6 - 7pm and will run for free for six weeks all the way up until Christmas. No previous tennis experience is necessary and don't worry if you don't have a tennis racket. To sign up please call Neil Supperstone on 07912 66 44 26 or email neil@coolsportz.co.uk. For further information on the tennis club's coaching programme including kids activities please visit www.coolsportz.co.uk
The Chairman of The Beaudesert and Henley in Arden Parish Council Mrs Sheila Roy officially opened our local Library situated in the Guild Hall on the High Street on Friday 26th September.
The Town Crier Mr Gordon Trinder announced the event in the presence of the High Bailiff Mr Ray Holding.
The Library staff Anne Phillips, Sarah Smith and Paula Marlow offered refreshments to all present to celebrate the fact that the Library is now back in business. County Councillor George Atkinson together with a number of Warwickshire County Council officials considered the repairs and refurbishment had much improved the internal appearance and layout of the Library which was damaged by the July 2007 floods.
Councillor John Love took the photographs of the event.
23/09/2008 Help us to bring Cinema to Beaudesert and Henley in Arden.
Stratford-on-Avon District Council has launched a Rural Cinema Project. The scheme is jointly supported by Warwickshire County Council and Screen West Midlands and aims to bring an enjoyable cinematic experience to the local community.
The idea is to provide the District with a touring cinema facility that can run in village halls and community centres across the District. Community venues signing up to the scheme will be able to hire the equipment and hold regular cinema screenings. There will be a small administration fee, but communities can set their own ticket prices enabling them to use the cinema screenings as a social or fundraising event.
We understand these facilities have already been used by Stratford, Bidford and Southam.
Cllr Chris Williams the Community Services Portfolio Holder said: 'I believe that the District Council's Moving Pictures will make a significant contribution to the quality of life for rural communities. It will also provide a number of serious practical benefits such as providing support for rural community venues, helping reduce carbon emissions by reducing car journeys and making a significant contribution to a Parish/Town's social life. The equipment and DVD will tour round the District screening films on a monthly rota.
Your Parish Council would like to support this project but need your help to make it happen. We would like to work with any local clubs/societies and or individuals who will be willing to take the responsibility of organising individual events.
For more information please contact:
Karen Parnell at our Parish Council Office: The Heritage Centre 150 High Street Henley-in-Arden Warwickshire B95 5BS
On Sunday 31st August we are delighted to say that Chris Cardwell and Jake Evans won the Prudden Road Surface Junior League Cup and a cheque for £50 for junior development in the club. They beat Studley 6-2, 6-0 in the pouring rain in front of a band of wet spectators. Tony Askew from the WLTA refereed the junior final and went on to present the prizes.
This win is a result of the commitment of our Head Coach, Sarah Baker (07970) 252750 and Development Coach Neil Supperstone (07912) 664426. Saturday morning coaching re-commences Saturday 6th Sept.
Henley B team, Ray Eyre and Alan Conway, put up a valiant challenge in the Senior Shield second group eventually loosing. Henley A, Neil Supperstone and Tom Holland won the Senior Shield, beating Stratford 6-3 in a tight final.
Henley A were also able to collect the runners-up trophy in Group 1 of the Prudden Road Surface League.
The Royal Society the UK national academy of science and the science academies of France, Russia, Germany, US, Japan, Italy, Canada along with those of Brazil, China and India made an unprecedented statement on 7 June 2005.
‘The scientific evidence on climate change is now clear enough to commit the leaders of G8 to take prompt action to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases'. (Source: The Royal Society)
This statement means that world leaders no longer use uncertainty about aspects of climate change as an excuse for not taking urgent action to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
The key climate fact is that carbon dioxide (CO2 - a greenhouse gas) is the main cause of climate change. It is produced by burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas - but not by nuclear power generation. In the last 200 years the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increased by 30%. The amount of CO2 concentration is now higher than any point in the last 800,000 years (Source: Department of Environment).
Internationally, targets for reducing CO2 have been set for the countries signed to the Kyoto Protocol.
How does this affect our town? On our own we cannot influence the environment of our planet. However, every reduction in greenhouse gases however small helps our environment and the delicate health of our planet. Beaudesert and Henley in Arden can become an example for others to follow and the cumulative effect of this can be substantial.
Parish and town councils, the first tier of government, can play a substantial role in the drive to reduce the risks of climate change. The Sustainable Energy and Climate Change Act 2006 gives parish and town councils specific powers in relation to local energy saving measures, which can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, parish and town councils can promote and support community initiatives to reduce emissions. At the last Parish Council meeting the Council agreed to take such an initiative. The Council and the ‘Make Henley Greener' community initiative group set up a small working group to examine what can be done to reduce CO2 emissions in our town. A report will be produced for the Council by 31 October 2008.
The Floods Working Party of the Parish Council organised an exhibition for flood prevention on Thursday 10 July 2008 at the Baptist Church Hall on the High Street. Companies such as Floodgate and AquaFence exhibited their re-useable products which the aim to defend properties against floods. The Warwickshire County Council was also present to explain to the public the emergency information they produce for Warwickshire. The Environmental Agency distributed leaflets and also advised the public on measures to take to minimise damage from floods.
Parish Councillor Christopher Milsom explained that the purpose of the exhibition was to provide information to the public in the belief that an informed public can take better measures to protect themselves and their properties from floods. Councillor Carsina Goodman added that if the effect of climate change is more floods in the future, then house owners would like to know what technology and equipment is available for self help. This issue has been addressed by inviting companies who specialise in this area to tell the residents what is available, how it can be used and how much it may cost.
The Henley-in-Arden tennis club along with only eight other Warwickshire clubs were presented with the Tennis Clubmark at the DFS tournament held at the Priory Club, Edgbaston on Tuesday 10th June 2008.
Tennis Clubmark is endorsed by LTA and it means that the club has achieved excellent standards in the areas of Club's Tennis Programme, Club policies, Procedures, Action and Development Planning and Club Management. This a major achievement achieved by hard work and dedication by many local people of all ages who love sport and Tennis in particular. The Club is particular strong with young people where coaching is given to children as young as they are able to use a racket to hit a ball.
Henley-in-Arden tennis club has an open day on 29th June from 11.00-4.00 pm where you can go to see their facilities, speak to members and if you wish play tennis for free. The annual club championships are being held on the same day starting at 2.00 pm.
The controversial CCTV pole in front of Barclays Bank is removed!
Mr. Robert Walsh, Head of Community Services Stratford District Council, came to the JPC meeting on Monday 2 June 2008 to discuss the matter of the CCTV installations in Henley in Arden. The key points of the discussion were:
The controversial CCTV pole in front of Barclays Bank to be removed on Thursday 5th June. The aim is now to look for a bespoke CCTV solution suitable for that particular location on the High Street. Technical experts are now examining a number of options and Mr. Walsh will bring his new proposals and specifications to the JPC for further discussion when these are ready.
The siting of the CCTV is decided upon a number of factors such as, where they can have the greatest impact on crime and anti-social behaviour and on technical grounds such as the availability of underground cables. We understand, that the locations of the CCTV on the High Street have been agreed with the Police.
It is desirable for the CCTV in Henley to be connected to the Control Centre in Stratford so that in the event of a crime the Police will be alerted immediately and therefore respond quickly.
It was agreed that lessons have been learned from this episode and such failure in communications should not be repeated in the future.
Following the closure of the Vanity Box shop, Parish Council Documents such as the Agenda for the next meeting, Minutes from the previous meeting, Planning Applications to be discussed by the Parish Council etc can be viewed at the Shakespeare Hospice Shop, 101 High Street, Henley in Arden, B95 5AT on the Thursday, Friday and Monday (i.e. three working days) before a Parish Council meeting.
The above documents can also be seen on the Parish Council website: Parish Council >> Agenda/Minutes www.henley-in-arden-pc.gov.uk
01/04/2008 - The closure of The Vanity Box and retirement of John Love.
On Monday 31st March 2008 a sad social event took place in Henley in Arden. The Vanity Box on the High Street after 50 years of continuously serving the public closed down and its owner John Love began his well deserved retirement. Early in the afternoon John Love was interviewed by Les Ross on WM radio, who used to live close to John and remembered with nostalgia buying ice cream from the Vanity Box. At 5.00 pm the High Bailiff, Ray Holding and the Town Crier Gordon Trinder visited the Vanity Box and publicly announced its closure. Councillor George Matheou stayed with John Love until the shop closed at 6.00 pm and made the last purchase at the Vanity Box in its long history. John will continue in his role as Constable in the Court Leet and supporting Henley in Bloom as Treasurer and would like to continue serving the town as a Parish Councillor. Sheila Roy the Chairman of Parish Council and all his Parish Councillor colleagues wish John a long and happy retirement.
11/03/2008 - Report on the Henley-in-Arden 2007 floods
Following the floods of 20th July 2007, the JPC set up a working party to examine what could be learned from these events and to report back to the council on what actions are needed to minimize the risk and effects of floods in the future. The working party consisted of Stephen Thirlwell (Chairman), George Atkinson, Stephen Dorow, Laurence Marshall and George Matheou. The Working Party met 4 times and received information from the following residents that were not members of the working party:- Peter Scholes and Mike Hammerman. The working party also commissioned a report from Mr W J Burton - a hydrography expert. This report was funded by both SDC and WCC. We are indebted to both those councils for funding this report as well as the assistance given to us by David Tiley of SDC.
The following actions were recommended by the working party.
24/01/2008 - Parish Council sets an example for financial prudence
The Parish Council approved the Finance Committee's proposed budget for 2008/09 and expenditure for the next financial year will be retained well within the current inflation rate. Councillor Stephen Thirlwell, the Chairman of the Finance committee, said that the existing turmoil in the economy, coupled with the large number of grants requested from the Council made it difficult to forecast costs. However, the Council was determined to show financial prudence and has kept expenditure broadly at the same level as in 2007.
Elections of local Councillors take place on the first Thursday in May every four years. It is timely therefore to explain and demystify the work of the Parish Councillors in the event you would like to become one of them.
Salary and expenses
All Beaudesert and Henley-in-Arden Parish Councillors are volunteers who are giving their own time for free to serve the community. There is no salary and expenses are very infrequent.
How much time do I need to allocate to the business of the Parish Council?
There is no specific answer to this question. The Council meets every two weeks. There is usually a significant amount of paper work to go through. Time is also needed to think about the issues involved. The Councillors must attend the Council meetings regularly. In addition, Parish Councillors are expected to join committees and in some cases working parties which focus on certain issues/projects. The amount of work in these circumstances can be substantial.
What type of work is involved?
Depends upon a number of factors:
The local issues/projects which the Council is facing and the priorities given to them.
The correspondence and requests received from the Community, District Council, Warwickshire County Council, Central Government, Government Agencies, and any other appropriate bodies.
The Parish Council receives all planning applications which affect Beaudesert and Henley in Arden. It examines the facts and forms a view which puts it forward to the Stratford on Avon District Council. The Parish Council's recommendations are based on the local government's planning rules and regulations which as a local authority it must adhere to.
To ensure that the obligations of the Council on financial matters and as an employer are put into practice. Furthermore, as a Quality Council it is required to maintain good practices and sound systems and procedures.
What is the role of the Parish Councillor?
Maintain and provide local amenities, which are Council owned.
Be aware of events, changes in the local area and needs of the community. Bring local issues to the attention of the Council.
Speak on behalf of the community.
Know and represent the views of the electorate.
Contribute to the Council's policy. A Councillor cannot act on his or her own. The power of the Council comes from majority decisions of the Councillors acting as a body.
Ensure Council policy decisions are followed through.
Respond to Government initiatives for local communities.
Attend Council meetings regularly and contribute fully to the work of the Council. Maintain ethical standards.
For the Election requirements refer to Joint Parish Council website
Henley in Arden Tennis Club was delighted to hear yet more good news this week. They are to receive a further £5,000 grant funding from The Foundation for Sport and the Arts. This Foundation is funded by Littlewoods Football Pools and is a nationwide charity.
Jane Palmer and Linda Lardner, two members of the club, who both play for the ladies A team, volunteered to help in the search for external funding, to help pay for the huge refurbishment programme which Henley were keen to implement. Although the two of them had never attempted anything like this before, they worked extremely hard to fulfil all the criteria demanded by the Foundation. Jayne Ashton from Warwickshire L.T.A and Donna Bickley from the L.T.A were on hand to offer them invaluable advice, and the Foundation this week have offered them £5,000 towards the cost of laying Astroturf on 2 of their courts. The Club are keen to begin the work in November and are speaking to contractors. Henley has 7 tarmac courts at present, 4 of which are floodlit.
Henley in Arden Tennis Club runs coaching sessions for FREE!
With the help of successful Lottery funding Henley in Arden Tennis Club is running a FREE tennis-coaching programme for six weeks. The coaching programme is for girls and women aged 14 and over and is available for all non-members!
The new FREE coaching sessions will start on Thursday November 13th 2008 from 6 - 7pm and will run for free for six weeks all the way up until Christmas. No previous tennis experience is necessary and don't worry if you don't have a tennis racket. To sign up please call Neil Supperstone on 07912 66 44 26 or email neil@coolsportz.co.uk. For further information on the tennis club's coaching programme including kids activities please visit www.coolsportz.co.uk
.jpg "---->Market Cross 1")
13/11/2008 - Preserving the Market Cross.jpg "---->RS Mills")
07/11/2008 - Warwickshire Life Food and Drink Awards 2008.jpg "---->Henley Tennis Club More Good News")
.jpg "---->Library 3")
23/09/2008 Help us to bring Cinema to Beaudesert and Henley in Arden.
08/09/2008 - Double Win for Henley Tennis Club
.jpg "---->Climate Change")
14/08/2008 - Climate Change
The Floods Working Party of the Parish Council organised an exhibition for flood prevention on Thursday 10 July 2008 at the Baptist Church Hall on the High Street. Companies such as Floodgate and AquaFence exhibited their re-useable products which the aim to defend properties against floods. The Warwickshire County Council was also present to explain to the public the emergency information they produce for Warwickshire. The Environmental Agency distributed leaflets and also advised the public on measures to take to minimise damage from floods.
.jpg "---->CCTV 1")
Following the floods of 20th July 2007, the JPC set up a working party to examine what could be learned from these events and to report back to the council on what actions are needed to minimize the risk and effects of floods in the future. The working party consisted of Stephen Thirlwell (Chairman), George Atkinson, Stephen Dorow, Laurence Marshall and George Matheou. The Working Party met 4 times and received information from the following residents that were not members of the working party:- Peter Scholes and Mike Hammerman. The working party also commissioned a report from Mr W J Burton - a hydrography expert. This report was funded by both SDC and WCC. We are indebted to both those councils for funding this report as well as the assistance given to us by David Tiley of SDC.