The Bisley News December 14/January 15 www.bisleynews.co.uk

Please recycle our village magazine by returning it to:

The George Stores, Holbrook Garage or Stancombe Beech Farm Shop

Incorporating ‘The Spire’

ChristmasChristmasChristmas SpecialSpecialSpecial

‘PANTO’ is back

too!

In come the

BISLEY

MUMMERS Carols

in the

Pubs

The Bisley News Colin Hassall

editor@bisleynews.co.uk 01452 770335

This magazine is also available at www.bisleynews.co.uk

DEADLINE February / March edition

9am Thurs 15th January 2015 Or earlier if all space taken

BISLEY W.I. Admission £3.00

Meetings start at 7.30

Thursday 8th January Air Marshal Sir David Walker LIFE AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE

(Moved from October)

Thursday 12th February

Previne Doshi; Wills Guests welcome

Printed by MDL Kelex 01453 791 400

Bisley Friendship Club

Wednesday 17th December at

Bisley Bluecoat School (No Meeting in January)

2.30pm – 4.30pm

Delicious Homemade Teas

Guests & newcomers very welcome

Enquiries to Susie Bromley 770232

OPEN HOUSE Coffee & biscuits 11am – noon

Thursday, 4th December, 2014 Roger & Audrey Harding

Yew Tree Cottage, The Scrubbs (lifts from outside The Stirrup 10.50a.m.)

Thursday, 8th January 2015 Mo Smith, Bear House

Open house is a good way to meet your neighbours and catch up with

village activities Everyone Welcome

Flicks In The Sticks Bisley WI Village Hall

Tuesday 9th December “The Love Punch” With Emma Thompson and

Pierce Brosnan - unmissable romantic comedy to put you in

the Christmas Mood

(No Film in January)

7.30 for 8pm Everyone Welcome

Editor’s Notes

A big THANK YOU to our dedicated DISTRIBUTORS Your magazine drops through your letterbox every two months with the diligent help of our twenty good folk who deliver to the neighbours in their area. They in turn are helped by the staff of Stancombe Beech Farm Shop and George Stores, Bisley. Each of these will receive a box of chocolates for their efforts. Your thanks to them on their rounds would be also appreciated. A big THANK YOU to our valued ADVERTISERS It is the support of the people and companies who advertise in the Bisley News that make your FREE copy possible. Each magazine costs over £1.20 to produce, and 95% of our income is from our valued advertisers. Please support them whenever you can. Village Defibrillator We have the chance to acquire a village defibrillator, and an explanation of exactly what one is can be found on page 9 Efforts are underway to create a small team to take this forward (see Peter’s suggestions). Meanwhile fundraising is well under way, so please support it whenever you can. Well done Vicky!! If anyone could be described as an inspirational person it would

definitely be Vicky Martin. Her latest adventure to Peru was with Coppafeel the breast cancer charity (see www.coppafeel.org) where you can support this very worthwhile cause. Read her amazing story on pages 10 & 11. Changes at our Pubs; The BEAR INN It will be a sad farewell to Colin & Jane at The Bear Inn as they soon retire to their new home in Weston-Super-Mare. We all wish them a ‘happy retirement’ and a hearty ‘thank you’ for not only running a splendid pub, but also for engaging so fully with all aspects of Bisley village life. We look forward to a warm welcome from the new Publicans. The STIRRUP CUP Phillip and Alison have made plans to move in February to The Butchers Arms, Oakridge, where we wish them every success. A big thanks to them for turning around the ‘Stirry’ into a smart, classy pub / restaurant. Season’s Greetings A number of folk have asked if greetings messages could be included, but as you see the magazine is busting at the seams. So here’s a great big greeting from each of us to everyone else ‘Happy Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous, healthy New Year’. See you at the MUMMERS and the January PANTO; Oh yes I will!

Own an old building? Nick Miles suggests some useful sources for information and guidance

Back in 1877, William Morris and other notable members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood held the inaugural meeting of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) as they were deeply concerned that well-meaning architects were ‘scraping away’ the historic fabric of too many buildings in their zealous, so-called ‘restorations’. Although this new society was by no means the beginning of building conservation per se, it is acknowledged as an important landmark whereby the whole subject, and, in particular, what was or was not, the most appropriate repair methodology, became more hotly and openly debated. Since then, the SPAB have been concerned with the care, repair and preservation of the UK’s architectural heritage and in protecting old buildings from decay, demolition and damage. They advise, educate and campaign on all aspects of building conservation and have a very good website, full of information and advice as well as a free technical hotline/helpdesk.

There are two books, both by Roger Hunt and Marianne Suhr, which I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to owners or custodians of an old building. Each offers an easy-to-read, practical and interesting guide on what should and shouldn’t be done to traditionally constructed buildings. I see these books equally at home on a coffee table or bookshelf and can be used as casual reading or as an important reference book. The books can also be used to make sure your friendly builder is doing things right!

Old House Handbook : A Practical Guide to Care and Repair (2008)

Old House Eco Handbook : A Practical Guide To Retrofitting For Energy-Efficiency & Sustainability (2013)

PARISH COUNCIL NOTES

Lorries in the Village: We’re still working on erecting “No Articulated Vehicles” signs on the outskirts of the village. Gloucestershire Highways has agreed to install the signs for us, but hasn’t yet told us how much it will charge for the work. Until we get this information we can’t proceed. Vandalism: After a relatively quiet couple of years there have recently been several incidents of vandalism. On 2 occasions the lock on the sports pavilion door has been glued up. Fortunately on both occasions we managed to remove the glue without damaging the lock. We’ve also had a report of a garage in Windyridge being similarly attacked. Over on the Windyridge Play Area we have found stones and dog mess that shouldn’t be there. Winter: All our grit bins have been filled and we have been provided with a reserve of salt to use in treating the High Street. It’s our responsibility to keep the High Street salted in bad weather as Gloucestershire Highways will not do it. We have a mechanical spreader unit, but we still need volunteers to use it. If no-one comes forward then the High Street will NOT be salted this winter. Can we also ask everyone who has a pavement outside their home to help by clearing it of snow? George Street Drains: Two of the drains in George Street are blocked, as are drains in the Cheltenham Road, Calfway Lane and the High Street. We’ve complained to Gloucestershire Highways about this and we’re still waiting to hear when they will be cleared. Mobile Police Station: Next visit is Tuesday 2 December in the Bear Car Park between 15:30 and 16:00. The Mobile Police Station is now down from 2 visits a month to one. Please pop along and make the staff feel wanted – if we don’t then we’ll probably lose the facility altogether. Mobile Library: It’s good to see that the Mobile Library service is now visiting again. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem to be programmed to call in December, but on Thursday 22 January it will be in Windyridge from 09:30 until 10:30. To be honest, we didn’t expect to get this service back, so now that it’s here again, please make use of it! Meetings: The Parish Council will meet on Wed 3 December and Wed 7 January in the Bisley WI Village Hall at 19:30. The Bisley Ward Committee will meet on Mon 8 December and Mon 12 January in the All Saints’ Church Meeting Room at 19:30. You’re welcome to come along and ask questions or just watch the proceedings. Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year from Jane Walker 770713 (Chair of the Ward, Footpaths) John Mulligan 770214 (Highways) [ Don’t forget we’re online at Roger Utley 770614 (Planning, Finance) [ www.bisley-with-lypiatt.gov.uk Shelagh Utley 770614 (Play Areas) [ www.facebook.com/bwlpc

News from Bisley Blue Coat School

Young Engineers Maths is fun (and important) was the message behind an Engineering Workshop enjoyed by Class 3. Groups built models of carousels, windmills and water-wheels, then learned how to control them, and add sounds too, using notebook computers. The Workshop was organised by STEM, a not-for-profit company which encourages links between schools and local businesses. The best model will be shown at the Stroud Festival of Manufacturing and Engineering at Stroud Leisure Centre on 24th November. New Library System Funds raised by the PTA have enabled the school to buy an on-line library system to be launched during the school’s annual Book Fair in the week beginning 17th November. Children’s books will be available for anyone to buy. Contact the school for further details if you might like to buy books. Winter Sports Thanks to staff members Mrs Batten at Bisley and Mrs Kellaway at Oakridge, children from both schools have had the chance to participate in Tag Rugby, Netball and Cross-Country after school this term. Hot Dinners Hot meals, cooked at Bussage School and transported to Bisley, are proving popular with children and parents. The meals are free for all pupils in Key Stage 1. New Governing Body The new Federated Governing Body for Bisley Blue Coat and Oakridge Parochial Schools has become responsible for the governance of both schools. Each retains its autonomy, but now shares a Governing Body as well as the Executive Head teacher. Gareth Newton is the Chair and Anne Eaton the Vice-Chair of Governors. Long-standing Governors Susie Bromley and Vera Clouston, who have both stood down after serving as Governors at Bisley for over fifteen years, were presented with gifts at October’s Achievement Assembly, and entertained to tea afterwards. Christmas Celebrations The traditional end-of-term performances by Classes 1 and 2 will be held in the W.I. Village Hall during the week beginning 8th December. Class 3 will help organise the Christingle Service to be held in Church. The whole school will visit The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury to see this year’s pantomime ‘Beauty and the Beast’. The school’s Christmas Dinner will be served in the W.I. Village Hall, and the pupils will entertain the Friendship Club at school.

View of defibrillator electrode position and placement

Bisley Village Defibrillator – Have a Heart

Following on from my note in the last edition of the Bisley News, I met with South Western Ambulance Service to establish basic details about the supply of a Defibrillator. There appear to be 3 Options however I would rather not detail them at length in the News. What I would appreciate however is that 3 to 4 people from the village form a small group to look at the Options and progress these with South Western Ambulance Service. We DO need to have an identifiable representative group (not one individual) to work with whoever supplies the defibrillator. We already have one member from the Blue Coat School staff who is willing to be part of the team.

This project seems to be an ideal “vehicle” for some younger adults from the village to drive it forward. Please consider if you are a 25-45 years old. Please get involved in something which could, one day, save the life of your relative, friend or neighbour.

Please let me know if you would be willing to contribute your time and energy. Peter Thorp, 770708, peteranne.thorp@btinternet.com

What is a Defibrillator?? From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Defibrillation is a common treatment for life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. [Editor: Or in layman’s terms “a common treatment for emergency heart conditions”]

Defibrillation consists of delivering a therapeutic dose of electrical energy to the heart with a device called a defibrillator. This depolarizes a critical mass of the heart muscle, terminates the dysrhythmia and allows normal sinus rhythm to be re-established by the body's natural pacemaker, in the sinoatrial node of the heart. Defibrillators can be external, transvenous, or implanted depending on the type of device used or needed. [Editor; Bisley is planning to acquire an ‘external unit’]

Some external units, known as automated external defibrillators (AEDs), automate the diagnosis of treatable rhythms, meaning that lay responders or bystanders are able to use them successfully with little or no training at all.

Vicky Martin – Superhero!

Alongside Emmerdale’s Matthew Wolfenden and former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts as well as a dream team of 24 other intrepid adventurer Vicky Martin embarked on one heck of a challenge – trekking to Machu Picchu in magical Peru. This 10 day trip was organised in association with Fabulous magazine and CoppaFeel! –and kicked off on 25th September. and so far the team have raised nearly

£100,000 for Breast Cancer Charity Coppafeel!

Here is Vicky’s account of the trek in her own words:

As I start writing this it is day 4. I am lying in my tent at 4.30am in sub-zero temperatures (Where are those hot flushes when you need them ???? !!!!) on the side of a mountain

reflecting on the amazing opportunities this crappy disease has offered me. This time last year I was getting over my last chemo and now I am at around 3000 metres, trekking the Andes whilst raising money and awareness for the amazing breast cancer charity Coppafeel! The first couple of days were tough I won't lie!! Going to deepest darkest Peru with 28 people I had never met before was waaaaay out of my comfort zone... As a natural introvert this can bring out every insecurity and neurosis you forgot you ever had!! This trip has been a great lesson in living in the moment and going with the flow as that's all you can do !! Thing about trekking the Andes is one minute you are reaching for the sunscreen in the blazing sunshine and half an hour later the temperature will drop and you will find yourself in a torrential hail storm ... You have to be ready for every eventuality !!

The first couple of days I actually felt pretty

Peru here we come…

guilty... Three-course meals... Lovely three star hotel with comfy beds and hot showers. A couple a sightseeing tours around Cusco as well as a trip to the local Irish bar (bad idea as alcohol and being at 3000+ metres are not a great combo) ; Apparently this was to acclimatise us to the high altitude but also lured us in to a very false sense of security !! We started with a three day mountain trek, taking us up to over 4500 metres. It was tough but absolutely amazing... I can honestly say I have not been anywhere as breathtakingly beautiful in my life... Made the extreme weather conditions, hard-core camping (sleeping in minus 7 degrees) and altitude sickness (which fortunately I seemed to get off quite lightly with) all worth it... Unfortunately several people in our group really struggled with altitude sickness and it absolutely floored them ... The altitude is something you really can't take to granted and can cause varying symptoms from vomiting, diarrhoea, extreme fatigue and headaches... To make it even worse, a couple of the guys who suffered the most were made to get on the 'Emergency Horse' and be lead along the dubious mountain path. This was a no more than a 14hh complete dobbin who had clearly seen better days and looked like his legs may buckle at any minute ... The last place I would personally like to be if I felt like shit !! To be honest I think we all had our struggles in different ways but I think this all added to the amazing experience... If we had not found elements of the trip hard I don't think we would have truly appreciated the amazing experience we were having with such a fantastic group of people. I for one had a particular meltdown after getting caught in a freezing hale storm after 7 hours of trekking and took to my sleeping bag for 14 hours !! At that point (had I not been in a very basic camp sight miles from anywhere) I would have quite happily jumped on the next plane home ... Next day though we had our best (and longest) day trekking and made our way down to the beautiful Machu Picchu... The most spectacular place I think I have ever been in my life.. It truly took my breath away !! To be completely honest, this has been one of the challenging blog posts I have written as I really do not think words can express what an amazing, emotional and life changing experience this has been... Aside from experiencing Peru itself, the amazing and inspiring people I have met over the last few days have opened my mind to a whole new world of infinite possibilities in life!! All of them touched by breast cancer in some way but determined to do something positive from their experience as a result raising awareness and money by taking part in this challenge which pushes you both mentally and physically to your absolute limit. Finally I would like to thank all of the people whose support and generosity has made this experience possible. You have all contributed to something truly special that has not only raised over 90k for Coppafeel, but also raised awareness and will hopefully save lots of lives.

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a flaming brandy soaked Christmas pudding

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me an iced and marzipanned Christmas cake

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me a platter of rich franzipan topped mince pies

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave

to me a chocolate Yule log

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me a tangy, zesty lemon tart

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to

me traditional mince pies

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me a light and creamy chocolate cheesecake

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to

me a bag of Florentines

Christmas is hectic time for everyone and that’s without worrying about what you will feed your relatives and

guests over the holiday period. Why not let the Bisley Bakehouse ease some of the pressure by providing fresh, high quality cakes and puddings that will simply impress!!

fiona@thebisleybakehouse.co.uk 01452 770575 07970 147304

Doris Rowles 1921 - 2014

In her 22 years of living in Bisley, Doris made many friends and always enjoyed their company, as they enjoyed hers. She leaves an extended and growing family who loved her dearly. Jeannette and all the family would like to thank sincerely their friends and neighbours for their kind words and condolences. Doris and her charming character will live on in our memories.

Maisie

We would like to thank everyone for the kind words, cards, gifts and prayers on the sad loss of our beautiful, precious granddaughter Maisie. A donation has been sent to Acorns Children’s Hospice that cares for terminally ill children and their families. May we wish everyone a joyous Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Derek and Pat Bashford

The John Taylor Foundation – grants to young people

This is a charity that issues grants to young people who may be undertaking an apprenticeship, going to university or attending a training course at college, towards the costs of books, tools, equipment. If you are under 25, haven’t previously applied, live in the ancient parish of Bisley and would be ointerested in applying for a grant; Apply in writing to Mrs Pat Bashford, Eskdale, Vander Breen Street, Bisley GL6 7BN Stating your name, age, employer, college/university and course.

COLOURS of the COUNTRYSIDE

An EXHIBITION of WATERCOLOUR PAINTINGS & POTTERY by JOHN BAILEY

Saturday 29th November to Sunday 7th December 2014 11.00 am to 4.00pm daily

At Winsley Cottage, Oakridge Lynch, Stroud GL6 7NZ 01285 760659 / www.johnbaileyart.com

Follow signs to Butchers Arms and Exhibition IN AID OF CANCER RESEARCH

Welcome to Angus

Congratulations to Lizzie, Doug, Imogen and Dylan Morris, and grandmother Janet Martin, on the arrival of little baby Angus. They would like to send their thanks to the people in Bisley for their support and kindness since the birth of Angus Martin Paul Morris on 23rd September 2014 weighing 7.12lb.

Thanks for a Super Bonfire Night

Dear Editor Thank you so much to Bisley Bluecoat School for putting on such a great bonfire and fireworks display on 8th November. We have been going to this event for years and 14 years ago first introduced our grandson Alfred, then aged 9 months, to this annual spectacle, followed a couple of years later by our other grandson Eddy. Bisley Bonfire Night has become a family tradition not to be missed. Each year surpasses the last and this year the bonfire, fireworks and food (particularly the baked potato and veggie chilli, which was our choice) were even more outstanding. We know this evening takes so many organisations by the school, parents and friends and is very much appreciated by all who support this event. Superb firework display…..anticipating next year! Thanks again, Sheila and Jeff Taylor

Bisley Community Composting Scheme

Wishes you all “Happy and Peaceful Composting in 2015”We celebrate our 10th anniversary next year so ideas for

celebrations welcome! www.bisleycommunitycompostscheme.org.uk

2015 is also the UN International Year of Soils www.fao.org/soils-2015/en/ This combines well with BCCS's decade of community work. We will be promoting good soils full of life, good growing, and above all peat free growing. The launch of the IYS will take place during the celebration of the first official UN World Soil Day 2014 on 5 December 2014.

Bisley Flower Show Sunflower Competition Winner

Ursula Rowland aged 7, with her magnificent winning sunflower that she entered into the inaugural Bisley Flower Show Sunflower Competition. Ursula is pictured with giant-judge Peter Hendy to whom we wish a speedy recovery after his recent illness. _______________________________

B Bisley Cricket Club b

Bisley Cricket Club finished a splendid season with a silver medal as Runner-Up in Stroud District Cricket Association Division One. Coming close to the overall winners, Kings Stanley, Bisley completed 10 wins from their 18 matches. Look out for announcements to the start of next season.

News from your Village Agent

Lou Kemp 07776 245767

With Christmas in mind and thinking of giving and receiving presents I thought it might be useful to look at some local schemes available to help individuals and groups. Village Agents are managed by GRCC (Gloucestershire Rural Community Council)which gives all sorts of support and advice too numerous to list here, but ranging from providing IT training for carers, helping with parish plans, or managing a new grant called the GRCC Community Activities Grant. The grants available range from £300-£1,000 and are aimed at small local community, or voluntary or self-help groups. The objective of the grant must be to create NEW activities. Examples might be purchasing equipment to start or increase a new sports activity, paying hire charges of a venue, or a grant to an existing luncheon club to create a new after lunch activity. The group must be established for charitable purposes, have a bank account and the grant has to be used within 1 year. The next applications deadline is Wednesday 7th January 2015.If you want to know more details, call me or contact GRCC (details at the end of this article). Our own Stroud Council has various grants available to help homeowners and tenants in their homes and some loan schemes to help homeowners with housing repairs, energy efficient improvements, and reusing empty properties. Empty Homes Loan: An interest free loan of up to £15,000 may be offered to assist an owner with renovation costs to get the property back to use for affordable housing. Healthy Homes Loan: This is an interest free loan of up to £15,000 for essential repair work to a home. Applicants must be homeowners and the property must be banded in A,B,C,or D under council tax. Rent in Advance and Deposit Bonds : Funding to help people access property in the private rented sector. Helpful for those that can afford to rent privately but do not have the upfront cash to secure a deposit or rent in advance. Disabled facilities Grant (DFG): This is financial assistance of up to £30,000 to adapt a property to help people stay in their homes. Target 2050: This is a loan to enable homeowners to carryout energy efficiency improvements, and install renewable technologies. There is a fixed interest of 5% per annum (typical 8.9% APR. (This is our version of the governments Green Deal loan which is more expensive). I hope you find this information useful, and I would like to send you all seasonal greetings and look forward to hearing from you in 2015.

GRCC: For information about the Community Activities Grant call 01452 528491or email Barbara Pond b.pong@grcc.org.uk Stroud District Council: Susan Phelps, Housing Renewal officier.01453 754449 or susan.phelps@stroud.gov.uk

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor Imagine you are on the M4. Its dark and it’s raining. You feel tired and lonely. Blinded by the oncoming traffic and the flashing lights of an Ambulance shooting past at high speed; splashing dirty surface water onto your windscreen. For 3 seconds you can't see a thing. Eventually you escape the rat race and slide into that familiar country road you know so well; seamed by hedges and trees pointing towards home. Leading into your beloved Village. You are almost there, and since having passed the cemetery on your right there is only one thing on your mind. For one split-second you feel guilty but it’s far too late by now, because you are so determined that your mouth starts producing excessive saliva, when suddenly at the post office, in a moment of sheer madness, you yank the steering-wheel hard to the left; up the hill, past the old phone box, towards the warm glowing windows of a place where everyone knows you. Where you are expected. Where you belong. You peel off your coat with a sigh of relieve while wiggling your butt close to the open fire. Like a Red Kite encircles his potential pray, you are transfixed by that sparkling glass filling up before your very eyes in the subtle reliable hand of a smirking Landlord, who knows how you feel, but couldn't care less because Bristol City has won again. Finally you have it in your hand. The embodiment of poor pleasure; capable of seducing your soul and taste butts while drawing you into this warm, well-known ancient ritual; observed since hundreds of years with the same inevitable outcome; Getting slightly whizzed while talking complete and utter bull. But you don't care! You simply don't give a toss, because you feel content. You feel safe and warm amongst your own kind, while a gentle rain tickles the windowpane; telling you that your loved ones are waiting.

The British country pub is dying. Without the shadow of a doubt. In two years’ time there will be no pub in Bisley, unless the public shows much more support. Blame it on the Supermarkets selling cheap booze while the government is ruthlessly cashing in. Blame it on Sky Sports, Eastenders, Strictly come dancing, and the X factor; brainwashing the public into soulless retarded consumer units.

The Pubs are not responsible for breeding alcoholism and the breakdown of healthy family structures in this country. Pubs actually control the Alcohol intake of the public and keep the community spirit going.

Alcoholism develops in the living room, on the sofa, behind closed curtains, in front of the TV.

Reinhold M. Binder

News from our District Councillor

Email - cllr.tim.williams@stroud.gov.uk

Courteous parking during bad weather As the weather gets worse I thought it would be a good time to ask all drivers to park courteously. It is vital that highways are able to get through to ensure the roads do not ice over. Equally, should we have snow; cars parked on the side of the road make the job harder and therefore longer to get the village clear again.

Scrutiny Committee I volunteered to be one of two members on the Environmental Scrutiny Committee. The role entails asking head officers from Stroud District Council about their current progress in key strategies as well as the current status of their budgets. I feel it offered some relevant information relating to our ward: (Please remember this relates to matters within the Environmental dept. of SDC) We first started by addressing the recycling targets in the Stroud district. Gloucestershire has a target of 50% however we are currently projecting to reach nearer 60%. It was noted that the council feel confident that they will smash these targets. Instead of fighting to meet recycling targets it was decided that a more productive step to address the matter would be from the other side and look at how to reduce non-recycling waste effectively. It was then asked: what do you feel the main issues are surrounding the new contract that is being undertaken in 2016? The main concern was that Viola, who have supported us for many years, may not have reacted very well to us not using their services in the future. However this is not the case and as we are not using another rival company they support our steps to become a shareholder. Additionally, ensuring when the changeover occurs that there is no drop in standards and that all is in place when we make the switch over. This then leaves the acquisition of a depot whilst also trying to avoid an interim solution, which of course would introduce further unplanned expenses. When the location of the depot is found the council will endear to place it on a brown field site. The budget is managed sympathetic to all services through quarterly meetings, which address where funding is needed most. Currently the budget is looking healthy to manage the futures strategy. Currently that is all that is happen in our ward. I hope that you find my small synopsis on district matters informative and if you have any issues please get in touch.

Continued overleaf

News from our District Councillor (2)

Review of dog waste bins in the area This month the council were deciding whether to adopt a suitable protocol for the future of dog waste management. A consultation with the public spaces manager recommended that litterbins be used in replace of the certain dog bins to increase the amount around the district. Equally if there were dog bins in the same location as a litter bin it would then be removed. This raised concerns that the litterbin will fill up quicker than the dog bin- I shall be raising this issue in the next council meeting. The reason behind this was: ‘The council does not have a statutory responsibility to provide dog waste bins and in the current financial climate is it considered prudent to review other options for the waste to reduce the rising costs…. There is no allocation for the provision of dog bins, with the cost of waste collection met from the existing budget’ The proposals aim was to peg costs of dog waste collection whilst also increasing the available bins for dog owners. The dog waste was identified as being collected by the same lorry bound for the same landfill site as domestic waste. A question was asked regarding collection of certain bins not purchased by the District. The response was that if the parish council wants to buy additional bins, the district would still pick up the collection costs. The options for the council to advise on were: 1) any bin will do 2) remove dog bins located near litter bins 3) remain with the status quo. In fact none of these options were chosen and in the end the decision was made to suspend a decision awaiting evidence based on the question- is one of these the most cost affective way of collection, whilst maintaining the public’s access to bins? It was agreed that within 6 months a review would take place and a report made regarding other viable options. In addition to this, I would like to highlight that a few residence have stressed their concern with the amount of dog waste found on local paths and walk ways. The dog warden has been informed of this and will come have a look at this issue.

Stroud District Council have this message for all dog owners;

Pick Up or Pay Up! A reminder to dog owners, please pick up after your dogs. We know the majority are responsible but a few are spoiling things for many people in your community. We remind you that Stroud District Council have adopted Dog Control Orders under the Clean Neighbourhood and Environments Act, 2005.

News from our District Councillor (3)

This makes it an offence if dog owners do not clean up after their dogs when the dog fouls anywhere to which the public has access. OFFENDING OWNERS RISK A FIXED PENALTY NOTICE OF £75 FOR A FIRST OFFENCE & A MAXIMUM FINE OF £1,000 FOR REPEAT OFFENCES. Due to increased complaints, we have stepped up patrols in Bisley and Eastcombe. This has resulted in fines being issued to irresponsible dog owners. We urge everyone to be responsible at all times and always clean up after their dog, fouling is both unpleasant and a health risk, particularly to children. Please always carry a bag to pick up your dog’s mess. If you have any dog related queries we are both happy to give advice or if you have information regarding offending owners please contact us. We need your help to solve this problem.

Josie Oak, Environmental Enforcement Officer – 01453 754490 Dominic Everiss, Neighbourhood Warden -07753725185

I met with Dom and Josie the SDC EEO’s on Thursday 13th November 2014. We discussed the dog fouling issue in the ward and I requested that they keep an active presence in this area to try and stamp out this disgusting problem. Dom suggested that stencils be painted onto the intersecting paths as they are proving successful in other areas. I stressed that I must seek other opinions and will raise the issue in the parish meeting as I don’t feel it is appropriate in our quaint little Cotswold village. However it does wash off extremely quickly so the choice is up to the members of our ward to decide. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Cllr. Timothy E R Williams

A message from Gloucestershire Constabulary

Non-emergency telephone calls cost 15p each Visit the Constabulary website at www.gloucestershire.police.uk

Autumnal Crime Prevention Advice

from your local Neighbourhood Watch Officer

With the nights drawing in it is time to reassess our home security. Ensuring your home appears occupied is a great deterrent against burglary. Timer switches used on lamps and radios can make a home appear occupied especially when it starts to get dark. Timer Switches can be purchased from the Crime Prevention Shop at Stroud Police Station reception for a small cost of £2.20 along with other crime prevention items such as: Shed Alarms, Window Alarms, Personal Attack Alarms, SmartWater, Bike Lights and Bike Locks. We also have UV Pens for marking your property.