Facts, not opinions (31-5-10)
Last week, in Maria Carter's published letter, she quoted from the Village Plan and tried to give the impression that no one was aware of the Parish Council's plan to buy the Old School.
As Chairman of the Parish Plan Group I wish to set the record straight on this issue.
This current website was updated in February 2009 and does not include all the 2008 news items, but I do have a complete copy of the CropwellBishopPlan website that did exist at that time. Below are two news items that appeared on 6th March 2008.
Over 100 discuss our future
Extra chairs had to be brought in to accommodate over 100 Villagers who attended our Village Plan Meeting on Wednesday evening (5th March). It was a chance for members of the Plan committee to listen directly to those who live here. Views and opinions bounced to and fro interrupted by banter and laughter but then everything paused for a welcome cup of tea.
You can't expect full agreement on every issue but it was good to see the enthusiasm that people have for the future of their Village. Once the Plan Group has made sense of the information gathered, we will report back to. A big thank you to all who came and made the night a success. Special thanks to Phil Palmer, the School's Head, who completed a 14 hour shift at the School by helping to set up the Hall, involving himself with the discussions and then locking up afterwards. (6-3-08)
Old School will soon be safe in our hands
Parish Councillors announced at the Meeting (see above) that they are in the process of buying the Old School Building for the Village. It was destined to be sold by Notts Council in October last year, but our Councillors became aware of the concern that Villagers would have at the loss of a community building (82%, question D7 in the Questionnaire), and decided to investigate if its purchase was possible. It looks like it is, and soon it should be ours!
It will mean a small increase in our Community charges, but the building can now be developed and used for our benifit. More details will be annouced at a later date. (6-3-08)
On that same website, the article below was published on 4th July 2008:
Where to see the Action Plan on 5th July
It was our original intention to display our plan of action at the Memorial Hall on Saturday 5th July. However we have now changed that plan. It is clear that most activities during the 'Celebration Weekend' will take place near the centre of the Village so we have now arranged to display our draft 'Action Plan' in the Church instead - alongside the display by the Heritage Group.
(4-7-08)
The next day, copies of the posters used in the Church Display were made available on the website. On the right is a small image of the one relevant to this discussion:
It is too small to easily read so I have enlarged the bottom statements and they are displayed it below:
From the above documents it is clear that the Parish Council made public their intentions relating to the Old School several months before they completed its purchase. It is also clear that the Village Plan Group wanted to incorporate the proposal in its 'Action Plan' and was asking villagers for their feedback.
In her letter, Maria Carter quoted from the Village Plan. However, she failed to make any reference to the 'Action Plan' that was an essential part of the Village Plan and included with every copy distributed. Its role is fully described on page 5 of the Village Plan.
Below is an extract from page 2 of the Action Plan:
This made it very clear to everyone interested in the development of the Village what was planned for the Old School.
If you wish to examine the Action Plan and the Village Plan in more detail, you can download a copies of both from the 'Plan' page of this website.
Tony Jarrow
Seeing things differently (31-5-10)
A few days ago, the personal views of Maria Carter were published on this website. Today, Lisa Simpson, who is also a resident Cropwell Bishop, puts forward her views.
"After Reading the letter from Marie Carter I feel I have to put pen to paper.
I once lived in a bubble while living in Cropwell Bishop and did not see what was going on around me. I have now left that bubble and I am now embracing Village life.
This has opened my eyes. I hadn't realised the extent to which people go, to make this Village a better place for the local community. A lot of people put in many, many hours of unpaid time and energy into making Cropwell Bishop a better place to live.
There are many things in the Village to take part in: something for everyone it seems. So much so, that sometimes there isn't enough space for events—even with two venues in the village.
I am a volunteer in the Youth-Group in the village and, although we are relatively new, a consistent number of children come along to our activities. The group is growing from strength to strength and we know that we will have another 22-30 coming in September. This will make our group a substantial size and it is predicted that this will be the case every year.
On three occasions in two months there was a double booking at the Old School—and there will more in the future. Where are we going to find the space for 30-35 children?
The point of my letter is to say what a wonderful job our Parish Council is doing for OUR community so that WE can enjoy and embrace our Village. Also to say that we do need both venues—the Old School and the Memorial Hall—and maybe more space if we can get it."
Lisa Simpson
If you want to contribute to this discussion, send me an email (click on contact at the bottom of this page).
Tony Jarrow
Eating out in Cropwell Bishop: a personal guide (30-5-10)
When it comes to getting a bite to eat in our village, there is more choice than you might have thought.
To help you compare the options, residents, John and Glyn Greenwood, have agreed to share their thoughts.
Tony Jarrow
"We have a number of options for lunch time snacks in Cropwell Bishop with sandwiches and rolls available at the Post Office, Co-op and Crumbz and a good selection of cold meats, pies and cheese at the Butchers. The new Cropwell café at the Chequers offers cooked food (free range brunch!) - sounds good and we will hopefully try it soon.
As for evening meals there are not many options in the village. Mr Ling (Les at the Wheatsheaf) does a fine Chinese Banquet for a pre-booked party of 8 or more. Drinks can be bought from the bar downstairs and you are allowed to take along your own wine to have with the meal.
Without using the car, other possibilities are a walk to the Lime Kiln renowned for their fish and chips. The large generous portions are excellent but are rather pricey – We believe they do a smaller portion or perhaps you could share a large portion! You might also walk to the Plough Inn in Cropwell Butler which has a good reputation for its food (although we have not been recently) The 53E bus can bring you home to Cropwell Bishop at 8.40 or 9.40 if you cannot manage the return walk.
Another option is the mobile fish and chip van which parks at the Post Office Tuesday evenings 5-8pm. Two young chaps (Tom and Simon) provide very nice fish and home made chips all for a reasonable price. Unfortunately they were not available one Tuesday last month but with a bit of quick thinking we hopped on to the 53E bus and enjoyed a meal at the Piano in Bingham. Not cheap, but a pleasant atmosphere, good food and they do seem to have special offers such as 10% discount or free large glass of wine which are worth checking out.
The evening bus links to Bingham (and Nottingham) will permit us to leave the car at home and explore other restaurants such as the Yeung Sing, Chesterfield, and Horse and Groom in Bingham.
Most of us cannot afford to eat out too often so it is helpful to read your views and recommendations on eating places in the area.
Please let the editors have any comments or suggestions."
John and Glyn Greenwood
Let the sun shine - we are ready (29-5-10)
This morning it was dull and raining — not the kind or weather for sitting outside at today's Saturday Cafe at the Old School.
Next time it will probably be hot sunshine and, if it is, we will all want to sit outside — and we will be able to!
On display this morning was a sample of the outdoor furniture that is now available for such occasions: the picture shows some of our local models trying it out.
Tony Jarrow
An alternative view (28-5-10)
Maria Carter was at the Annual General Meeting of our Parish Council at the Old School last week and, below, gives her own personal view of the evening.
"I attended the Annual Parish Meeting and the focus of the questions for the Parish Council was the proposal for the extension of the Old School. These questions were not answered but that is not unusual.
People again addressed the point that the village were not asked permission to buy the Old School, we keep getting the Village Plan quoted as consent well I will quote from the plan "the vast majority of people support the restoration of the old Parish Room as a Heritage Centre and would be concerned if any existing building or facility were under threat" now to me concern and consent may contain some of the same letters but do not have the same meaning, or perhaps my dictionary is incorrect.
The question was asked about why the Parish Council felt there was a need for an extension to The Old School, again this wasn't really answered, it appears they have had to turn away 2 conferences and the youth group needed more room hardly a vast amount of reasons. Firstly with regard to conferences if the Old School is extended to accommodate 200 people then what about the parking (perhaps a reverse Park and Ride system would be put into place you know from Nottingham to Cropwell Bishop) or we could just turn the whole of Fern Road into a car park (hey what about the allotments), the Health Centre car park was mentioned as this is also a Pharmacy then I don't think we should be encouraging anyone to be in there after it has closed. Then there is the youth group,it is great that at last the youth of this village are being regarded as valued members of the village as for generations they have been totally ignored. However the scheme has only just started and the numbers using it may well vary and really after having nothing in the village to what they have now is 100% better, so perhaps being grateful for what they have got would be more appropriate at the moment.
The format of the survey was also questioned, really all that was needed (if needed at all) was a Yes/No there should be no grey areas when we are talking about £500,000 and when asking us for yet more money.
So that is my take on the Parish Meeting, now I just hope that people have returned the survey as suspect many owohave gone to be recycled and our blue bins has just been emptied."
Maria Carter
If you want to contribute to this discussion, send me an email (click on contact at the bottom of this page).
Tony Jarrow
What roadside signs? (27-5-10)
The number of people going to the Cropwell Bishop Cinema doubled over the last two months. Many said they were alerted by the roadside signs that were put beside the road opposite the Memorial Hall.
Well you may not see them again: they have been taken by a person unknown. It was last night that the four small signs were removed.
If you have any information regarding their disappearance, please email me (click link at bottom of this page). Thanks.
Tony Jarrow
Books to go (26-5-10)
We might live miles away from the nearest library building, but it is nice to find that library books are still just a short walk away. This Wednesday afternoon, and every fortnight throughout the year, the Mobile Library stops at the top of Hoe View Road.
It is a great resource for both older and younger readers - and anybody else who is at home during the week.
Tony Jarrow
Rush-hour in Cropwell Bishop (21-5-10)
This was the view in Cropwell Bishop at 5.30pm today.
Friday is regularly the busiest time on the A46 Fosse Way. Vehicles are crawling bumper to bumper all the way up to Saxondale Island and beyond.
However, up on the Allotment Site, it is a different world. You can even hear the birds singing as you dig the soil and sow your seeds. I know where I would rather be.
Tony Jarrow
Annual Parish Meeting: a meeting of two halves! (20-5-10)
The Annual Parish Meeting this evening was attended by over 40 people and turned out to be a thoughtful night out.
In the first half of the meeting, we were treated to a presentation by Councillor Kay Cutts who is leader of Nottinghamshire County Council.
If you have ever been frustrated by politicians who dodge awkward question and fudge their answers, you would have found Kay Cutts a breath of fresh air.
She is a politician, a manager, a professional business leader - and proud to be all three. She explained her views and her policies clearly and precisely and didn't avoid explaining her reasons for having them. Whilst some politicians leave you with the urge to object, she tends to leave you trying to think, if you can, of an alternative better policy.
In spite of arriving here after a long day at County Hall, she charmed the audience with her speaking and then willingly answered the many questions from the audience. I am sure no one begrudged her early exit at the tea break.
In the second half of the evening, Alan Wilson addressed the meeting. Then, with little warning, he faced a barrage of questions and accusations from a group of people at the back of the hall.
Their some strong views and personal opinions were hurled with a great deal of energy. What a pity their faces and their energy aren't to be seen at the many activities undertaken by the unpaid and largely unseen volunteers who, week-in, week-out, organise events and activities for hundreds of others in the village whether they be members of Cropwell Care, Gardening Club, Walking Group, Allotment Association, Entertainment Group, Youth Groups, etc.
Still, it was certainly refreshing to hear 8 people willing to stand up for their opinions - that's democracy. Now we need to hear from the other 2000 - that's democracy too.
Tony Jarrow
Changes with time (15-5-10)
Time brings about changes in both people and places.
Take a look at these photos from the early 1980s. Can you spot changes in the buildings and landscapes? Can you identify any of the people from those times?
You will have a chance to see more old photos from the 1980s at the Cropwell Cinema next Friday. As usual, during the half hour before the main film starts, there will be a continuous "slide show" of images from the distant past as well as many taken over the past few months in and around Cropwell Bishop.
Tony Jarrow
Something for everyone at Cropwell Cinema (13-5-10)
Cropwell Cinema is aiming to provide something for everyone (well almost) in the next few weeks.
Starting with a film for younger children, Walt Disney's 'The Princess and the Frog' will be showing on the Thursday afternoon of the half term holiday: 3rd June.
A couple of weeks later, on Friday 18th June, the England football team will begin their march to the World Cup Final (we hope!) You will be able to watch the match live with family and friends at the Old School. The Parish Council has bought the equipment to enable you to watch the game on the BIG SCREEN. There will be food and drinks available.
For full details of all these exciting events, see the posters on the left.
Tony Jarrow
Sixteen years ago .. (12-5-10)
This news article and photo were sent to me by Sue Rickells. They appeared in the 'Journal' on Friday June 24th 1994. I am sure that many people will know those in the photo.
Tony Jarrow
Capello Bishop Cinema - Fab(io) Night of Food and Footy! (6-5-10)
The England v Algeria World Cup match falls on the 18th of June. This will be on 'the third Friday of the month' - the usual date of the monthly Cropwell Bishop Cinema. So, instead of our usual film, we have decided instead to offer an evening of barbecue food and big screen live football at the Old School.
A £3.50 ticket will not only give you entry to our screening of this match, but also a burger and a hot dog (meat from BARLOW's). Soak up the big crowd atmosphere with fans, family and friends alike for this vital England World Cup fixture.
The Old School will be open from 6.30pm for the 7.30pm kick off. Food will be served before the match and also at half time.
There will be Golden Goal tickets, a licensed bar, café seating and a standing area for those diehard fans.
Entry to this event will be by limited ticket only. They will be available from the Post Office in the run up to the game, so buy early! Look out for further details on the village websites and notice boards.
Come along, bring your friends and share that special tension as Capello Bishop comes together behind the England team in this important World Cup game.
Remember, in 1966, nobody but the England manager thought England had much chance of winning: could the 2010 event end the same way as that year?
Will you be able to say, "I was there, in the Old School, cheering England on from the start"?
Tim Travis
David Barlow (2-5-10)
Mrs David Barlow (Pam) and the family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and good wishes.
"We have recieved numerous cards, letters and phone calls after the sad loss of David. We are extremely grateful for all the support everyone has shown and given to us."
©Tony Jarrow 2009. Contact: tony@cropwellbishopplan.co.uk