NEWS ARCHIVE 2017

Carols by Candlelight

Carols

Today is Christmas Eve and this evening St Giles Church was full for the "Carols by Candlelight" service.
This picture was taken from the "ringing gallery" by the Bellringers Tower Captain, Colin Bryan.

Food For Christmas (and food for thought)

Will

Thanks to the many people who were able to make gifts to the Christmas Food Bank.

The collection was organised by the Methodist Chapel in Cropwell Butler but people were able to leave donations with our Parish Clerk at The Old School: here is Will delivering his there.

Happy Christmas—Tony Jarrow

The Cabin and Change

Nothing stays the same for long—even in Cropwell Bishop.

In past times, many of you will have visited our old Post Office and Newsagent on a weekly basis to pay for your papers and many more will have entered it almost daily.

Maybe you stopped off on the way from Primary School, or when you were returning on the school bus from Bingham.

Cabin

Maybe you popped in to buy a birthday card, chocolate or whatever. It was our "corner shop" that always seemed to stock that odd item that you desperately needed, whether it was for a meal, putting on a kids party or repairing a leaking radiator. And it was even quicker than "next day delivery".

Cabin

Those couples who ran the shop were village characters themselves and probably knew as much as anyone of all the goings-on in Cropwell Bishop.

It all came to an end in the summer of 2015 when Chantelle and Mark closed shop for the last time (but continue to deliver newspapers here). Today, only the front wall still stands and that won't be there for much longer.

I wonder if, in time, we will look back and say that it was all inevitable. Credit cards, emails, mobile phones, online-banking, online-newspapers and next-day home-deliveries have replaced virtually everything our Sub Post Office had to offer.

The one thing this new technology did not replace is the face-to-face, ad-hoc, social contact that it provided.

We are fortunate in having a fairly wide variety of shops, services and businesses in Cropwell Bishop. Compare us with other similar sized villages and you will see that we have a lot to be thankful for (excluding the current bus-service!).

It is up to us to make good use of what we have. Walking along village streets and bumping into people and having a chat does not happen everywhere. I think we should value that and try to preserve it while, at the same time, we welcome "change" in Cropwell Bishop.

Tony Jarrow

The photos below were taken in 2006.

Cabin Cabin

Xmas Buffet At Old School

It was the Senior Citizens Christmas Buffet at the Old School today. With generous donations from Rushcliffe and County Councillors and with donations for the Raffle, everyone was in festive mood from the start.

The food was excellent and there was plenty of it—including gluten free food provided for free. The volunteer helpers were also busy topping up glasses.

With a film to follow, the £1 tickets represented amazing value. Cropwell Bishop Parish Council is spreading some Christmas Magic early this year.

Tony Jarrow

Xmas Buffet

Xmas Buffet

Xmas Buffet

Xmas Buffet

Xmas Buffet

Xmas Buffet

Xmas Buffet

Xmas Buffet

Xmas Buffet

It Must Be Nearly Christmas!

Snowman

Today we had the first snow of winter and the children on Barratt Close were quick to make the most of it.

Tony Jarrow

Cropwell Bishop Housing Needs

A few months ago a Housing Survey was conducted in Cropwell Bishop and over two hundred of you completed the questionnaire.

The results are now available in a report produced by Midland Rural Housing. It contains many charts and graphs and makes interesting reading—for everyone, not just those actively looking to move house.

To download a copy of the report as a pdf document, click:

An Investigation into the Housing Needs of Cropwell Bishop

The report was made available to our Parish Councillors at the Parish Meeting this week.

Tony Jarrow

A Rare Visitor

Woodcock

What bird is this?

Ian Wakefield took its photograph in his back garden last month: did anyone else see one like it in Cropwell Bishop recently?

My first thought was that it is a Snipe but after checking my bird book I believe it is a Woodcock.

Has anyone else spotted unusual wildlife in the Village? Let me know if you have.

Tony Jarrow

Nyce is Back—and it is Very Nice!

The little food shop commonly referred to as the "Cob Shop" has re-opened. It is now back under the mangagement of a previous owner and has reverted to its earlier name, "Nyce".

Situated between the Wheatsheaf and the Hair Barn opposite the Church, Nyce is already attracting new and old customers. I popped in this morning and can vouch for its lovely food, drinks and warm friendly atmosphere.

Not only is it proving popular with passing drivers, but also village folk who want somewhere to go for freshly cooked food and a friendly chat.

You can eat-in or take-out, its up to you. For more details or to place an order phone: 0115-837 4230.

It is open:

Tuesday to Friday: 8am—2pm
Saturday: 8am—1pm

Why not give it a try?

Tony Jarrow

Nyce

Nyce

Nyce

Nyce

Nyce

Nyce

Centenary Field

At 12.30pm today, a plaque commemorating the Memorial Hall Field being registered as a Centenary Field was unveiled. The plaque is on the wall by the entrance to the Memorial Hall.

Afterwards there was a short ceremony and wreath laying inside the Memorial Hall to remember those men from Cropwell Bishop who gave their lives in World Wars.

The Centenary Fields programme aims to protect green spaces to commemorate the centenary of World War I. Fields in Trust is working in partnership with the Royal British Legion to deliver the programme.

The Memorial Hall Field will not change its name as a result of this and neither will it receive any additional funding, but via a legal document called a deed of dedication, the field should be protected as a playing field in perpetuity for future generations to enjoy.

Even so, should circumstances change, the Village could sell all or part of the site provided it was clearly in the best interests of the community from a recreational perspective.

The criteria which Fields in Trust applies to replacement facilities are that they should be of:

• at least equal size
• better quality
• serving the same community in terms of catchment area.

Additionally, and very importantly, the entire proceeds of any disposal would be re-applied to new sport, recreation and/or play facilities, with priority given to outdoor before indoor facilities.

Facilities on the playing field have been greatly enhanced by the Parish Council in recent years and hopefully this is encouraging all of us, but particularly our children, to take part in outdoor activities. If you think we need other facilities, tell one of our Parish Councillors.

Tony Jarrow

Centenary Field Centenary Field Centenary Field Centenary Field Centenary Field Centenary Field Centenary Field Centenary Field Centenary Field Centenary Field Centenary Field

Our New Parish Councillor

Willow Allison

The Parish Council would like to welcome, and introduce you to, our new Co-Opted Parish Councillor, Willow Allison.

Contact Details for Cllr. Allison are:
0115-989 9275
willowallison@hotmail.com

This is how Willow describes herself:

"Raised in Cropwell Bishop, I have lived within the village for my whole life, besides student years spent in Kent and in Canada.

One of my favourite things about Cropwell Bishop is how many things are going on; from fun exercise classes to tea and cake. I have been involved with the former Girl Guide unit, insomuch that I refused to leave so became a young leader!

Having recently graduated, my current work involves helping vulnerable individuals with their finances.

Outside of work, you will probably find me walking through some of the glorious countryside Cropwell Bishop has to offer … or on a flight to the other side of the world.

For the most part, I aim to bring the view of those in their 20’s to the table. I care greatly about the public transport links for the village, and hope to bring everyone together for a thriving village community."

Parish Clerk

Stilton Stumble—Lots More Photos

You should be able to view all 600+ photos taken at yesterday's Stilton Stumble 10k Run by clicking on the link below:

www.flickr.com/gp/tonyjarrow/sj5v04

If that doesn't go smoothly, try this link:

https://flic.kr/s/aHsm74c8to

Hopefully you will get straight though to my album of photos; or you may get to my "photostream" on the Flickr Photo Website. This consists of a continuous sequence all my photos on Flickr—sometimes in reverse order.

To make sense of it, click on the "Albums" tab above the photos. You should then see the Albums, starting with "Stilton Stumble 2017". Click on that to see yesterday's photos in chronological order. You will also be able to view photos from the previous two years of the Stilton Stumble.

Unfortunately this link, provided by Flickr, doesn't always work! You are told that you must "Sign In". To join Flickr costs nothing and only takes a few seconds. It may be that you will have to do this—but it is worth it.

Click the "Sign In" tab and you will come across the option to "Sign Up" if you don't have an account. Click this and follow the steps.

Tony Jarrow

Stilton Stumble Stilton Stumble Stilton Stumble Stilton Stumble Stilton Stumble Stilton Stumble Stilton Stumble Stilton Stumble

Stilton Stumble

With 500 runners, around 200 supporters and hundreds of people from 'Friends of Cropwell Bishop School' and Cropwell Bishop Scouts plus scores of other individuals from the village and nearby, this had to be the biggest event in Cropwell Bishop for many a year: I can't think of a bigger one.

After many weeks of planning, the Stilton Stumble Committee and their many helpers, were moving into position from 7am this Sunday morning. There was no wind, it wasn't too hot, it wasn't raining and Hurricane Ophelia was still in the Atlantic: everything was looking good.

Careful planning was evident as teams of volunteers guided incoming cars, served bacon butties, helped runners sign-in and pointed almost everyone to the portaloos. It was all very slick.

Out of sight, but every bit as important, were the many marshals who were arriving at every corner of the 10k route.

This year, for the first time, the organisers employed an electronic timing organisation that provided every runner with a 'chip' which will enable every runner to be provided with an accurate time automatically.

Just after 10am the runners set off. Just 33 minutes later the winner arrived back at the Memorial Hall Field and around an hour later, everyone else was safely back too.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this great event—both our Primary School and Scout Group will greatly benefit from your efforts.

Tony Jarrow

NB: I will release many more photographs in the coming days.

Stilton Stumble Stilton Stumble Stilton Stumble Stilton Stumble Stilton Stumble

Stilton Stumble Stilton Stumble Stilton Stumble

Fireworks Display

Once again our Parish Council organised a family fireworks display this evening, for everyone in Cropwell Bishop to enjoy in complete safety. Weather conditions were perfect; dry, little wind and very dark.

There must have been over 200 people there—including many children, and we were fed with hot dogs, mushy peas and drinks before going outside to the Memorial Hall Field to enjoy the fantastic, free fireworks display.

Thanks to everyone involved with organising and working to make everything go smoothly.

Tony Jarrow

Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks Fireworks

Road Closed

Road Closed

There is now a full road closure in place on Stragglethorpe Road between The Shepherds Restaurant and Hollygate Lane.

This is likely to be in place for a couple of days due to to rain water flowing off the fields, and the ditches overflowing onto the road.

The closure is now being managed by the Highways Agency.


Rushcliffe South Police

Cropwell Bishop Housing Needs

A few months ago a Housing Survey was conducted in Cropwell Bishop and over two hundred of you completed the questionnaire.

The results are now available in a report produced by Midland Rural Housing. It contains many charts and graphs and makes interesting reading—for everyone, not just those actively looking to move house.

To download a copy of the report as a pdf document, click:

An Investigation into the Housing Needs of Cropwell Bishop

The report was made available to our Parish Councillors at the Parish Meeting this week.

Tony Jarrow

Grantham Canal and You

Canal

The Grantham Canal Society and the Waterways Recovery Group are meeting in Cropwell Bishop this coming weekend.

The volunteers will be clearing the section of the Grantham Canal outside the Memorial Hall.

If any local people would like to lend a hand, their help will be appreciated and they will see first-hand how these two groups work to maintain the pleasant appearance of our Canal.

You will need old warm clothing, gloves and stout footwear (and wet weather clothing if necessary). Garden tools i.e. loppers, rakes, shears etc would be welcome but please mark them in some way. Regret; no power tools (for safety reasons). Families welcome but children must be supervised at all times by an adult.

Meet me in Memorial Hall car park at 9am. Liquid refreshment provided but please bring own food for the day.

Ian Wakefield (Cropwell Bishop)

Canal

Community Road Safety

Would you like to be part of a community group helping to improve road safety in our village?

We have arranged with Nottinghamshire Police to deliver a training session on their Community Road Safety Scheme that will involve how to use their speed monitoring equipment.

Once people have been trained, this equipment can be used in small groups on different roads in the village to raise drivers awareness of the speed limit and record drivers who repeatedly speed.

The training will be held on:

Thursday 7th December
4-6pm
at:
The Old School
Cropwell Bishop

For more information or to register an interest in attending the training please email Lisa Hazell at:
councillor.hazell@gmail.com
or call her on: 07890 480643.

Road Safety Field

Road Safety Field

Notts Rocks

rock

There is currently a craze in Nottinghamshire for painting rocks and then hiding them. The rock in the photo was found in Cropwell Bishop.

I think the idea is that when someone finds one, they will report it on Facebook then hide it again. Many of the rocks and stones are beautifully painted and must have taken hours to create.

All good clean fun, but children must be sensible about where they hide rocks. Stones have been left, for example, on the wheels of cars. If a car drives off the stone could cause a lot of damage. If your children are into this craze please ask them to think carefully about where they leave them.

Thanks

Tony Jarrow

30mph Wheelie Bins

30 mph

Wheelie Bin Stickers - Please Drive Carefully

The Parish Council have purchased some of these stickers for residents to put onto their Wheelie Bins to raise speed awareness of people travelling through the village.

Please contact the Parish Clerk on 0115-9894656 or clerk@cropwellbishop-pc.gov.uk or pop into the office anytime between 9.15am and 1.30pm if you would like a sticker for your bin.

Thank You

Janice Towndrow – Parish Clerk

Housing Plan

If you would like to see and comment on the proposed plan for housing on the land behind the Memorial Hall Field accessed via Mercia Way, why not pop down to the Old School this evening where Davidson Developments have drawings on show and people to speak to. It is open until 7.30pm.

Tony Jarrow

House Plans

House Plans

Friday "Fish & Chips" at the Memorial Hall

As from the 6th October, the fish and chip van will be at the Memorial Hall on alternate Fridays. It will be there approximately 12.15 to approximately 1.15pm.

Pam Barlow

Chicken Farm: Hot News

First the good news.

The permit to build the Chicken Sheds that was issued by Rushcliffe Borough Council on 12th October 2017 included a condition (number 11) that referred to the management and disposal of the waste and manure arising from the chicken shed. This condition included the sentence, “These details shall preclude use of the AD plant for disposal”.

This seemed strange because it was thought that a prime motive for the sheds was to provide manure to help power the Digester. I have to thank villager, Sue Shuttleworth, for spotting this and probing further.

Apparently, the Environmental Health Officer of Rushcliffe Borough Council had reviewed the Odour Impact Assessment provided by Russell Price’s Consultant, AS Modelling and Data Ltd., and responded to it by stating:

“There are some aspects of the activity that could be classed as moderately offensive however I am of the opinion that the specific activity of clearing out the units would be classed as most offensive.”

Also:

“the odour assessment submitted does not take into account the cumulative aspect of the operation of the anaerobic digestion plant”.

She then asked the Consultant for a “Cumulative Odour Assessment” to be submitted. However, the Consultant admitted that he was unable to provide any odour data resulting from the use of manure in the AD plant, “until such time as the broiler manure was being used on the AD site”.

In other words, he wouldn’t be able to predict how bad the smell will be until the AD is using the manure and is generating an odour. This would be rather late in the day for all of us who live in Cropwell: you can imagine us being told that we had to ‘live with the smell’ because it was too late to do anything about it!

However, the Consultant must have discussed these issues with Russell Price because the Consultant then contacted the Environmental Health Officer to say:

“I have discussed this matter with the applicant this morning, and in order to overcome this issue, the applicant is willing to change the manure management proposals associated with the development and abandon the plan for its use within the AD plant.”

So, chicken manure will not be used in the Anaerobic Digester which means we do not have to be worried about smell from the Digesters. BUT …..

Now the bad news …

The statement from Russell Price, via his Consultant, went on to say:

“The manure arising from the proposed poultry unit will be removed from the site in sheeted trailers for disposal, either through biomass power stations or for use as an agricultural fertiliser.”

So, all that manure that is swept from the sheds, which the Environmental Health Officer believes would cause a most offensive odour, will now be put in trailers and be either:

- taken by road (maybe past your house) to some other Digester, or

- used as a fertiliser, which to me, means being spread onto fields (maybe near your house)

I remember a time, it may have been 20 years ago, when a farmer sprayed local fields with ‘sewage-farm manure’. The stench was so bad it made you feel sick and all windows had to be firmly shut. Could it be that this is what we must look forward to?

We must continue to protest.

This lunchtime, Russell Price was on BBC Television’s East Midlands News trying to defend his views. The evening edition of the News promises to have more on this story.

Tony Jarrow

Rushcliffe Councillors Approve Plan for Chicken Farm

Chicken Life

The residents of Cropwell Bishop said NO; the residents of Cropwell Butler said NO; and both Bishop and Butler Parish Councils said NO.

In fact only a handful of people in the two villages said YES and most of them appear to be close associates of the applicant Russell Price. Even the Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council said that, in a personal capacity, he objected.

In spite of all of these objections, Rushcliffe Borough Council has granted permission for a Chicken Farm to be built in Cropwell Bishop. Anyone not familiar with the background to this story as it developed during the summer months, should refer to the many articles that still appear near the foot of this web page.

Rushcliffe Council made its decision yesterday but has yet to release the full text of the decision notice. What we do know is that the Application Permission is "conditional"—whatever that means.

The Planning Committee sat yesterday and I have studied the "Report of the Executive Manager for Planning Applications" that was published after the meeting.
It lists all the Planning Applications considered by the Committee and gives their decision. However, the Application for the Cropwell Bishop Chicken Farm was not even considered by the Committee!

It was feared that this could happen (see the article published on 12/7/17, lower down this webpage).
Because the Rushcliffe Councillor representing the Cropwell Ward, Gordon Moore, did not object to the Application, then the Application was allowed to go through without the Planning Committee even discussing it!

Democracy is sometimes referred to as "rule of the majority": in the light of this planning decision, how would you now define it in our part of Nottinghamshire?

Tony Jarrow

Housing Consultation

When Rushcliffe Borough Council displayed possible building sites for new homes in Cropwell Bishop in March, they asked for your comments: here are the results of that survey:

Tony Jarrow

New Housing Survey

Council Leader Objects to Chicken Farm

On Radio Nottingham this morning, it was reported that the leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council has added his objection to plans for a huge chicken farm.
Council leader, Simon Robinson, said he's objecting in a personal capacity, saying, "This is a step too far. We just don't feel it's something we would like in Rushcliffe."

Tony Jarrow

Cropwells United over Chicken Farm!

Cropwell Butler Parish Council has voted to lodge an objection to the proposal to build 4 Chicken Sheds on the edge of Cropwell Bishop. This comes a week after Cropwell Bishop Parish Council also voted to reject the proposal but, whereas Bishop was officially informed of the plan, Butler never was.

Many objections have been posted on the Rushcliffe Borough Council planning website by residents of both Cropwell Bishop and Cropwell Butler—over 100 from each. The closing date for comments was supposed to be last Monday but it appears to have been extended because comments were still being posted today—including the one from Cropwell Butler Parish Council.

Yesterday, a letter from the Environment Agency was added to the 'Documents' section of the planning website. It points out that the applicant will have to apply for a 'bespoke Environmental Permit'. Whether or not this will affect the progress of the application is unknown.

It looks like the planning proposal will not be discussed by the Planning Committee until its September meeting. However, it is my understanding that if the Rushcliffe Councillor for Cropwell Ward, Gordon Moore, does not object to the planning proposal then it could be passed without even being discussed by the Planning Committee.

Even if the Planning Committee does decide to discuss it at a Planning Committee Meeting then the only people who may speak to the Committee are; the applicant, an objector and the ward councillor.

Clearly, Gordon Moore's opinion is of great importance. He initially stated that he supported the planning application but last week he stated that he 'was neither for it or against it'. His email address is:
Cllr.GMoore@rushcliffe.gov.uk

Tony Jarrow

Chicken Farm: Time to Reflect?

On Monday evening, Alan Wilson (Chair of Cropwell Bishop Council) and myself attended Cropwell Butler Parish Council Meeting. On the agenda was the “Chicken Farm Planning Application”. Our own Parish Council voted to reject this application when they met last week.

Butler Mtg

Oddly, Cropwell Butler Council had never been consulted by the Rushcliffe Planning Department regarding the Chicken Farm even though its residents would probably be affected by any smell, noise, etc., as much as those in Cropwell Bishop. Rushcliffe Councillor, Gordon Moore, was at a loss to explain the omission.

With numerous Butler residents using the Rushcliffe BC Planning website to strongly object to the plan, it came as no surprise that there were around 100 of them packed inside Cropwell Butler’s Village Hall. Also at the meeting were 3 people representing Russell Price: Ian Pick (who prepared the planning statement, his Land Agent, and a young, hands-on, farmer who manages several chicken farms around the country.

In a tense atmosphere, feelings were high and many of the objectors (there were no supporters present) put forward arguments for rejecting the plan. It was clear that many had done their homework and when the Parish Council Chairman had suggested the plan for the 2-yr old Anaerobic Digester had implied a chicken farm would follow, it was immediately rebutted by someone quoting that application word for word.

Butler Mtg

The 3 representatives of Russell Price were allowed to present their case for a chicken farm. It soon became clear that they were ‘old hands’ at this and could present the situation calmly and without emotion. The farmer described how the farms operate and even explained the commercial aspects of each part of the operation. Ian Pick, the businessman, told us that he had been involved with many similar applications and, because they cost about £100k to prepare, he had to be thorough to ensure a successful application: someone present suggested this happened about 75% of the time in this part of the country.

In spite of tough questioning from objectors the 3 men gave the facts and effectively remained impartial to the proceedings: they were doing what they had been paid to do and it would be up to others to make the decisions.

Much anger was directed towards the Council Chairman, Chris Davenport, who refused (at least while I was present) to object to the plan. When told by villagers that, as an elected member, he should reflect the feelings of the majority of the population, he insisted that he, and his fellow councillors, were entitled to express their own opinions—which they would do later in the evening. He said that he had to consider the views of supporters too, even though none were present. And if anyone didn’t like his action, they should stand for election to the Parish Council and take his place!

He and Gordon Moore, together with Notts County Councillor, Neil Clarke, devoted time to explain the workings of planning applications. The realisation that residents had little power to affect the progress of a plan will have caused some objectors to feel deflated. There is so much that will not even be considered at a planning committee meeting: ethical considerations, falling house values, etc — in fact the only things that might be considered with this application would appear to be odour and traffic noise.

Butler Mtg

Odour is accepted by Russell Price to be an inevitable consequence of the farm and the Odour Study he commissioned confirms this. Ian Pick referred to the maximum odour levels allowed by the Environment Agency. He accepted that they will be exceeded on the roads around the proposed site (by as much as 3 times) but he knows that as long as people aren't living there, it doesn’t matter.

Gordon Moore revealed that if he doesn't object to the Chicken Farm plan (his current position) and if the planning committee do not identify grounds for rejecting it, the plan will be approved without even being discussed at a planning meeting. He too faced criticism for not representing the views and feelings of objectors, but claimed that he had to take account the views of supporters.

Butler Mtg

I have analysed the public comments posted on the RBC Planning Site. At this moment, Tuesday morning 11/7/17, there are 195 objectors (101 from Bishop, 94 from Butler) and 7 supporters (2 from Bishop, 5 from Butler). I am ignoring the 47 objectors living further away, even though some live as close as Cotgrave. I am also ignoring the 22 supporters who live further away: some living as far away as Suffolk, Bedfordshire and Dorset.
Clearly, there do not appear to be many local supporters of the plan.

Butler Mtg

So where does this leave those of us who would rather not have to pass a smelly industrial estate every time we drive or cycle into or out of our village. And have to suffer unpleasant whiffs near our homes on unknown occasions throughout the year?

We might feel like attacking government regulations, planning regulations and the personal views of councillors for allowing this to happen.

However, are we being unfair to the people involved with these things: aren’t they just doing their job? None of them came up with the idea of a Chicken Farm in Cropwell Bishop and none of them will apparently profit from one.

Butler Mtg

It comes down to one person, Russell Price. He is the one who wants to have a Chicken Farm here and he is the one who will profit from it. We can dismiss claims of inevitability: he does not need to grow 1.6 million birds a year to run his digester successfully.

He may be able to show his accountant that a chicken farm is the most profitable use of this patch of land. Is this his “bottom line”? Some people see ‘making money’ as their main purpose in life, their “bottom line”: it is a simple one to choose because it avoids having to make difficult decisions about people and life.

Millions of people make their main purpose in life, their "bottom line", something other than money. They want to make the world a better place, people like teachers, nurses and social workers for example. It is all about making choices.

Butler Mtg

Russell Price is choosing to build a Chicken Farm in Cropwell Bishop because it suits him and he has the fortune to be able to do. Before making that decision he did not consult the people living near-by who would be forced to endure the consequences.

He could choose to invest in numerous alternative projects that do not impact adversely the local population.
When he chose to install his Anaerobic Digester a couple of years ago I supported the decision because I see Green Energy as beneficial to mankind. I saw it as a wise development.

I am sure that the vast majority of people living in Cropwell, see no wisdom in building a Chicken Farm here.

Tony Jarrow

Pneumonia Occurs More Often Near Poultry Farms

1km Circle


A Study in the Netherlands has concluded that people who live less than 1 km from a poultry farm get pneumonia more often.

It says that the additional pneumonia cases are probably caused by particulates and endotoxins. These small particles irritate the respiratory tract, possibly making people more susceptible to pneumonia.

The Study took 4 years to complete and the results were published on 21st June 2017.

For more details and a further link to the Study, click:
Poultry Farms and Pneumonia

Thanks to Pam Wregg who discovered this Study.

Note: The circle on the map has a radius of 1 km.


Tony Jarrow




Chicken Farm Update

Location

I know that many of you are tracking the flow of objections to the proposed plan as they appear on the Rushcliffe Borough Council (Planning Page) website (Ref: 17/01327/FUL).

This afternoon, Friday, there are 150 Public Comments. It is interesting to note:

- 81% of comments object to the plan

- the majority of people who support the plan live far from Cropwell Bishop, even as far away as Bedfordshire. One wonders what their link is to Cropwell Bishop.

- Cropwell Bishop Council and Cotgrave Council were informed of this planning application but, amazingly, not Cropwell Butler. Being downwind and with no hills in the way, Cropwell Butler would appear to be very much at risk of drifting odours. Additionally, many residents make use of the old A46 to access their village—right in front of the proposed Sheds and past the "Dead Bird Shed" which is predicted to have 6000 rotting birds pass through it every month. Cropwell Butler Councillors did attend the Cropwell Bishop Council Meeting and would appear to have alerted many of their residents because an increasing number of objectors are Butler residents.

- The Dead Bird Shed is 6m long and 4m wide. Assuming each dead bird is, on average, a 10cm cube (4" cube) 6000 birds would occupy a volume 6 cubic metres, so the shed should be big enough to accomodate the carcases—assuming they are all removed by the end of the month.

- The comments of some objectors appear as "not available". In some cases their objections were made by email and so their comments appear as documents alongside the planning documents. They appear at the top of the list. Some people have simply stated their support (or objection) without actually making a comment, for example the very first comment which was posted by Councillor Gordon Moore.

- The new owner of the Garage at the Stagglethorpe junction is concerned. His/her representative is even questioning the legality of the planning application. To read his letter, go to the RBC planning page and view the Document described as "Nick Roberts" published on 7th July.


Remember that the "Standard Consultation Expiry Date" is Monday 10th July: submit your comment by then. I believe this means by the end of Monday but it might be safer to submit it by the end of Sunday.


Tony Jarrow

How Bad Will The Smell Be?

The planning application for the chicken sheds includes a ‘Study’ by a Computer Modelling company.

The aim of this study is to predict the intensity and spread of odour produced by the chicken sheds once they are up and running. Once the sheds are operational, it will be too late to complain about smells so we have to rely upon computerised predictions to enable us to make an informed decision.

The Study is quite complex and uses a lot of mathematics to explain its findings. I aim to explain its findings using everyday language. Let’s start by considering what happens in just one of the sheds.

Where does the odour come from?

The chickens and their poo. On day 1 of the 45 day cycle, baby chicks have clean bedding and the smell is a minimum.

During the next 38 days, the birds will grow and the amount of poo they deposit will increase. The amount of odour produced will increase, not just steadily, but at an increasingly greater rate. By day 38 it will be about 8 times greater than on day 1.

After 38 days all the birds are removed and during the next 7 days the shed is cleaned out: this is when the production of odour peaks to its highest level, particularly during a 2 hour period when the shed is cleared out and hosed down.

All poo and spent litter is transferred by trailer to the storage area beside the Anaerobic Digester and covered with sheets. During this period the odour emission will be several times higher than at any time during the previous 6 weeks.

It should be noted that whilst each shed is cleaned out only once every 45 days, because production in the 4 sheds is staggered, there will be a shed clean-out on site every 11 days.

Where does the odour go?

Out of the shed roof. Fresh air enters the sides of the sheds and high-speed fans blow the polluted air out through the roof. The rate at which the odour is extracted from the shed depends on how fast the fans are running (the ventilation rate).

Is the rate of emission of odour polluted air steady?

No. The rate at which the fans blow out polluted air will vary considerably. On warm days it may be several times higher than on cold days. However, the amount of odour (smell) coming out of the roof will depend on both the intensity of the odour and the volume of air. A small volume of very smelly air is just as polluting as a large volume of less smelly air

How are odours measured and compared?

If you have an average sense of smell and are sitting in a clean room, you will detect an odour once its concentration reaches a value of 1 (more correctly; “1 European Odour Unit per metre cubed of air”). Whether the smell is a pleasant scent or repulsive odour is irrelevant.

If you are able to detect an odour against background odours in the open air then its level is between 2 and 3.
If an odour is recognisable (if known) then its concentration is 5.
If an odour is strong, persistent and intrusive then its concentration is 10.

Are all smells the same?

To humans, no.
Coffee roasting odours are classed as “less offensive”.
Intensive livestock rearing odours “moderately offensive”.
Decaying animal odours “most offensive”.

So, you might be happy to sit in a coffee shop where the coffee odour (“less offensive”) is at a high concentration level of 10 (strong, persistent). But you would be repelled by the smell of rotting animals (“most offensive”) even if its concentration was only 2.

What level of odour pollution is acceptable (according to the Environment Agency)?

An odour does not have to be continuous to be unacceptable. If it exceeds a “benchmark exposure level” for longer than 2% of the time, then that will be deemed unacceptable. This is an average of 2% over a whole year so could be: 1 minute an hour, 28 mins a day or 14 hours a month.

The odour concentration level chosen as benchmarks are:

1.5 for most offensive odours (rotting animals)
3.0 for moderately offensive odours (intensive animal rearing)
6.0 for less offensive odours (coffee roasting)

So, if computer modelling predicts that the concentration of odour from a chicken shed is over 3 for 28 mins a day, then that is “unacceptable odour pollution”.

Is computer modelling accurate?

There are limits to computer modelling but in general it is getting better all the time - witness weather forecasting and exit poles at Elections. Modelling the odour produced by the Cropwell Bishop chicken sheds takes account of wind speeds and directions, ambient temperature and terrain.

What does the computer modelling show?

If you drive (or cycle) by the chicken sheds on the old A46 road leading to Cropwell Butler, you can expect a strong, persistent, most offensive odour 28 mins a day (on average) of level 10. NB: you will be passing the dead bird shed as well as the chicken shed. This is 3 times higher than the “unacceptable odour benchmark”.

If you are driving down the new A46 (in either direction), or coming to Cropwell Bishop down the slip road from the A46, you will recognise a moderately offensive odour 28 mins a day (on average) of level 5. This is almost double the “unacceptable odour benchmark”.

If you are travelling along Nottingham Road or visiting the nearby garage, you can expect a moderately offensive odour 28 mins a day (on average) of level 3. You can expect the same if you take a walk along the Grantham Canal.

Anything Else?

The modelling study states that "the population may be exposed to short term concentrations which are higher than the hourly average" and that "fluctuating odour is often more noticeable than a steady background odour".


The map showing these odour levels is displayed below. To download a copy of the Odour Study, click: Odour Study

If you wish to submit a comment to Rushcliffe Borough Council regarding this planning application, go to their website:
https://planningon-line.rushcliffe.gov.uk/online-applications/
and enter 17/01327/FUL as the keyword. You have until Monday 10th July.

Last night, the Parish Council voted to reject the Planning Application but that is just the first step in the planning process.

Tony Jarrow

Odour Map

Will there be a Smell?

Yes, there will be smells from the proposed chicken farm.

Russell Price has commissioned a company to produce an Odour Report. The company has used computer modelling to predict the extent of the smell and its intensity. Not an easy thing to do because the smell will depend on the strength and direction of the wind, the air temperature inside and outside and even the day in the growing cycle of the birds.

Odour monitors

The sheds operate on a 45 day cycle. When the 1 day old birds arrive, everything is clean and the smell is at a minimum. As the birds eat, poo and grow the smell intensity increases. If you have a cat or dog, imagine the smell if you were not to empty its litter tray for 38 days. Now multiply that by 55,000.

Switching on a fan and opening a window reduces the smell in your house but passes it on to your neighbours.

At a chicken farm it gets more complicated as dead birds add to the smell.

The "Odour Report" makes use of statistics to make predictions about the spread of the smells. Because this makes it difficult to comprehend on first reading, I will publish its findings, without resorting to maths, tomorrow.

It is impossible to make precise predictions for such a complex situation but there will be no avoiding of smells and if the farm is built we will all have to live with a persistent smell.

How will that affect the prospect for new housing developments, the making of Stilton Cheese, the lasting impression on visitors and your enjoyment of a family BBQ?

Tony Jarrow

"..the chickens will be reared in an enriched environment"

Chicken Life


An "enriched environment ... (with).. the opportunity to express normal behaviour", according to Russell Price.

Based on data in the planning proposal and assuming that all the interior space is available to the birds, then, on average, 20 birds will occupy each square metre (that is 2 birds per square foot).

It will become slightly less crowded during their 6 week stay in Cropwell Bishop because one (on average) of the 20 will die before they leave. It will be the job of the two workers on site to collect the 230 dead birds that die each day (on average) and put them into the "Dead Bird Shed".

Tony Jarrow

NB: the image on the left is an online stock image for illustrative purposes only.

How Big Would They Be?

Chicken Sheds Chicken Sheds

Mem Hall

The proposed poultry breeding sheds would be big: see image and drawings above.

The drawing shows side elevations and includes dimensions in mm. So, for example, each shed is 111m (365 ft) long and 21m (81 ft) — which is bigger than quoted by Russell Price (previous news article). Note that the height of the sheds is 6.3m (20.7 ft) — not the 9 ft quoted by Russell Price.

To get an idea of the area they would occupy, take a look at the Memorial Hall Field: the sheds would occupy the same area as the whole site from hedge to hedge.

Tony Jarrow



Russell Price's Plan — in His Own Words

We would like to build a chicken farm in the field next to the anaerobic digester, creating two new jobs, which would produce chickens to supply Tesco amongst others. This will be a conventional farm producing chicken for the table, the chickens being raised in a carefully managed environment using the highest welfare standards, similar to several other farms that can be seen locally. The chickens will roam freely within the sheds, objects will be placed within the sheds to allow them to express normal behaviour and there will be natural daylight through side windows (at chicken level). The farm will dovetail in with the anaerobic digester, which will use the chicken manure as feedstock and in the long term provide electricity and heat back to the farm.

Planning Proposal

We would like to build four sheds and some ancillary buildings, each shed would be 300' long and 80' wide holding approximately 50,000 birds. Whilst the sheds are large they are only 9' tall (lower than the height of the adjacent silage clamps) and would be clad in green (the same colour as the grain stores and anaerobic digester) which, combined with the location adjacent to the anaerobic digester and the A46, and a landscaping scheme similar to those we have completed in the past, will have a minimal impact on the landscape. Access would be from an existing access on the old A46 and should have a minimal effect on residents, traffic will not go through Cropwell Bishop or the surrounding villages.

The sheds will all be stocked at the same time with chicks, the birds then taking about six weeks to reach their target weight. The birds are taken in two tranches, the first 30% are taken earlier, allowing more space for the remainder to grow on. The sheds will have computer controlled ventilation, heating, light, water and feed systems, with stock men walking the sheds to visually check the stock. The ventilation systems draw air in from the sides of the shed, which exits from the roof.

Will the new farm smell?

Due to the nature of the process, there are times in the bird growing cycle when we can expect some odour from the farm. This is infrequent, normally for only a limited period every 7-8 weeks around mucking out time. The site will be operating under a permit issued by the Environment Agency, part of which covers odour, and the odour assessment study which we have completed and presented to the Environment Agency shows that the impact on the local community will be minimal to non existent.

There can also be smell from the manure being spread on the land - we won't be doing this, as we will be storing and using the manure in the anaerobic digester, as we have been doing with turkey manure for some time. In the unlikely event that the farm did smell it should be reported, ideally directly to us to resolve, as we want to continue our good relationship with our neighbours. The farm will be operating under a permit issued by the Environment Agency, any problem can be reported to it, which would investigate and take action if necessary.

Is rearing chickens intensively really ethical?

Rearing chickens intensively can create strong opinions: up until the fifties chicken was a luxury item eaten infrequently as it was very expensive. It was the introduction of indoor rearing that allowed chicken to become an affordable part of our diet. These chickens will be reared in an enriched environment, with natural light, the opportunity to express normal behaviour and high welfare standards. We are proud of what we do, aim to operate to the highest standards, and we hope that our work in the past demonstrates this. We will continue with this philosophy and to this end we will be building a viewing gallery on one of the sheds to demonstrate that this is the case. Our operating standards will also be governed by the welfare and quality protocols of customers such as Tesco.

What level of bird losses would you expect?

Obviously, it is in our interest for the birds to do as well as possible. Inevitably we will loose some birds, but the proportion should be under 4%, similar to other livestock enterprises.

What traffic will be generated?

We have completed a Transport Statement, which says that traffic generation "will be modest and low key". The busiest periods will be when the birds are taken to the factory, which is generally overnight, and when manure is removed off site to the anaerobic digester. For the majority of the growing cycle there will be one feed lorry every other day, all the traffic movements will be along the old A46 on to the new A46 or to the anaerobic digester. There will not be any traffic movements through Cropwell Bishop or the surrounding villages.

What effect will the farm have on the local environment?

The independent environmental study we have commissioned shows the impacts as being: noise - low (not significant); odour- low (not significant); ecology- low (not significant); flood - low (not significant); landscape and visual effects- low/medium (not significant). The site will have a closed drainage system for dirty water (i.e. water that could contain material from washing out the sheds etc), which will be removed or used in the AD plant, and clean water will be passed through a balancing pond to attenuate the flow, then returned to the local drainage system. We will compete a landscaping scheme, including tree and shrub planting to screen the sheds.

Will you need a house?

We will be asking for permission under a separate application to build a house for the farm manager within the existing farm yard. This would enable us to have someone on site to provide night time cover for the chicken farm and the anaerobic digester whilst increasing the level of security on the farm yard site.

Why do you want to build it?

Arable farming is very uncertain, Brexit has made this more so, and the opportunity to diversify our business, enter a growing market and tie in with the anaerobic digester is attractive.

Chicken Factory Farm Proposed for Cropwell Bishop!

A planning application (Rushcliffe Borough Council, Ref. No. 17/01327/FUL) has been made on behalf of Mr. Russell Price to erect 4 large agricultural buildings adjacent to the existing Anaerobic Digester Plant in the land adjoining the old Fosse Road. These buildings will be used for the intensive rearing of chickens on a recurring 45 day cycle.

This is a significant development with potential consequences to the village as a whole. Aspects of the application to be considered include transport, aesthetics, noise and odour.

The application will be discussed at the Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 4th July 2017 and a response is required by Wednesday 5th July 2017.

The plans are available to view online via the Rushcliffe Borough Council Planning Online Portal (using the reference above). Alternatively hard copies of the plans and associated reports are available to view at the Old School via appointment with the Clerk to the Parish Council – Janice Towndrow on 0115 9894656.

Any interested parties are invited to comment either direct to Rushcliffe Borough Council or to the Parish Council by the required date.

Janice Towndrow
CBPC Parish Clerk
29/6/17

Opening of Garden at Cropwell Bishop School

There are lots of lovely things happening at our Village Primary School.

This afternoon we saw an example of what can happen when supporters of the School get together and work with the teachers to make something great for the children.

A beautiful little fenced garden (a mini allotment) with easy, all-weather, access was formally opened by Head Teacher, Miss Hussey. There were several dozen parents and children there to hear her—and to enjoy the free cake and drinks!

The project was planned by a group of villagers; parents, gardening club members, and school supporters. It was funded by 'Cropwell Bishop Friends of the School' who have organised School events and the 'Stilton Stumble 10k' (along with Cropwell Bishop Scouts) and other fund raising events over the years. These have raised thousands of pounds.

Using volunteer helpers and employing local contractors, they have created a superb learning environment for young learners. With donated seeds and plants, they have helped to get the garden off to a good start.

Whilst it was the formal opening today, the children and their teachers have been making use of their plots for some time. Each class has been allocated a raised bed.

During their six years at the school, a class of children will be responsible for the same plot—even though their teacher will change every year. This will help them learn about crop-rotation. Every spring they will be able to sow a variety of seeds.

Some of the raised beds have been set aside for the permanent growing of fruits and herbs.

This project is just the latest of a long list of gardening/growing projects that have been taking place over the last 10 years.

In 10 days time, the 2017 Stilton Stumble will take place and the income generated by it will help the next projects for the school garden: a pond and a wild-life area.

Enjoy looking at the photos taken at today's event.

Tony Jarrow

School Garden School Garden

School Garden School Garden

School Garden School Garden

School Garden School Garden

School Garden School Garden

School Garden School Garden

School Garden School Garden

School Garden School Garden

Speeding Drivers Caught by Police Trap

Police set up a speed camera in Cropwell Bishop last Monday and caught 30 offenders.

On this occasion they were on the Colston Road and the speed of offenders ranged from 36mph to over 50mph: the road has a 30mph speed limit.

The drivers face a £100 (minimum) fine, 3 points added to their licence and an increase in the cost of their car insurance.

More important than any of this: speeding cars can kill people. During the last 6 years, one person has suffered life-changing injuries and another has died—both resulting from speeding cars in Cropwell Bishop.

The message is: DON'T SPEED.

I am not surprised that the Police are committed to return to the village in the near future: 30 fines of £100 totals £3000—and they were only here for an hour.

They have also asked Cropwell Bishop's Community Speed Watch Team to continue supporting them in their efforts to curb speeding in the village.

Tony Jarrow

Vacancy

Vacancy

Mobile Fish & Chips

Fish & Chips Van



As some of you will already be happily aware, you can get fresh fish and chips in Cropwell Bishop from the Mobile Fish and Chip Van that comes one evening each week.

The Van is parked in the Car Park of the Wheatsheaf Pub between 5pm and 8pm every Tuesday. I understand that since starting a couple of weeks ago, it has proved very popular.

It must be 10 years since we last had a regular mobile Chip Van in the village. Then it parked outside the old paper shop on Church Street. Once building of the new Coop Store begins in the Wheatsheaf Car Park, I wonder if that spot could be where this new Chip Van parks up.

Tony Jarrow

Vandalism by 'Jack'

Jack



This new inscription has appeared on the village welcome sign on the Kinoulton Road approach to the village.
Residents are not best pleased as it leads to the impression that the village is home to someone who:

- isn’t very good at graffiti,
- has no pride in his environment,
- thinks that public funds are well spent in paying for his mindless vandalism to be removed.

Think on Jack; it isn’t good, it isn’t clever and the rest of us don’t want to pay for your stupidity.

Janice Towndrow
Cropwell Bishop Parish Clerk



Village Show Accounts

It is pleasing to report that, once again, the Village Show broke even—plus a bit to spare for next year.

The Show had even more exhibits than last year but we are always looking for ways of making it better. If you have any suggestions for next year's Show, please let me know.

Thank you to all those involved (in any way) with the Show.

Tony Jarrow

Accounts

Cropwell Bishop Village Show 2017

Yesterday, the Old School hosted the biggest Cropwell Bishop Village Show ever. There were 280 exhibits from 50 people on display and they were the result of thousands of hours effort.

Children had drawn treasure maps, built Lego houses and created vegetable animals; gardeners had dug potatoes and beetroot, picked raspberries and tomatoes, and tended blooming flowers; cooks had baked cakes, preserved jams and fortified spirits; and skilled fingers had knitted, painted and taken photos. And that is just a sample of what covered the tables and walls of the main hall.

It is wonderful that our Village is still able to enjoy an atmospheric event like this, but worth remembering that it was only made possible by our sponsors;
'Classic Windows', 'Cropwell Bishop Creamery' and 'Gary Jowett Butchers'. And we must not forget the work of our judges who, each year, use their expertise to identify the merits of each exhibit. There are always at least 5 of them, most living in distant villages, and they do it all for free.

Over 200 hand written certificates identified the best of the entrants and a few lucky ones won a category prize. These were awarded on the basis of most points achieved in the category (3 for 1st, 2 for 2nd and 1 for 3rd).

The Show Committee increased the number of awards this year and there was one for the 'Top' person in each of the four main categories—as well as some special prizes. Those lucky ones were:

Judy Thomas (Top Grower)
Lesley Shuttlewood (Top for Food and Drink)
Judy Thomas (Top for Arts and Craft)
Martha Harrison (Top Child)
John Field ('Rock Man Award' for rock cakes)
Harrison family (Top Family)

See the photos below and enjoy the atmosphere of another lovely Village activity at the Old School.

Tony Jarrow

Show Show

Show Show

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Show Show

Parish Councillor Vacancy

Due to the resignation of Chris Rickells, a vacancy has arisen in the Office of Councillor for the Parish Council.

If by 12 October, 2017 a request for an election to fill the vacancy is made in writing to the Returning Officer at the address below by TEN electors from within Cropwell Bishop, an election will be held to fill the vacancy, otherwise the vacancy will be filled by co-option.

If an election is called, it will take place not later than 14 December, 2017.

Allen Graham
Returning Officer
Rushcliffe Borough Council
Rushcliffe Arena, Rugby Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham. NG2 7YG

Switching Energy Supplier

You may be interested in the poster below. It is the first time I have heard of this campaign but if you wish to take up its offer, then the poster has details of what you need to do.

Tony Jarrow

Switch Energy

Health and Wellbeing Consultation – Have Your Say

The Health and Wellbeing Board has agreed the launch of the consultation for the second Joint Health & Wellbeing Strategy for Nottinghamshire. The consultation will run until 29 October 2017.

There is an online survey available: https://consult.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/public-health/joint-health-and-wellbeing-strategy

There is an event in Rushcliffe where people can come & give their views. It is at the Council Chamber, RBC, on 25 September, 10-12pm. Places can be booked through Julia Thornborough: julia.thornborough@nottscc.gov.uk

We would like views from as many people as possible so if you are attending any meetings during the consultation period & could include it on the meeting agenda it would be much appreciated. There are some resources available to help with the discussions on the Health & Wellbeing Strategy webpage.

Nicola Lane

(Public Health and Commissioning Manager)

Start of Changes in Village Centre

Stack Yard

The large space behind the old post-office/paper-shop on Church Street is to have houses built on it and this week work began on demolishing the old buildings there.

This picture, taken by Colin Bryan today, shows the work in progress. He says that the contractors expect to have this building down by the end of the week.

Tony Jarrow












Friday "Fish & Chips" Update

The doors at the Memorial Hall will be open from 10am and so if anyone would like a cup of coffee etc., they will be welcome. We will end at 2pm.

There will be a varied menu available including 'stew and dumplings'. The fish and chip Van will only be there between 12.30 and 13.30.

Helena from 'Lime Kiln' fame has volunteered to join our team and everything she offered on the menu will be on offer. There will be a variety of 'childhood memory puddings' available. All food-stuffs have been sourced locally.

All profits will be donated to charity the 1st one being 'Huntingdon chorea research'. The charity may vary on a weekly basis.

Pam Barlow

Fish & Chips Not Lost

There is huge disappointment in the village at the 'demise' of The Lime Kiln so, from next Friday (22nd Sept) fish and chips will be available at The Memorial Hall: 12.30 —13.30.

This is a non-profit making scheme and, if successful, we will possibly extend the menu in the future.

This is not primarily a Memorial Hall venture and so offers of help would be appreciated. 'Puddings' would be appreciated too.

Thank You

Pam Barlow

Bingham Car Parking

In July, it was reported that free parking at two of Bingham's car parks would be limited to 2 hours (see near foot of this page).

I know of two people who have used the car parks this week and found a number of free parking spaces—even on Thursday when the market was on.

This is good news for us. It's a pity that it took the Council so long to realise that commuter parking was putting off people visiting Bingham.

Tony Jarrow

Langar Tip

Back in 2013 we campaigned to keep open the Recycling Centre at Langar but Notts County Council ignored us and closed it.

I now understand that they believe there is a need for a Recycling Centre in this area and are now looking for an available site. The Langar site is no longer available; it was sold to Chris Alsopp.

I really don't know if to laugh or cry!

Tony Jarrow

Langar Tip

Possible Housing Plans for Cropwell Bishop

Yesterday afternoon and evening, Rushcliffe Borough Council used the Old School to display a range of ideas for additional housing in our village. This consultation will allow the views of residents to be recorded, even though this is still a very early stage in any possible plan for Cropwell Bishop.

These photos were taken at 4pm. It was crowded then so I suspect the Planning Staff who were in attendance were on their last legs, and voices, by the time the event closed at 8pm.

Tony Jarrow

Local Plan Local Plan Local Plan

Local Plan Local Plan

Magic!

Clear Road

10am Tuesday morning: so why were the light there all weekend? No doubt someone will be fined for causing needless traffic congestion for 3 days (don't hold your breath).

Tony Jarrow

Traffic Control of ...?

Traffic lights

Traffic lights to protect workers repairing roads or laying electric cables are sometimes essential, but were you confused or even annoyed by the sight of these traffic controls on Nottingham Road over the long holiday weekend?

There are no holes or obstacles on the road or pavement—except the traffic cones and traffic lights themselves!

One resident phoned Notts County Council last Friday afternoon to report the situation. The officer was going to contact the contractors but, so far, has not phoned back.

A cynic might say that the contractors wanted to finish working by Friday lunchtime and could not be bothered to take down the lights.

Tony Jarrow

GlastonBishop

Here are some pictures of the live "GlastonBishop" event that took place at the Wheatsheaf yesterday. Donations raised from it will go to Dove Cottage Hospice.

Mine Host was Les Taylor.
Organisers were Jo & Martin Featherstone.

Photos by Judy Thomas.

GlastonBishop GlastonBishop GlastonBishop GlastonBishop GlastonBishop GlastonBishop GlastonBishop GlastonBishop GlastonBishop

At Long Last!

After years of inaction, Rushcliffe Borough Council finally makes a welcome decision about parking at Bingham. But why did it take a decade for the Council to recognise the obvious damage that long term parking was doing to trade from people living in nearby villages like Cropwell Bishop.

I gave up on Bingham for shopping 11 years ago and now only go as far as Aldi and Lidl car parks. I understand that the new restrictions only apply to 39 parking places: whether this will be enough to attract people back to Bingham's shops remains to be seen.

See the Press Release below.

Tony Jarrow

PRESS RELEASE by Rushcliffe Borough Council:

Plans to improve short stay car parking in Bingham.

Rushcliffe Borough Council is announcing plans to introduce short-stay parking in Bingham, building on research undertaken by the Town Council, which highlighted long term issues with the availability of parking spaces in the town.

The changes, which will come into effect in early September, will see both Union Street and Needham Street car parks designated as short-stay car parks, meaning that shoppers and visitors to the town will get 2 hours free parking, with a ticket from the parking machine. However to discourage long-stay parking, which can clog up spaces and cause problems for visitors in finding a space, a charge of £20 will be introduced for anyone parking for longer than 2 hours in these two car parks.

Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, Councillor Simon Robinson said:

“We know how difficult it can be to find a parking space in Bingham and we don’t want visitors to be put off from visiting this vibrant town centre because of long-stay parkers taking up spaces all day.”

“We’ve listened to Bingham Town Council, along with the views of local businesses and visitors to Bingham. We are hopeful that the introduction of more short-stay parking, which will be free of charge, will encourage visitors and support the economic growth of the town centre, which is a key priority for the Council.”

Rushcliffe Borough Council will be working with Nottinghamshire County Council and Bingham Town Council, and will also be talking to local businesses, key stakeholders and the public, before the plans are implemented. This will include exploring joint opportunities for the creation of additional long stay car parking in the area. The parking arrangements for the larger Newgate Street car park will remain unchanged.

Jo is Running to Help Others

Many parents of children living in Cropwell Bishop will know Jo Wroughton.

Not only does she work with children at Cropwell Bishop Primary School, but also, for the last 8 years or so, she has been in charge of our own Village Youth Club, Cool Kids of Bishop (CKOB).

Twice a month on a Friday evening, Jo and her team of volunteer parents and helpers, are at The Old School where they work hard to help our village kids learn new things, work off some energy and socialise. I suspect that Jo and the adults use up even more energy than the kids on those evenings!

Jo has given many kids help over the years but now she is asking for help from the adults in Cropwell Bishop.

It is not Jo herself that actually needs help, but the people who suffer from a disease called Lupus. Jo's aunt suffers from Lupus and Jo has taken it upon herself to raise money for the Lupus UK Charity.

Here is what Jo has to say .....


Jo Wroughton

You may be aware that I am busy fundraising for Lupus, a horrible disease that my Aunt and 50,000 others have in the UK. I am doing this through running.

The main income comes from 11 members of my family and friends sponsoring me per km that I run each week, ranging from 1p to 10p per km, over the course of a whole year.

They all have a sealed tin and don't tell me how much they sponsor me and I simply advise them each week how many kms I run.

My year ends on September 3rd 2017 and on that day we are having a huge tin opening and count up at my Auntie Gill's to see how much we have raised. I have also been sponsored for a 10k and half marathon over the year.

The reason I am telling you this is because I am having a huge push over the remaining three weeks to raise as much as I can and to this end, I have pledged to run 50k per week for these last three weeks.

I have put this on facebook and have two collecting tins in the Co-op.

Jo Wroughton


The way that the people of Cropwell Bishop can help Jo, is by making a donation to the collecting tin at the Co-op in the village. Alternatively, if you know Jo, you can make a donation direct to her.

I know that this requires a bit of effort from you, but just think of the effort that Jo is making. Over the last year she has run the same mileage as from Land's End to John O'Groats!


Tony Jarrow

Picnic in the Park 2017

Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park Picnic in Park

Thanks to Janice Towndrow for supplying these photos.

Best Flower Display Competition

This year’s "Best Flower Display in an Outside Container" competition saw many entries in the village and the Parish Council would like to say a huge thank you to all those who took part.

We would also like to thank our judges, Sue Ward and Natalie Pearson, for taking the time on Friday 30th June to walk around the village and judge all the fabulous entries.

In first place was Irene Hepple with this fabulous Bicycle made to look amazing:

Irene Hepple

In second place was Pat Westmoreland with a beautiful display of baskets:

Pat Westmoreland

In third place was Sue Coe again with a beautiful hanging basket:

Sue Coe



Janice Towndrow
Parish Clerk

Thefts from St Giles’ Church

Dear friends

You may be aware that St Giles’ Church has been the victim of a series thefts this year: money stolen from the donations box and electrical equipment worth several hundred pounds also taken.

Church

We are saddened by such mean crimes as they strike at the heart of the community. The Church Council is keen to keep the church open during daylight hours because it provides a peaceful place for people to come in for prayer or simple reflection or just to admire the beauty of this 800 year old building.

However the Council is equally determined that those responsible for committing such mean offences should be caught and prosecuted. There are other churches in neighbouring villages and towns both in the Vale and over the borders into Leicestershire and Lincolnshire which have suffered similar attacks, leading us to suspect that there is an organised team of thieves operating in the area.

In view of this the Church Council has been in direct contact with the District Commander at West Bridgford Police Station and met with PCSO John Heaps who is responsible for policing in Cropwell Bishop. John passes through the village several times every day he is on duty and so the police have promised extra vigilance towards the Church as well as support for the measures the Council is itself putting in place to catch these thieves. Thanks to the vigilance of one particular member of the Church family information of great interest has been passed to the police following two men seen acting suspiciously whilst inside the Church.

We would like to ask for your help too. We know that many of you walk past the Church on either Church Street or Fern Road almost every day: taking children to school, visiting The Old School, the doctors or the shops, walking the dog. Others come to visit the church itself or to walk in the churchyard or lay flowers at a grave. So if you see (or hear) anything suspicious or someone hanging around who looks uncomfortable or simply out of place, please would you let us know.

You may pass on information (which will be treated confidentially) to:
Hilary Tabron (Churchwarden) 0115 989 4836
or Mick Beazley (church council member) 0115 989 2315
otherwise contact John on 07525 22 64 66 or email:
John.heaps@nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk

Thank you for your support.

Yours sincerely,

Bronwen Gamble

Rector

Cropwell Bishop Creamery Wins Again

Beauvale

The Cheesemaker's Shop, Nottingham Road.

Cheeses

Planning Application for Church Street Submitted

11 Church Street 11 Church Street

A planning application has been submitted to Rushcliffe Borough Council for 8 homes on Church Street—on the site of the former Post Office and Stockyard.

Here are some sketches of how it might look and a map of the proposed development.

You can download plans of each of the proposed houses from the Rushcliffe Planning website. (I suggest you use the "map" feature to locate and then click on the site.)

Tony Jarrow

11 Church Street

11 Church Street

Beating of the Bounds: What does it Mean?

The first entry which the Rev. John Astie made on May 22nd 1693 on behalf of the Churchwardens in their account book, was ‘at ye perambulation’ from very early times. During the Rogation Days – the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday preceding Ascension Day – the Parish boundaries were checked for any encroachments. It was a very special occasion and associated with a religious ceremony, when the Parish Priest asked divine blessing on the crops. Boys who had accompanied their elders on the perambulation of the Parish boundaries were ceremoniously lightly beaten – a custom which had its origins in the midsts of antiquity – probably to impress upon them the importance of knowing were land, they might eventually inherit, extended.

Queen Elizabeth I encouraged the custom for in 1559, the year of her coronation, she ordered ‘the clergy shall once a year at the time accustomed, walk about their Parishes with the Curate and other substantial men of the Parish and at their return to the Church make their common prayer”. We are also told in the scriptures ‘woe be to him who moveth his neighbour’s land mark”.

It was not until the surveyors made the enclosure map that the Parish boundaries were clearly defined and drawn on paper, followed by the fencing and planting of hedges. Before then, very heavy stone pillars were fixed here and there and a sighting between any two of them would show if there had been an encroachment, particularly where the arable land of two Parishes abutted. Sometimes a substantial wood post was used.

Good examples of these stones pillars may still be seen at the entrance to the residence of Ebenezer House on Church Street (which is built on the site of the earlier Fillingham Farmhouse), near the White Cottage on Fern Road and at the entrance to the Manor House on Fern Road.

This annual perambulation was an important event and the long journey round the Cropwell Bishop Parish boundaries called for some refreshments. As from Rev. Astie’s records.

Anne Terzza

Boundary Pillar

Entrance to the residence of Ebenezer House on Church Street.











Boundary Pillar

Boundary Pillar

Stone pillar marker between Dovecote House and The White Cottage on Fern Road.



















Boundary Pillar

Do You Know Someone Who Would Benefit?

contact the elderly

Contact the Elderly, a leading national charity dedicated to tackling loneliness and isolation among older people, is inviting local residents in the Bingham area (including Cropwell Bishop) to join its monthly tea parties and enjoy a few hours of tea, chat and good company.

Contact the Elderly, with the support of thousands of volunteers all across the UK (including Cropwell Bishop), organises monthly tea parties for small groups of older people, aged 75 and above, who live alone and would like some company on a Sunday afternoon.

Each guest is collected from their home by a volunteer driver and taken to a volunteer host’s home, where they meet with a small group for tea, chat and friendship. The group is welcomed by a different host each month, but the drivers remain the same which means that over the months and years, acquaintances turn into friends and loneliness is replaced by companionship.

Contact the Elderly’s North Development Officer, Emma McPhilbin, said:

“For older people who live alone, Sundays can be particularly long and difficult. These tea parties give people a chance to get together with others, make new friends, eat delicious cakes and enjoy a cup of tea. The monthly events make a real difference to the lives of those in the group and we would encourage anyone interested in coming along, or those who know of people to whom it might appeal, to get in touch.”

Cropwell Bishop residents, aged 75 and above, who live alone without the support of family and friends, who are interested in joining the Bingham Contact the Elderly group can phone Emma McPhilbin, North Development Officer, on:
0161 669 6232
or email:
emma.mcphilbin@contact-the-elderly.org.uk

In practice, it may well be that initial contact is made by friends and neighbours of these people—with, of course, their consent.

Proposed Bus Service: How will it Affect Cropwell Bishop?

The County ‘822’ proposals (issued 14/06/17) are intended to replace the V2 from 23 July 2017.

The proposed 822 service will run from Bingham via Aslockton and the Vale villages to Cropwell Bishop (serving Church St and Hoe View Road as the current V2 route) and then on to Cotgrave Hollygate Lane Estate and Cotgrave Manvers Arms (missing out Ringleas).

It then continues to Tollerton airport, Morrisons and West Bridgford (again as the existing V2).

Daytime 822 services stop at West Bridgford, whereas peak-time 822 services go through to Friar Lane.

Through ‘peak-time’ buses from Church St (labelled as Post Office on the 822 timetable) to Nottingham Friar Lane run at 0643, 0713 and 0803 in the morning and at 1623 and 1708 in the late afternoon (41 minute journey time).

In the late afternoon, through 822 buses from Friar lane to Cropwell Bishop run at 1630, 1705 and 1755 (40 minute journey time). Note that these buses from Friar lane do not stop at Broadmarsh.

In the daytime, the 822 provides a service from Church St to West Bridgford at 33 minutes past the hour from 0933 to 1533 (then 1623 and 1708 which continue to Friar Lane) timings one minute later from Hoe View Road.

For the return daytime journey the 822 leaves West Bridgford on the hour between 0900 and 1600 (with buses at 1645, 1720 and 1810 which originate in Friar Lane).

Buses to Bingham from Cropwell Bishop Church St run hourly from 0925 to 1525 (34 minute journey time) with return buses from Bingham on the hour from 0900 to 1500 (33 minute journey time).


Parish Councillor John Greenwood



County Council Proposes Bus Solution

The following note was issued today (14/06/17) by Chris Ward, County Manager, Transport & Travel Services, to accompany the proposed timetable for the ‘822’ service to replace the ‘V2 Service’.

Following discussion with Members a final timetable has been produced to replace the Villager 2 service from 24th July, a copy is attached for your reference.

The final route covers as much of the current Villager 2 service as possible, maintains the peak time journeys to Nottingham but with the off peak journeys connecting in West Bridgford where there are many options for connections to Nottingham.

Peak journeys to Nottingham are also maintained through connections in Bingham with the Rushcliffe Mainline or rail services.

We are hoping to introduce a ‘through’ ticketing agreement with both Trentbarton and Nottingham City Transport, details of this will be made available as soon as possible.


I hope to be able to advise you who will be operating the new service at the end of June following a short procurement process, timetables and full information will follow as soon as possible after that, your help in circulating this would be greatly appreciated.

We are initially looking to award the contract for 2 years to try and get some stability in the area, during this time I intend to review the service and will be inviting representatives from each Parish/Town as we have done previously.

I recognise that this situation will cause some concern to your residents, we are however trying to minimise any disruption and maintain as much of the service across the whole area as possible within the budget available.

If you have any queries regarding this please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,

Chris Ward
Manager, Transport & Travel Services

Opera Dudes at The Old School

Opera Dudes

First, let's be clear, Neil and Tim—the Opera Dudes—are tremendous singers of opera and, for that matter, any other kind of singing. But they are also great entertainers who have the ability to make a night at the village hall a memorable event.

At the Old School last night, a sell-out crowd enjoyed classical opera, relaxed singing and, from Tim, wonderful classical piano music. On top of all that there was the banter between them and the audience. There was the audience participation, the larking around and the many shared laughs. It was Margaret Brentnall's birthday and the Opera Dudes knew it: they made it a memorable event for her!

Another great night organised by the Entertainment Committee at the Old School. With entertainment, food and a bar all within walking distance of home, they put together another great night for Cropwell Bishop.

Tony Jarrow

Opera Dudes Opera Dudes Opera Dudes Opera Dudes Opera Dudes Opera Dudes Opera Dudes Opera Dudes Opera Dudes Opera Dudes Opera Dudes Opera Dudes Opera Dudes Opera Dudes Opera Dudes Opera Dudes

Pop Quiz at The Old School

Pop Quiz

Last night the, now annual, Pop Quiz was held at The Old School. This is the forth year this popular event has been held and, as ever, it was hosted by the super efficient and very capable Richard Turner.

Richard clearly enjoys organising the quiz otherwise he would never take on the task of planning the hundreds of questions and hundreds of sound clips. Everything is stored on his iPod and was played from his 'player' which continually filled the hall with music.

For every question, our musical memories were stretched, and often the answer simply wasn't there. The teams with a variety of ages were at an advantage with each member being an expert on the music of their teenage and 20s years.

Surprisingly, the teams were not so far apart by the end of evening but the winner was a team from Radcliffe-on-Trent. Well done to them: no doubt the medals and bottles will help them enjoy more old pop music over the coming year.

The pictures below illustrate the stress experienced by the players—and the means they used to relieve it.

Tony Jarrow

Pop Quiz Pop Quiz Pop Quiz Pop Quiz Pop Quiz Pop Quiz Pop Quiz Pop Quiz Pop Quiz Pop Quiz Pop Quiz

More Beauty in Cropwell Bishop

Beauty Barn
This coming Saturday (22nd April), "The Beauty Barn" will be opening in Cropwell Bishop.


Beauty Barn
Located on Nottingham Road, where Beauty Box used to be—next to Gary Jowett (Butchers), it will be open between 4pm and 6pm. Join staff for a glass of prosecco, mini treatments, demos and a raffle to win treatments.


Beauty Barn Beauty Barn
The Beauty Barn will be a local place for: facials, massages, nails, lashes, reflexology, waxing, gifts and vouchers—and more.
For appointments phone: 0115-8373020.


Beauty Barn
See the next Issue of Cropwell News (late April) for more details.

County Council Elections

You have probably had leaflets pushed through your letterbox in recent days from people asking for your support in the forthcoming Notts County Council elections on 4th May. But you will not have had one from the County Councillor who currently represents Cropwell Bishop, Richard Butler—even though he would very much like to represent you. Puzzled?

The reason is that boundaries of County Council voting divisions have changed and Cropwell Bishop is no longer linked to Cotgrave (where Richard lives), but is now part of a the newly created Bingham West Division.

Richard Butler

Richard has been our councillor for 16 years. Just imagine, back then in 2001, digital cameras were of poor quality, mobile phones were just that, they only let you talk to people, and there was no Facebook, Twitter and all the rest—and this website was still 7 years away.

Richard Butler

Richard was in his usual seat at last night's monthly Parish Council Meeting at the Old School but it may well have been his last appearance. No big party or farewells but thanks from everyone for the work he has done for our village over many years—always in a calm and courteous manner and with a friendly smile.

Richard Butler

Richard Butler

Richard Butler

Thank you

Tony Jarrow

Cropwell Bishop Fete 2017

Make a note of the date:

Sunday 11th June
12 - 4pm
Memorial Hall and Field
(all subject to confirmation)

But, this will only happen with the help of,
YOU, the people of Cropwell Bishop.

Can you help?

Older people in the village will have fond memories of the annual Village Fete that was held thoughout the late 1900s.

We'd really like to get the fete up and running again but we really do need the help of other people—not just to say they'll help on the day, but in the run up. If we don't get enough people, we can't go ahead with it: it can't be organised by just two people.

Will you help?

The Memorial Hall committee need COMMITTED volunteers to come up with with ideas for games and entertainment, help plan the day, help make sure that everything is ready on the day, help set up and clear away and help run stalls.

You will help??

Offer to help, or just find out more, by sending an email to: cropwellfete2017@gmail.com

Thank you

Lisa and Steve Newbold

APPROVED: Wheatsheaf Car Park Planning

Wheatsheaf

The Appeal to allow a convenience store to be built on the site of the Wheatsheaf car park has been approved by the Planning Inspectorate.
It is anticipated that a Co-op Store will now be built there and replace the existing one on Church Street.

Here are some of the comments (some edited) made by the inspector in his report:

"I visited the site and the existing co-op in the village three times, each time staying for a lengthy period of time. Twice on the 20th February around mid-afternoon and early evening and once early evening on the 9th March. Each time I saw that there was a high turnover of car parking availability at the existing co-op. I consider therefore that the findings regarding the length of average visitors stay within the retail unit to be reasonable."

"The relatively narrow width of Nottingham Road means that if cars were parked on the carriageway then it would effectively create a single lane for traffic. However, at my first site visit at mid-afternoon there were no cars parked on the street and in the evening there was only one. At my third site visit there were no cars parked on the street. While I appreciate that this is just a snap shot in time I have been provided with no evidence that on street parking is already at a high level near the appeal site."

"Reference has been made to use of the car park by vehicles other than those using the pub, in particular by car owning residents of Mill Lane and local businesses who have no off street parking available. I saw that the car park is available for permit holders only and the Council advise that the arrangement to allow residents to park in the car park has ceased. While I appreciate the resident’s concerns, the car park is a private one that could be withdrawn from use at any time."

"Concerns have been raised regarding the closure of the existing vehicle access from Mill Lane, which residents state is used as a shortcut to provide safe access from Mill Lane. However, I understand that this is an informal arrangement between the residents of Mill Lane and the owners of the car park. It is not a formal arrangement with the Local Highway Authority to improve highway safety."

"I share the view of the Council’s Conservation Officer that the use of the building as a pub contributes to its special historic significance. Therefore, I consider it necessary to impose a condition ensuring that there is no time restriction on the parking spaces available so as not to deter patrons of the pub parking in them."

To download a copy of the Appeal Decision click on: Planning Appeal.


Tony Jarrow

Surveying Begins in Cropwell Bishop

cb12 survey

In the presentation by Planners on Monday (see report posted below) the land referred to as CB12 lies between the Canal and Hoe View Road. Jan Marsh's home overlooks it.

This morning she took this photo and asked the man what he was doing. He replied, "surveying the land for a sales firm".


Tony Jarrow

Pothole Repaired!

The pothole I reported yesterday has been repaired, less than 24hrs after I contacted Notts County Council. They even sent an email to confirm the job was done—and indeed it has been, I have just driven over it.

An excellent "pothole service" by the County Council.

Tony Jarrow

Help Fill the Potholes

Pothole
Pothole

Deep potholes like this one on Nottingham Road are a nuisance to car drivers but can cause serious injury to a cyclist.

Whilst it is easy for us to complain about the state of our roads, the quickest and most cost efficient way getting them repaired must be for us to tell the council where they are.

The County Council have a web page for us to do just that and you can reach it with just two clicks.

Click on the "Contacts" page of this website (on the right) and there you will find a link to the page where you can report a pothole. There is map for you to show the location of a pothole (anywhere in Nottinghamashire) and you can add a photo if you have one. It couldn't be any easier.

I have reported this pothole and also one at the corner of Barratt Close. Do you know of any others? If so, report them.

Tony Jarrow

Beating the Bounds

SATURDAY 20TH MAY—EVERYONE INVITED!

How well do you know your village?

Where does Cropwell Bishop begin and end?

Join our village walk/cycle ride/car tour and find out!

On Saturday 20th May we will be updating the Anglo-Saxon tradition of “Beating the Bounds of the Village” for the 21st century.

Collect coloured wristbands at any or all of seven markers on the boundary of the village and return them to St Giles’ Church for free refreshments (and a certificate for all children taking part).

You can use any combination of walking and/or transport. Follow our suggested routes or plan your own.

In accordance with ancient tradition, locally-brewed ale, hot and cold drinks and other refreshments will be served from our new tea-point in the church tower.

Look out for more details later. Save the date!

Susan Macdonald

Holy Moly at The Old School

Holy Moly

Last night, gypsy-folk rock-band, "Holy Moly", attracted a sell-out crowd to The Old School. The six highly skilled musicians from Newcastle first held the ears of villagers and then had them singing and laughing with their highly entertaining act: here are some photos from the event.

Tony Jarrow

Holy Moly Holy Moly Holy Moly Holy Moly

Holy Moly

Holy Moly Holy Moly Holy Moly Holy Moly

Holy Moly

Holy Moly Holy Moly Holy Moly Holy Moly

Holy Moly Holy Moly Holy Moly Holy Moly

Holy Moly Holy Moly Holy Moly Holy Moly Holy Moly Holy Moly Holy Moly Holy Moly

Holy Moly Holy Moly

Holy Moly

Memories of British Gypsum in Cropwell Bishop

Retirement 1981


I have been sent these photos by Carole Hill who tells me she:

"lived the first 30 years of my life in Cropwell Bishop, in the house known as Rose Villa on the Cropwell Butler Road and my father Bert Williams, more commonly known as Taffy on account of his Welsh ancestry, worked at the village garage for a number of years.
In the 1950s/60s it was known, as far as I remember, as Starbuck's Garage."

Her late father then worked at British Gypsum as maintenance foreman, right up to his retirement in 1981. The photo on the left was taken at his retirement in 1981.

The photo below was taken at a British Gypsum Presentation in January 1980 and the final one is of the staff.

Many thanks to Carole for sending these fascinating photos: I am sure some of the older villagers will recognise faces.

Tony Jarrow

Presentation 1980 Staff Photo

Gardening Past

Following on from my changes to the Archive pages (see "Searching the Past" article below) I have implemented a similar change to the Gardening Page.

Clicking the Gardening tab will reaveal an extra orange tab labelled "2016". Clicking this will lead to a page showing all the articles on Gardening from 2016. The Gardening tab now shows news only items from 2017.

Tony Jarrow

Calm Before the Gales

Rainbow

Lovely view over the field towards the Woods at 8am this morning.

Jan Marsh














Searching the Past

Rushcliffe Awards: Nov 2008

I know that some of you have tried to locate news articles that appeared months earlier only to find that they have been removed.

The reason they are not there is because I regularly trim the content of web pages. If I did not, they would become slow to download—especially for those of you relying on mobile data with your phone or tablet.

To overcome this problem I have made improvements to the Archive page of this website. It will now be possible to view archive pages covering all of the last nine years. To find out more click on the Archive tab.

Tony Jarrow


(Photo from November 2008)

Parking Ticket Email Scam

Our Parish Council has been warned of a "Parking Ticket Email Scam". Full details below.

Tony Jarrow

Fraudsters are sending out emails purporting to be from a legitimate company called UK Parking Control LTD (UKPC) that claim you have a parking ticket.

The convincing looking emails have titles such as 'Parking Charge Reminder' and claim you have parked on private land belonging to one of UKPC's clients. The emails contain randomly generated reference numbers and quote a charge of 90 pounds.

The bottom of the email asks victims to click on 'payment options and photos' for more information.

Clicking on this link will result in the download of a file which contains malware! The malware is configured to capture confidential banking information such as PINS and passwords, together with payment authorisation codes.

If you receive one of these emails, DELETE IT and do not download any files or attachments.

If you have any concerns that your computer may have been compromised by one of these emails, please contact the ICT Service Desk immediately on 0115 914 8333

Nick Allen

ICT Service Support Manager
Rushcliffe Borough Council

New Housing in Cropwell Bishop?

Local Plan

Rushcliffe Borough Council is now preparing the second part of the Local Plan (Local Plan Part 2). It will include further policies and proposals for housing, Green Belt, employment, retail, open spaces and nature conservation.

The aim of the consultation is to get our residents views on whether the Local Plan should identify any sites around Cropwell Bishop for new housing development.

The date of the consultation will be:

Monday 6th March
The Old School
3pm to 8pm

Please come along to the consultation event at The Old School, Fern Road any time between 3pm and 8pm to find out more.

For further details of the consultation please go to www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/planningpolicy or call 0115 981 9911

All residents will receive an invitation flyer from Rushcliffe Borough Council ahead of the consultation date.

Cropwell Bishop Parish Clerk

Villager 2 Bus Timetable

The Bus Timetable that appears on the Travel page has been updated after a resident discovered that one of the evening buses leaving Friar Lane now departs at a later time. Click on the Travel page for more details.

Tony Jarrow

Ready Steady 60s Night at Old School

Thanks to Mel Stanley for providing atmospheric picutures of last night's "Rave" at the Old School.

60s night 60s night 60s night 60s night 60s night

Speeding Driver Killed Young Father

Drive Safely

A speeding driver must do 300 hours community work after causing the death of a delivery man at a road junction.

School worker Natasha Waterworth could not explain why she was doing 60 mph - double the limit - with her two children in the back of the car, Nottingham Magistrates' Court heard on Thursday, February 2.

Her Ford Tourneo struck a car driven by 40-year-old Haroon Rashid, who had ignored a "give way" sign moments before the collision on Colston Road, Cropwell Bishop. He was later pronounced dead in the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham following the incident on April 15 last year. His widow was in court to see Waterworth plead guilty to causing death by careless driving.

A two-year driving ban was imposed on Waterworth, 41, of City Road, Stathern, Leicestershire. She must pay £160 prosecution costs and a government surcharge of £85.

District Judge Tim Spruce said: "There is no sentence any court can impose which can ever compensate Haroon Rashid's family for the tragic loss of a caring, supportive and loving husband, father, son and son-in-law.

"Whilst you can't compare it to the impact on Haroon Rashid's family, I do recognise this incident, these proceedings, have taken and will continue to take a considerable toll on Waterworth, her children and her family. "Being responsible for the death of Mr Rashid is something she will have to live with for the rest of her life. No-one would willingly choose to bear that mantle."

The judge referred to the "excessive speed" of Waterworth's driving but said it was "a single isolated incident where her driving fell below the required standard."

Judith Kirkham, prosecuting, said Waterworth's Ford was similar to a "minibus or people carrier, a substantial vehicle." She had a relaxed day and was returning home around 3.30pm after picking up her children from a swimming session.

A 30mph sign was visible on the approach to the village and the word "slow" was painted on the road. Mrs Kirkham told the court: "She could not explain to members of the police why she was driving at 60mph.

"Tragically, Mr Rashid failed to stop at a 'give way' sign. Mrs Waterworth, driving at 60mph as he continued to emerge from the junction, was unable to avoid a collision. She slammed on her brakes, began to take evasive action." The two vehicles went onto the grass verge and struck the supporting cable of a telegraph pole. People ran from a pub to help and Waterworth also wanted to provide assistance, the court heard.

In a statement read to court, Mr Rashid's widow Nobella Malik said they had been married for only 13 months. "He was a kind, caring, lovely, thoughtful and hard-working person. People who knew him said he was jolly and cheerful. "I am sure this lady in the other car didn't go out that day intending to kill someone but she has taken away my loving beautiful husband," she added.

Simon Morgan, for Waterworth, told the court: "While it does not compare with the pain of the family of Mr Rashid, she has been devastated and indeed crushed by her failings. "She accepts she was at fault and that is an important factor for everybody in this case. "A week after, she returned to the scene to lay flowers. She started counselling in September and has flashbacks. "Sadly she has to pass the scene on a regular basis."

Waterworth had been driving for 25 years with no offences committed. She gained a business degree and accountancy qualifications. Mr Morgan added: "She is unable to turn the clock back but through her guilt and sense of responsibility she wishes to make reparation."

Person attacked in Cropwell Bishop

Our Parish Clerk has been allerted to an attack on a carer who was attending a resident in Cropwell Bishop last Sunday evening at around 9pm. David Crawley, who lives in Cropwell Butler and is the son of the lady who the carer was attending, said:

"My mother, who is 96, lives at 2 Etheldene, Cropwell Bishop. I would like to bring to your attention that at around 9.00 pm on Sunday evening the 8th when her carer was leaving the property the carer was attacked by a man.

His objectives are unknown but after a lengthy tussle he ran off towards the main road. The police were called and are therefore fully aware of the incident."

If you have any information that could help the police to identify the attacker, then please contact them.

Meanwhile, it would be sensible for people walking around in Cropwell Bishop to be particularly alert and careful, especially after dark, until the attacker has been caught.

Tony Jarrow