An outline planning application to build 85 dwellings in Cropwell Bishop has been submitted to Rushcliffe Borough Council.
When our village was first made aware of this project last year, the plan was for 70 dwellings and the road layout and school drop-off layout were different.
In the coming weeks I will post details of how you will be able to view the detailed plans and offer feedback.
Below is the new plan for 85 homes and also, for comparison, the plan published last year.
To see the full set of documents associated with this planning application, visit the Rushcliffe Borough Council Planning website by clicking:
If you drove by the Shepherds Restaurant on the Stagglethorpe Road last week you may have been perplexed by roadside banners about a Crematorium—I know I was.
After attending last night's monthly Cropwell Bishop Parish Council meeting I can now provide some facts.
A proposal for a new crematorium has been submitted to Rushcliffe Borough Council. It would be located across the road from the Shepherds Restaurant: see map.
Apparently, the roadside banners were put up by residents at the Travellers Site nearby. They have now been removed.
To download a pdf document with full details, click on:
Chocolate is good for you! I'm sure he said that at one point in his presentation this evening. And since no one in the audience of around 60 people contradicted him, it must be true. At least, that is what I am going to assume.
The Cropwell Bishop WI opened its doors to everyone this evening and invited Chocolatier, Tom Phillips, to tell us all about chocolate from start to finish.
Tom established his business, 'Hannah's Chocolate' in Quorn, 30 years ago and nowadays spends much of his time teaching others how to make decorative chocolates.
This evening the Memorial Hall was his classroom and his audience were keen to learn—and just as keen to buy samples of his products at the end.
Cocoa beans were first grown in South America but nowadays they are grown in many countries within 10 degrees of the Equator.
The first milk chocolate was produced in 1876 in Switzerland and a certain Mr Nestles was involved. It was made by combining the ground cocoa bean and its extracted oil, with dried milk, together with a good helping of sugar.
I think we can all agree it has been a great success. Even so, in 1932 chocolatiers developed a new kind of chocolate. By not including the ground up cocoa solids, they produced white chocolate.
This has also become very popular and one reason may be that it contains much less of a stimulant, called theobromine, than brown chocolate. People who suffer migraines from eating brown chocolate are grateful for that.
There could only be one prize for the evening's raffle; the chocolate snowman that Tom had made for his demonstration.
Tony Jarrow
Fireworks Night (4-11-18)
The annual free fireworks show put on by Cropwell Bishop Parish Council continues to attract large numbers of people including many young children.
The display by First Galaxy Fireworks is far enough away to be safe viewing but, at the same time, close enough for you to feel part of it: some fireworks lit up the whole sky above us.
Before the start, people queued to buy peas and drinks from councillors and scouts in the Memorial Hall.
They will have seen figures and poppies made by the Cropwell Scout Group for Remembrance Day which is next Sunday.
The display began with the lighting of the beacon.
All proceeds from today's event will go to Dove Cottage.
Tony Jarrow
Senior Citizens Christmas Buffet (21-12-18)
On behalf of all who were at the Christmas Buffet and movie at the Old School on Wednesday, we would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved with putting it on, especially Jan Towndrow, Alan Wilson and Moira Kendall, but also all the other volunteers.
The food, drink and film were all very enjoyable and greatly appreciated and everything was so well organised; the day was even sunny!
We so much hope it will happen again next year: we are already looking forward to it!
Thank you
David and Shirley
'Cropwell News News' Quiz: Winner (5-12-18)
Congratulations to Natalie Pearson who won the September 'Cropwell Bishop News' Quiz.
Her entry was drawn out of the "hat of correct entries" at the Parish Council meeting at the Old School.
She wins a £20 voucher for Gary Jowett's Butchers—donated by Gary.
Here are the correct answers:
1. How many bikes on their way to Africa? ............ over 25 (Page 3)
2. How many Monkees?............ 4 (Page 25 - question 4)
3. Who paid for the Eco-toilet?............ National Lottery (Page 16)
4. What did Barney win?............ 'Best dressed house' prize (Page 3)
5. How many women worked on unfinished lace?............ 44 (Page 21)
6. How many entries in the Village Show?............ 263 (Page 4)
7. What year was the Peace Parade?............ 1919 (Page 21)
8. Chocolate Tombola where?............ WI Christmas Fair/Methodist Hall (Page 12)
9. What day of the week will be CB Fireworks?............ Sunday (Page 8)
10 What voice for Stephen Cooper?............ Baritone (Page 32)
11 Soon a Local Residents Discount Card from?............ Creamery (Page 24)
12. How many 'MEN in General'?............ 5 (Page 6)
13. Flu Clinic in CB will be?............ Tuesday 9th October (Page 18)
14. What date are you saving for HUMBUG? ............ Wednesday 5th December (Page 7)
15. 'Spirit Level' is a?............ comedy (Page 38)
16. A concrete skate park would cost approx. how much?............ £50k (Page 23)
Tony Jarrow
Memorial Hall (21-11-18)
At The Memorial Hall AGM on 20th November 2018 a new committee was elected the new Chairman is Mick Beazley and any future bookings enquiries should be made to Steve Newbold on 07860949684 or by email to stevelisaemily @gmail.com. We hope the village will continue to support us as we strive to move the hall forward and ensure it's future for the next generation.
The Memorial Hall Committee
The Stilton Stumble (16-10-18)
Having a long history of hosting well organised Running Races, Cropwell Bishop is still able to attract a large number of runners to its annual event.
In spite of pouring rain, over 450 runners finished the Stilton Stumble 10K Race on Sunday.
At least it was not too cold: the rain might well have had a welcome cooling effect on their bodies. Pity the many marshals around the course who had no need of any kind of cooling effect! Without them and the other officials and behind-the-scene helpers, the event would not have happened, but with them, its was a great success.
The "goody-bag" at the end rewarded the runners with a piece of Stilton Cheese provided by Cropwell Bishop Creamery, one of the event sponsors. Gary Jowett Butchers was another village sponsor.
These photos will give you a taste of the atmosphere of the event, but to see over 400 more, click on the link below.
There is a photograph of virtually every runner: unfortunately I missed a few who were hidden by their running mates.
On Tuesday September 4th Grantham Canal Society (GCS) senior management made a presentation to Cropwell Bishop Parish Council entitled": "The Grantham Canal: Re-watering the Dry Section”
For some time the GCS has been debating this project as a major step forward in the planned restoration of the canal and an opportunity to further expand our involvement with canal-side communities as we seek to restore their local section.
Approximately 5 miles in length the Cropwell Dry Section is the canal in miniature in all but one respect. It has locks, bridges, accessible towpaths and other walks - but no water and an awful lot of vegetation filling the space where the water should be.
We went to the council to explain our plan in outline and ask for their support. We asked for active support, including encouragement of the local community to get involved, and this they gave unanimously. A big thank you to all the councillors present.
So now we will start work with our partners in Canal and River Trust and put a comprehensive plan together.
This will not be a quick hit - there are a number of issues to be investigated and in the future expect to see plans and progress reports appear in “Bridge” as we pursue our objective of "Re-watering the Dry Section”.
To view the September issue of the magazine, "Bridge", click:
Photos taken during the Viewing of the Village Show last Sunday.
Tony Jarrow
Village Show Art & Craft (13-9-18)
Photos of entries for the Art & Craft sections of the Village Show last Sunday.
Tony Jarrow
Village Show Food & Drink (12-9-18)
Photos of entries for the Food & Drink sections of the Village Show last Sunday.
Tony Jarrow
Village Show Children (12-9-18)
Photos of entries from Children at the Village Show last Sunday.
Tony Jarrow
Village Show Growers (11-9-18)
Photos of entries for the Vegetables, Fruit and Flowers sections of the Village Show last Sunday.
Tony Jarrow
Tour of Britain Race Day: 5 Minutes ... (11-9-18)
Five minutes and the Tour of Britain had come to Cropwell Bishop and gone: but what an exciting 5 minutes!
11.31am
11.32am
11.33am
11.34am
11.35am
11.36am
11.39am
Next Day..
Heritage Items (12-11-18)
The Heritage Group have items for sale.
Tour of Britain Race Day: Waiting ... (10-9-18)
Saturday 8th September in Cropwell Bishop.
At 10.15am last Saturday the roads were becoming quieter but the residents and visitors were becoming more restless. They were ready to loudly cheer any passing cyclist or trade car connected with the coming bike race.
Here are a few photos taken during the wait.
Tony Jarrow
Village Show Pleases Everyone (10-9-18)
Even the judges are fond of our Annual Village Show: it is comfortable and relaxing. There are no big money prizes and people enter for the fun of it.
Yesterday’s Show saw 263 entries from 47 people—including 12 children. Many won certificates for their efforts but the judges admitted that it is sometimes impossible to pick winners. How do you compare paintings of different styles and mediums? Is it fair to compare the efforts of a 10 year old child with those of a 4 year old?
Next year the organisers will consider ways of reducing these difficulties but in the meantime the judges used all their experience to recognise the talent and effort displayed in exhibits.
There were small trophies for the entrants earning most points in each of the four main categories. About a quarter of exhibits were in each of these categories and in each case there were clear winners. There was also a trophy for the winning family and a special award of fresh steak (c/o Gary Jowett) for the best man-made rock cakes.
These are the Award winners:
GROWER — Judy Thomas
FOOD & DRINK— Lesley Shuttlewood
ART AND CRAFT — Hilary Jarrow
CHILD — Edith Harrison
FAMILY — Harrison
ROCK MAN — Ralph Shuttlewood
Many thanks to the Show Committee, Tea & Cake helpers, Old School Staff and Judges who all worked hard to put on the event; the Sponsors who financed it; and the 47 entrant (and their family helpers) who made it a pleasing success.
Below are just a few photos from the event and many more will be posted later this week.
Tony Jarrow
Cropwell Bishop Welcomes Tour of Britain (8-9-18)
What a great day for Cropwell Bishop. After months of preparation and anticipation today finally arrived.
It started early for those involved with providing balloons and face paint at the Old School. Over a hundred balloons had been inflated the night before and at 8am the task continued.
By 10am balloons were everywhere and Parish Councillors were touring the village to judge their Best-Display competition. Yellow bikes and bunting have been appearing daily but over the final 24 hours many more shot up.
As 11am approached the atmosphere changed as road closures began and the first of hundreds of Police, Organisers' and Team motorbikes and vehicles started roaring into the village with sirens and horns sounding in an alarming yet playful manner. This increased the tension and many of those watching were amazed by the amount of effort and expertise needed to make today's race a success.
Then the first of the riders swept down our roads to the cheers and clapping of the hundreds of villagers and visitors—many of them seasoned cyclists, gathered along the route but especially at the bends and corners.
Fortunately for us watching, some riders had already attacked in the preceding half-hour and so groups of them were passing us, off and on, for a full 2 minutes.
Then came the team cars and support services with their horns blaring—and all of a sudden, it was all over.
Everyone appeared very satisfied with the whole thing, especially the way Cropwell Bishop people had risen to the occasion and worked hard to make the day a success. Many had been watching the efforts of other nearby villages and were proud of what we had achieved by 'coming together'.
Here are just a few photos from today. Thanks to Andrew Trevers, Jan Towndrow, Nigel Wood, Sue Ledger and John Hallam for their contributions. Over the coming days I will be posting many more.
Tony Jarrow
Village is in the Mood for Tour of Britain (6-9-18)
Tour of Britain Yellow Bikes (6-9-18)
Thank you to everyone who has donated and/or sprayed a bike for the
Tour of Britain on Saturday.
All the bikes that the Parish Council have put out will be brought back to The Old
School after the event ready for collection next week to be sent via charity to Africa.
If you want your bike back please come and collect it before 6.30pm on Monday. If
you have a bike you wish to be collected alongside the Parish Council bikes then, by
all means, bring it to The Old School by 6.30pm Monday evening and we will
send it off as well.
Thank you
Janice Towndrow
Parish Clerk
'Big Lottery' Win for Cropwell Bishop Allotments! (4-9-18)
Great news for members of Cropwell Bishop Allotment Association. Thanks to a National Lottery award, they will be able to use a toilet on the Allotment site instead of having to go home.
Last year, the Allotment Committee considered the need for a toilet on the site. Knowing that almost half the members are female and also appreciating that children will sometimes accompany parents and grandparents to their plots, they realised that the need for a readily accessible toilet had grown.
A survey of members was conducted and the demand confirmed—but, they resisted paying a greatly increased annual fee to finance it.
The committee obtained information, got quotes and visited suppliers. They even visited the toilets at the Beeston Allotment Site in January.
From the start it was clear that we would have to have a waterless toilet because there is no mains water supply at the site on Fern Road. A variety of systems are available but we eventually settled on one that was being used by a number of other Associations.
In February this year, Committee member Jan Walker offered to take the lead in the push to establish a toilet on the site, even though she knew that the big obstacle to progress was money, or I should say, the lack of it.
The Committee accepted that the only realistic chance they had of paying for one was by getting funding from an outside organisation and, in these difficult economic times, the only provider that might help was the National Lottery's "Big Lottery Fund".
We already had experience of successfully bidding for Lottery money because in 2011 we were awarded the money to establish an all-season car-parking area by laying a plastic grid. That project has been a total success.
In the spring, Jan began the task of bidding for the £4500 necessary to set up the eco-toilet that we had earmarked. Research, form filling and patience were eventually rewarded when she was notified that the Big Lottery Fund would fully fund the project.
The Committee decided to site the toilet on a vacant half-plot in the middle of the field; it seemed an ideal spot.
A couple of plot holders then laid the slabs for the base of the shed that would house the toilet.
With the site ready, the suppliers arrived one Sunday morning a few weeks ago and, after just 4 hours, the eco-toilet was installed and 'ready-to-go'. Well, almost ready for use.
The toilet has drains, a collector, a solar-powered extractor fan, an alarm and washing facilities. One thing that the research and visits had taught us was that this kind of toilet can very effective and odour free—but only if it is used correctly! I am not joking when we say that 'toilet training' is planned for members before the toilet is opened for use; they will be contacted within the next few weeks.
To all those of you who buy lottery tickets each week, thank you. You have helped pay for this wonderful new facility for Cropwell Bishop Allotments.
Tony Jarrow & Allotment Committee
Cropwell Singers Taster Session (19-10-18)
Cropwell Singers invite you to join them for a singers workshop and taster session.
Cropwell Singers have once more invited Philip Robinson a well known local professional musician and music teacher to run a singers workshop on Monday 22 October.
Philip will be guiding us through 2 of the songs that made the film 'The Greatest Showman' such a hit musical earlier this year as well as through Simon and Garfunkel’s 'Bridge over Troubled Water'. These 3 numbers are in either 3 or 4 parts - soprano , alto, tenor and bass (or combined baritone).
Cropwell Singers have been going for a number of years now and meet on Monday nights in the Methodist chapel where we are taken through our paces by our accomplished resident leader Derek Tabron and accompanied on the piano by Tony Hall. We sing nothing “ classical" and there is no churchy stuff either!
We sing popular numbers ranging from ABBA to Queen, from The Beach Boys to Adele. And from Les Mis to Rogers and Hammerstein. We try to put on at least 3 concerts every year. Whilst we won’t pretend to be anything like a professional singing group what we do have is great fun and, so we have been told, we make a great sound when it comes to putting on concerts.
The choir has been singing together for 10 years and whilst it continues to bring a good number of local people together we are always on the look out for new members - especially men. In order to give villagers an opportunity to see whether they might enjoy being part of a choir we have decided to open our doors and so we are inviting anyone who might like to have a go to come along to our workshop next Monday night for a taster session.
Please do not be put off if you have never done anything like this before. Many of our regular singers had never read music before joining the choir and we don’t hold auditions - we just want to encourage anyone who enjoys a good sing to come along.
The whole thing starts at 7.30pm, in the Methodist chapel on Nottingham Road and it is entirely free with no commitment necessary.
We do hope that you can join us
Cropwell Singers
Help the Cubs Litter-Pick (11-10-18)
The cubs will be doing a litter pick Monday from 6.15pm to 7.45pm, starting at the Memorial Hall.
If any members of the public would like to join us then they are more than welcome!
Our Village Centre (18-9-18)
Ever since St Giles Church was built in Cropwell Bishop, about 1000 years ago, the space around it has been the centre of our village. However, during the second half of the last century, there was a shift down Church Street.
The Post Office moved 60m—from opposite the church, to the newsagents next to the telephone box on Church Street. Opposite it was the Mace grocery shop. Then there was, and still is, the Chequers, Snips and the Co-Op. The Doctors Surgery used to be opposite the Co-Op.
Once the new Co-Op opens, the Church corner will once again be the centre, or hub, of Cropwell Bishop.
Next week a new business, KM Lashes, will open at the Beauty Barn next to Gary Jowett Butchers. Technician Kayleigh McGowan starts on 25th September and is offering 10% off for the opening day (phone 0115-8373020 for an appointment).
I wonder what Cropwell Bishop's hub will look like when the Tour of Britain next comes through?
Tony Jarrow
Parish Council Vacancy (13-9-18)
Up, Over and Gold (31-8-18)
Last week I reported on the progress and hopes of Toot Hill schoolboy Jacob Clark of Cropwell Bishop who is the current English Schools pole vault champion.
Today he competed in the Schools Games at Loughborough. As the bar was raised he cleared it every time as the other competitors, one by one, reached their limit.
After clearing 4.50m, the gold medal was his, but Jacob went on to clear 4.65m. The Games record of 4.78m, set in 2012, proved just out of reach. Nevertheless, it has been a great day for Jacob. Well done.
Tony Jarrow
New Co-Op is Taking Shape (25-8-18)
Thanks to Mel Stanley for these photos.
Cropwell Bishop's Jacob, is Going to School Games as Champion (22-8-18)
Jacob Clark, from Cropwell Bishop, has been selected to be part of the England North squad in Athletics at the 2018 School Games – a national multi-sport event for the UK’s most talented school-age athletes taking place at Loughborough University from 30 August to 2 September.
Sixteen year-old Jacob, who has just finished his GCSEs at Toot Hill School, is a member of the Notts Athletics Club and will compete in the pole vault. He already has an impressive record of success, after recently becoming 2018 English Schools pole vault champion.
Jacob will be following in the footsteps of some of Britain’s biggest sporting stars who have competed at the event before going on to senior international success. Previous competitors include Paralympic champions Hannah Cockroft, Ellie Simmonds and Jonnie Peacock, Olympic champion Adam Peaty, heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson and sprinter Adam Gemili.
At the event he will experience the excitement of competing at the highest level. He will live in a dedicated Athletes’ Village on the Loughborough University campus, take part in an School Games ceremony and perform in front of huge crowds of spectators.
Tickets for the event are available now, at https://www.schoolgamesfinals.org/buy-tickets/
Tony Jarrow
Sir Bradley Wiggins is in Cropwell Bishop (4-9-18)
Well, his racing jersey is!
Pop into the Cheese Shop on Nottingham Road and see it hanging on the wall. It has been loaned to the Creamery until next week.
Bradley Wiggins won the Tour of Britain in 2013. Even more importantly he won the Tour de France in 2012, being the first British rider to do so and leading the onslaught of British winners since then; Chris Froome 4 times and Geraint Thomas this year.
Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas will both be passing by on Saturday, don't miss them. Numbers 171 and 172 respectively, in Sky team colours (white and pale blue).
Thanks to Shop Manager, Sarah Gladman-Bell, for the photo.
Tony Jarrow
Cropwell Bishop Show (29-8-18)
The Village Show Trophies are now ready go—but who to? We will find out a week on Sunday when this year's Village Show takes place at the Old School. Meanwhile, remember to get your entry in this weekend.
Tony Jarrow
Saturday Morning .... (7-9-18)
Just one day to go before the Tour of Britain enters our village. Some time between 11.20am and 11.40am they will sweep down Nottingham Road and onto Church Street, maybe they will be all together, or maybe there will a small group of riders just ahead. Where will you stand to watch them?
From 8am you will be able to collect yellow and green balloons from the Old School for free. The Parish Council have bought 600 so you will be able to wave one and wrap one around you (they are modelling balloons). They will be ready inflated because it is impossible to blow them up by mouth.
You will also be able to apply face paint (green and yellow). Best to have someone with you to paint your face although there will be a mirror available.
After the Race and the following entourage have passed through, we ask you to take down any decorations and bikes that you have put up. Not necessarily straight away, but at some time over the weekend. See yesterday's article about what to do with your bike.
Keep in mind that a wedding is taking place at St Giles Church at 12.30pm on Saturday.
If you do take photographs of the Race and spectators in Cropwell Bishop then I would be only too happy to post them on this website. Just email them to me. I can take care of any editing that may need to be done. If you are aware of the pixel size of your images then keep in mind that the final images I post are usually at least 600 pixels wide. If you are not "aware" then don't worry, I'll make the best of them.
After all the excitement of Saturday, there is more to come on Sunday: it is the Village Show at the Old School. See the poster on the Events Page for full details.
Tony Jarrow
Tour of Britain Road Closures and Waiting Restrictions (31-8-18)
Stage 7 of the Race on Saturday 8th September will start at 10.30am in West Bridgford. The arrangements for traffic control during the day and its effect on Cropwell Bishop are as follows.
The Race is held on a closed road basis with ‘rolling road closures’ implemented by the police and national escort group motorcyclists.
Moving traffic is to be directed to stop by this group and held at strategic points to create a sterile traffic-free section through which the race will pass. In most locations the closure is expected to last for approximately 20 minutes.
In order to create the required width for the race, parking needs to be displaced at some locations.
Waiting Restrictions will be in Operation from 08:00hours to 16:00hours but will be removed as soon as practicable after the race has gone through and any operational activities have been completed.
These are the roads affected in Cropwell Bishop:
1. Colston Road
2. Kinoulton Road
3. Nottingham Road
4. Church Street
5. Cropwell Butler Road
Depending on their speed, the riders will arrive here some time between 11.20am and 11.40am.
If you have never stood at the roadside as a big cycle race goes by, please take note of the following points:
The cylists will be moving fast (30mph), close together, spread across the whole width of the road and right up to the pavement. When going around bends they will lean over into the pavement.
The riders expect the road to be clear and have no obstructions.
What this means for us is:
There must be no vehicles of any kind parked on these roads.
Avoid stepping off the pavement to take photographs.
Stand back from the edge if watching from the inside of a bend.
Stay alert and don't be tempted to step onto the road when the race comes through.
The riders will probably all come through together in one bunch but there is a chance that a small group of riders will be ahead of the maind field. Similarly, there could be a rider behind the main bunch (following a puncture?).
There will certainly be a lot of cars and motorbikes following the race.
By being sensible, we can all enjoy the spectacle coming our way in a week's time.
ITV4 will broadcast the race live between 10.45am and 5.15pm: set your TV to record it.
Tony Jarrow
Everyone is Celebrating the Approach of Tour of Britain! (29-8-18)
It looks like St Giles Church put on a "necklace" this morning.
This great display is just the latest of the many now appearing in Cropwell Bishop. Some nearby villages that the Race passes through are also putting on imaginative displays. Keyworth and Cotgrave are contributing yellow bikes, bunting and free chips to make the day a fun one.
Some smaller villages appear to be opting out and, interestingly, so too are some bigger communities. Places like West Bridgford, Compton Acres and Radcliffe-on-Trent have struggled to stir their residents into action.
Cropwell Bishop would appear to be a "Goldilocks" size; not too big and not too small. On Race Day let's show the riders, followers and TV audiences what this means by turning out in force.
Remember, the Parish Council will have face paints for everyone on the day and hundreds of balloons to wave and wear. More details nearer the day.
Thanks to Colin Bryan for the photo and, I suspect, putting up the yellow bike.
Tony Jarrow
Cropwell Bishop Show (24-8-18)
In spite of the recent difficult growing conditions, entry-forms for this year's Village Show are disappearing fast from the shelves of local shops, particularly 'The Cheesemaker's Shop'. But don't worry, more have been added.
In our first Show in 2011 we had 47 categories and most of them were for growing things; that is why we used to call it our "Horticultural Show". Now we have 89 categories and less than half of our entries will be grown. Cookery, Eggs, Photography, Craft, Wine and a big section for children will probably represent 60% of entries—and they should not have been affected by the drought.
The closing date for entries is Saturday 1st September. You don't have to go to the Shops to get an entry-form, you can download them; just click on the links below:
So, keep the weekend of 8th & 9th September to the front of your mind: the Tour of Britain is on the Saturday and the Village Show is on the Sunday. Only just 2 weeks away now.
Tony Jarrow
18 Days To Go (21-8-18)
Jo Wroughton and helpers assisted children in the production of a posters and bunting which can now be seen opposite the Wheatsheaf Pub and opposite the Heritage Centre on Church Street.
Paint a Bike Day (20-8-18)
It is not every day that you get the chance to spray paint an old bike free of charge—great fun for both young and old.
At 10am this morning people started arriving at the Old School to paint bikes. The old bikes were either their own or one of 7 donated by Cropwell Bishop folk, and the paint came from John Deere at Langar.
Thankfully it was a warm, dry day with not too much breeze, which meant that most of the paint landed on the bikes where it quickly dried.
By lunchtime, there were 17 yellow bikes leaning against the fence: on Saturday 8th September they will be located along the route of the Tour of Britain cycle race as it passes through the village—and many will be on display before then.
Some of the sprayers felt a tinge of sadness as they sprayed bikes that were, by and large, sound machines with plenty of life left in them even though some were over 50 years old. However, it is reassuring to know that Rushcliffe Borough Council will be collecting them after Race Day and sending them to Africa where they will continue there useful life for many more years.
Thanks to Charmaine Bradbury for some of the photos.
Tony Jarrow
Geraint Thomas & Chris Froome coming to Cropwell Bishop (17-8-18)
Geraint Thomas, winner of this year's Tour de France, will be in the Sky Team for the 2018 Tour of Britian. So will team mate Chris Froome who has won four Tour de France races.
Both riders will be coming through Cropwell Bishop on Saturday September 8th at about 11.30am. They are two of Britain's greatest ever road cyclists and currently the top two in the world: don't miss the chance to see them in the flesh within walking distance of your home.
Pictures below show Geraint Thomas after winning the Tour de France and in last year's Tour of Britain when it passed through Southwell. Also Chris Froome signing autographs in this year's Tour of Italy—which he won.
Tony Jarrow
John Deere supports Cropwell Bishop
(11-8-18)
John Deere will be supplying villagers in Cropwell Bishop with dozens of yellow and green paint cans and gloves to spray bikes the community have collected that will be placed around the village as part of their community acknowledging the Tour on September 8.
Villagers can bring their old bikes to be sprayed at an event on August 20 from 10am to 3pm hosted by Cropwell Bishop Parish Council at the Old School in the village and there will also be the opportunity for children to make banners and posters from 10am to 1pm.
Cllr Gordon Moore, ward member for the village and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance at Rushcliffe Borough Council welcomed the news and encouraged residents to get involved with the event.
Chris Wiltshire, Branch Tactical Marketing Manager at John Deere said: “When we heard about the village’s activities to welcome the Tour of Britain we were really eager to get involved and offer our support wherever possible.
To ensure that we have enough paint, please email me if you plan to bring a bike to paint on 20th August.
If you would like to spray a bike for displaying on Race Day but don't have an old bike, contact me because I have collected several bikes from residents who support our Tour of Britain efforts.
Tony Jarrow
Defibrillator (7-8-18)
Most of us will never need to use it but, when you do, you need it fast. The problem is that few people remember where it is.
First, you need to remember that you need the number for the combination lock that secures the cabinet. You will be given it after you have called 999 and described the emergency situation.
The Defibrillator Cabinet is on an outside wall of the Cropwell Bishop Creamery. From Nottingham Road, go up Field Lane on the left-hand side of the Cheese Shop. Use the photographs below to locate the cabinet.
It is worth noting that searching for "Cropwell Bishop Defibrillator" on the Internet will reveal several websites (including this one) that describe its location.
Tony Jarrow
Tour of Britain in Cropwell Bishop (12-7-18)
Last Monday, around 20 people met at the Old School to find out more about the Tour of Britain day (Sat 8th Sept) and brainstorm ideas of how we can make this unique visit a memorable one for everyone in Cropwell Bishop.
It will certainly be a busy Saturday morning. Based on current information, we anticipate the cyclists coming through Cropwell Bishop at about 11.15am.
In the hour or so before this, a large number of official cars will pass through, together with around 50 police motorcyclists who will methodically man every road junction and close the route to through traffic. Any vehicles left parked on the route will be removed.
The people at Monday’s meeting recognised that the event provided two great opportunities.
Firstly, it would enable us to promote the village of Cropwell Bishop to the rest of the World. The race will be televised live by ITV4 and viewers will see the images from cameras on following motorbikes and an overhead helicopter.
Secondly, it would allow everyone living here to have fun and enjoy the occasion.
The meeting generated a large number of ideas: here are our best ones so far:
- Encourage everyone to wear yellow or green (these are the theme colours suggested by Rushcliffe BC).
- Have a number of yellow painted old bicycles on prominent display on the route through the village (Kinoulton Road, Nottingham Road, Church Street, Cropwell Butler Road).
- Have 25 yellow posters on display (sold by Rushcliffe BC).
- Use yellow and green balloons to wave or ‘wear’ (long, thin, bendable modelling balloons). These would be given free to all children on the morning of the event (and 10p each to adults).
- Face painting on the morning (yellow and green streaks on each cheek: as seen on World Cup spectators).
- Wear cycle helmets. Competition for decorated ones.
- Encourage occupants of houses on the route to decorate them in yellow and green or with a cycling theme.
- Children standing on the St Giles corner holding large banners spelling out “CROPWELL BISHOP etc..”.
- Encourage everyone to cheer loudly and generally make lots of noise as riders pass by.
- Have “land art” on the Memorial Hall field and the School field. Whilst not on the route, these would be clearly visible from the helicopter. If you are unfamiliar with such “art”, you might like to watch highlights of a few stages of the Tour de France which are currently being shown daily at 7pm on ITV4. Bales of straw, mechanical contraptions, people in formation, etc, each village trying to outdo the next one. We will have to register each Land Art by mid August for it to appear on TV. For inspiration, click on: Tour of Britain Land Art
These are just our initial ideas—we welcome more, especially from those who were not at the meeting. You can email them to me, or the Parish Clerk. Input from racing cyclists could be particularly useful.
We are hoping that one consequence of the race coming through Cropwell Bishop is that most of our pot-holed roads will be made good (really good!) by race day.
However, beyond this, there will be no fresh money coming to the village for the event. Hence, our pursuit of low-cost, value-for-money ideas. Nevertheless, the best ideas are often low-cost or home-made.
A presentation on the Tour of Britain is planned for children at Cropwell Bishop Primary School one morning in the next few weeks.
I will post further updates as our Village plans for "Tour Day" evolve.
Tony Jarrow
Cropwell Bishop Beat Surgeries (12-7-18)
Police Beat Surgeries will be restarting in Cropwell Bishop. A drop in opportunity to meet local police and discuss local community issues.
The Beat surgery will be held at The Old School.
The Beat Surgery dates are:-
Wednesday 25th July @ 12.00 mid-day
Tuesday 7th August @ 12.00 mid-day
Wednesday 29th August @ 10.00am
Thursday 6th September @ 10.00am
Thursday 27th September @ 3.30pm
Janice Towndrow (Parish Clerk)
'Best Flower Display'—Winners (10-7-18)
1st Sue McNally: 'Teddy Bears Picnic' (first two photos on left)
2nd Irene Hepple: Wheelbarrow' (top right photo)
3rd Ray Kimpton: Window Basket' (bottom right photo)
Picnic in the Park—more photos (10-7-18)
Great photos from earlier in the evening by Lance Thorpe.
Teddy Bear Parachute Jump (8-7-18)
As a regular feature of the Celebration Weekend, Teddy Bear volunteers once again jumped from the tower of St Giles Church. They all had a working parachute—and most landed safely.
I have also added some pictures of the kitchen and toilet that were installed in the Church Tower a few years ago: a great asset for church visitors.
Tony Jarrow
Picnic in the Park—Fireworks (8-7-18)
Tony Jarrow
Picnic in the Park—Holy Moly (8-7-18)
Tony Jarrow
School Summer Fair during Celebration Weekend (7-7-18)
Tony Jarrow
School Garden (7-7-18)
Tony Jarrow
Celebration Weekend at the Methodist Chapel (7-7-18)
Tony Jarrow
Celebration Weekend at the Parish School Room (7-7-18)
Tony Jarrow
Plans for New Housing in Cropwell Bishop (19-6-18)
I reported the release of the "Local Plan" on 26/4/18 (see article near bottom of this page). This is Rushcliffe Borough Council's plan for new housing in the borough, including Cropwell Bishop.
To download a copy of the full Plan, and find out how you can submit feedback, click on this link:
Something I forgot to emphasise on the entry-form was that in the Children's section, "9.7 Photograph", we want the child to TAKE the photograph not to appear in it.
The weekend of the Show will be an exiting one: on the Saturday, the Tour of Britain cycle race passes through the Village.
Tony Jarrow
Tour of Britain Cycle Race: Welcome to Cropwell Bishop (6-6-18)
The 2018 Tour of Britain Cycle Race is to pass through Cropwell Bishop, it was announced last night.
Stage 7 of this 8 day race is the longest stage, 223km, and on Saturday 8th September at about 11.30am, over a hundred professional riders will sweep down Kinoulton Road, turn right onto Nottingham Road then left onto Church Street where they will head out to Cropwell Butler.
Because the riders started in West Bridgford and it will still be early in the day, the riders are likely to snake through as one big group: 20 seconds of cylists, and they will be gone.
However, don't underestimate the preparation and effort that will go into making this stage of the race a great advert for Nottinghamshire; the stage finishes in Mansfield.
In the months before the race we are likely to see roadside grass and hedges trimmed, and road surfaces made perfect for riders more used to the Tour de France route. Goodbye to pot holes in Cropwell?
A couple of hours before the race enters Cropwell Bishop, the route will be cleared of all vehicles—no exceptions. If necessary cars will be towed away.
During the hour before, around 50 police motorcyclists will start coming along, parking themselves at every road juntion. About half an hour before, the roads on the route will be closed to public traffic.
Then the first official race-cars and those of race sponsors will start coming through.
Finally, the car and motorcycles leading the race will come through closely followed by the riders travelling at around 30mph. Following the riders will be team-cars and other race officials. By the time the race has passed through, over a hundred cars and motorcylists will have passed through with the riders.
You might even catch a glimpse of Paul Smith (of clothes shop fame). He was born in Nottingham and is a great cycling fan; he was spotted two weeks ago following the Tour of Italy race.
This is a big day for Cropwell Bishop. It is the first time the race has come here. The race will be live on ITV4 throughout the day with highlights on again in the evening.
Camera men on motorcycles and in the overhead helicopter will cover every move of the race and, just as importantly for us, every interesting road decoration and roadside feature along the way. Watch the Tour de France on TV in July to get a feel of what to expect.
In the coming weeks, a Cropwell Bishop working group will be formed to generate ideas for the day; I will post details of this once they are released so that you have the opportunity to get involved.
In the meantime, sample the atmosphere through these photos which I took of last year's race as the riders headed towards Southwell.
Tony Jarrow
The Wonderful World of Gardening (29-5-18)
"Cropwell Bishop Gardeners and Growers" will have it's first meeting on Monday 17th September at 7.30pm in the Old School.
There are plans for the year to include speakers, visits, open garden safari, raffle, Christmas social...
Full details of these and other events and activities may be found on the following website over the coming weeks:
www.cropwellbishopgrowersandgardeners.co.uk
A spokesperson said, "The volunteers are currently working hard to keep everything you love about the old club but with an injection of new features with the hope of drawing in new members".
The working group hope to see both our valued members and newcomers in September.
Anne Turner
New Homes in Cropwell Bishop—the Plan (26-4-18)
This evening, Rushliffe Borough Council has its April meeting and on the agenda is; "Local Plan - Part 2, a report of the Executive Manager: Communities".
This report recommends that Councilors approves its publication and it is very likely that they will approve it.
This "Local Plan - Part 2" describes where thousands of new houses are to be built in Rushcliffe—including Cropwell Bishop.
Because the agenda for this meeting, along with the "Local Plan - Part 2", was published prior to the meeting, I can tell you what it states in relation to Cropwell Bishop.
It states:
“Cropwell Bishop has capability to sustain around 70 dwellings on greenfield sites adjacent to the village, based on the existing size and status of the settlement, the capacity of local services and the size of those sites deemed most suitable for housing development.
In balancing sustainability, Green Belt, settlement capacity and other relevant planning considerations, land east of Church Street is identified as a housing allocation and has been removed from the Green Belt.
The development will be subject to the following requirements:
(a) a new junction comprising a mini roundabout on Church Street will provide access to the site and an additional access and parking for the neighbouring primary school;
(b) on-site multi-functional green infrastructure should provide a buffer between the new homes and sewage treatment works;
(c) the right of way along the allocation’s eastern and southern boundaries must be retained as part of multi-functional green infrastructure buffers which retain the existing rights of way and provide a visually attractive settlement edge;
(d) the completion of archaeological surveys prior to the submission of any planning applications; and
(e) it should be consistent with other relevant policies in the Local Plan.”
Last year a large number of sites in Cropwell Bishop were put forward for consideration for new homes. Even so, developers appeared to favour just two of them—the one now approved and the one on land north of the Memorial Hall.
Rushcliffe Borough Council has now rejected the site north of the Memorial Hall saying:
“The main issues of concern regarding this site are the loss of Green Belt countryside, inadequate access of Hoe View Road via Mercia Avenue and impacts on the Canal and neighbouring wildlife site.”
It goes on to say:
“There is no requirement to allocate more than 70 homes in Cropwell Bishop”.
So, it would seem:
- around 70 new homes are to be built east of Church Street (scroll to the foot of this web page to see the draft plan for the site),
- Rushcliffe BC believes that Cropwell Bishop is not capable of supporting more than 70 new homes,
- there are no other plans for large housing developments in our village.
Once I know if the recommendations in the Report have been approved, I will report back.
Tony Jarrow
Sites of New Housing (6-9-17)
In March, Rushcliffe Borough Council used the Old School to display possible sites for new housing in Cropwell Bishop and invited residents to comment.
The Council has now proposed that two of those sites should be removed from the Green Belt and used to build around 160 houses. The sites are:
Site CB12 - Land north of the Memorial Hall (90 homes approx)
Site CB15 - Land east of Church Street (70 homes approx)
Firm decisions on actual building will not be made until June 2018.
It should be noted that the area referred to as CB15 in the released plan of the village (see above) is actually smaller than the area shown in the presentation in March (see the plan at the very bottom of this web page).
Below is a sketch of a possible housing plan for the CB15 site.
Tony Jarrow
Any Old Bikes? (25-7-18)
If you are about to throw away an old bike, don't!
On the "Tour of Britain" day (8th Sept) it would be great if we could have yellow or green bikes along the route through Cropwell Bishop. The Parish Council is organising a day in August when you will be able to spray-paint any old bike. Paints will be provided free of charge (thanks to John Deere Ltd at Langar).
If you have an old bike but don't want to do the painting yourself, let me know and I will collect it and pass it on to someone who wants one to paint. Any bike will do, toddler to adult.
You will receive more details of this shortly.
Tony Jarrow
Hoe Hill Woods (24-7-18)
Resident Caretaker Job at Radcliffe on Trent: Interested? (24-7-18)
If so, contact Parish Clerk for Radcliffe on Trent Parish Council, Jacki Grice, for full details. Phone: 0115 933 5808 or email: clerk@rotpc.com
It is for 30 hrs pw and includes a 2 bedroom flat at The Grange.
Tony Jarrow
"The Answer is Blowing in the Wind" (13-7-18)
Following up on the story a couple of days ago about a "stolen umbrella", I have been sent good news from the home owner ....
"Believe it or not, we have now found our garden umbrella totally undamaged!
It appears it was not stolen but was blown away by a sudden very strong gust of wind and ended up in a garden several doors away.
One of our other neighbours thought he had seen something flying through the air last Saturday afternoon although not 100% sure, and on hearing our umbrella was missing put two and two together so we did more investigations.
The whole episode is quite bizarre, but has now been resolved."
Tony Jarrow
Daylight Robbery in Cropwell Bishop (11-7-18)
A resident has emailed me to say:
"At the weekend, and we think it was on Saturday afternoon, our large garden sun-umbrella was stolen from our back garden. We always take it in overnight but assumed it was relatively safe during the day."
The back garden referred to is hidden from the view of passers-by and is generally inaccessible. Be alert; don't let happy events like the World Cup make you think that everyone out there is cheerful, friendly and honest. The massive majority are—but a few individuals are not.
Tony Jarrow
Mobile Phone Mast Working (7-7-18)
Several people have reported that their mobile phone has suddenly started showing 5 bars and 4G—in Cropwell Bishop. It must be because the new Mobile Phone Mast is now operating. Check your phone.
Now, when I am asked to give my mobile number so that I can be sent a text regarding a delivery or something, I won't have to explain that I can't get messages at home.
I am sure that delivery people and tradespeople will also be thankful and will no longer be seen waving their phones in the air.
Tony Jarrow
Nottingham Road Closures in August (5-7-18)
You may have noticed that these roadworks are due to be completed the day before the Tour of Britain Cycle Race streams down Nottingham Road.
I have pointed this out to the contractors and have now been assured by Via East Midlands (the company that 'safeguards our highways in Notts') that the contractors have now been made aware of this and appreciate that the road must be ready for Race Day.
So nothing to worry about then.........
Tony Jarrow
Handy Housekeepers Help Home-Lovers (4-7-18)
Rushcliffe CVS is excited to launch a new service which is called Handy Housekeepers.
RCVS is providing help at home for a very reasonable cost and staff will carry out cleaning, washing, ironing, changing beds, shopping and light household tasks. Lifting heavy weights, gardening or carrying out any personal care won’t be provided.
Staff are thoroughly vetted and insured and initially the service is available anywhere in Rushcliffe.
The cost of this service is £15 per hour and pro rata for half an hour.
Handy Housekeepers is ideal for elderly people who can’t do as much as they used to do, but who are still house-proud or want to be independent.
Rebecca Archibald, service manager, said: “A recent survey demonstrated the need for this service and we contacted potential customers who were keen to join. Unlike other services, Rushcliffe CVS already has a bedrock of caring for the elderly people. We’ll expand the service as demand grows. We will visit people at home and tailor the service according to their requirements.”
Enquiries to Rebecca on: 0115 969 9060 or
email: handyhousekeepers@rushcliffecvs.org.uk
Contact them by post at:
Rushcliffe Community and Voluntary Service The Pump House, Abbey Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 5NE
They are open: Monday to Friday 9.00am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 4.00pm
Janice Towndrow
Cropwell Bishop Parish Clerk
New Coop is Shaping Up (29-6-18)
Tony Jarrow
Queen sends message to Cropwell Bishop Resident (13-6-18)
The Queen will not be coming to Cropwell Bishop this summer but, the next best thing: someone from our Village has been invited over to her house.
Janice Bradley, of Nottingham Road, was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
Becoming a "Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire" will, I am sure, have no effect on Janice in her everyday life but admits that some work colleagues have offered bows and curtsies. Nevertheless, it is a great honour for her and gratifying for us in Cropwell Bishop to see the efforts of someone in our community being recognised.
Janice is Head of Conservation at Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and is being given the MBE for services to wildlife in the county. She started volunteering for the charity over 30 years ago, while studying Biology at the University of Nottingham.
She says, "We all need wildlife, it's important for its own sake but also very important for people's health and wellbeing to have access to green spaces."
She was informed of the award a few weeks before the Honours List was published but was sworn to secrecy. Only when the press contacted her the day before its publication could she talk about it (the press get the list a day early).
Now that she has got over the shock, Janice can look forward to the next letter telling her who is to present the award: it could be any of the Royal Household.
I imagine she has already created an imaginary list of favourites.
Then she will have to think about what to wear.
Should one dress in such a way that the Royal person will immediately recognise why you were given the award, or do you dress up for the occasion? Thinking back, David Beckham didn't go in football shorts so better to dress up and leave the butterfly net at home.
Janice has lived in Cropwell Bishop 17 years and has been involved with several village clubs and committees: she is currently an Assistant Cub Leader.
After the presentation later this summer, I hope Janice will share some photos of the day for us all to enjoy.
Congratulations Janice.
Tony Jarrow
Skate Park: Do Not Use Half Pipe (13-6-18)
After further inspection of the Skate Park half pipe this morning unfortunately this has had to be closed. The quarter pipe is still in operation.
The half pipe landing board has given way underneath and is unsafe to land on. There is a 12-15” width hole along the whole length of the landing pipe.
The Parish Council have this morning taped this piece of equipment up for the safety of the skate park users.
Sadly, we have to now inform anyone who uses this equipment does so at their own risk.
Alan Wilson
Chairman of Parish Council
"My Name is Barny" (6-6-18)
Well, he is a barn owl!
I have been informed that the man who created Barny is Dan Sly. If you want to find out more about his work, visit his website:
dansly.co.uk/dan-sly-woodcraft
You will be amazed by the variety and quality of his work.
Tony Jarrow
Owl Grows his Feathers (4-6-18)
If you liked the look of the owl that landed on Cropwell Butler Road last week (see last week's article) then you are going to like him even more now. His feathers have grown and so have his legs. Even his face looks real. I wonder if he has a name?
Tony Jarrow
(Thanks to Sharon for the photos)
What will Viewers see when Cropwell Bishop is on live TV? (3-7-18)
Painted bikes, yellow bunting, coloured plant-pots, field-art: how do we show the world that we are proud of where we live?
With just two months to go before 100+ professional cyclists race through our village, their every pedal stroke captured by camera men leaning from the back of motorbikes and hanging from hovering helicopters, what will ITV4 viewers see on their TV screens?
Well, apart from the cyclists themselves, they will see what we put on display. What would you like them to see?
Like most other villages on the route of the Tour of Britain, Cropwell Bishop is forming a 'Working Group' to gather ideas and put them into effect on the day the race hits us on Saturday 8th September.
Come along to the Old School on Monday evening (9th July) at 7.30pm to hear ideas being put forward and maybe suggest some of your own. We anticipate that children will contribute as much as adults to the village festivities on that Saturday morning in September.
Are you a regular cyclist, or someone who has watched races on TV, or maybe you are just keen to see Cropwell Bishop put on a good show.
Whoever you are, you will be made most welcome.
So, make a note: next Monday, 7.30pm at the Old School. There are no World Cup football matches that day. See you there.
Tony Jarrow
Plasticine Plans (29-6-18)
Much as I like to keep you informed about roadworks and traffic lights in our village, it sometimes feels like I can't win.
Two weeks ago I told you about the plan to deliver giant concrete slabs to the site of the sewage works where a big tank is being built. I was impressed by the detailed planning that Severn Trent had put into the delivery of the slabs.
I was surprised that I hadn't seen at least some of the lorries creeping down Nottingham Road. Now I know why: the contractors had changed the route they would use. After being advised by local residents, the lorries were entering the village down Fern Road—actually, a much more sensible route.
However, they also decided to change the timing of deliveries. They should have been completed by the end of June but now, afer a pause, they will commmence again on 2nd July and go on until 14th July.
Thankfully, they say that there will be no deliveries at weekends which at least means our Celebration Weekend will not be affected—assuming there is not another change of plan!
Tony Jarrow
Disruption—but Ultimately for our Benefit (11-6-18)
Over the next three weeks there will be around 6 articulated lorries, probably with a guidance car, passing through the centre of Cropwell Bishop every day—including weekends.
They will be transporting giant precast concrete panels (6m x 3.5m and weighing 13 tons) to the Sewage Treatment Works off Cropwell Butler Road. The panels will be used in the construction of a tank for Severn Trent.
The contractor will look to reduce deliveries during school pick-up and drop-off times. However, they would greatly appreciate it if the route they are taking could be kept clear during the period of these deliveries. Deliveries will take place from 07:30 to 20:00 every day until 1st July.
Lorries will come from the A46 and enter the Village on Nottingham Road. They will turn left onto Church Street and then make their way to Cropwell Butler Road where they will off right to the Sewage Works.
Should the need arise, you can contact the Customer Liaison Team by Freephone (08081 688 140) or email (contactus@nmcnomenca.co.uk) quoting the project title (Cropwell Bishop STW Quality).
Tony Jarrow
School Summer Fair (29-6-18)
On Saturday 7th July, as part of Cropwell Bishop's Celebration Weekend, our Primary School is having a Summer Fair. For more details of this, see the poster on the Events page.
As part of the event at the School, there will be a 'Plant Fair'. Look at the photos below to get a taste of the achievements of the children and volunteer helpers so far this year.
The organisers very much hope that you will be there on the day to enjoy the garden 'in the flesh'.
In the meantime, any plant donations will be gratefully received.
Tony Jarrow
Safety Notice: Skate Park (12-6-18)
Members of the public have carried out repair work on the skate ramp on Cropwell Bishop Playing Fields with the intention of making the facility available to use and saving public funds. This work has been carried out free of charge and was well meant.
However, as the work was not authorised by the Parish Council or carried out by an approved contractor, our insurers have informed us that use of the skate ramp is no longer covered by our public liability insurance.
Sadly, we have to now inform anyone who uses this equipment does so at their own risk.
Alan Wilson
Chairman of Parish Council
How You Can Get Involved in the TOB (12-6-18)
Community groups and organisations in Rushcliffe wishing to welcome the OVO Energy Tour Of Britain passing through their town or village are invited to a Community Engagement event to find out more about how they can celebrate the sporting spectacle.
Parish Councils, cycling and sports clubs, businesses and all other interested parties can hear more on the support available from Rushcliffe Borough Council on:
Thursday June 21
at 7pm
at Rushcliffe Arena.
Those from communities in West Bridgford, Compton Acres, Ruddington, Bradmore, Bunny, East Leake, Costock, Wysall, Keyworth, Plumtree, Tollerton, Cotgrave, Cropwell Bishop, Cropwell Butler, Radcliffe-on-Trent and Shelford are encouraged to come along to the session.
See how this stage of the Tour of Britain winds its way through Rushcliffe.
There will be an opportunity for all who attend to ask questions and hear tips and ideas on the countless exciting ways to get involved in the event, before, during and after it flies through the Borough on September 8th.
It will include how you can decorate your house, business or neighbourhood in a cycle theme to welcome the riders or create your own land or water art that could be captured by the live coverage on ITV4.
The event will also provide further information about the route, timings and potential volunteer opportunities.
To book your place email sportsdevelopment@rushcliffe.gov.uk or call 0115 914 8279.
On Saturday 8th September, Central Avenue in West Bridgford is set to host the start of the cycling extravaganza, after which 120 riders will wow residents and visitors with the penultimate leg of the nation’s premier cycle race as it winds its way through 223km of the county.
For general enquiries about the Tour of Britain please email media@rushcliffe.gov.uk or call 0115 914 8555.
Rushcliffe Borough Council
Skate Park Vandalised Again! (7-6-18)
The Parish Council are sad to announce that once again the Skate Park facility on the Memorial Hall playing field has been vandalised and covered in drug related graffiti.
Over the last month the Parish Council has had to report various incidents to the Police in this area regarding drug residue, broken beer bottles and damage to equipment and fencing.
Due to the constant vandalism and use of this equipment by drug users late at night, it was felt that the continued use of public funds on this piece of equipment was an inappropriate use of Parish funds.
Under the circumstances, the Parish Council at its last meeting on the 5th June, decided that no more public funds should be wasted on this facility.
It was noted that although the equipment is defaced it remains structurally fit for purpose and that it would be a shame to deprive the local children of this facility during the summer holiday period. Therefore, this piece of equipment will be left in situ in its current condition until after the six week school holidays, after which it will be removed and the area cleared.
Janice Towndrow
Parish Clerk
New Co-Op by October? (30-5-18)
After many months of waiting, wondering and rumour concerning the new Co-Op store, it is good to see its site in the old Wheatsheaf car park slowly, but surely, being prepared for its building.
Will it be ready by the autumn? We will just have to wait and see.
Tony Jarrow
Roadside Art (30-5-18)
To be told that an owl lives in a tree may not surprise you but when a tree turns into an owl .... what??
That is what has happened on Cropwell Butler Road.
What a fantastic idea: will anyone else in the village come up with something similar?
We have already had a "snake hedge" on Hoe View Road for a few years (see last photo) so it will be interesting to see what else pops up by the roadside and puts a smile on our face.
Tony Jarrow
Mobile Phones are Happy (30-5-18)
Our long awaited mobile transmission mast is being erected today. I am told it should be up in position by tonight. However, that does not necessarily mean that it will be working today: we will just have to wait and see.
Colin Bryan
(Thanks to Elaine Robinson and Colin for the photos)
Thank You for the Music (20-5-18)
A few photos of Cropwell Bishop Singers at last night's concert, "Thank you for the music, 10th Anniversary Concert", at The Memorial Hall.
With songs from their World Tour, past members in the audience and Derek's best jokes ever, it was a lovely evening of music. It was also Dorothy’s last concert before retiring after accompanying the choir for 8 years.
Mel Stanley
Pop Quiz (updated) (15-5-18)
The Pop Quiz which was held at the Old School last night seems to have become an annual event. This is entirely due to the efforts of multi-talented Richard Turner.
I can't imagine anyone else being able to put together the non-stop musical tests that had groups of people huddle around a small table, humming, muttering, scratching heads, laughing and groaning non-stop for two hours. It was great fun for everyone!
When it comes to pop music over the last 60 years some people have amazing knowledge and a wonderful memory. If you have a person like that in your team, you are in with a chance of winning the event. If you have two such people you will probably will.
The winners this year were a new team from Cotgrave. In 2017 it was a team from Radcliffe and in the previous years it was a team from Kinoulton. Maybe one year a team from Cropwell Bishop will win.
But really, the evening wasn't about winning, it was about enjoying the company and having a good time: judging by the atmosphere, everyone was a winner in that sense.
Once again, thanks must go to Richard for making the event possible. Thanks also to Tim Travis for taking the photos.
Tony Jarrow
Co-Op Building Begins (1-5-18)
The builders are starting work, and the finished building comes to mind—in our imagination.
House Plans Passed (27-4-18)
The plan for 70 new homes in Cropwell Bishop was passed at last night's meeting (see yesterday's article).
It will now be published for a six week representation period before being submitted for examination by a planning inspector.
Tony Jarrow
Roadworks on Colston Road (13-6-18)
Cotgrave Open Gardens (12-6-18)
The first "Cotgrave Open Gardens" is on the weekend of 23/24th June 2018.
To download a copy of the leaflet and map, click on the links below:
Cropwell Bishop Parish Council held its Annual General Meeting last night at the Old School.
All residents were invited and, as usual, there was a presentation by an outside speaker prior to Council business. Last night, two representatives of Cropwell Bishop Creamery were there.
The Skailes family run the business and it was Ian Skailes who described the history of cheese making in Cropwell Bishop and how his family transformed his earlier company, Somerset Creamery, from a making cheddar cheese, into a maker of top quality Stilton Cheese.
Alastair Simon is responsible for product development and gave us an insight into the challenges and opportunities for a small food producer.
Sixty years ago, they were making Stilton cheese in Melton Mowbray and moving production from there to Cropwell Bishop in the 1990s, proved a challenging task.
Nevertheless, since then the business has prospered but its team of workers appreciate the need to continually innovate if they are to stay competitive in what has traditionally been a small market.
Only six diaries are allowed to sell cheese with the ‘Stilton’ label. Long Clawson is by far the biggest producer and Cropwell Bishop is the third biggest with about 10% of the market share. This is a position the company is happy to maintain.
It focuses on supplying top quality cheeses to premium retailers. So, while you won’t see its cheeses in Tesco, you will be served Cropwell Bishop Stilton when you travel 1st Class on British Airway flights (so I am told).
Almost half its sales take place in the two months before Christmas so everyone is very busy during late summer and autumn: but what about the rest of the year?
This is when they have to focus on exports and it was interesting to discover the preferences of American customers. Older, stronger smelling Stilton that we might reject, is preferred by some Americans.
Selling cheese is a complicated business and their Cheese Shop in the Village has proved a big success in many ways.
Residents at the meeting described how they value it for: buying for family and friends, buying for themselves, enjoying the creamy coffee, including a shop visit as part of the ritual when family/friends come to visit, and enjoying the quality biscuits.
The shop has also proved useful to the company for getting customer feedback and as a venue for their business customers.
The Creamery has long been a regular supporter of Village events. The Stilton Stumble Run, Picnic in the Park, Village Show, all spring to mind but their involvement in local events goes back a long way. I recall that in 1985 the company (then calling itself Somerset Creamery) sponsored the ‘Cropwell Bishop 10 Mile Run’.
It was surprising to discover that virtually all their milk is supplied by a handful of small family farms in the Peak District that sell all their milk to the Creamery.
They spoke about other ways of rewarding their Village customers; no doubt we will hear more on this later in the year.
It was good to hear how popular Cropwell Bishop Stilton has become but it was even better to enjoy their success by eating some!
Our speakers had brought along five different Stilton cheeses for us to sample together with their specialty biscuits. It was an opportunity to compare the different qualities of the Stiltons on sale in its shop.
Then it was time for official business; the AGM and report from its chairman, Alan Wilson. This developed into questions from residents and answers from relevant councilors.
Points raised included:
Pot holes: the online reporting is efficient and deep ones are filled within 48 hours. We are still waiting to see if a request for road resurfacing between Kinoulton Road and the Church will be successful: the only obstacle is the County Council's shortage of money!
Roundabout near the A46: it looks uncared for.
Bus Service: at times it is well used (early morning and later afternoon), but at other times the buses are often empty. During the day it falls short of what many residents want and they are shunning the service and, for example, using the park and ride at the Shepherds Restaurant.
Co-Op build: it would appear that the Co-Op (nationally) is reconsidering all its developments—probably because of intense competition from Aldi and Lidl. Will it still go ahead: likelihood 50/50?
Plans for new housing in Cropwell Bishop: Rushcliffe BC meets on Thursday to make its decision.
All in all, it turned out to be a very informative and entertaining evening.
To discover more about the decisions being made about your Village, go along to the next Parish Council meeting on 1st May.
Tony Jarrow
Being Successful (7-4-18)
What do you need to run a village club successfully?
Well, first you need someone who is keen to make the club attractive to us in Cropwell Bishop and is willing to take the lead when decisions need to be made.
Secondly, you need some solid ‘supporters’—a small team of people who can help out by doing such things as: sending letters or emails, organising club raffles, keeping records of members, writing letters of thanks, attending occasional committee meetings, etc.
Cropwell Bishop Gardening Club was established 10 years ago and it has consistently had the support of over 50 village members throughout that time. Clearly, the club has been run very successfully: it has a leader and a team of efficient helpers.
On Monday 16th April Judy Thomas will be presenting the 10th Anniversary Meeting of the Gardening Club. It will be a celebration of all that the club has achieved since its beginning in 2008. It promises to be a great event—but there is a distinct possibility that it will become the final meeting of the Gardening Club.
Judy has led the Club for all those years but has decided that now is the time for someone else to take the club forward and so she is retiring from her role at the end of this month.
Thankfully, the club is fortunate in having someone who is happy to take over Judy’s role as leader,
but that person is going to need her own team of ‘supporters’ to help her.
They don’t need to be expert gardeners, in fact, they don’t need to know anything at all about gardening! (see list of jobs in 3rd paragraph). They just need to be "willing helpers".
If, by the end of that evening, several people have not stepped forward to offer their support, then the Annual General Meeting, planned for later on, will become a closing ceremony for the Club.
Are you able and willing to offer your help? You don’t need to be regular gardener, or a current member of the Gardening Club, or even a resident of Cropwell Bishop.
If you think you can help, or know someone who might be able to, or you just want more information, then email me (amjarrow@mac.com) and I will pass on your message. You will be able to come to the Anniversary meeting on 16th April to ask any questions you might have.
Give it some thought.
Tony Jarrow
Damage to Cars in the Village (30-4-18)
Over the last few weeks, vandals have targeted several cars that are stored at premises on Fern Road. They have let down tyres and damaged paintwork that will cost over £3000 to repair. This has caused a lot of distress to the owner who uses them for his business.
The police have been informed but if anyone has information that might help them, then please contact them or let me know and I will pass it on.
Tony Jarrow
Vacancy (27-4-18)
It's in Cropwell Bishop .... (7-3-18)
"Bellringing Beginners"
See the poster on the Events Page: give bellringing a try at St Giles Church, Cropwell Bishop.
Traffic Lights Fiasco (13-4-18)
Traffic lights are essential for the safety of workers and road users when road work has to be carried out, but the road works taking place in the centre of Cropwell Bishop show what happens when no one is in charge.
For days there have been 3-way traffic lights outside the Church but every time I went by there were no workers to be seen and the only thing on the road causing an obstacle was a pile of road-work barriers! No hole in the road or any other danger.
This morning the junction became dangerous because the lights on Church Street had been removed which meant that traffic entering the junction from that direction would have to guess when they could safely turn left or right.
It took over an hour on the phone, but:
- Notts County Council said the work was being done by Severn Trent; call them,
- Severn Trent said they had no record of any work being done,
- Once they appreciated the danger to road users, Notts CC said they would send someone out.
By lunchtime, the pile of barriers had been removed so the only obstacles left on the road were the traffic lights, cones and warning signs.
Anyone travelling in the Cotgrave direction recently will be familiar with "Flood" and "No Through Road" signs that don't always make sense.
The sub-contracting of work may save money but one wonders if it is resulting in the Council sub-contacting the job to one company, that company sub-contracting the road signs to another company, and that company sub-contracting traffic control to another company. And no one is in overall control.
If this is what is happening then the system appears to be out of control. It has taken several days of disruption to the main roads in our village to apparently do one repair job—and that was on the pavement!
So, who do we complain to next time something like this happens?
Tony & Hilary Jarrow
70s Night (20-2-18)
70s night was a lot of fun; all those present danced and sang through the night.
The 'Persuaders' performed with a cheeky smile, wit and great musicality.
A good night was had by all.
Tim Travis
Farewell to the Cabin (13-2-18)
After nearly 50 years the shop opposite the Church on Church Street is no more. This morning the final act in its demolition took place.
It was not so long ago that the Cabin was our newsagent, post office, grocer and diy centre—all in one. At one time there was another shop (Mace) across the road (the white house) which sold veg and groceries. But then, in those earlier days, there was no internet or supermarket home-deliveries.
Nothing stays the same for ever and this year we should see our Village Co-Op open a bigger store opposite the Wheatsheaf.
Forty years ago Church Street was probably the busiest part of the Village having, not only the newsagent/post office and Mace, but also a cobblers/sweet shop (Tom Barratt), Snips, the Co-Op and also the Doctors Surgery. Soon only Snips will remain and Nottingham Road will effectively become Cropwell Bishop's "Hub".
Within 150m you will be able to shop at the Co-Op, Gary Jowett's shop and the Creamery. Then get something to eat at Nyce before popping into Hair Barn and Beauty Barn before visiting the Wheatsheaf for a drink.
Afterwards, you will be able to walk up Fern Road to visit the doctors or pick up a prescription, then call in the Old School to buy tickets for the next Cinema showing (also available from Gary Jowett), before finally calling in at the Chequers for a drink and a meal.
Does any other local village offer so much within easy walking distance of home?
Tony Jarrow
(Thanks to Hilary Jarrow for the photos)
A Smashing New Facility for Cropwell Bishop (7-12-17)
A consequence of the recent closure of the Lime Kiln Pub, was the loss of a Village glass-recycling centre. Fear not, now we have an even better facility.
This morning a new Glass-Recycling Centre was formally opened. It is located in the car park alongside the Cropwell Bishop Memorial Hall. It is the result of talks between the Memorial Hall Committee and Rushcliffe Borough Council.
The bins are even better than the ones that were at the Lime Kiln, in that their walls have a sound insulating layer which greatly reduces the sound of falling bottles.
They will be emptied twice a week so no need to worry about bins overflowing, assuming they aren't spotted by the rest of the Vale of Belvoir!
Incidentally, it is good to leave the metal screw cap on your bottle; it increases its value to recyling companies.
At the opening were: Rushcliffe Borough Councillors, Debbie Mason and Gordon Moore; Cropwell Bishop Parish Council Chair, Alan Wilson; and Memorial Hall Committee members, Pam Barlow and Irene Hickman.
Tony Jarrow
Nyce is Back—and it is Very Nice! (2-12-17)
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
A Great Opportunity for You? (4-4-18)
Memorial Hall (7-2-18)
A lot goes off at our Memorial Hall, and it has done for a very long time; almost 100 years.
Something a bit different will be happening there in a few weeks time (19th — 23rd Feb): here is Pam Barlow (Hall Committee) to tell your more ......
We're having a new ceiling put up in the main hall during the course of the 1/2 term holiday and we are looking for any willing volunteers who may like to give us a hand to paint it?
They would have to bring their own brushes etc..., and we will supply refreshments.
It would be the latter part of the week and possibly over the weekend.
If anyone should be interested they can of course get in touch with me or any other committee member.
Thanks in anticipation,
Pam Barlow
Facebook Page (29-1-18)
Message from Willow Allison ......
Hello!
We have a new Facebook page up where you can find information about upcoming events happening in Cropwell Bishop. Like the page to find out more!
The Old School was packed this evening for the showing of Victoria and Abdul at the monthly Cropwell Bishop Cinema.
The 60+ people there were the first to enjoy an even better cinema experience following the installation of a new projector, bigger screen and new speakers. The improvement in both sound and vision was very noticeable.
These pictures give you an idea of the bigger screen: only a visit to a Cinema show will reveal the better sound.
The next film is on 16th February, see Events for details.
Tony Jarrow
Mobile Library Times (23-1-18)
Please note that the times and dates for visits of the Mobile Library to Cropwell Bishop printed on page 37 of the latest edition of Cropwell Bishop News are incorrect. Unfortunately incomplete information was given to the Parish Council.
The table below shows the correct dates and times.
Plans for Developing Cropwell's Service Station (16-1-18)
A couple of years ago, plans were submitted for the development of our local filling station down by the A46. The plans were approved but the development never happened.
Now new plans have been submitted with the aim of making the business successful in the long term.
The plan now is to demolish all the existing buildings and to install new facilities and buildings in their place.
There will be a shop selling fresh produce and chilled goods, and also a coffee shop/cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. It is proposed to offer 24 hour trading. There will also be a car valeting service.
You can download all plans and documents associated with the planning application from the Rushcliffe Borough Council website. The application reference is: 17/02657/FUL
Tony Jarrow
Grantham Canal Clear Up (7-1-18)
These pictures show the joint effort of the Grantham Canal Society (GCS) and the Waterway Recovery Group (WRG BitM) to clear a section of the Grantham Canal bed at Town Bridge.
Unfortunately the weather forecast for the second day indicated heavy snow and although Cropwell only received a light covering, other parts of the country had bigger problems.
Some of our guests were many miles from home (the cook came from Kent!) so the Sunday workparty was abandoned. The work will be continued at a later date.
My thanks to our Guests and the one volunteer from the Village who joined us.
I didn't manage to thank our local man but if he or anyone else is interested in 'looking after' our bit of the canal, please get in touch with me at: