The Queen's Diamond Jubilee - June 2012 The Parish Council is keen to hear from any village organisations that are planning to run any events to mark the occasion of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in June 2012. There have been a number of suggestions for things that can take place to commemorate the 60 years that the Queen has been on the throne. These include planting 6 trees in the same area, perhaps the Recreation Ground, one tree for each decade of the Queen's reign; planting a tree as a partner to the Jubilee Tree which was planted to mark Queen Victoria's Jubilee; installing 2 or 3 permanent picnic tables and benches for use in the Recreation Ground. In addition people might like the chance to celebrate the occasion with a procession of floats around the village, recreating 1950's afternoon tea with appropriate entertainment or perhaps a party in the park. There could also be mugs presented to all the eligible children in the parish. What are your thoughts? Please share them with us. Contact the Chairman on 7654 5019 with your ideas.
What a state the brook is in !
Many people have drawn the attention of the Parish Council to the extensive weed growth in the brook, and the uncared for state that this brings to the centre of the village. As you know some of the weed was recently removed by contractors working for the Environment Agency (EA), but a considerable amount was left behind on the instructions of the EA to 'encourage biodiversity’. However this partial clearance has only encouraged further rapid weed growth to the extent that now it is not only unsightly but also a significant impediment to water flow, thus contributing to an increased risk of flooding. The Parish Council is obtaining quotes from contractors to remove the weed and other unwanted material from the brook, under our obligations as riparian land owners (see the EA booklet ‘Living on the Edge’).
Update: The EA have again been to have a look at the brook, and have agreed to instruct RBC to remove some of the weed to creat a flow channel. However it is not expected that this work will significantly improve the current position.
When more information becomes available this page will be updated.
Avon Grapevine
The 'Avon Grapevine' is the parish magazine for the parishes of Wolston, Brandon and Bretford. There are 10 issues a year, at an annual cost of £4.
Although sponsored by the churches in Wolston, Brandon and Bretford the Avon Grapevine is very much a community magazine for all residents of these villages. Each issue, delivered to your door by volunteers, contains a wealth of information about forthcoming events and essential reading to keep you up to date with what's happening in our villages.
To contribute material contact the editors Chris and Micheal at avon.grapevine@wolston.me.uk
To subscribe, contact Juliet or Helen at the Church Office 7654 2722 or church.office@wolston.me.uk
Parish Council Meetings
The minutes of the last Parish Council meeting, and the agenda for the next meeting, may be read here; agendas for the next meeting are also publ;iushed on the Parish Council notice boards. Alternatively come along to any Parish Council meeting (normally on the first Thursday of every month in the Village Hall at 7.30PM), and participate in the Public Forum session of the meeting, and afterwards stay and listen to the Parish Council working for your village.
Parish Council Newsletter
Published about twice a year, and distributed to all households in Wolston Parish, this newsletter seeks to inform residents about what's going on in Wolston, and other matters of interest and relevance.
Parish Notice Boards
There are five Parish Council notice boards in Wolston, locate.
Wolston Garden Club Coach Trip 2011
Another year, another very successful Garden Club trip!
We left Wolston by coach at 0930 last Sunday, all prepared for the worst the weather could throw at us. First stop was Webbs of Wychbold Garden Centre, one of the biggest garden centres Julie and I have ever been to ! In addition to a vast range of plants and all the other paraphernalia that garden centres stock nowadays (including – already – Christmas items !!) was the very nice ‘Riverside Garden’ beautifully laid out along the banks of the River Salwarpe. We did have a heavy rain shower just after we arrived, but by that time most people were already indoors, or at least had their ‘brolly at the ready.
About 1.30 we left Wychbold, already feeling tired from all the walking and maybe too much lunch, and after a mystery coach trip around small lanes in deepest Worcestershire, some obviously not designed for coach access, we arrived at Orleton House. Some extremely nifty manoeuvring by the driver meant we were able to park off road without demolishing the gateposts at the end of the driveway, much to the relief of the owners of the house who were anxiously watching.
And then, what a surprise, what a pleasure ! The only way to describe the gardens is as a huge private garden, created and tended with loving care, set in deep rural Worcestershire. Do look at the pictures on the website, they give an idea of what can be seen but you really do have to be there to appreciate the quality, extent and peacefulness of the setting. Luckily the rain kept away (mostly) and we enjoyed a splendid time wandering around the gardens thinking ‘I could do this at home’, before realising all too quickly the we probably couldn’t ! The owners, John and Jenny Hughes, were actively involved in our (pre-arranged) visit, and went out of their way to assist us with our countless queries about plant names and propagation. All credit to them for opening their lovely gardens under the National Gardens Scheme, and donating the £84,000 profit generated over the last few years to the NGS charities. You can see a few pictures of their lovely gardens here.
Feeling even more weary we left about 4 PM, pressing our way down very narrow leafy lanes until faced with a narrow weak bridge. After much careful thought by the driver we crossed very slowly and soon found ourselves on a road that was actually wider than our coach. From there it was a straightforward drive back to Wolston, with many of us taking the opportunity for a little nap.
Arriving back outside the Village Hall about 6 PM we gave the impression of a bunch of marauding botanists, so laden down were we with flowers and bags full of other purchases.
Many thanks to Wolston Garden Club and especially Val Griffin for organising such a splendid day out.