Welcome to the March edition of the Bradworthy Newsletter.
There was plenty of input this month and, I understand, one of last month's articles was discussed at the Parish Council meeting. One e-mail ended by saying the Editor was 'unbalanced' although I hope that was a reference to me printing an article submitted by myself.
I hope this month's input is more stimulating and am grateful to all who have contributed. Please do submit anything that might be of general interest, even in note form. I look forward to hearing from you. This month there is an insert enclosed with the Newsletter titled 'Are Windfarms really Green?'. If your copy does not have one, and you would like one, please do not hesitate to ask me.
Please hand articles for April in at the Social Club or send items for inclusion by e-mail to newsletter@bradworthy.co.uk or 'phone/fax 241147.
Editor
Friends of Sutcombe School Skittle Tournament
Saturday 5th in Sutcombe Memorial Hall
Teams of six, 2 Ladies Entries 241810
Moustache Growing Competition
The Winner - Artistic Flair - Matt Cann
The Winner - Most Hair - Richard Radmore
£400.00 raised for the Tsunami Appeal
£2,900.00 for the Air Ambulance who sent a representative on the night to accept the donation. Many thanks to all who took part and all who donated. A special thanks to the organisers.
A Kleenshaven
Stem Jennings Individual Skittle Trophy
Social Club
Saturday 19th from 6.00pm onwards.
Proceeds to Devon Air Ambulance
Bradworthy Pre-School
Experienced person required to provide high quality education and care for Pre-School children, to work alongside existing Leader and Assistant.
Please send CV to Helen Carey, Beechcroft, Bradworthy, EX22 7TF or call on 241867 for further information
Bradworthy parish plan - Why?
I recently received my copy of the results from the Bradworthy Parish Plan Questionnaire. Whilst I promote the idea that we, the parishioners of Bradworthy, should put our likes and dislikes into the melting pot of parish thought, I was absolutely horrified at the publication that came through my door the other day. I haven't yet spoken to anybody involved in the publication of the booklet, but I wonder how they could justify the sheer waste of money. The booklet is 28 pages in size and full colour throughout. Had the booklet been properly typeset, the information could have been produced in a booklet half the current size and the addition of low-resolution full colour images throughout does absolutely nothing to enhance the publication - just adds more to the expense.
In brief, the original questionnaire was the largest parishioner-involved project undertaken that I can remember in the 17 years that I have lived here and the results should be available for us to see - although a couple of copies available from the Hall / Post Office etc. for those actually interested in the results I'm sure would have sufficed - I looked at my copy for a brief while, became angered by the waste of money and paper and threw it in the bin. However, the results could have been professionally presented in a publication available to all parishioners costing only hundreds of pounds - I would very much like to know how much this obscene publication cost.
John Crowley, The Old Forge, Bradworthy.
Bradworthy Guides Coffee Morning
Sunday School Room
Friday 11th, 10.00am - 12.00 noon
Dear Sir
I write as a neighbour who lives and works as near as anybody to the wind turbines. I am also a parish councillor, though my views are not those of the parish council.
I have always been in favour of the wind turbines, as I believe it to be an ideal site because I know that the wind always blows here, you can see that by the trees!
My family and I are certainly proud that we are doing our bit for the environment, and I believe others in the village will probably think the same. If these turbines are going to supply enough electricity for 2000 homes it seems a very small price to pay.
It is wrong to suggest that the people of Bradworthy are totally opposed to the turbines. In a poll around the time of the planning appeal, just under 50% voted against, 20% voted in favour while 30% abstained
It has been noticeable in the last few days the number of people who have commented on how good they look, or they don't look as big as they had been lead to believe or as one person said, 'What is all the fuss about?' Even an anti has admitted they look better than he thought they would.
Unfortunate though it is for Mrs Hutchings, hers is probably the only house in the village that overlooks them in this way. Indeed, for many houses in the close vacinity, you can't even see them at all.
I was pleased to read that after visiting turbines in Germany, Mrs Hutchings' fears on the noise of the turbines have been allayed, as this is the only area of uncertainty yet to be proven.
Richard Boughton
Beetle Drive
Sutcombe Memorial Hall
Friday 11th - Teams of 2, first game at 7.30pm
Dear Editor
Thank goodness for the North Devon Journal for letting us know what is happening in our village. It appears that Energie Kontor, the company providing the wind turbines, has promised a large amount of money to be given to the village and has already set up a holding trust into which they will put their contribution. The parish council have even set out their aims of the trust to the charity commission. We can assume, therefore, that this activity has been going on for some time and yet I have scanned the glossy 'Bradworthy Plan' and can find no mention of this financial contribution.
The parish clerk is quoted as saying 'A lot of people don't agree that we should accept the money, but it is in our best interests to agree to it because if we did not accept, it would go to another trust that could be run by people not connected with the village'. Who are these people who don't agree with it? Most of us in the village didn't know we were offered any compensation.
Anyway, thankfully the parish council have saved the day and will accept the compensation. So instead of another trust, run by people outside the village, the future of our compensation will be decided by our parish council who make decisions behind closed doors without informing anyone.
This leads me on to the next worry that I have which is, who will actually decide how much and to whom these grants will be given. Will this be the parish council or will there be an elected committee to make these decisions?
I feel sure the parish councillors will wish to redeem themselves and have an open debate on what we, the people of Bradworthy, would like done with this money. After all we have many diverse groups in the village who might like contribute to the discussion, who are not mentioned in the trust's vague aims 'reduction of poverty, supporting religion and education'.
Sue Lander
The Devon Roadshow Bus
The Bus is making another visit to Bradworthy in mid April
Bradworthy Parish Council
Thanks
The Council thanked Mr. Mike Lethbridge for carving the 'Millennium Garden' sign and Mr Peter Wade for waiving the charge for electricity used by the Parish Council street lamp fixed to his premises lighting up the pedestrian path to St John's Drive.
Public Footpaths
A new bridge is being put over the stream between the western part of Bradworthy Common & Heath Farm. New stiles have been placed on a path across Loatmead Farm.
Youth Project
Torridge District Council has appointed a Communications Manager who intends organising Youth activities in rural villages and who would be interested to hear from local organisations wishing to be involved. Also Councillor Trevor Sillifant or the Parish Clerk can be contacted.
Parking in Bradworthy Square
Untidy parking is still of concern. Larger vehicles and lorries parking overnight has also been noted. Orderly parking will allow better use of the space.
The Bradworthy Plan
Councillors have had a useful feedback following the distribution of the plan.
Spring Show and Table Top Sale
Sunday School Room
Saturday 19th, 11.00am - 1.00 pm
Table Tops £3.00 to book
Karen 241537 or Nikki 241989
Methodist Chapel
Sunday Services for March, 11.00am
| 6th | Rev Christine Legge |
| 13th | Mr Jack Mayne |
| 20th | Rev Christine Legge |
| 27th | Clive Smale |
St John the Baptist Church
A warm welcome awaits at any of the following church services.
| 6th | Sunday 10.00am | Family Service. Mothering Sunday, Children to be given flowers for Mum |
| 13th | Sunday 10.00am | Family Communion |
| 20th | Sunday 10.00am | Family Communion. Palm Sunday, Palm crosses to be distributed during service |
| 24th | Thursday 7.00pm | Maundy Thursday Holy Communion |
| 25th | Friday 7.00pm | Good Friday Service |
| 27th | Sunday 10.00am | Easter Sunday Family Communion |
Reverend Richard Dorrington
Wine and Wisdom to support the Carnival
Memorial Hall - Saturday 26th
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