Arley News Online

The newsletter will be published quarterly and we want to run regular features, as well as one off pieces, written by the residents of Arley. So, if there are any budding writers out there, please submit your work for inclusion in the next newsletter. I am especially interested in anyone with knowledge / expertise in areas such as gardening, local heritage etc. who would like to submit regular articles and we also want to run a Children’s page, so any poems or short stories etc. written by the youth in the village would be welcome.

We do not intend to charge for the newsletter and in order to do this we would like to become self-funding. The Arley News is delivered directly to the residents of New and Old Arley. We would like therefore, the businesses of the area to consider advertising in the publication - at very reasonable rates - to enable us to continue this service to the community.

We want this to be a true, community newsletter, so please let us know what is going on in the community. We will also be running a ‘classified’ section, so let us know if you have any items for sale that you wish to advertise, birthday wishes, anniversaries, birth announcements etc.

A Christmas Message

How Was Christmas?

In January we shall get the Christmas sales figures. What shops did best? Which sold the most goods? Which made the most impact? Which attracted the most visitors?

What would you say of a product launch where no premises had been arranged beforehand; where the main point of interest was a person who could do nothing for himself and only six people visited? Not a lot. Heads would roll as the company promised much better success next year. Laughter and mockery would turn to tragedy were I to tell you that before he reached middle age, that person died in pain, deserted by his friends.

But two thousand years later He had more followers than anyone.

Baffled? But that’s the story of Jesus. Against all odds the tiny baby speaks today of the triumph of love over power, suffering and failure. Amazing! No wonder we have good reason to celebrate this Christmas.

How was Christmas? I hope that in the New Year you will look back on it as a wonderful time when you celebrated the extraordinary power of love revealed in the baby boy born in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago.

Happy Christmas!

Peter Allan (Rector St. Wilfrid’s and St. Michael’s, Arley)

Arley Association News

On the 21st October Arley Community Association organised a public meeting to discuss what is happening to the site of the Miners Welfare Hall and also North Warwickshire Borough Council’s plans for 107 affordable houses in Arley. The meeting was attended by Mike O’Brien - MP, Colin Hayfield - North Warwickshire Borough Council and Warwickshire County Council, NWBC Councillors Adrian Edgington and Sid Tooth, Ian Gib - Conservative candidate and Judy Vero - Campaign to Protect Rural England. Unfortunately the meeting was closed early due to disruption by pro hunt protesters.

The current legal status of the site of the Miners Welfare Club was explained. The land is owned by the club, the club is in liquidation and a liquidator has been appointed. When the debts have been settled the land will revert to CISWO and then either they or the liquidator can sell it.

There is a clause in the deeds that stipulates that any money left over should be spent in Arley but CISWO argue that it should go to other mining related charities in Warwickshire. The clause is clear and legal but our legal right would have to be enforced. It might be best if a group of ex miners were to make a claim on this money so please would those interested contact Paul Reader on : 01676 541323.

The nature of the club’s debts were discussed. The last set of accounts submitted to the Charity Commission in 2001. When the club closed there was a change of trustees, some people believe that the club was ’steered’ to closure by CISWO. New trustees were told that they would be personally liable for debts incurred after they took over, so they withdrew their support. This resulted in several changes of trustees, with CISWO refusing to provide correct information or to accept resignations. Eventually no new trustees could be found.

North Warwickshire Borough Council’s Local Plan Unfortunately objections re the site in Old Arley will not stand as the site was included in the first stage draft deposit plan and was previously designated for affordable housing, there were 28 objections at the first stage and maybe these original objectors could represent the views of the rest of the village.

Who will live in the new homes? Priority will be given to people from Arley and the remainder will go to people from elsewhere in North Warwickshire. Residents had several concerns about the proposed housing: the nature of the tenants, the pressure on services and infrastructure, the fact that there are few community facilities, existing traffic and parking problems etc. The public enquiry is scheduled to begin on January 10th 2005, it will last around 6 weeks.

For further information contact:

Helen Reading: 07977 723397

Paul Reader: 01676 541323

Paul Stephen: 07708 479796

Horse Sense On The Road

Motorists and horse riders both have a right to use the road. They also share a responsibility to consider each other’s needs. Mutual courtesy and care between motorists and riders is important to prevent intolerance and improve safety. Riders

A horse rider should acknowledge a courtesy, however a wave or acknowledgement is not always possible as two hands are often need to keep control of the horse, but a nod and a friendly smile are the least you should expect.

Riders can take the British Horse Society’s national Riding and Road Safety test. For more information about the riding test and a leaflet for riders please contact the Safety Department on 01926 707 782 Drivers

As a motorist you should look out for horses being led or ridden on the road.

When you see a horse and rider on the road slow down.

When behind a horse and rider give them plenty of room and be ready to stop.

Do not sound your horn or rev your engine - horses are powerful but vulnerable animals, easily scared by noise and may panic around fast moving vehicles.

When overtaking please pass wide and slow.

Treat all horses as a potential hazard and expect the unexpected!

Action For New Arley Group

Action for New Arley is a group of people who have been meeting for over a year to organise projects and activities for and with the community of New Arley. At the moment, the group is made up of workers from Local Authorities (both WCC and NWBC), various voluntary organisations and a number of Parish Councillors. It meets approximately 4 times a year; the next meeting being Tuesday 7 December 12.00 at the Parish Rooms, Gun Hill.

The group was set up before Arley had a Community Association and has worked on issues that have been raised by local people or which were identified by the Miners Welfare Community Survey and Open Day. We now hope to work closely with the Community Association and the Parish Council helping Arley people to ‘make things happen’. If you would be interested in joining or have issues which you think the group should be addressing, contact Jean Sunter (Chair) on 02476 531 282 or talk to one of the Parish Councillors on the group (Paul Reader, Steve Scattergood, Emma Ball, Amelia Phillips, John Stephenson).

Parish News

Arley Parish Council meets on the first Thursday of the month, usually at the Parish Rooms at Hilltop, New Arley. The Council is there to work for the good of the Parish and they want to hear from parishioners who have something to say (good or bad) or who want to voice opinions/concerns on particular issues. Parishioners are welcome to attend meetings at 7.15pm, or if you wish to discuss things before hand, speak to one of our Councillors, Amelia Phillips on (01676) 540397. (Next meeting: Thursday 2nd December at Rowlands Court)

Farewell To Mr King

At the end of this term, Arley will be saying a sad farewell to Mr. King - head teacher at Herbert Fowler Junior School where he has been for 23 years! Many local residents have known Mr. King, either through their children or going through the school system themselves. He is well respected in the community or his ‘firm but fair’ attitude and he will be missed.

Mr. King has many stories to tell during his time at Herbert Fowler, of the heavy snow that enveloped the school where the coach company had to be called to take all the pupils straight home again, (hence the seasonal ‘bad weather’ letter now sent out). Many other stories too could be told, but as a man of discretion, Mr. King declined to name names…you know who you are!

Mr. King has worked with many dedicated members of staff at Herbert Fowler and he will miss staff and pupils alike. However, he is looking forward to his well deserved retirement where he intends to do all the things that he never has time for; sorting out his garage, attic and garden, walking ‘Sam’ the dog and watching Nuneaton Borough FC, (a habit since 1964).

Thank you Mr. King, from the Parish of Arley, for all the hard work and dedication you have put into the education of our children in Arley over the last 23 years. Enjoy your retirement and we hope that you will not forget us as we will not forget you.

Debbie Hopkins

Home Safety Check

Are you over 55 years or a disabled person of any age? Would you like to have a free home safety check including :

• Fire safety
• Gas safety
• Security
• Hazard identfication
• Electrical safety

funding from the NWBC, Warwickshire Social Services, and NWPCT are offering a free home risk assessment to residents in North Warwickshire who meet the above criteria.

The scheme is intended to help people stay safe at home and retain independence; you will receive a full confidential written report on any recommendations.

The Scheme also offers a free handyman service for safety related work identified during the check. Labour is free of charge, although any items fitted will be charged at cost. To apply for your free check, telephone Hugh Nethercote (Age Concern) on 01827 717172.

Church Services And Community Activities

Saturday 16th October 2004 saw the first-ever Arley Family and Community Day co-ordinated by Community Education Service North Warwickshire in partnership with several other professional organisations including Age Concern, North Warwickshire Borough Council, North Warwickshire and Hinckley College, Recruitment Now, W.C.C Fire and Rescue Service, W.C.C Libraries and Heritage, W.C.C Road Safety Unit and Warwickshire Rural Community Council. Action for New Arley and Arley Community Association were also well immersed in the event, as was the Rector who kindly gave permission for the church to be used for the day.

The event - which took place on the grounds of Gun Hill Infant School (thanks are due to the current head teacher) and at St. Michael’s Parish Church - was well attended by in excess of 100 local residents who were able to try out various different learning experiences. These included visiting the mobile library, healthy eating and lifestyles, football games (complete with free mini-footballs), Road Safety quizzes and videos, computer games and the ever-popular bouncy castle!

There were also many interesting and colourful displays for people to look at and staff were on hand to answer the many questions that were put to them.

Probably the most spectacular demonstration of the day was organised by the Fire and Rescue Service in the shape of a contrived chip-pan fire, well dealt with by the officer on the scene. Please don’t try this at home!

Many complimentary comments were received from visitors and it was obvious that a good time was had by one and all! John Noon, Com.Ed. Service North Warwickshire

St. Michael’s, Gun Hill and St. Wilfrids’s, Arley

Peter Allan (Rector) 02476 399070

Sunday - All Welcome to:

9.00am St. Wilfrid’s Holy Communion

10.15am St. Michael’s 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday’s Holy Communion. 2nd and 4th Sundays All Age Worship
Christmas Services

Sunday 12th December 6.30pm St. Wilfrid’s - Carols by candlelight Christmas Eve 4.00pm St. Michael’s - Jesus’ Birthday. Carols, refreshments and fun for all ages. Christmas Eve 11.00pm St. Wilfrid’s - Midnight Communion Christmas Day 10.30am St. Michael’s - communion and Carols Boxing Day 9.00am St. Wilfrid’s - Morning Worship (no morning service at St. Michael’s)

Monday 7.30pm - Home Group - All Welcome. Tel: 01676 542214 Tuesday - Bell Ringing. All Welcome. Tel: 01676 542397 Tuesday and Friday 12.00 - 2.30pm Minimikes (parent and toddler) at St. Michael’s. 1.50 per family. Thursday - 11.00 - 3.00pm St. Michael’s - over 60’s club. Hot lunch and fun with new (and old) friends. Tel: 01676 540996 Friday - 6.30pm St. Michael’s - Megamikes - 9 - 14years. Tel: 01676 542044

St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Spring Hill Fr Stephen Day 02476 392365

Christmas Day Mass 11.00am

Sunday Mass 11.00am

St Joseph’s is served from -

St Anne’s Catholic Church, Camp Hill Road, Chapel End, Nuneaton

Christmas Vigil Mass 24th Dec 5.00pm

Midnight Mass at Midnight

Christmas Day Mass 9.00am

Sunday Mass 9.00am

Arley Wesley Hall Methodist Church and Community Centre

Minister: Rev Hubert McKenzie. Tel: 01827 715600

(For Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, Visits etc.)

Family Service: 2nd Sunday of the Month 10.30am Other Sundays:

Sunday school: 2.30pm

Evening Worship: 6.00pm

Midweek Activities:

Tuesdays: Sparkle Club for 4 -7 Year Olds 5.30pm - 6.30pm Youth Club for 12 plus 7.00pm - 9.00pm

Wednesdays: Mother and Toddlers 1.00pm - 2.30pm Line Dancing 6.45pm - 7.45pm

Thursdays: Jaffa Club for 7 - 12 Year Olds 5.30pm - 6.30pm

Pop - In for Tea, Coffee and Cakes or just a chat, 3.00pm On the First Thursday of the each Month.

Special Dates:

December 12th: A Special Nativity Family Service at 10.30am Preacher Mr John Pricket

December 17th - 19th: A Christmas Tree Festival. More Information from Mrs Diane Sykes 01676 541587

Playground News

It is lovely to see the new playground in New Arley being used by local children. It is a popular place with the young children to play after school and the ‘chat room’ and kick wall area appears to be popular with the older, young people of the village.

Unfortunately, there has already been some damage to the play area and graffiti. We appeal firstly to the young people of Arley; please keep this area as it was intended. It is 100% better than what it was and was installed in for your use - please look after it. Secondly, to the residents of Arley; if you see anyone damaging the equipment, please report what you see to the police. Unless we make a stand against this sort of behaviour, it will continue.

Due to the success of the playground, the Parish Council have informed us that they are currently considering installing some additional equipment to the site. They intend to consult with the residents of Arley, especially the young people to get ideas on what is wanted. Look out for a consultation meeting which will be advertised soon and have your say.

Neighbourhood Watch

Unfortunately the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in the area appears to have fallen by the wayside somewhat, apparently through lack of interest and support. Although there are plenty of people complaining about the crime in the area not enough people seem to be willing to do something about it. For more Neighbourhood Watch information, visit www.nwnhwa.co.uk

Garden Sense

In the Garden During Winter

December is generally left to clear up all those things that should have been done in November! But it is also the time when slugs begin to take an active interest in lupins and delphiniums so that a packet of slug bait should be kept handy, although this should of course be used cautiously if there are animals around. With the fruit trees pruned it is time enough to fit them with greasebands. If it is a mild month then leatherjackets are often active in the lawns and these should be treated with an insecticide.

January is a good time to think about the annuals for the coming year and to order the seeds for both flowers and vegetables. It is also a useful time to give the fruit trees a tar-oil wash to discourage all those insects that manage to avoid the greasebands! The lawn will benefit from the spreading of a slow acting fertiliser to encourage the development of the roots of grasses.

In February weeding will be needed in the flower and vegetable borders, which should be then raked and given a dressing of a complete fertiliser. Light soils should be limed providing the ground is not used for potatoes. The lawn may be given a top dressing of 1 part ammonia to 3 parts super phosphate of lime to about 7 parts of sand mixed together and scattered evenly.

Useful Contacts
Arley News:

Clare Brady (Editor) - Email The Editor Tel: 07971 247348

A box is also available on the counter at the Post Office, New Arley or Rowleys Butchers, Old Arley for any articles or comments.
General:

Police (Atherstone) - 01827 718092 (emergency 999)

Electricity: Powerloss Helpline - 08457 331 331 General Enquiries - 08457 35 36 37

Warwickshire County Council - 01926 410 410

Severn Trent Water Emergencies - 0800 783 4444

Gas Emergency - 0800 111 999

Gun Hill Infant School - 01676 540347

Herbert Fowler Junior School - 01676 540348

Spring Hill Medical Centre - 01676 540395

Please note: Articles for inclusion in the Spring edition of Arley News to be received no later than 16th February 2005

©2004 Arley News. Editor Clare Brady.