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LATEST ENTRIES
100 UP
Posted: 5th October
Today will see me attend the 100th function as Chairman of Warwick District Council.
This does not include meetings arranged each week (diary meetings with my P.A.) and meetings prior to Council meetings.
Functions have been as short as an hour and as long as full days starting at 8am and getting home at 9pm if travelling some distance. Some days I only have one function, other days three.
Functions are as varied as meeting royalty, raising flags, attending church services, giving out long service awards, attending retirement functions for Warwick District Council staff and members of voluntary organisations, visiting schools and Town and Parish Councils, attending annual general meetings and of course chairing Warwick District Council meetings.
I have travelled as far as Worthing and London in the South and Lichfield in the North, although most of the 100 functions have been in Warwick district.
While often ending the day very tired I have enjoyed every moment of my year so far and meeting so many people in so many different organisations has been great.
Tomorrow will bring functions 101, 102, and 103 but that is tomorrow so time to put on my chain and hat and head off to number 100.
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Service connections and memorials
Posted: 1st October
I have been invited to three different events recently that all have armed forces connections. These were the National Memorial Arboretum at Lichfield, the Barracks at Kineton and the Battle of Britain Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph in Royal Leamington Spa.
We have many connections to the armed services in Warwick district and many of our residents have and still do serve the country.
The National Arboretum at Lichfield is a vast site that has memorials from branches of many regiments, organisations such as the fire service and of course the memorial to service personnel who have lost their lives in combat other than the two world wars. Set in a vast site of lakes, rivers and trees you could spend all day walking around the area. Visit www.forcesmemorial.org.uk for more details.
The visit to Kineton was for a beating the retreat ceremony. I have lived in this area all my life and often go past the barracks but I have never had a reason to go in and of course because of national security you cannot just wander in! We were made most welcome and the music on the parade ground was excellent. The night drew in as we watched and listened and enjoyed the music and marching on the parade ground.
A smaller but no less moving event was held at the war memorial in Leamington for the 68th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. This service is held each year to remember those who gave their lives. You could not forget as the wreath of poppies was laid those words spoken by Winston Churchill, "Never was so much owed by so many to so few." This was a moving tribute to them all.
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Parish and town council visits
Posted: 30th September
I have taken the opportunity during the slightly quieter period to visit some of the parish and town councils of the district.
There are four town councils and 19 parish councils in Warwick district. Some of the smaller parishes are grouped together and meet as one with issues or information being raised by councillors elected from each parish.
While the majority of the district population live in the towns we have to remember the needs of rural residents as well. It also reminds you that district and county councillors who represent rural parishes often have many meetings to attend as they serve so many parishes.
What is evident is that town and parish councillors care about where they live and are prepared to give their time (most with no remuneration) to raise and solve concerns.
It is also good to have pointed out to me where the money from the district council rural initiatives grants has been spent. Many awards are given to refurbish the village halls where so many of the parish councils meet.
So thank you to the parish and towns I have visited so far for making me feel so welcome and I look forward to visiting the others during my civic year.
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RECENT ENTRIES
Heritage Open Days and 100 Years
Posted: 3rd September
I have attended two events this week that are linked to both the past and present.
At the Town Hall in Leamington on Thursday I joined members of the Royal Leamington Spa Chamber of Trade and other civic guests at the unveiling of a clock.
The clock commissioned by the Chamber of Trade commemorates 100 years of the organisation. Representatives from the two founder members companies Mr Burgis (now Burgis and Bullock) and Mr Wright (now Wright Hassall) unveiled the radio controlled time piece that features graphics and the logo of the chamber. Visit www.leamingtonchamber.org.uk
On Friday I was at St Johns Museum in Warwick for the Launch of Heritage Open days (11th-14th September.) We have many old and unique buildings in Warwick district. Some are open and available to view on a regular basis such as St Mary’s Church Warwick or the Pump Rooms and Art Gallery in Leamington. Others such as the Leamington Real Tennis Court Club or Guys Cliffe House in Warwick are only normally seen on a regular basis by members of the organisations who own them.
The fine balance between a healthy vibrant local economy while preserving all that is good of our past heritage is never easy, but one that Warwick District strives hard to achieve.
Find out more about heritage open days.
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Food and Drink Festival 2008
Posted: 3rd September
Held over two days in the Pump Room Gardens this year’s food and drink festival offered a wide range of products to suit all tastes. With 13 restaurants also participating with a taste trail and live music the event proved to be very popular.
Local business Bid members took part along with business representatives from other parts of Warwickshire. There were many that remarked the event had encouraged residents and visitors to sit in the gardens and enjoy the atmosphere, especially on Saturday when the weather was warm and dry. There were also many compliments on the organisation of the event and a hope that it would take place again next year.
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Raising the Olympic Flag
Posted: 2nd September
As the flags were lowered in Beijing, events took place across Great Britain to mark the fact that the next Olympics will take place in Great Britain. The Mayor of Warwick Councillor Anne Mellor raised a flag at Racing Club Warwick and I raised a flag in Victoria Park, Leamington.
The venues in Warwick District were chosen because they were hosting events on Bank Holiday Sunday and therefore seemed appropriate. In addition it was great that Racing Club Warwick were one of the sites, given the tremendous work that is carried out at the club for the local residents in providing opportunities for all the community to get involved in sport and community activities. The flag raising at Victoria Park Bowls is further recognition for this acknowledged top class bowls facility and the partnership that exists between Warwick District Council, Royal Leamington Spa Bowls Club and Bowls England.
Securing 2 flags for the district was a major achievement in itself as most local authorities were limited to one flag. Warwick District Council plan to fly the flags across the district in until 30th September.
Residents from Warwick District have a long history of sporting participation both at local, national and international levels.
Team GB has performed very well in Beijing and we can now build on that success over the next four years and hopefully see more people becoming increasingly engaged with sport.
For further information about the Olympics in 2012 please visit www.london2012.com
For further information about racing club Warwick please visit: www.racingclubwarwick.com
For further information about bowls England please visit: www.bowlsengland.com
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From Jawans to Generals, Loyal allies, Proud Britons
Posted: 2nd September
In the last two world wars serving from the trenches of the Western Front to the jungles of Burma, 83,005 turban wearing Sikh soldiers were killed and 109,045 were injured.
I was invited to the Warwickshire Museum in the market place in Warwick by Sikh Heritage Association Warwick and Leamington (SHAWL) to be part of the official launch of a photographic exhibition that tells the story of these soldiers.
The exhibition that runs from 22nd August to the 14th September presents a fascinating selection of photographs, many dating back to Victorian times, celebrating the proud history of the Anglo Sikh relationship. This exhibition was first launched by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales in 2002.
For further information about the Warwickshire Museum please visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/museum
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Althorpe Innovation and Enterprise Centre
Posted: 19th August
Bricklaying is a new skill I have been asked to undertake this week! Hard hats and fluorescent jackets were in abundance as I was handed a trowel.
In Autumn 2004 an initial application was made for funding for an Innovation and Enterprise Centre in Althorpe Street in Leamington. In 2006 funding of £890,350 was approved by Advantage West Midlands and the project commenced in December 2007. In May 2008 further funding was awarded to cover inflationary cost increases making the total budget £959,518.
This new centre when completed will create office and desk space for hi –tech and creative Industries. Space will be provided for up to 40 small businesses and 60 jobs at full capacity. It will be open for business in February 2009. Partners in the project from Regenesis who undertook the first feasibility study, Advantage West Midlands, those involved with building the centre, representatives and councillors from the county council and the district council joined me on site to celebrate the official ceremony to mark the start of the build.
The Warwick District Enterprise team will advise and support the businesses along with Business Link West Midlands. Along with the refurbishment of the Railway Arches this is a big step forward in the regeneration of this area of Warwick District.
Bricklaying at the Althorpe Innovation Centre
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Cruise and Dine
Posted: 8th August
If you want a pleasant way to spend a few hours I can fully recommend a cruise and dine along the Grand Union Canal.
The Prince Regent 2 narrow boat cruises through our lovely countryside between Radford Semele and Bascote at 4mph negotiating three locks along the way. We were able to stop for a short while to stretch our legs along the tow path.
Civic guests, councillors and friends joined my husband and I for a three course lunch and cruise on Sunday 3rd August. The event was held to help raise funds for my chosen charities Myton Hospice and Safeline. I also discovered that the Vice-Chairman of Warwick District, Councillor Norman Pratt, and I both share the same birthday this week so it was an opportunity for us to celebrate our birthdays together.
One of the guests emailed me to say "The Cruise and Dine on the PR2 was a great success. The boat was first class, the meal was likewise and the company was very fine."
The Prince Regent 2 narrow boat can seat up to 42 people and you can hire the whole restaurant for example for a private party, wedding reception or works meal. Or you can book for a small number of guests as you would any restaurant.
For further details about the Prince regent 2 cruise and dine please visit www.pr2restaurant.co.uk.
On board the narrowboat
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Whitnash Windmill Petanque Competition
Posted: 7th August
The first petanque open Triples event on a brand new terrain was held at Whitnash Windmill Petanque Club on 27th July.
The competition attracted 20 triples from places as far apart as Aberdeen and Letchworth. The gold competition was won by a team from Stockton. I was very pleased to be asked to present the prizes.
The new court was laid out in April at the Sports and Social Club, Heathcote Road, Whitnash. Earth from the location has been used to provide a bund in Acre Close Fields to help prevent flooding. Praise must go to the volunteers who moved the earth and laid the courts.
I have played this game in France when on a Twinning visit. The sport is gaining popularity in this country. I had been on a civic visit to Hampshire all day in very hot conditions, so declined the kind offer to stay for a game!
If you are interested in trying out the game you will be made most welcome by the club on Monday evenings from 7pm and Friday afternoons from 2pm.
To find out more about petanque visit www.englishpetanque.org.uk/
Warwick District Council has two petanque terrains which are one for the public to use. They are at Castle Farm Leisure Centre, in Kenilworth and St Nicholas Park in Warwick.
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Bowls England Women’s National Championships
Posted: 6th August
On 26th July I attended the opening ceremony of the Bowls England Women’s National Championships at Victoria Park.
This was the Women’s Bowls 71st Championship and the first time they took place in Leamington was in 1975. This year’s event was the first championship since the unification of the Ladies and Men’s outdoor associations. Warwick district had previously hosted the Women’s Worlds Bowls Championship in 1996 and 2004.
After raising the tournament flag and taking the first bowl with the President of Bowls England, Angela Harris, the event got under way. Competitors from all over the country take part during the two weeks and I have met representatives from 35 different county associations.
The ladies are welcome visitors to our district and many residents will see them in our towns and villages during the championships when they are not on the greens.
For more information on bowling can be found at www.bowlsengland.com.
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Chairman’s Challenge
Posted: 6th August
After just nine weeks of the Chairman’s challenge to swim, walk, cycle or gym the distance of the district boundary I am half way to reaching the 72 miles!
Despite a knee injury sustained before the challenge began that has restricted the amount of exercise I can undertake, without my knee swelling to double the size, I have so far kept to the weekly target.
With the help of a friend for support, I've managed to swim 32 lengths every week instead of the 20 I used to do. After starting with walking, due to time pressures I have spent more time on the bike in the gym. Before I started at the gym I was taken through an induction of all the equipment by the leisure centre staff.
My fitness levels are slowly rising and I am now able to raise the level of effort needed to progress to a different level.
If you interested in undertaking the same challenge there is still plenty of time to do so. For further information and/or an entry form please contact roma.armstrong@warwickdc.gov.uk. There are prizes for the most unusual way of completing the 72 miles.
If you are unable to undertake the challenge yourself perhaps you would sponsor me and help me to raise funds for my chosen charities, Myton Hospice and Safeline. Please send any donations to the Chairman’s P.A. Roma Armstrong at Warwick District Council, Members’ Services, Riverside House Milverton Hill Royal Leamington Spa, CV32 5HZ.
If you are interested in joining a Warwick District Council gym please visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk/leisure
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Opening of the Cliff Cleaver Community Pavilion
Posted: 23rd July
On Saturday 19th July I was invited to the official opening of the Cliff Cleaver Community Pavilion by the Chairman of Cubbington Parish Council, Councillor Mrs Theresa Saul.
In 2004 it was agreed by Cubbington Parish Council that a replacement was needed for the old prefabricated pavilion building being used by the football team and the youth club.
A new £100,000 log cabin, partly funded by Warwick District Council, was officially opened by the person it is named after, Cliff Cleaver. Councillor Cliff Cleaver has represented Cubbington in all areas of local government over the last 40 years and as a former footballer it was entirely appropriate that the new building carries his name.
Invited guests and residents were shown around the new building that will be used and run by a number of the village organisations.
Parish contact details
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Race for Life
Posted: 22nd July
I was pleased to be asked to start the Race for Life on Warwick Race Course on Tuesday 15th July. Vice-Chairman Councillor Norman Pratt started the race on the following evening.
This annual women only event raises cash for Cancer Relief and over 2000 people took part over the two evenings.
The Race Course was a perfect setting for the 3.5 mile challenge. The first runner came home between 20 and 25 minutes later. Jogging and walking the course is also acceptable and as I left I observed families walking the course together.
There were many personal reasons why people took part either as survivors of cancer themselves or in memory of friends and family who have not.
It takes many hours organising events such as these and both organisers and those taking part deserve to be supported and commended.
For more information go to www.raceforlife.org
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Royal Show and Royal Visitors
Posted: 17th July
After last year’s wet weather the invite for the chairman to visit the Royal Show was received and accepted with the thought that a raincoat and umbrella may be needed. Not only was it not needed as the day was very hot and sunny, but royal visitors were to attend as well.
Having been briefed as to our position in the welcome line up, my husband Stephen and I were introduced by the Lord Lieutenant Martin Dunne to His Royal Highness Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.
I first visited the Royal Show as a schoolgirl forty years ago so when the royal visitors moved off to be shown around we took the opportunity to observe how it has grown and branched out over the years. Horses were being exhibited and judged in one show ring whilst sheepdogs herding geese were exhibited in a make shift pen whose boundary consisted of local school children. Wonderful smells came from the many food exhibitions and stalls. Country style furniture, grand gazebos and clothes from riding coats to silk ties were available.
The show is enjoyed by residents and brings visitors both from this county and abroad to the area and while livestock was limited due to Bluetongue restrictions there was still plenty to see.
The royal show is just one of the events hosted at the Stoneleigh Ground during the year. For more information visit www.royalshow.org.uk and www.stoneleighpark.com
Prince of Wales meets Judy Falp
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