NEWBURGH NEWS. May 2008.
Dear Resident,
Inevitably, the news of the moment for this Newsletter (and the best news I’ve had to report during my year as Chair) is that the village Post Office has been taken off the list for closure and along with the store and tea-room, will continue in business.
It has been a real roller-coaster of emotion – from despair and anger to euphoria – over the past weeks as events unfolded so quickly. This is my opportunity to pay tribute to Irene. Regardless of what she has been going through emotionally, she has remained chirpy, been brilliant with the Press and continued to run three businesses as efficiently as normal.
I’ve also been amazed and gratified by the response from local people. The strength of feeling and the willingness to get involved in the campaign were overwhelming and must have played an important part in overturning the closure decision.
I have no doubt that this experience has made us a stronger community and that can only be good news for the future.
Thank you all so much!
Kind regards,
Jacky Citarella,
Chair,
Newburgh Parish Council.
Annual Parish Meeting.
Originally, we were going to have a “Celebrate the Local” meeting but in view of the then proposed closure of our Post Office; we agreed it more appropriate to make this threat the focus of the meeting.
Now that the Post Office has been reprieved and given the tight timescale, the Parish Meeting business will be confined to hearing the Parish Council Annual Report and dealing with any questions raised by our residents. The Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 21st May commencing at 7.30pm.
Residents are most welcome to come along and hear what the Council has been doing over the last twelve months. However, we do plan to host a celebratory meeting in the autumn and will advise you details at a later date.
Civic Service, Sunday, 18th May.
All residents are cordially invited to attend our Civic Service, which will be held at Christ Church at 10.30pm on the above date. The District Council Chairman, William Cropper and his Lady will be present along with our own Chair and Councillors. Join us afterwards in the School for light refreshments.
Parish Council Meetings.
These are held in the School and residents are always welcome to attend.
21st May, Annual General Meeting.
25th June at 7.30pm
23rd July at 7.30pm.
Message from PC Steve Hackney.
If you have any Police issues that you wish to discuss, pop into the PACT surgery at Newburgh Tearoom on the following dates: -
2nd June 1800 – 2000hrs.
3rd July 1800 – 2000hrs.
Japanese Knotweed.
As reported in a previous Newsletter, there is evidence of knotweed in the village. We are pleased to receive from RM Services, Burscough, some simple advice on eradication. If you want a copy, please contact the Clerk
Footpaths.
The weather is showing signs of improvement and the bluebells are looking good. Now is the time to explore the village by means of the footpath network. A new information leaflet has been prepared; pick up your copy from the Post Office or the Red Lion Hotel.
Best Kept Garden Competition.
This popular event is again being held and we are pleased that Mavis Woods has again agreed to be one of our Judges. We hope that residents will make that special effort with their front gardens to impress Mavis and her colleague. There is no doubt that attractive, colourful gardens provide a wonderful vision for both residents and visitors.
Speed Indicator Device (SPID).
We are pleased to report that this project is now up and running and you will have seen the device in operation in the village. Any comments on the perceived effect on traffic speeds will be welcome.
Bus Pass Victory!
Due to the tenacity of one of our residents, children living in the village and attending Burscough Priory Science College have been assured of free bus passes. The County Council made the decision to stop the provision of free passes to certain children claiming that they did not fulfil the 3 mile rule and that they were expected to walk to school along the dangerous Back Lane /
Hollowford Lane route. The parents of one of the children concerned have spent a great deal of time and effort over a period of months challenging this ruling and have finally won their case.
The County Council has now deemed the route unsafe and has agreed that all children in the village are entitled to free bus travel to school.
Congratulations to the parents concerned for standing their ground.
Best Kept Village Competition.
The War Memorial is, as usual, in immaculate condition and the “Welcome” signs, village seats and the bus shelters have been painted, all in readiness for a real effort to do well in the 50th Anniversary Event.
Judging will take place in June & July and it is up to householders and businesses to make a good impression. The Judges will be looking for the overall tidiness of the village and the condition of private properties, gardens, fences and walls.
Please help us to maintain standards and achieve the results of two years ago and become the Champion Village of Lancashire again.
Christ Church, Newburgh.
We are pleased to announce that a new Priest in Charge has been appointed. The Reverend Graham Milford, his wife, Nicola and their daughter will be joining us during June. Graham will not be taking up his duties until after his Licensing Service, which will take place on 10th July at Westhead Church.
Until our new Vicar is Licensed if you need to contact a member of the clergy or the churchwarden, please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of the following: -
Rev David Burrows 01257 462948
Rev Christine Draper 01704 893081
Rev John Sephton 01695 576774
Churchwardens
Mrs Pam Samson 01257 464190
Mr Ian Anderton 01695 51393
A warm welcome to all who would like to join us in our Services also those new to the village or visiting us.
There are a great bunch of children and young folk who come to our young peoples’ groups. They meet most Sundays at the 10.30am Service then go down to the School for their own sessions. J.A.M. (Jesus and Me), Pathfinders and Trail Blazers cater for tots to teens.
Our young mums C.H.A.T. group meet at 9.15am on Thursdays during term time in the Church vestry, why not drop in after you have taken the children to School?
The Mothers’ Union meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 2.30pm in Church. They have various speakers, a cuppa and a chat.
Our normal Services are: -
9am Holy Communion every Sunday.
10.30am Morning Prayer.
1st and 3rd Sundays.
10.30am Holy Communion
2nd and 5th Sundays.
10.30am Family Service
4th Sunday.
Church Events Diary.
May.
17th The Croft, Back Lane
Brunch Morning.
18th Civic Service, 10.30am.
June.
1st. Quiet time of Prayer.
6.30pm in Church.
7th Newburgh Fair
refreshments in School Hall.
8th Songs of Praise, watch for notices
Event to be confirmed.
July.
4th The Willows, Course Lane.
Strawberry Tea in the afternoon.
24th – 27th Flower Festival in Church.
Open Gardens.
For the last two years, we have held a popular and successful Open Gardens Day, which has provided a valuable financial contribution to our new Play Area project.
Christ Church is organising a Flower Festival on 24th – 27th July, therefore, the Parish Council has decided not to hold our Open Gardens event this year but instead support the Flower Festival.
Full details of this are included in the enclosed separate Newsletter.
Newburgh Fair, 7th June 2008.
Flower & Craft Show.
Don’t forget your entries – schedule available at Newburgh Post Office and in the Fair Programme.
The Parish Council wishes every success for the 2008 Fair.
Newburgh Cricket Club.
The 2008 Season is now well under way with the wet weather of early April relenting just in time for a prompt start to the fixtures. Games will now be on at Newburgh every Saturday afternoon until mid September. Junior Matches also take place for those in the Under 13 and under 11 age groups on some nights
New players or interested spectators would be most welcome. Senior practise from 6.30pm each Tuesday whilst the juniors’ is from 11am to 12.30pm on Saturday mornings.
Information from Ken Pridmore on
01257 463982 or call in at the Club for details.
Douglas Music Society.
An exciting programme is planned for the 2008 – 2009 season. For more details contact the Box Office on 01257 421526 or 462382.
Newburgh Women’s Institute.
We are a friendly group of women who enjoy monthly meetings with speakers. Meetings are held in Newburgh School at 7.30pm.
Future Meetings: -
19th May. Traditional Indian Custom
& Textiles, Mrs Varma.
16th June. Hidden Treasures.
J. Iddon.
21st July. Members Night.
Further information about our W.I. from Patsy Hey on 01257 463171
Parish Council Agendas & Minutes
The Agenda for each Parish Council Meeting is placed in the Noticeboard located near the Post Office.
The Minutes are held in the Post Office for your perusal. These can be seen on the Newburgh website also.
Parbold, Newburgh and District
Garden Society.
Visitors are welcome to come along and share knowledge with local gardeners.
Forthcoming events are: -
14th May. Herbs, John Wellans.
17th May Plant Sale from 10am.
11th June Conversation with Trees.
Meetings are in Parbold W.I. Hall at 8pm. For further information contact Tom Forster on 01257 462647.
Newburgh School.
The Parish Council is delighted to support our local School and is proud of its achievements.
Enclosed with this Newsletter is separate information supplied by the School.
A large print version of this Newsletter can be made available on request.
Parish Council Contacts.
Jacky Citarella. 01257 463621
Reg Porter. 01257 462463
Clare Gillard. 01257 464533
Chris Moore. 01257 463471
Elaine Pratt. 07771 767062
Rebecca Richardson 01257 463942
Alex Sunderland. 01704 893116
Maureen Turner. 01257 462970
Published by Mr B. Howard, Clerk, Newburgh Parish Council.
Tel: 01257 462423.
newburghpc@btopenworld.com