NEWBURGH NEWS.        September 2007.

Dear Resident,

I am very pleased and proud to be made Chair of the Parish Council for the forthcoming year at our AGM in May. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Reg Porter and Rebecca Richardson for all their hard work as Chairman & Vice-Chairman respectively over the past 3 years.

The two major projects that the Council has been pursuing recently are the realisation of aspects of the Village Plan and the development of a Vision and Values Statement-about which all residents were consulted over the summer.

Initially, I want to focus on seeing the completion of the Play Area and the bringing in to use of the SPID to complete the current phase of the Village Plan.

My next priorities are twofold: -

Firstly, to bring the final Vision and Values Statement into being as a dynamic document, which will underpin our work and guide it’s forward planning.

Secondly, I want to see the Council re-visit the Village Plan and prioritise further areas of action to improve village life.

Finally, I believe strongly that the Council can only function effectively in partnership with you the village residents. To this end, I would urge you to get involved – come to our Meetings or contact any of us to tell us what you think about any and all aspects of village life. We are your Parish Council.

I look forward to working with you.

Kind regards,

Jacky Citarella.

Chair.

 

Parish Council Meetings.

These are held in the School, Back Lane commencing at 7.30pm and all residents are most welcome to attend

Future dates are 24th October 2007 and 28th November 2007. We look forward to seeing you.

 

Vision and Values.

The consultation period for the Vision and Values Statement has now been completed. A number of residents have made their views known and have made comments on specific matters. There have been some useful and valuable comments offered and these will help the Council in developing a strategy to support the Statement. Further details will appear in the Newsletter and on the website as the work unfolds.

 

Best Kept Village Competition.

Although we have not achieved the success of last year, we are pleased that the quality of the War Memorial has again been recognised and awarded a Highly Commended Certificate. Particular thanks must go to the two people who keep this Memorial in such pristine condition.

 

Best Kept Garden Competition.

Winner, Large Gardens Section.

Mr & Mrs R.M Clayton.

Winner, Small Gardens Section.

Mr & Mrs D.B. Allen.

Winner, Baskets/ Tubs Section.

Mr & Mrs N.J. Owen.

Please see the Notice board for details of all winners.

Congratulations and thanks for such excellent displays.

 

Japanese Knotweed.

It has been brought to our attention that this aggressive invasive plant is present in the village, which is now an increasing problem and is subject to legislation to regulate the spread and disposal of it. The most obvious clump is on the left hand side of the main road entering the village from Burscough between Back Lane and the Newburgh sign. It consists of a central 4-5ft high clump, which totally obliterates the road sign – and lower growth spreading from each side along the kerb.

We are seeking advice as to the best way of tackling this problem and will keep you updated. In the meantime, we must stress that this plant must not be cut down in any way as even very small fragments spread it

 

Newburgh website.

Additions have been made to the website www.newburghlancs.co.uk covering some recent events.

The winning pictures and photos from the Fair Arts Competition can now be viewed in Picture Gallery (click on Newburgh Art). Entries by both children and adults are there. The winning entry in the flag design competition is also displayed

For pictures and video clips of the Fair, go to Annual Events and click on the link at the end of the Fair section. A special picture this year is an aerial shot taken from 2000 feet.

If you missed the Open Gardens day or would like to see some of our village hidden gardens again, go to Annual Events and click on the link from Open Gardens. A further link from the Best Gardens section will take you to pictures of this year’s winners.

The site, sponsored by the Parish Council, also has the latest agendas and minutes of Council Meetings. Since the site was launched in June 2006 there has been more than 20,000 visitors. If you have a comment to make about the site or would like to add more information, simply click on Contact us and send an e-mail or contact Chris Moore by phone on 01257 463471.

 

Children’s Play Area.

All the funding has now been raised for the new Play Area planned to be sited next to the School. The process of finalising a lease is continuing.

 

Speed Indicator Device (SPID).

The SPID has now been delivered and will be used at a number of sites around the village to help control traffic speed. We await installation of mounting plates on a number of street lighting columns and a decision from Lancashire Police on how to handle the signs.

 

Open Gardens, 8th July 2007.

Thanks to Maureen Turner for organising the event and the residents who kindly opened their gardens to the public. A successful day produced over £1000, which is a valuable contribution to the Play Area project.

 

Newburgh Morris.

We have had a good season with two new mother and daughter members. We danced at a variety of venues adding big carnival processions to our bookings. If you’d like to join us, come to practice night on Tuesdays at Hilldale Village Hall. Ring Barbara 01695723100 or Rebecca 463942.

 

School News.

With the summer holidays behind us we return to school ready to face the New School Year. The teachers had all worked hard over the holidays to get school ready following Class 3 refurbishment.

Sadly, several of our families had suffered tragic bereavements over the holiday and as a school we surround them with our prayers, love and thoughts, offering support to the children and the rest of the families.

Changes have happened; Miss Ford is now Mrs Fowler and has taken up her post as Key Stage One Manager. Miss Iddon has joined us taking over in Class 1. Mrs Miller is now Key Stage Two Manager and Mrs D’Alton begins her first full year as Class 4 teacher.

There have also been changes to the curriculum as we introduce French across the school as well as having a “creative afternoon” on a Friday.

We have lots planned for the term and the year and have produced an events list, which has gone out to parents. If you haven’t seen one, call into school to collect a copy.

God bless.

Janice Reynolds  (Headteacher).

 

Do you have a pond?

A wildlife survey is being carried out in the area. If you would like to have your pond included, contact Rachel Middleton on 01257 464154.

 

Actors wanted.

Douglas Valley Drama Group wants actors, designers and helpers. The next production is Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit to be staged November. If you are interested in joining contact Donna on 07840 086942.

Christmas Child.

Last year, there was a splendid response to the appeal to fill a shoe box with Christmas gifts for children in the developing world. With special help from Newburgh School, the W.I. and the Tearoom we provided about 90 boxes, which were distributed to many countries.

There will be another appeal this year. Leaflets giving full details will be available in the Tearoom from the beginning of October. Please aim to have boxes ready by 6th November for dropping off at: -

Church View, Back Lane,

Newburgh Tearoom.

Dutton’s Barn, Back Lane.

Glebe Cottage, Back Lane. 

 

Newburgh Sports Club.

For Archery, Cricket, Darts, Football, Pool and Running, plus Clubhouse and social events during the year.

The Bowmen of Skelmersdale meet weekly at the Club and welcome anyone with an interest in archery. Recent successes include 2 World Archery Flight records set by 17 year old Harriet Daniel at a recent meeting in Church Fenton.

Newburgh Nomads is a small friendly running club, which caters for all abilities. Members meet on Tuesdays at 7.30pm at the Club. Their interests include cross-country, road and fell racing. Contact Mike:  01257 463696.

 

Three Cabaret Nights: -

6th October, vocalist Darren King.

3rd November, vocalist Elisha.

15th December, vocalist, Peter Moss.

For details see the Club’s website www.newburghsportsclub.co.uk

Ring on 01257 463715 or e-mail:

newburghsportsclub@mail.com

 

Newburgh Fair.

The Fair was again a huge success.

We were most fortunate that our Fair was held on one of the best days of the summer. Thanks must go to all those who helped to make it a most memorable day and to all those who took part in the various activities and events. Special thanks to the Morris Dancers, Mrs Reynolds from School, the local Police, Alf & Julie Cowburn for the use of their lorries and all those others too numerous to mention, for their hard work. Also to Douglas Lions thanks for their exceptional work, financial help and physical efforts throughout the week and on the procession.

The Flag/Banner Competition was a great success – the flags/banners will be ready for the Fair next year. We were sent a wonderful aerial photo of the field during the afternoon, which will be available for sale in the near future (contact Hazel Flight 463239 if you are interested).

The Fair costs a large amount of money to stage and often we have only just managed to cover our costs. However, this year we have made some extra and will be donating money to various local needs. Details will be in the next Newsletter.

 

The Committee works extremely hard each year to produce a village event that will be remembered for years to come. We are always looking for new ideas and suggestions. Please do not hesitate to let me have your thoughts Looking forward to all your support and hoping that next year will be another wonderful week.

Thanks.

Hazel Flight

Fair Committee.

Message from PC Steve Hackney.

Come along to the tearoom and raise any problems or issues on: -

8th October     1300 – 1500hrs.

8th November 1000 – 1200 hrs.

4th December 1800 – 2000hrs.

 

Newburgh Women’s Institute.

New members and visitors are always welcome. Future meetings: -

16th October, Life &Times of a female

                     Brain Surgeon.

19th November, Malaysian Customs.

17th December, Christmas Party.

More information- Patsy Hey 463171

 

Message from the Post Office.

Your Post Office needs you to take a look at what we have to offer. Car, Van, Home Insurance buy 12 months get 1 month free. Our Home Phone is still a cheaper line rental than BT.

Euros over the counter, commission free, no pre-ordering, competitive exchange rates. Don’t forget the Post Office credit card, no charge for your purchases abroad. One of our top offers is the Instant Saver with a big 6% interest rate allowing 6 free withdrawals per year.

For help and advice call in and see Irene or Paula, always happy to help.

 

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