WALTON NEWS

Spring has arrived late this year after the cold winter but it has been worth waiting for. The newspapers reported that the trees were a full month later than usual coming into leaf but after that everything seemed to burst out into bloom all at once, cherry trees and apple trees and horse chestnuts laden with blossom, carpets of cowslips and bluebells along the driveway down to Walton Hall and everywhere this explosion of green in the hedgerows, the pasture and wheat fields, the garden lawns, and yes, the trees. First of all the willows along the river flaunted their delicate green against the dark Bath Woods, followed by the limes in Jubilee Drive, which was Sir Charles Mordaunt's tribute to Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Then more gradually all the different greens appeared on both sides of the valley in the woods which Sir John Mordaunt master-minded before his death in 1845, also in the new plantations where his Hamilton descendants have carried on the tradition, as well as in the avenue leading up to the front door of Walton Hall - a legacy left by Graham Maynard of timeshare fame.

The joys and sorrows of self sufficiency are just now being extolled by several TV personalities, including the rather whacky clergyman who is experimenting with going back to basics in the manner of St Francis, and the delightfully enthusiastic owner of the Edible Garden (and her dog). It is certainly good to see the neat rows of beetroots and carrots and beans and peas in the kitchen garden pushing through, a sign that it will soon be summer when at last the cold north winds that persist in bringing the volcanic ash in our direction have finally died down. Let us hope that halcyon days will bless all the fairs and fêtes and the music for a summer's afternoon in Walton Church on Sunday 13 June at 3.30 when the Coten Ensemble and Singers will be performing the delectable Pergolesi Magnificat and Bach's most popular Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 followed by tea and sung Evensong.

EH

YOUR PARISH PLAN

EARLY PROGRESS

The Parish Plan Task Force has had its first two meetings. They succeeded in dividing the task up into separate subject areas or themes, each handled by a Theme Team. A Steering Committee was also established.

The theme groups are beginning their work of analysing what we already know, what we don't know, and where we need your inputs.

Through the summer there will be extensive consultation on a wide range of topics. There will be meetings with interest groups, public drop-in sessions, and other opportunities including online message boards and a website for you to tell us what you think about life in Wellesbourne and Walton. Expect to hear a lot more in the coming months.

Please look out for announcements in W&WN, on the notice boards, and via links on the other Wellesbourne websites.

Pavements, another little definition coming your way! 'A paved area along side the road for the use of pedestrians' yep, that is more or less what we all thought, however, not so to every one. One can come across cars firmly blocking your way by being parked on a very large piece of pavement, if you are unfortunate enough to have a pram or a wheelchair it means taking to the road, highly dangerous. Bicycles, not just young vulnerable cyclists but fast moving 'I am definitely in a hurry' bikers seem to be using the pavement as a race track. I am a cyclist and understand the hazards of some of our main roads but when I came face to face with a cyclist not far from the Conservative club, who had no intention of letting me pass or indeed slowing up at all, I was quite frankly amazed at his complete lack of thought. Maybe that is what it is, just a bit of thoughtlessness and a bit selfish, you know "it's quicker for me to use the pavement the pedestrians can wait". You are actually breaking the law if you park or ride on the pavement, for the very good reason that you are putting others at risk. However it is not about what is lawful, it's more about consideration for others. So please, next time you feel the need to pull two of your four wheels on to the pavement or take the short cut on your bike, just pause for a moment and put others before yourself. Thanks.

Frankie Stuart, Chairman, Neighbourhood Watch 841819 frankiestuart@virginmedia.com

Parish Council Notes

As I reported in the last Edition, This was the Annual Meeting of the Council, at which the membership of positions and of committees will be decided.

This year there was no change in the key positions, or Chairs of Committees or Working Groups.

I remain as the Chair of the Council, and John Grantham remains the Vice Chair.

Tony Copeland continues as Chair of the Highways Committee, Rob Parton as Chair of the Amenities Committee, and David Close the Chair of the Chedham's Yard Steering Group.

There were a few changes in the membership of Committees. A full list of the membership of committees will be in the minutes of the meeting published on the Notice Boards, and on the Parish Council Website .

Core Strategy
There was no particular news on this. The next stage is for the District Council Cabinet to consider a report on the final consultation, before the full Council considers recommended strategy to go for Public Examination by the Secretary of State. Before the next meeting of the Parish Council, we will seek to establish the timetable for the process from here, so that all interested parties know what needs to be done, and by when. So far the District's timetable has slipped at each stage, but perhaps now it will be possible to firm things up.

Football Club Building
The Parish Council is still waiting for a response from the Receiver for the Brewery to its offer to acquire the building. The Parish Council has a local valuer acting for it.

The next meeting of the Full Council will be on 1st June at the Methodist Hall at 7.30. All are welcome.

David Johnston, Chair, Wellesbourne Parish Council