Ilmington (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Ilmington

PARISH COUNCIL: At their April meeting, chaired by Cllr Tony Wilkins, the parish council heard from Mrs Ribbans that the parish plan steering committee had had its last meeting. She said that the parish plan was now on the district council web site - www.stratford.gov.uk.

Mr Fred Edmunds reported that the playing field committee had seen the architect who had designed the Ebrington and Chipping Campden sports pavilions, and had given him a list of requirements for either an updated old pavilion or for a new one. It was agreed that the matter should be brought up at the annual parish meeting on May 10.

The chairman reported that the gulley in Back Street which had been causing so much trouble had been cleaned, and Cllr Rob Hawkins reported that all the gullies had been cleaned out on April 25.

The residents of the Chapel House in Middle Street are now parking their vehicles further up the road on Fridays, so that the Biffa vehicle could drive up without going onto the verge. Parts of the Cross Leys hedge had been cut, and Cllr Hawkins had completed work on the gateway into the playing field and had re-hung the old gate.

Cllr Martin Devereux reported that notices had been put up in the Howard Arms asking people not to park on the greens, and the pub car park had been marked up with white lines to make the best use of space.

It was agreed that the county council should be asked that the whole of the road from Ilmington to the A3400 be brought up to the same standard as the stretch done recently from York Farm to the Quinton turn. The stretch in front of Manor Farm and that by Cotswold Edge were particularly bad.

A letter had been received from Wayleave Survey and Engineering Ltd on behalf of Central Networks, asking for permission to fell the conifer by the pole on the Upper Green. The chairman had replied that the parish council could not agree, and did not want any wires over the Upper Green at all.

Cllr Hawkins reported that the bowling green stainless steel poles were unsightly, and also that the strings made an annoying noise when the wind was blowing. He asked if the poles could be painted, but it was agreed that this should be left until the autumn when the netting would come down. He agreed to speak to the bowls club about this.

Cllr Danny Wilkins reported that the entrance to Cross Leys from Armscote Road was in a bad condition, and this should be reported to county highways.

Cllr David Sabin reported that the PTA had asked if they could have a donation from the parish council towards the cost of the Queen's 80th birthday medals for the children. This was not thought to be an appropriate use of parish council funds, and Cllr Hawkins thought he could find sponsors.

Cllr Sabin also reported that he had been asked whether anything could be done about the footpath to the school across Berry Orchard. The chairman said that Mr Flower had had the enclosed path gravelled some years ago, but he had not wanted it done across the field. It was suggested that the school should write to the owner about this.

ILMINGTON ON AIR: The BBC Radio 4 schedules merely said for very early in the morning (6am in fact) Country File. Actually the whole programme was centred on Ilmington. Fortunately it was repeated at a more civilised time a few days later!

The first part of the programme was a delightful interview with Julia Gajny - the popular village post lady. Together with her husband Vince (who was in the past a successful professional boxer).

The next village personality to feature was Paul Bryan who recounted the history of the Traditional Ilmington Morris Men and played some of the unique dance tunes on his melodeon. Next it was the turn of Sheila Ribbons who has chaired the team that has produced the colourful village plan which details the village as it is and the aspirations for the future.

Finally it was the turn of newcomers to Ilmington, pianist Richard Roderick Jones, and his wife artist Sue. He played one of his own compositions and told of his musical associations with the village.