-
Newsletter Front

Pershore Town Council Newsletter - Spring 2022

Town Hall Opening Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Friday: 10:00am – 1:00pm

Visitor Information is currently operating from the Town Hall

 

Welcome from the Town Clerk…

 

Welcome to the Spring edition of the Town Council newsletter and as I write this snowdrops are already everywhere you look and daffodils just starting to burst into flower. Nights are lighter although not yet much warmth in the sun!

This newsletter celebrates the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and everyone is invited to bring a picnic to Abbey Park on Sunday 5th June. There will be music in the bandstand from 12 noon until 2.30pm and it is hoped to hold a service in the Abbey to celebrate the jubilee itself. Please watch our website for more details of this and see page 6 of this newsletter.

Please also see, on the same page, some information about the Town Council’s bid for funds for two important projects in the town. The Council need your views on these proposals and more details will be available in the coming weeks prior to a formal bid being submitted in early June. Please keep your eye on our website and notice boards. The consultation documents will be available as hard copy and via this website.

Ann Dobbins

A message from the Mayor and Mayoress…

 

This year is an important year in the history of our country marking Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee and events are being organised all over the country to celebrate the life and achievements of our longest reigning monarch. It is incredible that millions of people – like myself born in coronation year – have only lived under one monarch but one who has given such exemplary and dedicated service to our country and to the wider Commonwealth over the last 70 years.

Here in Pershore “service to the community” is the theme of my Civic Service in April, paying tribute in particular to all those who have given up their own time and contributed in so many ways towards helping those with particular needs during these difficult and worrying times. Pershore is also joining in the nationwide celebrations marking the Platinum Jubilee with a number of special events including a special concert on the Queen’s 96th birthday (April 21st) of brass band music in Pershore Baptist Church performed by Alcester Victoria Silver Band. Easter weekend will see the official opening of the Avon Meadows picnic area after all the fantastic work to enhance the area for residents and visitors to our town. Pershore Rotary has organised a special tree planting ceremony on the Abbey Park and a Jubilee weekend of celebrations (June 2nd-5th) will see beacons being lit all over the country, no doubt many street parties and a special service in our Abbey.

This year will mark the end of my term of office as Mayor before I hand over in May to my successor who will be elected at the Annual Meeting. My thanks indeed to all concerned for giving me this valuable opportunity to represent the people of Pershore and my consort Helen and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible during the remainder of this special year.

Julian Palfrey and Dr Helen Whitwell

News from the Town Council

TWO FUND RAISING EVENTS NET £900 FOR PERSHORE MAYOR’S CHARITY, PERSHORE TALKING  NEWSPAPER

Two fundraising events – on the same day – helped raise over £900 for Pershore’s Talking Newspaper, this year’s Pershore Mayor’s’ Charity.

Volunteers from the Talking Newspaper rallied round to help at Pershore Mayor Julian Palfrey’s first coffee morning in the Town Hall which raised over £400 – and then on the same evening, Worcester Male Voice Choir generously donated all the proceeds from their bucket collections (£500) to the same cause following two successful and well attended concerts in Pershore Abbey.

Proceeds from the concert collections were presented to Cllr Palfrey and to Sue Hartley Bennet and Joan and Peter May from Pershore Talking Newspaper by Les Janes and Brian Bennett from the Male Voice Choir. Cllr Palfrey said “It will help the society to purchase much needed equipment for listeners and recordings of national magazines to add to the recordings of local news”

Last year the Pershore Talking Newspaper was due to celebrate both its 40th anniversary and its 1,000th edition but celebrations were sadly curtailed by the Covid pandemic and the number of listeners also declined to under 30.  This also affected the regular fortnightly readings and   recordings for visually impaired listeners which were achieved by just two members working from home.

Now with over 40 regular listeners and the regular readings and recording sessions recently  restored, the organisers have  the ability to purchase vital new equipment  to continue to provide a much valued service for their listeners.

PTN organisers Sue Hartley Bennett and Joan May said “We are very grateful to both Julian and the Worcester Male Voice Choir for supporting the work to provide recordings of local news to residents who would otherwise not be able to access it. As a local charity there is no charge for our service and each listener has approximately £100 worth of equipment provided for them. This money assists greatly in our work.”

Photo – Pershore Talking Newspaper coffee morning – left to right:

Cllr Julian Palfrey, Cllr Tony Rowley Chairman of the PTN, Mrs Joan May, Robert Speight, Town Crier and Daphne Glover service user.

Pershore Talking Newspaper Team

 

 

HM THE QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE

The Town Council are encouraging everyone to make the most of the longer Bank Holiday at the beginning of June to celebrate HM the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

At the time of this newsletter not all aspects have been finalised but it is hoped as many people as possible will come to Abbey Park for the Big Lunch on the Sunday and bring a picnic. There will be music in the Bandstand from 12 noon until 2.30pm—everyone welcome.

The weekend starts with a low key event when a Pershore beacon will be lit along with those being lit on the top of the Worcestershire Beacon and on Bredon Hill. Residents are also being encouraged to consider holding a street party with their neighbours and help on how to do this can be found on Wychavon’s website.

We all wish our Queen hearty congratulations and thanks for her wonderful reign.

COMMUNITY LEGACY GRANTS

The Town Council have recently put expressions of interest into Wychavon for money from the Community Legacy Grant scheme for two large legacy projects. One was included in the Town Plan and also in a more recent consultation through a Wychavon sponsored research project, the other has been put forward following a number of requests from local residents.

Briefly, the first is to make Broad Street more pedestrian friendly and enable events to once more take place there, so linking the High Street with Abbey Park where the bulk of events take place. The second is to provide some additional equipment on Abbey Park in the form of a zip wire and a trim trail.

Both these projects are in the very early stages but please watch out for more details over the coming weeks when you will also be asked to express your views. The consultation documents will be available as hard copy and on-line on our website.

Happy To Chat Bench

Pershore trials new “Happy to Chat” bench

Pershore Town Council agreed at a recent meeting to trial a ‘Happy To Chat’ bench on King George’s Field overlooking the river.

The idea is to encourage people to get chatting in a bid to boost mental health in Pershore.

The bench is now in place, so for anyone who wishes to chat to other members of the public about their day, please feel free to use this bench.

 

 

Pershore Heritage and History Society

SCARLET FEVER OUTBREAK

The Sanitary Inspector reported that since the last monthly meeting 16 cases of scarlet fever had occurred in the district and 14 of them were removed to the Sanatorium. Six patients had been discharged and one died on November 30, leaving 27 now under treatment.

Dr. G.H. Fosbroke Medical Officer of health stated that Cropthorne and Charlton Schools had been closed, but have been reopened, and that Pinvin Schools were closed that morning on account of the scarlet fever outbreak. Mr. Moulson reported that the following gifts to the Sanatorium had been received; Mrs. Lees Books and Linen; Mrs. Gray illustrated paper; Mrs. A. Stephens (Charlton) toys; Mrs. W. Hemming greens, celery, and turnips; Mrs. F. Edwards illustrated papers; Mrs. G. Eccles apples; Mrs. Prichard (Charlton) rabbits and honey; Mrs. Wilkinson (Cropthorne) toys, apples and books; Mrs. Tidmarsh (Cropthorne) apples.

Dr. Askham of Pershore wrote that one trained nurse was not sufficient to carry out the work at the Sanatorium. He referred to the number of cases  and stated that; the nurse was out of her bed every night last week, and however strong she might be she should not be asked to do so much.

Mr. Wood did not think extra assistance was required. He said six patients were about to be discharged and four more would be going at the end of the week. The children were very happy and comfortable and in fact all the patients were doing well. In reply to a question Dr. Fosbroke expressed his belief that more patients from Pinvin might be forthcoming.

The Chairman said they had every confidence in Mr. Wood, who would get additional assistance if required. He proposed that Mr. Wood should be empowered to do so if necessary. This was agreed to.

The Local Government Board wrote referring to their letter of August regarding the provision of cottages at Cropthorne and Fladbury and the chairman said the clerk would reply informing Board at what stage the Council had arrived at the matter.

[Evesham Standard & West Midland Observer 6 December 1913]

The Infectious Diseases Hospital (Fever Hospital) was in Three Springs Road and built in1902, at the cost of £1195.

Pershore Heritage And History Society LogoScarlet Fever Hospitals 1Scarlet Fever Hospitals 2

Wellbeing Hub Article

Pershore Wellbeing Hub

We have now been open for 8 months in our home at No. 4 High St.

We continue to have a steady stream of visitors seeking advice about all sorts of things. However, speaking to passers-by on the pavement outside I am aware there are a lot of people who are unsure what we do. It is difficult to put into a few words as it is very wide-ranging from simply listening over a cuppa, helping with paperwork, to finding new hobbies and friends.

So, if you are struggling one way or the other, need help in general from benefits advice to problems caring for children or elderly relatives, do pop in and see us (no appointments necessary, fully confidential and free). Or you could take a look at our extensive website for self-help advice and over 250 listings of national and local organisations.

We aim to help with problems, to reconnect people after the enforced isolation of the  pandemic, and most of all put a smile on people’s faces. 

“This is an essential service for Pershore”

“Good to have somewhere to drop in for a hot drink and chat”

“I have been in a few times now and the volunteers are wonderfully kind and helpful”

Gill Perks
Chair of Pershore Wellbeing Hub
4 High St. Pershore, WR10 1BG.
Tel 01386 555018

Citizens Advice Article

Citizens Advice

More people need our help than ever before – and we need you!

Last year South Worcestershire Citizens Advice supported over 5,000 local people. We can only do this work thanks to our team of amazing volunteers.

Could you help people struggling with housing, debt, benefits and employment issues find a way forward? Our Volunteer Advisers talk to clients about the help they need, support them to understand their options and help them resolve their problems. 

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and include people getting back into work, working part-time, students and people who have retired. No experience is necessary as full training is provided and help with travel expenses is available.

We know people who volunteer their time get a lot back, including meeting new people, volunteering in a team and learning new skills.

Do something great, become a volunteer adviser!

For further information email the Citizens Advice.

 

Pershore Almshouses Trust

Pershore Almshouses Trust have a vacancy of a two bedroomed semi-detached bungalow for occupancy on Defford Road, Pershore 

Applications will be accepted for single or dual occupancy 

Criteria for occupancy:

Resident in Pershore or surrounding villages for five years or having family resident in Pershore for ten years
Over state retirement age
Limited financial means
Able to live independently
Non-smoker
No pets

If you think you meet the criteria application forms can be obtained from:

The Secretary to the Pershore Almshouses Trust
24 Holloway
Pershore
WR10 1HW
Tel:  01386 642635

All applicants to be available for interview

Application forms to be returned by 31st March 2022

 

Pershore Riverside Youth Centre Lottery Project

Pershore Volunteer Centre

Volunteer Centre Logo

As Covid restrictions have eased, we are so pleased to have been able to restart our regular Lunch Clubs.  Jo Stylianou, our Social Engagement Officer, organised a wonderful Christmas Lunch Club on 15 December and we welcomed 24 attendees, all of whom came dressed in something ‘Christmassy!’

Everyone enjoyed taking part in the Lucky Dip which was made possible by gifts kindly donated from members of the community.  To get us further into the festive mood, we were joined by Year 6 students from Holy Redeemer Primary School, who beautifully sang a medley of our favourite carols and provided lovely Christmas readings. They were amazing, and even brought along carol sheets so that we could all sing along.

We are aware just how much our community needs the services we can offer. Chief amongst these is the Social Car Scheme which offers travel to those who cannot easily access transport. Our wonderful volunteer drivers make it possible for clients to get to a wide range of medical appointments and in “normal” times visit friends or go shopping. It is an essential ethos of the Centre that it should promote social engagement wherever possible. That is why we have acquired a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) which also allows the wheelchair user to be accompanied by friends or family; and we are proud to announce that it is both electric and green.

The purchase of the WAV was made possible by a very successful crowd funding campaign, and we are hugely grateful to those many individuals, local companies and organisations whose generous support has made this possible.

We aim to widen our reach, and have planned several ‘roadshows’ to some of the villages around Pershore in the coming months. If you would like to learn more about what we can offer you, please do come along for a chat and a warm welcome. See our website for further information. Pershore Wellbeing Hub can also provide details.

Our volunteers have been amazing during these ‘Covid’ months. But as we extend further into the community, so the demand for volunteers will increase. If, dear reader, you feel you may be able to volunteer, whether it be by assisting at our regular lunch clubs, accompanying clients on our minibus, driving, using your own car (expenses are paid in full), or driving our minibus or our wonderful WAV, you will be welcomed with open arms.  Full training is always given.

Please call in for a chat (we are next to Pershore Market) or call on 01386 554299.

 

Friends Of Avon Meadows

Carpark Developments:

Those if you who have been down to the car park at the south of Avon Meadows recently will have noticed a lot of activity. Pershore Town Council, who own and control the land, has developed a plan to improve the approach to Avon Meadows together with some necessary engineering work. This latter includes clearing the drainage channel and road drains. Of course the car park will still flood as it is in the flood plain but the water should clear more quickly afterwards. The emergency slipway will be brought back into service and a picnic area will be included at the river end of the car park.

Work parties:

The volunteer work parties have done sterling work over the autumn and winter. The first job is to clear the scrape of summer growth, a task that is carried out after birds have finished breeding in September/October. We cannot control the water level in the scrape so timing depends on the weather. The photograph below shows the considerable extent of the work that has to be carried out. Each autumn as the 5-year reed cutting cycle comes round two areas of reedbed are cut. Here we can control water levels which are kept low until around the end of February.

Area G, last cut 5-years’ ago. Regular visitors to Avon Meadows will have noticed that while the cut areas look bare today, in 12 months’ time you not be able to tell what was cut the previous winter! The reason for cutting is to keep the reed beds in good condition and to stop dead reeds from building up and creating dry areas simply by raising the ground level.

Area G Avon Meadows

Area E in the process of being cleared. The new dipping platform can be seen in the background.

Area E Avon Meadows

Photos taken by Richard Stott

Advertisement Gallery

Kc Carpets Advert

Thomson And Bancks Advert

Zoes Active Movement Advert

Pershore Market Advert

E Hill Advert

Bd Autoservices Advert

Promote your business advert

Vanessa Redmond Advert

Bd Autoservices Advert

Teasels Advert

Sun And Moon Advert

Room Hire Advert

Newsletter published by

Pershore Town Council

Town Hall, 34 High Street, Pershore WR10 1DS
Town Clerk: Mrs Ann Dobbins ACIB t: 01386 561561 e: townclerk@pershore-tc.gov.uk

Front cover: Daffodils outside the Town Hall taken by Alison Townsend