southworcestervoice
www.southworcestervoice.co.uk JANUARY 2021 Issue 25
NEWS FOR ST PETER'S, NORTON, BATTENHALL, CHERRY ORCHARD, RED HILL AND WHITTINGTON
A godsend – thousands to get Covid-19 jab at church by Peter McMillan Up to 1,000 people a day could receive Covid-19 jabs over the coming months at St Peter’s Baptist Church which has undergone a transformation for the delivery of vaccines. Internal renovations have been carried out by teams that established the Nightingale hospitals to set up the vaccination centre at the church in collaboration with Public Health England and the NHS. The church’s Senior Minister, the Rev Mark Elder, said: “We were approached because, clearly, they saw the potential of using this building. “I think they came here and they looked at the car park, looked at the downstairs and thought ‘this could work’. “There aren’t that many buildings that could have the resources or structure to do it.” He added: “We as a church felt this was the right thing in a national emergency and to make our contribution. “We have been working with
n Signs point the way in the vaccination hub at St Peter's Baptist Church the community all the way from the beginning in terms of supporting people who couldn’t get out there. “This place has been used as a hub for the Foodbank collections, which will continue into the new year.” Mr Elder said church members
had agreed unanimously the church should be used as a vaccination centre, adding: “It received overwhelming support.” He explained: “Because of the way this is being rolled out across the country they’re realising they’re going to have to roll out these vaccines and they’re going
to use places other than hospitals and doctors’ surgeries.” He added: “We’re obviously going to turn some things round and do things differently as a result of it.” That would include relocating Continued on page 2
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proud church southworcestervoice Members is serving community n NEWS
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Christine McMillan Editor, journalist and advertising 07719 106672 southworcestervoice@gmail.com Peter McMillan Publisher and journalist 07719 106676 southworcestervoice@gmail.com You can find South Worcester Voice on Facebook www.facebook.com/SouthWorcesterVoice on Twitter @SWorcesterVoice and online at southworcestervoice.co.uk
February deadline Our February deadline is Friday, January 22. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by that date. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.
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Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in South Worcester Voice, contact the Editor using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website at southworcestervoice.co.uk or can be obtained by contacting the Editor.
Useful numbers Worcestershire County Council www.worcestershire.gov.uk 01905 765765 Worcester City Council www.worcester.gov.uk 01905 722233 St Peter's Parish Council www.stpetersworcs.org Environment/trading standards www.tradingstandards@worcestershire. gov.uk
Police
Fire
www.westmerciapolice.uk General enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999
www.hwfire.org.uk General enquiries: 0345 122 4454 Emergency: 999 Worcestershire Royal Hospital worcsacute.nhs.uk 01906 763333
EDITOR’S NOTE: South Worcester Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered although we have used some of the services. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. South Worcester Voice is distributed each month to St Peter's, Cherry Orchard, Battenhall, Norton, Whittington, Spetchley and Red Hill residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch. Feedback is welcomed, call editor Christine McMillan on 07719 106672, publisher Peter McMillan on 07719 106676 or email southworcestervoice@gmail.com.
n The sign that will welcome thousands to St Peter's vaccination hub Continued from page 1 various groups that used the church for activities to different spaces within the church building. Vaccinations would not take place on Sundays, when church services would take place in line with Covid-19 restrictions. Contracts have been drawn up for the church’s use as a vaccination centre, with Mr Elder saying: “It’s not every day a church signs a contract of this nature. It’s all completely new territory. “They have essentially established bays or booths within the main hall and all other downstairs will be used for storage for their equipment. “There’s big spaces for the vaccinations to take place and the reception is to welcome people.” An entrance awning has also been put in front of the doors to
the church. Mr Elder said: “We may potentially have 1,000 people a day coming through this building. “It doesn’t mean that our church activities will stop. It does mean we will do some of them slightly differently. “I’m proud of the church in serving the community in this way. It really is an overflow of the mission of the church, really. “It obviously gives us an opportunity to engage in an unprecedented way. “Who would have thought last Christmas that 2020 would turn out as it has? “We don’t want to be on the fringes doing nothing when we have got the resources to help in this way. “We are where we are and we’re trying to make the most of a national and international emergency.”
Objection to bungalow Whittington parish councillors have maintained their objection to a planning application in the village. Members have expressed additional concerns about the plans for a detached bungalow on land off School Walk. In a statement the parish council said: “The parish council continue to receive regular complaints regarding parking and obstruction at this location. “The access road, and the
roads in the immediate vicinity, are particularly narrow and parking for residents and school traffic is at a premium. “An additional property, with associated vehicle movements, would exacerbate an already difficult situation. “The parish council would urge the planning department and highways authority to visit the site during school opening/ closing times to fully appreciate these highway issues.”
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Wintry weather is turning foot and cycle bridge into 'ice rink' by Peter McMillan A foot and cycle bridge linking St Peter’s to Norton is like an ice rink when temperatures plummet according to residents. The issue has been raised by people in St Peter’s and was discussed at a meeting of Nortonjuxta-Kempsey Parish Council. St Peter’s resident, Claire Rebbeck, who uses the bridge at least four times each week as part of her running route, described the problems. She said: “On two occasions in seven days, when the temperatures have been close to freezing, I have experienced what can only be described as an ice rink effect along the entire effect of the bridge. “On one of the mornings, the surface was so slippery I literally had to inch over the bridge in order not to fall over, bearing in mind I was wearing a good pair of trainers with grips.
n The bridge across Crookbarrow Way
“There is visually no warning to this phenomenon, so for anyone elderly or on a bicycle I would think it is only a matter of time before a serious incident occurs. “On closer inspection of the bridge floor, it appears that it is laid with a rubber grid effect. “This has the effect that when it has been wet or just damp in the air, these grids fill with water, freezing to a near invisible sheet of ice when the temperature is low enough “I would like to question why
such an unsuitable flooring has been laid – surely this would be safety tested before being included in the design specification? “Perhaps the floor is faulty and the grids should, in fact, have drainage holes to allow any standing water to flow away.” Clair added that she was so concerned about the problem that she had considered putting up a sign herself to warn people. During a meeting of Nortonjuxta-Kempsey Parish Council, its clerk, Jane Greenway, said:
“Apparently it’s very, very slippy when you walk across when it’s icy in the mornings.” Parish councillors discussed whether a grit bin should be provided for the icy conditions. Conservative Worcestershire county councillor Rob Adams, who was sitting in on the parish council’s Zoom meeting, said he would speak to council officers about the problem. n Have you had problems crossing the bridge when it is icy? Let us know your views at southworcestervoice@gmail.com
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Drivers asked to obey village parking rules on school runs The chairman of Whittington Parish Council wants a message to be sent out to people parking on yellow lines during drop-off and pick-up times at the village school. Steve Burrows made his comments during a meeting of the parish council as members discussed the issue, raised in a letter from a concerned resident. Mr Burrows suggested that the sight of a civil enforcement officer enforcing the regulations at those times might prevent drivers parking their vehicles on the yellow lines or zig-zag boxes near to Whittington Church of England Primary School. “I don’t think it would take much to actually send a message out,” he explained. Parish council clerk David Hunter-Miller read out the letter from the resident, in which they said: “It is becoming increasingly difficult to get to school both as a driver and a pedestrian during the school run.”
n Zig-zag lines outside the entrance to Whittington CofE Primary School This was partly attributed to the lack of availability of the Swan pub’s car park during
the second lockdown but was “also due to an increase in the number of large lorries and vans travelling down Church Lane”. The resident went on: “As a result of the lack of parking spaces for parents many are resorting to parking on double yellow lines and on the zig-zag yellow lines on the bend near the alley and across private driveways.” They added that staggered school start times had been “great for keeping traffic flowing and freeing up space quickly”. The combination of the lorries, poor parking and lockdown closure of the pub however, meant that at several times traffic came to a standstill as cars tried to squeeze past each other. The resident said: “As a pedestrian this is dangerous as pavements are not wide enough, particularly for those on bikes or with pushchairs, and so need to walk in the road to squeeze past
Changing yellow line restriction times could make problem worse A request from Whittington Church of England Primary School’s headteacher for a yellow line parking restriction to be varied has been rejected by parish councillors. Gary Richards made the request for the 11am to noon hour-long window in Old Road to be changed for the benefit of the school’s dinner ladies. During a meeting of Whittington Parish Council the vice-chairman, Steve Brooker, said: “The time set, from 11am to 12 noon, was on the recommendation of Highways. In fact Highways initially suggested 12 till one. “I think we did, at the time, consider the school and also The Swan and that’s why it ended up 11 to 12.” He added: “The reason Highways suggested that, and
on a previous occasion when this same issue was raised and we spoke to Highways, was if you had any further forward, for example 10 till 11, you’re defeating the object of preventing the all-day parking because people will just adjust their diaries to park up in Whittington at 11 o’clock and that’s when they would start so it was more or less on the advice of Highways that that was the appropriate time if you wanted to prevent all-day parking.” Mr Brooker went on: “Now, in fairness to the headmaster, my understanding is that there is in excess of four dinner ladies who come in their cars and park up and he does try and get some of the cars on to the school car park. “I’ve seen them myself and quite often there’s two that park in the approach road to the school.” He added: “My understanding
is that the dinner ladies arrive at quarter to 12, the restricted parking ends at 12 o’clock so they’re there for 15, 20 minutes. “You recall when this debate came up previously we did suggest the village hall car park but the ladies had some concern about the distance they had to walk. “So I don’t believe that changing the time and going through all the legal process of having to do so would solve the problem. “It may solve one problem but it may well bring back the problem that the restricted parking was put in place for in the first place.” He concluded: “So, much as I would like to support the local school and Gary Richards, who I know, I can’t see shifting the time as an easy process or a process that’s going to solve the problem.”
cars parked on the pavement.” Whittington parish councillor Dan Bayliss said he agreed that some visibility from civil enforcement officers might help tackle the problem while another member, Susan MacLeod, said she had seen one of the officers patrolling the area. Mr Burrows said: “So we could ask her to come at dropping off or picking up time. “I think just being there, she might not actually have to do anything, just appearing would probably help.” Members agreed to ask Wychavon District Council to enforce parking on the double yellow lines at critical times of day, feeling that an occasional presence would encourage more considerate parking. n What do you think about parking in the village? Let us know your views at southworcestervoice@gmail.com
Woodbury Lane closed for one day
Norton’s Woodbury Lane will be closed for works to be carried out early in January. The closure between the road’s junction with the C2055 Church Lane to its junction with the B4084 Pershore Road is expected to last for a day on Tuesday, January 5. A new customer connection is being installed by A-Plant. Access will be permitted to land or premises fronting the highway affected where there is no other form of access. The alternative route will be: B4084 Pershore Road, A44 Whittington Roundabout, A44 Whittington Road, A4440 Crookbarrow Way, C2055 Norton Road, C2055 Crookbarrow Road, C2055 Church Lane and vice versa.
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Business park application has three extra units An application to build three additional units at Broomhall Business Park to two already planned has been submitted to Malvern Hills District Council. The extra employment units with ancillary offices, bordered by Broomhall Way and Norton Road, would require access, parking and landscaping works. The speculative application has been submitted by St Modwen Developments Ltd. It is for the second phase of the scheme, following on from the first phase, which was for two employment units. The site is part of a wider strategic urban extension, which includes housing, within the South Worcestershire
Development Plan (SWDP). The three new additional units are expected to range in size from around 15,000 sq ft up to 46,000 sq ft. They would be in the same style as the earlier two units of phase one, which have been granted reserved matters approval. The scheme has been designed for a plot created by a new estate road, running east to west, fed from a new entrance on to Norton Road. There would be lorry trailer parking within loading yard areas for all three units, with 18, 19 and 30 car parking spaces respectively for units 3, 4 and 5. Each would have electric charging spaces and covered cycle
n The plan including the three extra units spaces with secure hoops and had been made to focus the GI to motorcycle spaces. the north-eastern corner given its Roberts Limbrick Architects, prominence to the roundabout on which has drawn up the designs, the junction of Norton Road and said the site layout would retain the A4440. the loading yards internally The landscape proposals within the development, reducing have been designed in line with light and noise from both the St Modwen’s Park Code, with units and the yard activities. features to include outdoor It added that unit 5 would be seating areas for employees or stepped to reflect the approved in quieter areas near to wildlife unit 1 in the first phase and units pond and pathways through had been sized and located to the business park to offer staff achieve the 30 per cent Green exercise at break times. Wetland Infrastructure (GI) requirement would be created with drainage of the outline permission and features to create wildlife ponds. the approach of the landscaping n What do you think about the strategy parameter plan as revised plan? Let us know your approved. views at southworcestervoice@ Roberts Limbrick said efforts gmail.com
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n YOUR VIEWS – send your letters to southworcestervoice@gmail.com The story in our December edition about a dog walker having to take evasive action after a group of cyclists rode past her (“Dog walker’s anger after cyclists force her off path”) prompted responses from readers.
Group cycling is unsafe on paths Cyclists on high-spec road bikes, fully kitted out in specialist cycling gear, are equipped for fast riding on the road. Fast riding, and group cycling, is not safe or considerate on shared paths. For a group of 18 to ride on these paths seems selfish and irresponsible. But straightening the path will just encourage faster riding, while signs will be ignored even if they’re seen. If there are to be any changes, they should make the path less attractive to such riders. The best way might be simply to contact local cycling clubs – groups of riders often belong to a cycle club – and ask them to avoid using shared paths, especially for group rides. Once they realise the problems they’re causing they might be only too willing to help. Worcestershire County Council’s website has a list of cycling clubs with contact details. Duncan Cameron Battenhall
We need to all share pedway I am writing to complain about the article on the front page of the current issue of South Worcester Voice There is potentially an article to be written about the poor design on the approach to the new Crookbarrow Way footbridge, which is causing issues due to the great success and popularity of the new bridge and with so many people now using it. However, instead, you’ve chosen one individual incident and used it to try to demonise cyclists and sow division at a time when we should all be pulling together as a community. I go for a jog up the pedway and over the bridge maybe three to four times a week and there’s rarely a time when a dog that’s not on a
lead doesn’t jump in front of me unexpectedly and almost trip me over. I don’t complain and I don’t then start a campaign that all dogs must be kept on leads. Similarly, there’s always groups of pedestrians walking along together who, especially now with social distancing, take up the whole path and make no attempt to move over for anyone. Again, I don’t tut at them or complain or start a campaign for all pedestrians to walk in single file, I simply jog round them even though this takes me off the path on to muddy and slippy areas. I understand that we’re all the same community using the path to get some fresh air and exercise so I just remain positive and try to make sure that I do my bit and share with care. Neil Chapman Battenhall
Why no income for bollards? The safety problem reported involving the bike peloton and a pedestrian walking her dog using the Crookbarrow Way Bridge is just one of a number of close call incidents I’ve seen on the pathways leading to St Peter’s and Battenhall from the bridge. It’s impossible to police and putting up signs assumes an individual’s sense of responsibility and ignores the fact that young children and the vulnerable are users as well. Physical barriers to improve safety would surely prove effective. Recently I contacted a local councillor to express my concern and asked that measures be taken to protect young children accessing parks and also pedestrians using the pathways. The major danger is cyclists riding too fast for the conditions on these narrow shared spaces. This potential for harm is further enhanced by the pedestrians’ lack of awareness that bikes are behind them. We discussed barriers that would enable both bike riders and people with pushchairs to access successfully. If strategically placed, they would also help inhibit recklessness and protect the vulnerable. I understood from him that due to financial constraints no immediate action would be forthcoming
Shop plan is 'great idea' What a great idea, a shop and post office, at Littleworth Village Hall. (“Parish hall could home to village shop and post office” – South Worcester Voice, December edition). Just thought I’d like to say if one of the applicants for any one of the jobs worked at the One Stop at St Peters, you could not go far wrong. Roy Timms n Norton Parish Hall Littleworth but that they were aware of the problem and dangers. A few weeks after our discussion I saw that bollards were put in place at park access gaps to prevent unauthorised vehicles entering. Money was obviously available for this problem. Why is preventing unauthorised vehicle access more important than protecting individuals and why wasn’t the income available for the bollards also used to help support a joint safety measure option for both bike riders and pedestrians? Functional metal access barriers placed strategically would make the paths safer for all users whilst still making the area accessible for bike riders and pushchairs users. They would, by default, also prevent unauthorised vehicle access and reduce speeds. More thought and risk analysis would have considered wider options that provided longer term safety and financial benefits for all. Finally, on my regular daily walks, it’s apparent that it’s only a few young people as most riders are age 30-plus and, by default, seem unaware of what the warning bell on the handlebars is for or why caution and spatial awareness are needed when passing people. Paul Dunbar Battenhall
Cycling issue is a national problem The recent issue headlines an issue of a peloton group on a dual footpath/cycle path, forcing a dog walker into a hedge. There is a much wider issue on our streets in Worcester and, it seems, nationally. Cyclists of all ages are now routinely and illegally cycling on pavements meant only for pedestrians, instead of the road. I am also a dog walker and they
come from behind with no warning and towards you assuming they have a right of way. The Highway Code is very explicit about this: Rule 64, You must not cycle on a pavement - Laws HA 1835 sect 72 & R(S)A sect 129 Is there a sanction? Yes - Bicycles are considered vehicles under British law and it is illegal to ride a bike on a pavement which has not been designated as a cycleway. The maximum penalty is £500 but it is often dealt with by a £50 fixed penalty notice. However, the law is not always enforced by police. The issue seems to be one of a lack of enforcement. Can the local constabulary/police and crime commissioner be asked about this please? Do schools teach this any more? They used to. I am amazed there has not been a serious accident before now or perhaps there has? Chris Owen Weogoran Park Whittington
This is not the place to race As far as I am aware this is a pedway, not a racetrack, and should be used as such. It was designed for cyclists to ride in ones or possibly twos if there aren’t many pedestrians, not for pelotons. Cyclists complain car drivers don’t show them enough courtesy and drive too close yet they seem to think it’s okay for them to endanger walkers in a similar way. There is no need to change the layout of the footpath/pedway just a need for the cyclists to ride sensibly with thought for other people. If they want to race this is not the place to do it.
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Jane George Battenhall
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Resident fears part of Norton Barracks wall could collapse Fears that part of the wall surrounding the former Norton Barracks site could collapse have been raised by a resident and the chairman of the parish council. Kevin Fincher, who chairs Norton-juxta-Kempsey Parish Council, told members during a meeting that a neighbour had expressed his concern over the wall in Brockhill Lane, fearing it might collapse. After the issue had been brought to his attention Mr Fincher walked alongside the whole length of the wall with Barry Barnes of Worcestershire Highways to see first hand the state of it. Part of the 8ft wall near to the site of concern had previously collapsed. Mr Fincher told parish councillors: “My worry is it’s
n The wall along Brockhill Lane going to be collapsing without anyone doing anything. “The last time it went without any warning. “It’s leaning against a fence post. “I think if you took away the fence post the whole thing would collapse.”
Mr Fincher said the previous collapse had been caused by an ash tree growing next to the wall on the Crookbarrow Road side of it. He was concerned that “extensive” vegetation on the Brockhill Lane side of the wall could be part of the problem.
That view was shared by Rob Adams, the parish’s Conservative county and district councillor, who said that ivy and vegetation was “undermining” the wall. Mr Fincher said he thought Worcestershire County Council had a part to play in addressing the problem.
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New parish hall opening could be celebration for all villagers Whittington residents could be invited to celebrate the opening of the parish’s new community hall following its completion during 2021. The site might also feature a sculpture of the landmark Whittington Tump if an application for funding is successful. Meanwhile, demolition of the previous village hall has taken place. During a meeting of Whittington Parish Council vice-chairman Steve Brooker suggested the opening event as members discussed their budget for the coming financial year. He said: “What I’d like to see in there is some funds for the community hall official opening. “Personally I see it as a sort of obligation to parishioners who’ve had their precept put up to invite them to the official opening.
n Demolition of the former Whittington Village Hall has taken place to pave the way for the construction of the parish’s new community hall that will replace it “We can discuss later how the event is run, whether it’s an all-day event or an evening event
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or whatever, but I would like to see not substantial funding but a good funding so we can put notes through parishioners’ doors inviting them along to the official opening and make it worth their while.” The parish council has already secured £59,601 of section 106 funding for the main build of the new community hall which will replace the previous village hall, which is being demolished to make way for it. It is also seeking further funding of £15,011 for a community garden alongside the new hall and £1,275 for a piece of artwork. Parish council clerk, David Hunter-Miller, told members there was a company that could produce a stainless steel
silhouette of a tree, perhaps featuring Whittington Tump as the logo of the parish. Chairman, Steve Burrows, said: “It would be quite nice to have a silhouette of the Tump with the tree on as a sculpture – that would be quite nice.” The parish council’s precept request has been raised from £23,200 to £33,700 to allow for repayment of a £420,000 public works loan which has been taken out to enable the new community hall to be built in line with consultation with residents which took place earlier this year. n Do you have fond memories of the old village hall? Let us know at southworcestervoice@gmail.com
n The site now the hall has been demolished and Whittington Tump
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n NEWS n The new Broomhall Way bridge
Bridge spanning Broomhall Way to link planned homes to park The main span of the new Broomhall Way foot and cycle bridge is now in place across the A4440 Southern Link Road. It was lifted on to its supports either side of the road by crane during a weekend operation that saw the stretch of highway it straddles closed to traffic. Once work is completed on the project the bridge will provide a link between the new commercial and housing development on the south side of the A4440 to Power Park in St
Peter’s on the north side. Further works are taking place before the bridge comes into use, including the construction of approach ramps and wider connection to the existing highway network on both sides of the road. Along with raising the footpaths in Power Park in St Peter’s above the area that floods frequently, other works include the installation of a land drainage system, repositioning of the football pitch and landscaping.
Broomhall Way Footbridge is one of four crossings being installed as part of the wider Southern Link Road scheme. They include Crookbarrow Way Footbridge, which opened for use earlier this year, Hams Way Footbridge and an underpass near the Ketch roundabout, which will be ready for use towards the end of the final phase of the Southern Link Road scheme. Conservative councillor Ken Pollock, Cabinet Member with
Responsibility for Economy and Infrastructure for Worcestershire County Council, said: “This bridge, alongside two further bridges, a new underpass and a much wider shared walking and cycle path between the Ketch roundabout and Powick roundabout, will vastly improve the walking and cycling routes in the area. “This is in addition to the scheme providing a dual carriageway for traffic from the M5 to Powick roundabout.”
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n NEW YEAR MESSAGE
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A Jab of Hope n The Rev Mark Elder As you read this we will be looking ahead to a new year. This last year, 2020, more than any year in living memory, is one most of us will be glad to see the back of. New Year is always a time to look forward, to make resolutions and to have a sense of hope. In 2021 our common hope will be shared by every person on the planet: that we will be able to say a final goodbye to a virus that has affected everyone through the agonies of 2020’s pandemic. Covid-19, goodbye and good riddance. Our hope is based on our trust in vaccines and the ingenuity of the brilliant scientists who are our liberators. At the church of which I’m Minister, St Peter’s Baptist, we are hosting a vaccination hub where thousands of people will come from across the region and, quite literally, have a jab of hope in their arm. Hope is really important – without it we grow sick, the days lengthen, joy is eroded, worry and anxiety grip our lives. With hope, even a glimmer of hope, life becomes more bearable. And when we receive this particular jab of hope in our arm – one week after the second jab to be exact – I expect people to walk out of our church with a dawning realisation that suddenly we can get back to our life before and the restriction-free world of going to the pub with our mates, sitting next to people at the cinema, supporting the Warriors in a full stadium or a night out at the theatre. All this is good, even if for most of us it will be nearer late spring than in January. Yet in the back of my mind there’s some lingering questions. In our rush to return to normal, will we remember some of the most important things that have marked the pandemic: gratitude for our NHS, neighbourliness and kindness, looking out for one another, investing in our local community. Being free of restrictions is not the same as being free. I wonder if true freedom has its roots in internal reformation and the discovery that happiness comes from looking out rather than pleasing ourselves. So I pray that our jab of hope, whenever we get it, will be used by each of us to make the world a better place. Now that’s a challenge for 2021. Blessings my friends, Mark The Rev Mark Elder Senior Minister @ St Peter’s Baptist, Worcester
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Foodbank collectors staggered by the generosity of residents The generosity of St Peter’s residents hit new heights as they gave people struggling through the coronavirus crisis a better Christmas. A special pre-festive season collection of foodstuffs and toiletry items across the parish gathered twice as many donations for the Worcester Foodbank as previous weekly and monthly collections had generated. Parish councillor John Renshaw, one of the organisers of the collection, said: “St Peter’s Friends of Worcester Foodbank would like to thank everyone who donated, collected and sorted the Christmas collection. “Looking at all the carrier bags at St Peter’s Baptist Church we collected about
twice as much as we’ve ever collected in any of our previous collections.” He explained that the donated items would “make a difference to many people’s lives”. He added: “Due to the success of the St Peter’s food collection, and other similar collections elsewhere in the city, the Worcester Foodbank is well placed not just for the Christmas period but for the rest of the winter as well. “Although there is now light at the end of the tunnel, with an effective vaccine due to be rolled out in the coming months, the job losses it has caused are going to continue well into the new year if not beyond. “We’re therefore hoping to restart the collections in the
new year but not until around Easter time.” He went on: “The food collections have been as successful as they have been due to the commitment and enthusiasm of our volunteers and the generosity of local residents. “While many of those volunteers have expressed a wish to be involved again next year some, for a variety of reasons, will be unable to do so. “That creates the opportunity for new volunteers to become involved and anyone wishing to do so can contact me on 07732 367600 or email rj.renshaw@ btinternet.com. Mr Renshaw thanked St Peter’s Baptist Church for acting as a centre for collating n Food donated during the festive the donated items. Foodbank collection
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Your cut-out and keep revised Norton Connector timetable Request Stops:Parkway, PARKWAY; CROWNGATE; WRH TIMETABLE REVISION 4 REQUEST STOPS: Crowngate and WRH Crowngate Bus Station* Worcs Royal Hospital* Tesco Tiree Avenue Grasshopper Drive Regiment Close 1 Regiment Close 2 St Peters Garden Centre Mandalay Drive Gazala Drive Church Lane The Retreat St James Close The Hideage Littleworth Parish Hall The Hideage St James Close The Retreat Woodbury Park Parkway Station* Parkway Station* Woodbury Park The Retreat St James Close The Hideage Littleworth Parish Hall The Hideage St James Close The Retreat Church Lane Gazala Drive Mandalay Drive St Peters Garden Centre Regiment Close 2 Regiment Close 1 Tesco Crowngate Bus Station* Worcs Royal Hospital* * Request Only – 1 additional fare payable * Request Only – no additional fare payable
08.40 08.42
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13.15* 13.25* 13.40 13.42
15.15* 15.25* 15.40 15.42
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= Omitted if stop(s) not requested
This is a dial-up service only and journeys MUST be pre-booked. Call 01905 450654 to book now! Worcester Wheels members only - to join call 01905 450654 To advertise, contact Peter on 07719 106676, Christine on 07719 106672 or email southworcestervoice@gmail.com
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Norton Connector adds extra destinations to regular route The Norton Connector service has been extended to additional destinations in Worcester. Since its launch in September the community minibus service has ferried passengers between Littleworth and Tesco in St Peter’s. The new destinations added are Crowngate, St Martin’s Gate, Haresfield Surgery in Newtown Road and Worcestershire Royal Hospital. The extended service is running, by request, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It is going into Worcester twice each morning, extending the route from St Peter’s Tesco to arrive at Crowngate at 9.45am and 11.45am. Return journeys from Worcester in the afternoon depart Crowngate at 1.10pm and 3.10pm. The journey time from Littleworth is around 30 minutes into Crowngate. It is not possible to stop anywhere else in Worcester city other than Crowngate, Asda, the doctor’s surgery and the hospital. Worcester Wheels is complying with all Government rules and guidance on Covid-19 protection so passengers are required to wear face coverings. As with all Norton Connector journeys the extended route is only available to members of Worcester Wheels booking rides in advance by phone. To book a ride or become a
member for a one-off £10 fee phone Worcester Wheels on 01905 450654. The fare for a single journey to or from Worcester is £3 (£2 with concession pass) from anywhere on the existing route. The additional destinations were approved by Norton-juxtaKempsey parish councillors. Parish councillor John Waizeneker, who has been leading on the Norton Connector project, said various options for increasing the route had been looked at. Including Hatfield and Wadborough had been considered but ruled out as not being practical. Mr Waizeneker said: “We always said that from the very start of this service that the timetable and routes were something of an experiment.” He explained: “The beauty of something like this is it’s very flexible,” adding: “It shows people we're listening and we’re trying to develop services to meet their needs. “The parish council and Worcester Wheels are doing something positive at this time. “We can do things that show the world is not seized up completely.” n Have you used the Norton Connector service yet? Let us know your views at southworcestervoice@gmail.com
Do you fancy being a volunteer beekeeper? Volunteers are being sought to train as beekeepers for an apiary being set up in Littleworth. Norton-juxta-Kempsey Parish Council’s plans for the apiary, to be located on land in Wadborough Road, are set to come to fruition during 2021. The project is being led by Martin Perks, who was co-opted by the parish council to manage its establishment. He told parish councillors during one of their meetings that training courses would run during February and March, ahead of the hive starting season
around May time. He had also looked into acquiring woodland pollinator packs to encourage bees. Mr Perks that an issue that might need to be addressed during clearance work to pave the way for the apiary was the possible presence of Japanese knotweed on the site. As a controlled species it had to be removed in a regulated way. The parish council had invited tenders for the necessary site clearance but still had to find a quote. Councillors agreed to buy the wood pollinator pack.
n The Norton Connector minibus is extending its service
Change of use for field A planning application to change the use of a Whittington field from equestrian land and facilities to provide dog exercise paddocks has been submitted to Wychavon District Council.
The application is for land next to Brentknoll Veterinary Centre on Whittington Road. Whittington parish councillors said they had no objections to the application, submitted by Scott Winnard.
Enrich young minds and lives l Located in Norton, Worcester, near St Peter’s Garden Centre, the nursery is open 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 51 weeks a year l Providing full daycare for children aged three months to school age l Semi-rural location with extensive outdoor area l Two and three-year-old funded places available For further information please email: littletreasurelt@gmail.com or call 01905 356208
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Parkway station scoops civil engineering award Worcestershire Parkway Station at Norton earned the West Midlands’ top civil engineering project award for 2020. The announcement was made at the virtual West Midlands Institute of Civil Engineering (ICE) Awards. The project, which saw the first new station constructed in Worcestershire in more than 100 years, was also awarded the Geotechnical award and the Large Project of the Year award as well as the Best Overall Project Award. The annual awards ceremony celebrates the best civil engineering projects, as well as highlighting the people who have contributed to promoting civil engineering across the region. The new station, which opened in February, 2020, was praised by ICE judges for overcoming
technical challenges through a collaborative approach, engineering expertise, tenacity and determination. Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure, Conservative councillor Ken Pollock, said: “Worcestershire Parkway is a culmination of years of hard work and I’m delighted that this fantastic project has been recognised at the ICE West Midlands awards. “It’s an excellent example of improving connectivity to benefit the community, of which we can be proud.” Worcestershire Parkway forms part of the wider £50million rail investment programme in Worcestershire and is a key part of the longer-term Worcestershire Rail Investment Strategy.
Campaign to present war veterans with special thank you gift boxes Second World War veterans are being urged not to miss out on special gift boxes recognising their service to their country. Worcestershire Armed Forces Covenant Partnership is supporting a campaign to ensure that every surviving veteran of the war receives the gift. The Not Forgotten charity made it its mission to ensure the estimated 5,000 surviving veterans from the conflict
living in the UK were found and received thanks, having been unable to properly commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War due to lockdown. Nearly 3,000 Forget You Not gift boxes have already been issued but there is a last push to find the remaining 2,000 veterans from across the UK and send their boxes to them. The partnership is calling
on Worcestershire residents to help as many veterans as possible from the county and across the UK receive the token of gratitude. Any veteran of the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and Merchant Navy who served during the Second World War and lives in the UK can be nominated. Conservative Rob Adams, who represents Whittington and Norton on Worcestershire
County Council and Wychavon District Council, heads up the Armed Forces Community Covenant for the county. During Zoom meetings of Whittington Parish Council and Norton-juxta-Kempsey Parish Council he urged members of both to spread the word about the gift boxes so any local veterans would not miss out. Contact thenotforgotten.org for more details.
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Hospice staff line street to pay respects to the late Cecil Acorns Children’s Hospice staff lined Bath Road in tribute to the late Cecil Duckworth. During its commemorative tour of Worcester, Mr Duckworth’s funeral procession started its journey by driving past the hospice he helped to establish in 2005, before moving on to the Worcester Bosch Factory, New Road Cricket Ground and Sixways Stadium. A crowd of Acorns staff, nurses and volunteers paid their respects as the procession moved along the road, alongside a banner which read: “Thank you Cecil Duckworth CBE, from your Acorns family. Your vision and generosity made this Worcester children’s hospice possible.” Among those paying tribute was Acorns chief executive, Toby Porter. He said: “This has been a very poignant day but also a celebration of a truly great person. “It was a tremendous privilege for us to be able to pay our respects in this special way and was a reflection of how much
Cecil’s phenomenal vision and generosity means to Acorns.” After hearing about Acorns through a family friend, Mr Duckworth saw a need in the local area and helped establish Acorns Children’s Hospice for children with life-limiting conditions in Bath Road in 2005. The hospice now serves children and families from across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. Mr Porter added: “I don’t think there have been many individuals who have done more for the city of Worcester than Cecil Duckworth. “Thanks to him, Acorns is able to provide the children’s hospice care that so many families across the region need, every single year. “Cecil was a wonderful friend to all of us. “To work with him on a personal basis was a privilege and everybody at Acorns is tremendously grateful for everything he’s done.”
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n Acorns staff line Bath Road in tribute to Cecil Duckworth
Churchyard to be maintained Parish councillors have agreed to continue funding mowing of Norton’s St James the Great churchyard. Members of Norton-juxtaKempsey Parish Council agreed to the maintenance, which costs around £1,350 a year. Parish council chairman, Kevin Fincher, said: “We don’t have to do it,” but added: “I think to have an attractive
church and attractive graveyard to be good for the village.” His fellow parish councillor, Doug Lucas, said: “I don’t think we can afford to allow the churchyard to fall into something unsightly, for the people whose relatives have been buried there, primarily.” Members unanimously agreed to continue funding the mowing.
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Hedge to be replaced after 'shocking' cutback A hedge at Norton Pre-School that was inadvertently cut back drastically is to be replaced. The 6ft wide hedge was reduced to a width of just 2ft after following scheduled clearance work at the Littleworth site. Norton-juxta-Kempsey Parish Council members resolved to
Quad bikes on playing fields Quad bikes being ridden on the playing fields by Norton Parish Hall and disposable barbecues being dumped there have been discussed by parish councillors. During a meeting of Nortonjuxta-Kempsey Parish Council the clerk, Jane Greenway, said there had been reports of people riding quad bikes on the fields at Littleworth. She added: “I saw somebody having a lovely barbecue. It was a family. “There were two adults and they were very close to the barbecue. “But it’s a question of what they do afterwards. If you have a really hot barbecue you can’t take that home.” Council chairman, Kevin Fincher, said it had been reported that the quad bikes were also being ridden in the parish hall’s car park.
Speed issue Parish councillors concerned over speeding are requesting cash for a deterrent sign from an alternative source after learning one was no longer available. Members of Whittington Parish Council want to acquire a replacement vehicle activated sign (VAS) for the B4084 Pershore Road. They had intended to seek funding from West Mercia Police’s Safer Roads Fund before finding it was no longer available during the current financial year. Instead, they will apply to the Local Policing and Community Ambassador’s Fund (LPCAF) to finance the new sign.
replace the hedge in the wake of what its chairman, Kevin Fincher, described as “a bit of a shocker”. During a meeting of the parish council he said: “At first we couldn’t work out who had done this.” Although there was a need for some clearance Mr Fincher
said: “They came along and just ripped the lot out,” adding: “Inadvertently it was our fault. “It might have been nice if the contractor had asked if the circumstances had changed but they didn’t do that. “I’m hoping there’s enough that we can replant that area with
some native planting to make it a better view for the future. “I suggest we fund the replacement of that section of fence otherwise it’s completely useless as a pre-school and we maybe think about offering some screening to make that area more private.”
Children encouraged to read over winter months Children are being encouraged to become Worcestershire reading heroes by completing the Winter Mini Reading Challenge 2020. The theme of this year’s challenge is Everyone Is A Hero! And it is being supported for by award-winning inclusive publisher Knights Of. The challenge encourages children to read at least three books during the winter period. They are then asked to upload the details of the books they have read to their online profile and write a short review for each one. The challenge runs until Friday, January 15. Children can visit their local library to find their favourite three books to read during the festive period or choose from a children’s audio and e-book selection on BorrowBox. Once three books have been read and reviewed, children will receive a virtual badge and can print off an Everyone Is A Hero! certificate to keep. Conservative councillor Lucy Hodgson, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “Reading has proven particularly popular this year, with the launch of our
digital library hub. “The Winter Mini Challenge is an ideal way to keep children reading during the festive season and I’m looking forward to hearing about Worcestershire’s reading heroes in the new year.”
Children can visit the Winter Mini Challenge website to rate and review their books and enjoy the online activities. To download a free Winter Mini Challenge pack visit The Reading Agency website.
Signs to deter drivers getting caught short Police have offered to provide signs to deter people relieving themselves when they get caught short in Whittington. Following a resident’s complaint about the anti-social behaviour by delivery drivers who get caught short in Cooke Close, Whittington parish councillors contacted West
Mercia Police to see if they could tackle the problem. During a recent meeting of the parish council the clerk, David Hunter-Miller, said: “They’ve offered to put up some temporary signs and they’ve suggested going back to the developer to see if they can raise some of the canopies of the trees and trim
back some of the bushes and that sort of thing, so made that suggestion.” Parish council chairman, Steve Burrows, said: “I do think I know where this is. I walk the dog down there regularly and I’m a bit amazed because it is very close to the houses. We’ll see if it carries on as a problem.”
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n NEWS
Here2Help group gives support to hundreds during second lockdown Worcestershire County Council’s Here2Help service supported more than 600 residents through the second period of national lockdown. In total 636 requests for help came into the service from November 5 until December 1, 389 of those coming from individuals registered as clinically extremely vulnerable. The support given by Here2Help ranged from organising the delivery of shopping and medical suppliers to arranging dog walking and giving guidance on mental well-being for those self-isolating. Conservative councillor Lucy Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “I’m delighted with the invaluable support we were able to give to people during this difficult second period of national restrictions. “I’m really proud of everyone involved in the service for all the
amazing work they are doing. “We’re really making a big difference to people who might be struggling and need that extra bit of help and support. “I’d also like to say thank you to all our dedicated volunteers as they are a big part of the support that we are able to offer.” The Here2Help team also worked round the clock to write
to more than 19,000 clinically extremely vulnerable individuals to let them know about the new National Shielding Service System and how to register for additional support. Dozens of Here2Help volunteers gave up their time to help GP practices in the county to administer more than 6,000 flu vaccinations.
One person who was helped out wrote to the Here2Help service to say: “Your help, advice and kindness towards me this afternoon was a huge help and also a big relief to me. I didn’t realise I don’t have to suffer in silence.” The Here2Help service launched at the start of the first lockdown in April following the initial outbreak of Covid-19. The “I need help” form remains available on the home page of the Here2Help website. Once completed, the Here2Help team will be in touch to discuss needs in more detail and talk through what support can be offered. A phone number has been set up to help fill out the form for those who cannot access the internet. The dedicated number is 01905 768053 and is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm and Friday from 9am to 4.30pm.
New Year, New You in 2021
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n EDUCATION
New College to mark centenary of school for sight-impaired girls
n Chorleywood girls in the classroom
n Two of today’s NCW students next to a commemorative wooden sculpture celebrating the merger of the two schools in the 1980s Students and staff at New College Worcester (NCW) are to celebrate the centenary of a former residential school for girls with little or no sight. Chorleywood College opened in 1921 and in January, 2021, a series of themed events will take place at NCW to commemorate the founding of the school, which later merged with the Worcesterbased boy’s school, Worcester
College, to become New College Worcester as it is today, a national residential school and college for young people aged 11 to 19 who are blind or vision impaired. Chorleywood College was founded by the National Institute for the Blind (now the RNIB). In January, 1921 Miss Phyllis Monk, the first headmistress, was establishing the first secondary
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school for girls with a vision impairment. Many girls from Chorleywood were to be pioneers, going on to university and into occupations including physiotherapy, engineering, education and the law. The school was located in the Cedars, a large Renaissance-style mansion in Hertfordshire. The building and grounds of The Cedars in Chorleywood, is now the site of the Cedars Retirement Village. The boys’ school in Worcester and the girls’ school in Hertfordshire were both closed and merged to form the new
school which opened on the Worcester site in 1987, with many students and some staff moving to Worcester to attend it. On Thursday, January 21, 2021 NCW will hold a day of celebration involving 1920s themed lessons and meals, historic displays and a virtual event where former students and staff of the school can celebrate and share their memories. Anyone wishing to join the virtual event or share their memories of Chorleywood can find more information on the school website www.ncw.co.uk/ chorleywood-centenary
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n EDUCATION
Exam students to benefit from extra measures Worcestershire County Council has welcomed the news that students will benefit from extra measures ahead of next summer’s exams. The Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced that students sitting exams and other assessments next year will benefit from a package of exceptional measures to improve fairness and prevent disruption. In recognition of the challenges faced by students during 2020, the Government stated that grades would be more generous, students would
be given advance notice of some topic areas and steps would be taken to ensure every student received a grade, even if they missed a paper due to selfisolation or illness. Conservative county councillor Marcus Hart, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Education and Skills, said: “Sitting exams are a key milestone for many young people’s lives and I very much welcome the Government announcement, which provides much-needed clarity for the many students who are due to sit examinations next year.
“Following the announcement back in October that there would be a three-week delay to exams to free up extra teaching time, this early decision will further help our schools and colleges so that they can plan and further support their students.” The new set of measures announced include: n More generous grading than usual, in line with national outcomes from 2020, so students this year are not disadvantaged. n Students receiving advance notice of some topic areas
covered in GCSE, AS and A levels to focus revision. n Exam aids – like formula sheets - provided in some exams, giving students more confidence and reducing the amount of information they need to memorise. n Additional exams to give students a second chance to sit a paper if the main exams or assessments are missed due to illness or self-isolation and a new expert group to look at differential learning and monitor the variation in the impact of the pandemic on students across the country.
New head Jennie to take the helm at King's prep school King’s Hawford has announced the appointment of a new head. Jennie Phillips will take over the age two to 11 prep school in April, 2021. She is joining from Monmouth School Girls’ Prep School, where she is currently the head. The unanimous choice of King’s Worcester’s headmaster and governors, she was appointed from a field of sitting heads and deputies. Mrs Phillips was educated at Oxford High School and read education at the University of Exeter. A keen hiker and swimmer, she is married to Eddie and they have two daughters, Amelia and Daisy. Mrs Phillips said: ‘I am absolutely delighted to be joining the team at King’s Hawford. “The school has a wonderful warmth and a sense of community which is clearly held dear by parents, staff and pupils alike. “I very much look forward to getting to know the school community and building on the excellent work of Mr Jim Turner, whilst working closely with Mr Richard Chapman, head of King’s St Albans, under the head of our foundation, Mr Gareth Doodes.” Mr Doodes said: “Jennie Phillips was the outstanding candidate throughout the process
n Jennie Phillips with husband Eddie and daughters Amelia and Daisy and will bring drive, energy and an abundance of enthusiasm to King’s Hawford. “A natural communicator and a passionate educator, Jennie is also the first female head in our foundation’s near 500-year
history. “Such a milestone is something about which we are extremely proud and I’m looking forward to working with such an inspiring leader in the years to come.” There will be opportunities for
parents and prospective parents to meet Mrs Phillips at various events during the spring term, either online or hopefully in person, including at forthcoming open mornings.
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n TAKE A BREAK
NEW YEAR PUZZLES FOR EVERYONE Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.
For younger readers Mystery Picture
9 3 1
6 4 8 5 9
Solutions
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Across 1. 3454 5. 84667 6. 4292 8. 297787 9. 4367442
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Easier suduko Each row, column and square (4 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-4, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.
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Use the phone keypad to decode the clues. For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST
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Theme: Countries 2
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Txtpert 1
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Copy exactly what you see in each box below into the correct space in the grid to reveal the mystery winter themed picture!
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Mystery picture
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Test your knowledge of 2020 with our New Year quiz 1. Which Chinese city was the first to go into an unprecedented lockdown due to the coronavirus in January? 2. Who won the US Presidential election, eventually? 3. What did Prime Minster Boris Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds name their baby? 4. Who did Rishi Sunak replace as Chancellor of the Exchequer earlier this year? 5. To which town did Dominic Cummings drive to test his eyesight after being infected with coronavirus? 6. In which city will the postponed Olympics be held in 2021? 7. Which two singers performed in the Super Bowl half-time show? 8. Which film won Best Picture at the Oscars?
11. Who won the FA Cup final? 12. Which wedding anniversary did the Queen and Prince Philip mark in November? 13. In May, it was announced a former British Army officer was to be knighted after raising money for charity in the run-up to his 100th birthday. What is his name? 14. Which two members of comedy double acts passed away this year? 15. Which two military events marked their 75th anniversaries in 2020? 16. Which country faced one of its most devastating wildfire seasons? 17. Which new bank note entered circulation in February and features the face of artist JMW Turner? 18. Who was the winner of I'm A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here?
9. Which company became the first to launch 19. Name The Body Coach who kept us all fit a private, crewed spacecraft? during lockdown? 10. On which social media platform did 20. EastEnders celebrated which anniversary Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce they were stepping down as senior Royals? in February? Answers: 1. Wuhan; 2. Joe Biden; 3. Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson; 4. Savid Javid; 5. Barnard Castle; 6. Tokyo; 7. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira; 8. Parasite; 9. SpaceX; 10. Instagram; 11. Arsenal; 12. 73rd; 13. Captain Tom Moore; 14. Eddie Large and Bobby Ball; 15. VE Day and VJ Day; 16. Australia; 17. £20; 18. Giovanna Fletcher ; 19. Joe Wicks; 20. 35th.
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