News

If you have an item of local news that you would like to add to this section, then please contact Dick Walton on SueDickWalton72@aol.com Items may be of general public interest or might also be about individual villagers and their achievements.

The Parish Council’s Best Front Garden Awards and Celebration Evening on 15 October was attended by over 50 parishioners and was a great success, as was last year’s. This year our judges were Mr Keith Atkey and Mr David Hind from Bridgemere who not only gave out the awards in the ‘Best Front Garden Competition’ but commented on each of the winner’s gardens and gave a lively talk on gardening. They also answered some very perceptive questions most professionally. A splendid free buffet was enjoyed by all as was the quiz arranged by our parish clerk, Mrs Margaret Edwards. Mrs Barbara Rigby made the beautiful table decorations. Thanks are due to everyone who helped to make the evening a success and all parishioners whose lovely front gardens gave the judges such a difficult task this year.

The first three places with Bridgemere Garden vouchers for £30, £20 and £10 respectively went to Mr Derek Harvey, 4 The Croft (plus the silver cup), Mrs Susan Mayer, ‘Maylea’, Moss Lane, Betton, and Mr and Mrs Jeremy Guest, “The Old Post Office”. Highly Commended were Mr and Mrs John Mayer, “North Lodge”, Mr and Mrs Michael Ankers, 4 Griffin Close, and Mr and Mrs Bert Rathbone, “Grey Gables”. Commended were Mr and Mrs Malcolm McDonald, “Hazel Cottage”, Mr and Mrs James Morris, 4 Church Meadow, and Mr and Mrs Mel Rees, “The Old Rectory. Mrs Betty Firkens of Pear Tree Farm, Brownhills Lane, Betton was given a Special Award for a Country Garden.

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Successful Show crowns gold medal week

The ‘In Bloom’ group capped a week in which they won a gold award in the Heart of England in Bloom competition with a very successful Produce Show on Saturday 14th September. On Thursday of that week they heard, at a ceremony at Burton on Trent, that they had won the village category and a gold medal in the Midlands competition. Secretary Malcolm McDonald said that they were delighted to have achieved gold this year, as they had dipped to a silver-gilt last year – having won a gold and being village winners in the national Britain in Bloom the previous year.

The show, which was held in the Village Hall, had sections for children, flowers fruit and vegetables, domestic produce and handicrafts. Show Organiser, Jean Dunk, said that this was only the third annual show of recent times and she was extremely pleased that entries were up on last year, despite the appalling weather. There were nearly 200 entries in all classes from fifty people and it was particularly good that so many children had taken part.

Overall winner of the Children’s section was Sorcha Neill, whilst Gwen Lovatt won the Domestic and Malcolm McDonald the Veg, Flower and Fruit. Runner up in the Produce was youngster Ben Groom who has just left school and is obviously following in his grandfather John Groom’s footsteps, who has been showing for a great many years.

In Bloom Group Chairman, Alma Finlay Burrows, presented the prizes and Parish Council Chairman Ron Lucas congratulated everyone on success in winning Gold and putting on an excellent Show.

North Shropshire District Council Refuse Planning Application for Windfarm

At the NSDC Development Control Meeting on Tuesday 2 September 2008 held in the Grove School, Market Drayton, Nuon UK‘s planning application for seven industrial wind turbines was refused by 11 votes to 3 after a long debate by the committee. The NSDC Development Control Manager Stuart Thomas recommended approval of the scheme so the committee’s decision went against officer’s recommendation. Speaking against the application were Mrs Terry May of Vortex, the action group, and Mrs Tena Roberts, on behalf of local businesses and Bearstone Stud Farm. The local electorate were represented by District Councillor Mrs Janet Proudlove, who represents the Betton Ward of our Parish; and the final speaker was Chairman of Shropshire County Council Brian Gillow OBE, who is also County Councillor for our parish and Woore. Nuon UK were represented by Mr Graham Davey. There were over 300 members of the public present to witness and applaud this very popular result.

Wind turbine scheme halted

A Norfolk community preparing to fight plans for a 12-turbine wind farm is celebrating after landowners pulled out of the scheme.

Airtricity Development had faced strong opposition to plans for the 125m turbines in Mosseymere.

After an action group was formed, two local landowners involved in the project have withdrawn.

Fenland Citizen

Windfarm Latest (Posted 22nd Aug08)

This is a briefing note following the Borough Council’s Planning Committee on August 19th to consider two items requiring decisions. These were as follows:-

1. Land adjoining Bridge Farm, London Road, Knighton – application from Nuon UK Ltd for a the formation of a vehicular access and estate track in association with an adjoining wind farm, and:-

2. Lower Farm, Bearstone, Shropshire – Nuon UK Ltd application to North Shropshire District Council for the formation of a wind farm comprising seven wind turbines, a meteorological mast, ancillary buildings and estate roads. NSDC have consulted the Borough Council for their views on this application prior to NSDC considering the application on 2 September.

The Borough Council’s Planning Officer recommended approval of both matters, subject to conditions, and I am delighted to inform you after an excellent debate on these major applications lasting around 90 minutes, the Planning Committee refused the access road application by 16 votes to 3 (16-3) and strongly objected to the windfarm by 19 votes to 1 (19-1). Terry May spoke for five minuted on behalf of Vortex, the objectors, and Graham Davey spoke for five minutes of behalf of Nuon UK Ltd. NSDC Head of Planning Control, Stuart Thomas and his assistant were in the public gallery with the rest of us. His recommendations to NSDC will be published on the NSDC website on Friday 22 August.

It remains to be seen whether or not NSDC Development Control Committee takes note of the strong objection made by the Borough Council this evening but the members of the Planning Committee firmly articulated the views of the three parish councils and around 1500 objections.

Parish Council's Best Front Garden Competition and Celebration Evening (Posted 21st Aug08)

On 13 August the Parish Council's judging for the council's "Best Front Garden Competition" took place. The Council was fortunate to have the services of two experienced judges in Mr Keith Atkey and Mr David Hind who together have amassed over 50 years working at Bridgemere Garden World. We met at the Hinds Head car park at 10.00am and walked around the village inspecting every front garden; then by car visited front gardens in Betton, Ridgwardine and Bellaport areas of the parish before concluding the judging at 3.00pm. Our Parish Clerk, Mrs Margaret Edwards, provided a splendid lunch and we were blessed with mainly fine weather.

The judges have chosen gold, silver and bronze winners, plus three Highly Commended and three Commended categories. They also elected to make a special award of the "Best Country Garden". Keith Atkey has kindly agreed to present the awards at the Norton-in-Hales "Celebration Evening" which is being planned for Wednesday 15 October in the Jubilee Hall from 7.30pm. He will also speak about gardening and answer questions from the audience. A free buffet supper will be provided. Please bring your own drinks and glasses.

Here are some pictures of the event last Wednesday. The first picture shows Mr David Hind on the left and Mr Keith Atkey on the right. The second shows the judges in action and there are some pictures of the gardens being judged.

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The Hinds Head has now re-opened under new management. More news to follow.

British Gymnastics “Master Gymnast” Award For Ben Walton

At a ceremony held earlier this month at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham, Ben Walton of Norton in Hales has been awarded the honour of “Master Gymnast” by the sport’s national governing body, British Gymnastics.

Ben’s award was made as a result of his past achievements and contribution to disabilities gymnastics in a career which spanned over 20 years. Over that period, he was the British National Senior Men’s Champion on 3 separate occasions. He also represented Great Britain in 2 International competitions, and was a member of the British National disabilities competition and display squads for several years. Ben is only the 5th disabilities gymnast in the history of the sport in Great Britain to have been awarded the honour of Master Gymnast.

Whilst Ben has now retired from gymnastics, he has now taken up swimming competitively, having already won a number of medals in the West Midlands region over the past year, representing a disabilities swimming team based in the Telford area.

Two Baby Swings and Toddler Express in the village play ground
On Friday afternoon, 6 June 2008, the Parish Council Opened the Two Baby Swings and Toddler Express in the village play ground. This scheme was approved by the Market Drayton and Shawbury Local Joint Committee and 100% funded by Shropshire County Council from the rural parishes' fund.

The Norton-in-Hales Caterpillers Playgroup came along and in total there were ten village children for the Opening plus Helen Broadhurst, playgroup leader and Debbie Lloyd the playgroup assistant. The Parish Council Chairman Cllr Ron Lucas thanked the County Council for their funding and the Playing Field Trust for permission to erect the equipment. In addition to Debbie and Helen, Cllrs. Karen Cliff, Neil Groom and Playing Field Trustee Mr Alan Eardley attended.

The children were delighted with the new facilities and Helen Broadhurst said they needed no excuse for attending the Opening as the equipment will give them such pleasure. The Parish Council is pleased to have had the opportunity to organise this extension to the play ground and the Shropshire County Council's funding provided window of opportunity to fulfil a real need in our parish. The pictures show the children enjoying the new Toddler Express and Swings.

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In Bloom Judging
Judging of the Village in the Heart of England in Bloom competition will take place on Monday 14th July at 2.00 pm. Two judges will be given a presentation of the work of the In Bloom Group and then be taken for a tour of the village. The village has to work between now and then to get everywhere colourful, clean and weedfree!

New Housing scheme development in Norton-in-Hales
The six houses that are currently being built in Norton will more than likely become available in the late autumn. Two of these houses are for sale as part ownership and the other four (two houses and two flats) are available to rent. This accommodation was built as a response to a village survey whereby 38 people stated that they required housing in the village. However I am informed by North Shropshire District Council that there is currently no one registered on the housing list for the rental accommodation that has a connection with the village. You may not think that you are not entitled to one. Well you are! If you meet any of the following criteria you can apply to the council for these properties:

1) You live in the village of Norton in Hales - be it with your family or not.
2) You have family living in the village and therefore you have a connection
3) You work in the village and would like a house here.

These houses are under an agreement whereby they have been built for local need and local people take preference above others. You may as a single person only qualify for a flat but as long as you are over 18 years I have been told you will have preference over people with no local connections. North Shropshire District council has forwarded me a number of application forms and I will be pleased to let you have one. Alternatively contact the lettings officer Helen Wainwright, on 01939 232771. This is your opportunity to have a home in the village.

Contact - Cllr Karen Cliff: Tel. 01630 654583

Windfarm planning application (Posted 9th June 08)
A meeting of parishioners took place on Monday evening, 2 June 2008 at which Mr Graham Davey and Mr Al Hanagan of NUON Renewables attended, together with Mrs Terry May and Mr Roger Witchery of VORTEX. The Jubilee Hall was full to hear NUON Renewables give a short presentation followed by questions from the floor, following which VORTEX gave their reasons for objecting to the scheme and answered questions. The Chairman of the Parish Council, Cllr. Ron Lucas, chaired the meeting. A very full debate followed in which NUON responded to full and frank questioning. After almost an hour of questions and answers it was proposed and seconded from the floor that a vote from the room be taken.

In favour of the Windfarm Application No. 08/00831 EIA……..None

Against the Windfarm Application No. 08/00831………………Unanimous (between 60-70 in attendance)

The Chairman thanks NUON for coming and expressed the hope they would take on board the constructive comments made by Norton-in-Hales parishioners.

At the conclusion of the public meeting the Planning Committee Meeting was held (at 9.25pm). NUON Renewables left the hall but VORTEX and the public remained.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee Cllr. Graham Powell took the chair and gave a summary of the points which had been made and which were in the documents supporting NUON’s planning application. After the planning committee had fully discussed the proposal it was proposed by Cllr Lucas and seconded by Cllr Sharman that the Parish Council objects to the application. The proposal was carried by 7-1 majority. A copy of the minutes Parish Council’s Planning Committee and a copy of their letter to the North Shropshire District Council with the stated reasons for objection are now on the Parish Council page of the website and also on the Parish Council Notice Board opposite the Hinds Head.

Norton-in-Hales Cricket Club (Posted 9th June 08)
Before the start of the Norton-in-Hales Cricket Club's match with Fenton on Saturday 31 May 2008, Mrs Dorothy Moult presented the club with a cheque for £3,000 towards the cost of rebuilding the burnt out cricket pavilion. This was in memory of her late brother Mr Bob Jackson, who was one of the stalwarts of the club before his death in November 2007. Our pictures shows Dorothy presenting the cheque to Mr Derek Bloor, another stalwart and former club captain, with the current club President Mr Alan Eardley, Mrs Bloor and Miss Mary Keay, long-time club secretary, in the party. They are surrounded by some of the club's current first eleven.

Our second pictures shows some of the the club's stalwarts, former captains and secretary, from left to right - back row:
Mr Jim Rowley, Mr John Rowley,Mr Derek Bloor, front row: Mr Joe Goodwin, Miss Mary Keay, Mr Mick Swire.

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Windfarm planning application (Posted 23rd May 08)
The Windfarm planning application made by NUON Renewables has now been validated by North Shropshire District Council (NSDC) and the consultation period began on Monday 19 May until Monday 9 June. Because of the delay in validating the application the Parish Council’s Planning Meeting to discuss the application had to be delayed from 20 May and it will now take place in the Jubilee Hall on Monday 2 June 2008 at 7.30pm. It is hoped a representative of NUON and VORTEX will be present to answer questions. Because of limits placed on numbers in the hall it is our intention to restrict the meeting to Norton-in-Hales parishioners, where possible. The hall will be open from 7.00pm so please come early to ensure entry.

Whilst most of the documents of the planning application are to be found for downloading on the NSDC website at www.northshropshiredc.gov.uk the parish council has arranged for a viewing of the documentation in the Jubilee Hall on Saturday 31 May 2008 from 9.30am until 12.00noon. From the plans deposited it would appear that two out of the seven turbines are planned to be located within our parish boundary.

Save our Village Pub!! (Posted 18th May 08)

The pub is dying, the costs are far outweighing the revenue, and the situation now is critical!

If the pub is to stay open, support is required now!

People need to come through the door, eat, drink, & make sure it stays open!!

If the pub closes again, that will be the end of the village pub, it is unlikely that it will open again in the foreseeable future.

This is now in the hands of the customers.

Refurbishment of Jubilee Hall almost complete (Posted 31st Mar 08)
New double glazed windows and entrance door have been installed. Also, we have a new heating system and extractor fans fitted, as well as a new stage carpet, stage and window curtains and the main floor has been re-sanded and polished.

We are very grateful to Shropshire County Council, the Muller Trust, the Harlequins Drama Group and the Parish Council for their generous contributions towards the work. We are also grateful to Sneyd Carpets for the donation of a new stage carpet. Between them, they have contributed over £9,000 towards the £13,400 that the refurbishment has cost.

Favourable comments have been received and hopefully this will encourage more use of the Jubilee Hall.

Shropshire County Council's Market Drayton & Shawbury Local Joint Committee Meeting (Posted 31st Mar 08)
At the Shropshire County Council's Market Drayton & Shawbury Local Joint Committee Meeting held on 19 March 2008, the Parish Council's bid for funding of two double arch swings with cradle seats and a Toddler Express both suitable for children from 2 to 5 years of age was approved. The total cost is £5,380.00 excluding VAT based, on a quotation from Wicksteed playscapes of Kettering, Northants. This sum is from the County Council's Rural Parish's budget of £65,000 for 2008-09. The Parish Council hopes to have the new play equipment erected during early summer 2008.

In Bloom" Art Competition (Posted 10th Mar 08)
Heart of England in Bloom are running a children's art competition, with Trees as the theme, which is open to both schools and individuals. The school have details and one of the pupils won a prize last year. Children may also enter as individuals, and any one wishing to do so should click here for full details and an application form. Closing date 15th June 2008.

Memories of village (Posted 24th Feb 08)
Mary Keay has kindly provided the Norton website with a compilation of her Memories of village life going back to the 1920s. To read these memoirs and to see a miscellany of items scanned from Mary's village scrapbook, click here.

'A Unitary Vision for Shropshire' talk by Carolyn Downs, Chief Executive, Shropshire County Council
There were visiting Parish Councillors from neighbouring parishes and a good attendance to hear Carolyn Downs, Chief Executive, Shropshire County Council, give her talk on 'A Unitary Vision for Shropshire' in the Jubilee Hall, on Tuesday 5 February 2008. Carolyn was accompanied by County Council Chairman Brian Gillow. On behalf of the Parish Council, Chairman Ron Lucas welcomed all visitors and introduced Carolyn who has been Chief Executive since 2003. Carolyn outlined the current proposal which is to merge six councils in Shropshire from April 2009 when the new Unitary Authority will begin. She asked "what can we do better, at the same cost?" and spoke of delegating delivery as much as possible. The Unitary Authority will have 75 Councillors, the aim being to have about 3,500 electors per Councillor. The Authority will probably retain existing offices including Wem. The aim is to have video conferencing facilities, ie in Hodnet and a local office in Market Drayton for revenue and benefits advice. There will be an emphasis on keeping the area clean and tidy free from litter and fly-tipping. There will probably five Development Control Planning Committees throughout the Authority. The role of Town and Parish Councils will not be diminished but strengthened. Currently there are 29 Councillors sitting as a 'new council'. Carolyn answered many questions from the floor fully and frankly. Chairman Ron Lucas gave a vote of thanks to Carolyn and Brian Gillow at the end of the meeting.

See some pictures (below) of the meeting with County Council Chairman Brian Gillow, Carolyn Downs and Ron Lucas

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Village meeting to consider the re-building of the cricket pavilion
There was an excellent attendance at the meeting called to consider the future of the cricket pavilion in the Jubilee Hall on Tuesday 29 January 2008. Cricket club chairman Paul Evans outlined the purpose of the meeting which was to gauge village support for re-building the burnt out pavilion given the limited resources which the cricket club committee had at their disposal. Martin Rowley then gave a brief history of the club and the development of the pavilion since it was first built in 1974. There are some pressures on fielding two sides on Saturdays and Sundays but there are over 40 children in the Junior Section. The building was insured. After tea and biscuits there was a constructive debate on the way forward and a consensus was reached that the club should continue with village and Parish Council support. Sample plans of cricket pavilions would be considered with approximate costing worked out. Meanwhile various sources of funding would be explored by the club, the Parish Council and others, and a further meeting would be convened in about eight week’s time. The club will need to hire portakabins to provide temporary accommodation for the forthcoming cricket season.

Norton School Photographic Competition (posted Jan 14th 08)
Lucy Hollins was the proud prize winner of the Norton School Photographic Competition, voted for by visitors to the Norton in Hales website. She is pictured here receiving her prize from Parish Council Chairman, Ron Lucas.

Fire destroys village cricket pavilion (posted Jan 8th 08)
On the evening of 7th January a blaze broke out at Norton-in-Hales cricket pavilion and although four firefighting engines and crews from Market Drayton, Ashley, Hodnet and Audlem were on the scene quickly the intensity of the fire, fanned by a strong wind, resulted in the 60 year old building being destroyed. Fortunately there was no-one inside. The cause of the fire is being investigated but it is thought likely that an electric fault was to blame.

Paul Evans, cricket club chairman said; "We are really shocked about it, the fire has taken most of the building. We have now got three months before the start of the new cricket season to sort something out. It is avery sad day for the cricket club".

For more details....click the linked images: [1] [2] [3] [4]

The second Parish Planning meeting (posted Jan 8th 08)
The second Parish Planning meeting took place on 27 November 2007 attended by 14 parishioners and noted with thanks a grant of £2,000 from DEFRA. A Steering Committee was formed comprising Richard Jones (Chairman), Carol Barker (Secretary), Jeff Harrall (Treasurer), Marlene Powell (Publicity), Mark Hackney, John Mayer, Jackie Mason, Councillors Graham Powell and Norman Sharman, with Bill Page co-opted from Betton. The purpose of the Parish Plan is to reflect the needs and aspirations of parishioners in an action plan to effect positive change. The Committee will decide on the format of a questionnaire and the subjects to be addressed at the next meeting to be held on 9 January 2008.

The next meeting of the Parish Council
The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Tuesday 8th January in the Jubilee Hall at 7.30pm. To see the agenda please click here.

Parish Plan Meeting - 27th November 2007 (posted Dec 14th 07)
Ron Lucas, Parish Council Chairman welcomed the attendance of 14 parishioners and thanked Defra, through Gemma Robinson, for the grant to prepare a parish plan. A Steering Committee was formed at this meeting in order to bring the parish plan forward, with Richard Jones as Chairman. The purpose of the plan is to reflect the needs and aspirations of parishioners in an action plan to effect positive change. Methods of collecting data were discussed, including the use of a questionnaire, in order to assess the parishioners thoughts on making the village better for them. This, along with involving the school children, will be discussed at the next meeting to be held on Wednesday 9th January, 7:30pm at the Jubilee Hall.

Norton Website committee seeks a new volunteer (posted Dec 14th 07)
The website committee is seeking a volunteer to keep our ‘Diary’ and ‘News’ pages up to date from the New Year. If you are interested please contact Dick Walton on 654734

Erection of Goal Posts (posted Nov 30th 07)
In order to engage with the village teenagers who claimed there was nothing for them to do in Norton-in-Hales Parish Councillors Karen Cliff and Norman Sharman met a group of lads in the village bus shelter on the evening of Friday 12 October as part of the Parish Plan initiative. Their biggest need was a set of goal posts in order that they could kick a ball about. Hearing about this Mr John and Mrs Renee Mayer of North Lodge kindly presented the Parish Council with a cheque for £200 at the Parish Plan meeting on 30 October in order that the Council may buy the goal posts. The Parish Council on 6 November endorsed the move, the Playing Field Committee gave permission for the goal posts to be erected in the far corner of the cricket field and on Friday 23 November a working party of teenagers erected the posts under the supervision of Mr John Mayer, and Councillors Cliff, Sharman and Council Chairman Ron Lucas.

For more details....click the linked images: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Parish Council vacancy
At the Parish Council meeting on Tuesday 6 November 2007 James Finlay – Burrows was co-opted to fill the Parish Council vacancy and having signed his declaration assumed his duties immediately.

Telford Hospital Trust (posted Nov 07)
Consultation on a proposed change to the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust.

For more details....click the linked images: [1] [2] [3]

Norton in Hales Parish Plan Inaugural Meeting - PRESS RELEASE (posted Nov 3rd 07)

Our village’s Jubilee Hall was full to capacity on Tuesday evening, 30 October, for the Parish Plan Inaugural Meeting convened by the Parish Council, but for what it is hoped will become a community project. Chairman of the Parish Council Ron Lucas welcomed three speakers Gemma Robinson, Regeneration Officer, Community Council of Shropshire, Lois Dale, Community Strategy Officer, North Shropshire District Council and her assistant Lucy Roberts, who will be assigned to this project.

Gemma Robinson explained that a Parish Plan is a comprehensive document which may be published in many forms, but which sets out a shared vision of how the community wants the parish to develop over the next 5-10 years. Its contents are dictated by the community. After an interval for refreshments over 50 parishioners present were given an opportunity having their say in areas covering Landscape & Wildlife; Communities; Heritage; Public Transport; Housing; Community Buildings; Services; Education; and Employment. Their suggestions and ideas were posted on headed wall sheets the most popular being ‘Services’ with 20 suggestions posted.

When completed the Parish Plan will provide a document for the future reference of the Parish, District and County Councils to include social, economic, environment and housing issues.

The matters raised are now being analysed by conveners, Councillors Norman Sharman and Karen Cliff, together with completed questionnaires which include the names of those willing to help move the initiative to the next stage. It is anticipated the compilation of Norton-in-Hales Parish Plan will take about eighteen months and those interested in helping are asked to contact the Parish Clerk on 01630 652925.

At the conclusion of the evening parishioner Mrs Renee Mayer presented the Council Chairman with a cheque for £200 towards the cost of goal posts identified by the village youth as something they would like erecting in their village. This arose after Norman Sharman and Karen Cliff arranged a meeting with the youth on Friday evening 12 October in the village bus shelter.

Photos: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Tennis League Double Win (posted Nov 3rd 07)
Women from the Norton in Hales tennis club won division six of the Shropshire League and the men won division five. The participants were Tracy Edwards, Sarah Smith Mary Tavernor, jennie Furnival and Sarah Clarke. And the mens team members were Nick Rowe, Roly Tavernor, Philip Backes, Paul Parton and Neil Backes.

Big Snow (posted Oct 28th 07)
Photos from the "BIG SNOW" of 1964 have been very kindly provided to us by Mrs J Noden, who says in her letter that she lived for many years at Longfield, Norton in Hales. She goes on to say that 'the snaps were taken in 1964 when Norton in Hales was cut off and my ex husband had to dig us out'.

Notes on the back of the photos are as follows

1964-1 Ridgewardine turning, Chris Noden, Chris Smith
1964-2 Ridgewardine turning, Chris Smith
1964-3 Ridgewardine turning, Tom Wickstead, Roadman
1964-4 Norton in Hales, Market Drayton

Photos: [1] [2] [3] [4]

Celebration Evening (posted Oct 18th 07)
The Parish Council 'Celebration Evening' held in the Jubilee Hall on Tuesday evening, 2 October, was a great success. The hall was comfortably filled with Parishioners and guests including Miss Klara Dimeny from Brasov, Romania, who accompanied the Best Front Garden judges Mr George Butters Sr. and Mr George Butters Jr. The evening commenced with a Flower Quiz organised by the Parish Clerk, Mrs Margaret Edwards. There was an excellent complimentary buffet followed by a lively talk by Mr George Butters Sr. on Norton-in-Hales, its people and buildings 74 years ago when he started as a pupil at the village school. George remarked "what a wonderful spirit there is in the village and something you do not often find these days". Many older parishioners enjoyed reminiscing with George about those far-off days. The Best Front Garden Awards were then made. The winners were:-

1st Prize: (with a silver cup and £30 garden voucher) Mr Derek Harvey, 4 The Croft. 2nd Prize:(with a £20 garden voucher) Mrs Susan Mayer, "Maylea", Moss Lane, Betton. 3rd Prize: (with a £10 garden voucher) Mr and Mrs MJ Brassington, "Meadow Croft", Forge Lane.

Highley Commended: Mr and Mrs Norman Noden, Brownhills Grange, Betton. Mr and Mrs John Mayer, "North Lodge", Bearstone Road. Mr and Mrs Malcolm J Mc Donald, "Hazel Cottage", Chapel Lane.

Commended: Mr and Mrs Roger Peake, "Tudor Cottage", Main Road. Mr and Mrs Dennis 'Bob' Peppitt, "Norway", Forge Lane. Mr and Mrs Geoffrey Bennett, Betton Moss Farm, Betton.

One of the purposes of the evening was to enable parishioners to get to know their councillors and each of the five hosting the evening took the opportunity to introduce themselves. This was the first event of its kind to celebrate all that is good about living in this lovely village and the Council received a number of requests to arrange a similar evening next year. Our thanks to all who helped to make the evening a success.

Pictures of the event: [1] [2] [3]

Village in Bloom Group (posted Oct 18th 07)
Norton in Bloom recently held a fun Race Night in the Village Hall, which was successful in raising about £250. The jockeys wound their horses in on lengths of string to the sound of much encouragement by their backers! A tote arrangement paid out for the winning place only. The night included a Ladies only race and a Lady jockey won the final. Scott Shepley kindly supplied the pies for a pie and peas supper. A good time was had by all.

Pictures of the event: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Parish Councillor (posted 24th Sept 07)
Following the vacancy that has arisen for a Parish Councillor, the Parish Council is pleased to announce that at the closing date and time, Friday 5 October at 12.00noon, there were eight (8) written applications for the vacancy. The Parish Clerk is now processing these applications to enable the Parish Council to co-opt a replacement councillor in due course.

Parish Vacancy (posted 24th Sept 07)
A VACANCY HAS ARISEN ON THE NORTON IN HALES PARISH COUNCIL FOR A COUNCILLOR

For any information, details of business conducted by the Parish Council, frequency of meetings, etc., please contact the Clerk

APPLICATION MUST BE MADE IN WRITING TO THE CLERK ;
Mrs M. Edwards, Highfields Farm, Betton, Market Drayton, TF9 4BE to be received by noon on 5 October 2007

Bid by the Parish Council (posted 24th Sept 07)
Following a bid by the Parish Council, at a Local Pilot Meeting of the Market Drayton and Shawbury Joint Committee held at the Victory Hall, Woore, on 19 September, a grant of £3,500 was agreed towards the cost of upgrading the Jubilee Hall. The Parish Council have committed £1,000 and North Shropshire District Council have committed a further £3,500 towards the total cost of renovations. The bid was made from a budget of £65,000 for the 2007/8 financial year made available by Shropshire County Council for Market Drayton and Shawbury Rural Parishes. Following the allocation of funds from this budget the Local Meeting has remaining funding of £50,400 to be spent before the end of March 2008. The Parish Council is to consider any further ideas for bids which need to be made soon.

Norton In Bloom Silver-Gilt Success (posted 24th Sept 07)
Villagers were celebrating their recent win of a silver-gilt award in the Heart of England in Bloom competition, at the Flower and Produce Show. The previous day they had learned of their success at an Awards Ceremony at Cheltenham, winning the village category and gaining a special Wildlife award.

Judging of the In Bloom competition took place on the rainy day of the floods this summer. However, a couple of dry days beforehand had enabled the Group to spruce up the village for the umbrella covered judges to look round this very pretty Shropshire village, lying on the border with Staffordshire and Cheshire.

The Show, which was re-instituted by Norton in Bloom last year after a gap of many years, was hailed a success despite the poor gardening conditions of this summer. Overall winner of the Horticultural section and being given a silver rose bowl to hold for the year was Malcolm McDonald. Other winners were, in the Domestic section, Gwen Lovatt and in the Children’s section, Georgina Maddox. Prizes and certificates were presented by Chairman of the Group, Alma Finlay Burrows.

Village Hall Refurbishment (posted 24th Sept 07)
Thanks to a grant from the North Shropshire District Council the Jubilee Hall has received a face-lift. All the windows and the main door have been replaced and the refurbishment also included new fascias. This has made a big improvement on the building but a further grant application has been made in order to upgrade the heating system.

Sunday Newspapers (posted 24th Sept 07)
The Village Hall Committee can arrange for Sunday newspapers to be delivered and sold at the Village Hall, if someone is prepared to act as "newsagent". The profit margin on the papers is approximately 25%, anyone interested should please contact Jeff Harrall on 653081.

Successful Village Social Event (posted 17th Sept 07)
Members of the Norton-in-Hales Parish Council, the village Website Committee and the Chairman of the Norton in Bloom Committee and their spouses enjoyed a ‘Cheese & Wine Evening’ held at the home of Cynthia and Ron Lucas, at Betton on Saturday 1 September. There was just sufficient light for two croquet matches to be played in which most of the guest took part. The first match was won by Ann McDonald and Neil Groom and the second, in fading light, by Gwen Lovatt and Dick Walton. Ron said “this was a ‘getting to know you evening’ for those in leadership roles in our village and the croquet turned out to be a great mixer before we all retired indoors for the food and wine. Conversation flowed fast and free so I think we achieved our objective and a good time was had by all”.

Pictures of the event:

[1]Gwen and Dick, [2]Ann and Neil, [3] Getting into the game.

Naplay Road Brideg Re-opens (posted Sept 07)
The Napley Road Bridge finally re-opened for general use on Friday, September 7th, having been closed since April. The work involved the complete removal of the original structure and the construction of an entirely new bridge. There is still some final landscaping work to be done, but the bridge is now fully in use.

Best Front Garden Competition
Judging for this annual village competition took place on August 8th.
The 2 judges were John Lovatt and George Butters Jr. Some of the gardens they looked at on the day can be viewed below. The winners will be announced at the village Celebration Event and Awards Evening to be held at the Jubilee Hall on October 2nd.

Pictures from the competition:

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

A New Opportunity (posted 8th Aug 07)
The church would like offer a music group and is looking for anyone, young people and adults who could come and help. The sort of instruments they might need include: keyboard, guitar, recorder, flute, clarinet,. trumpet, trombone, violin, viola, cello and drums. If you think you may be interested please call Geraldine Leighton for further information on 01630 647316

Strawberry Tea (posted 8th Aug 07)
This was a very enjoyable afternoon, lovely weather and the result for the restoration fund was £215. Many thanks to Mr. & Mrs Rees for holding this event.

Bus service during road closure (posted 8th Aug 07)
Due to the section of cariageway between Norton in Hales and Napley being closed the following changes will be made to the bus service. Service 314, 315 and 316 Market Drayton - Woore will be diverted after reaching Norton in Hales via Bearstone then on to Knighton and vice versa. Stops in Napley area will not be serviced during the closure. Please contact either Arriva Midlands 0870 120 1088 or Bennetts Travel 01782 791468 for further information.

North Shropshire District Council Grant (posted 24th July 07)
The Village Hall Committee has obtained a grant from North Shropshire District Council to replace all the windows, external doors, fascia boards etc. and, therefore the Hall will be closed for the week commencing 27th August 2007.

Balloon Race and BBQ (posted 24th July 07)
After having to postpone this event due to bad weather it turned out to be a great success. This fundraising event for the school was held on Monday 16th July in conjunction with an open parents evening at the school. Thanks to all those involved over £550 was raised. We have yet to see whose balloon will travel the furthest by the beginning of September.

Closure of Napley Road Bridge (posted Jun 07)
The bridge on one of the routes into the village is currently closed and will remain so until August. This to enable the bridge to be re-built so that modern heavy vehicles may pass in safety.

Where the bridge once stood, is currently a large hole! The river has been diverted through a temporary culvert, which runs under the road on the Napley side. The way is closed to all wheeled traffic, but a temporary footbridge has been installed so that pedestrians may still go this way.

Some photographs of the works in progress, the river diversion and culvert and the temporary footbridge may be viewed…………1 2 3 4 5 6.

New CD-ROM Available From Vortex (posted Jun 07)
Vortex, the group which has formed in protest against the proposed local Windfarm development, has produced a CD-ROM which aims to demonstrate visually what the Windfarm might look like from 6 selected surrounding viewpoints if it were to go ahead. 2 of these viewpoints are respectively from Norton In Hales playing fields and from Bearstone Road. Click below to see these visualisations. Copies of the full CD-ROM are available direct from Vortex at http://www.vortex.uk.net.

Click to view large image.

Election Results (posted May 07)
The results from the Norton in Hales Parish Council election are as follows:

BRASSINGTON Michael John - 71
BRENNAN Hayley Susan - 135 Elected
CLIFF Karen Marie - 150 Elected
EARDLEY Peter Michael - 92
GROOM Neil - 152 Elected
LOVATT John Edward - 129 Elected
LUCAS, Ronald - Elected (Betton Ward-uncontested)
MAYER Renee Gabrielle - 86
NIXON, Ian - Elected (Betton Ward-uncontested)
POWELL Graham Duncan - 128 Elected
SHARMAN Norman Dennis - 143 Elected

There were 338 electorates with 212 votes cast, giving a turnout of 62.7%. One ballot paper was rejected.
The next meeting of the new council will be held at 7:30pm on Tuesday 15th May, in the village hall.

The results for the District Council elections are as follows:

BRASSINGTON Michael John The Conservative Party Candidate - 287 Elected
WOODCOCK Frank - 286

London Marathon (posted May 07)
Villagers Val Cross and Jack Tavenor both completed this years London Marathon. They would both like to send out a huge thank you to all those who supported them both emotionally and financially. Val managed to run it in 5 hours 52 minutes, just behind Floella Benjamin. She raised a total of over £1700 through the quiz night, coffee morning, duck race and sponsorship. This money will be going to her chosen charity "The Miscarriage Association". Jack ran it in 4 and a half hours and raised approximately £2000 mainly for "Stars Organisation Supporting Cerebral Palsy (SOS)" but also partly for "Fordhall Farm". Most of the money Jack raised came from the Duck Race and donations. Congratulations to both of them!

Neighbourhood Watch (posted Apr 07)
Jackie and Margaret attended the North Shropshire Neighbourhood and Farm Watch AGM on 20th April. Jackie was again voted in as vice-chairman. Norton in Hales has a total of 155 paid members (4 are 5 year subs) and £302 has been paid to the N.S.N. and F.W. on 20.04.2007. Please continue your support in our joint efforts to fight crime.

Britain in Bloom Environmental Quality Discretionary Award in 2006 (posted Apr 07)
Norton in Hales won the RHS Britain in Bloom Environmental Quality Discretionary Award in 2006, due in no small part to the work of Joan Eardley, who is featured in the article available HERE.

Medieval Archaeological Sites (posted 5th Apr 07)
It has recently come to our attention that one of the best preserved local medieval archaeological sites in the Market Drayton area has been largely destroyed. Click here to read more.

Local motorists - Watch out!! (posted 5th Apr 07)
Loggerheads Parish Council have finalised training for the SPEEDWATCH scheme which will shortly start on roads in the area (which includes the area around Knighton and the White Lion)

You'll see yellow jacketed volunteers with a device that measures your speed in the built-up areas. Stick to the posted speed limits and you won't be pestered!

If you are over the limit your reg. number will be logged, and if you persist you are likely to get an official warning from Staffs Police.

Duck Race (posted 25th Mar 07)
The Duck Race held at Forge Farm, Norton in Hales, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs John Lovatt was a great success this afternoon. The weather was kind to us and John and Gwen's garden and grounds were ideal for the occasion. Here are some pictures I took which include a picture of Jack Tavernor and Val Cross, whom we are supporting as they run in the Flora London Marathon on 22 April, for Cystic Fibrosis and The Miscarriage Association respectively.

Parish council elections (posted 23rd Mar 07)
Parish, Town and District Council elections will be held on Thursday 3rd May. Anyone interested in standing for Norton in Hales parish council, please contact the council clerk, Mrs Edwards on 01630 652925. All nominations must be in no later than noon on Wednesday 4th April. It is however advised to send nominations in as soon as possible.

An email from Spain (posted 30th Mar 07)
An email from Spain (with birthday wishes to the lady's mother, Mrs Katherine Beryl Brook)
I am writing to say that I think the Norton in Hales page is very nice and congratulations. I have shown the photos to all the six librarians in the Municipal Library of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, near Madrid capital, Spain and everybody reacts with "How Pretty". Spanish people also say "How green!" as here there is so little.......I have also shown the page to a lady who has English classes with me once a week and has recently returned from London where her two daughters live. She had the same reaction and thinks English people care for the country and the environment.

Test Mast Approval (posted 19th Mar 07)
Plans for a 200ft high wind test mast on land at Lower Farm in Bearstone near the village have been approved despite protests and more than 450 objections. District councillors voted by five votes to four in favour of the application by Nuon Renewables. Nuon will use this mast to test whether the area is suitable for a wind farm of initially approximately 9 wind turbines.

Campaigners against the test mast were furious with the decision and claimed that the councillors did not go near the area in question during the site visit. They were also angry that a third of the committee were not present for such an important and emotive application.

For more information visit www.vortex.uk.net and www.nuonrenewables.com

Affordable Housing (posted 19th Mar 07)
The application by Zenith Development Partnership to build an Affordable Housing Scheme of 4 semi-detached houses and 2 flats in a two storey building on the land opposite the Jubilee Hall, Main Road, Norton in Hales, was approved by a vote of 7-3 at the North Shropshire District Council Development Control Committee on Wednesday afternoon, 14 March 2007. There was considerable local opposition to this scheme and the Parish Council was unanimous in its objection. At a Radio Shropshire recording of a broadcast on Friday 9 March, twenty objectors attended outside the Jubilee Hall and seven spoke in the recording which was broadcast at intervals over the weekend. At a Development Control Committee Site Meeting at 11.10 on the morning of 14 March, Parish Councillor Ron Lucas spoke on behalf of the Parish Council; and Planning Consultant Graham Powell spoke on behalf of the objectors at the Committee Meeting in the Council Chamber.

Mucklestone Road (posted 1st Mar 07)
Mucklestone Road will be closed from 10th April for 19 weeks due to bridge repairs and re-surfacing.

Neighbourhood Watch (posted 1st Mar 07)
Subscriptions are now due. If you have not already paid please contact your coordinator who will collect it.

Quiz Night (posted 1st Mar 07)
The quiz night held on 8th February at the Jubilee Hall was a great success. Over £400 was rasied and proceeds will be divided between the The Miscarriage Association and Norton in Bloom.

Wind Mast (posted 1st Mar 07)
Coucillors will be holding a site visit for the proposed test mast on Wednesday 7th March. Coucillors will meet first at Lower Farm and then discuss the application afterwards at the Festival Drayton Centre 2pm.

NSDC
NSDC have come up with a Conservation Area Appraisal for Norton, based on a proposal from 'In Bloom'. This splits the village into 3 contiguous areas; based on Main Road, village green and Recreation Ground.

See related info, scan 1 & scan 2.

An e-mail has been received from South Africa from a lady related to a local villager, who visited Norton in Hales last winter. She says “I did get to check out the Norton in Hales website – finally! Took me a long time to get there, I know. It’s a good website. It was lovely to browse through a couple of photos and familiar countryside!”

During November we had an Autumn Creative Arts week when children form all four classes came together to work on various arts projects ranging from weaving, and collage to music. The children's work was displayed and can be seen below.

Also in November, the children were busy collecting shoe boxes filled with all sorts of goodies destined for the needy in Romania. Despite the political changes over the last few years it is still a desperately poor country in places and the things collected by the children will make all the difference this Christmas time. Seen here are some children presenting Mr Robert Williams with their boxes.

The children at the village school have been participating in Creative Arts Week. The photos here show how artistic our village children are!!

An Awards Night was held at the Hinds Head on October 3rd to celebrate the Norton in Hales victory in the UK National Britain in Bloom contest. A range of awards was made to local villagers who had contributed to this success. The environmental benefits were also recognised, as was the involvement of the village schoolchildren. Winners of the village show and best kept garden were also presented with their awards.

Download a copy of the portfolio document which was prepared for the village’s national Britain in Bloom entry.

National Britain in Bloom Gold Award
Norton in Hales has won the United Kingdom National Britain in Bloom Gold Award in the village category. In winning the award, Norton in Hales beat off competition from 3 other villages, respectively Coniston, East Budleigh (Devon) and Scarva (Northern Ireland). Norton is the first West Midlands winner of the National Award, which represents the highest accolade from the campaign organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.

The judges said that “the Awards recognize the efforts made by Norton in Hales Parish Council, local businesses, community groups, children and volunteers in helping to create the lasting improvements to the local environment. So many wonderful things are taking place in this village to improve the environment both in terms of floral enhancement and biodiversity. The legacy of open space and mature trees is excellent, but there is no complacency about the village and new and appropriate planting is taking place in many areas. The complete commitment of all residents to Britain in Bloom and the levels of environmental quality were outstanding”. Download the Britain in Bloom press release.

Village Show Success
Norton in Hales village Flower and Produce show, held on Saturday 9 September, has been hailed as a great success. A show had not been held in the village since 1995 and the In Bloom Group decided to reintroduce it this year, to coincide with their entry into the Britain in Bloom competition.

Villagers have just heard that that won a gold medal in the Heart of England In Bloom and have to wait until September 21st for the results of the national competition.

Overall show winner was John Groom, winner of the childrens’ section was Georgina Maddox and Rosemary Maddox won the domestic section. Judges were George Lovatt, Ruby Burnell and Gainer Challinor.

After the show, organiser Jean Dunk said that she was delighted with the number of entries, 244 in total with more than 80 individuals exhibiting. In particular she said that the number of entries in the childrens’ section was fantastic.

Chairman of the In Bloom, Alma Finlay Burrows presented a Rose Bowl to John Groom and Mrs J Ramsden presented a cup, which she had donated, to Georgina Maddox.

Jean Dunk paid tribute to her main advisers, Mary Keay and Doreen Brassington who had been involved in the last show, a band of helpers and all the people who entered- some from outside the village.

Alma Finlay Burrows said that the show was another element to village life and hoped that it would now become an annual event.