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 following item has been supplied by Norton villager Terry Palmer, to whom many thanks!!

To all residents of Norton-in-Hales

This is an open letter advising you that your surface water (i.e. rainwater primarily) may not be draining into the public sewer maintained by Severn Trent Water but into a soak-away. As a consequence if you are paying for this service you are entitled to a rebate from Severn Trent Water. You can identify the charge on your current water bill and claim back only the excess back to the 1st April in the current billing year.

If you believe you are connected to a soak-away, complete the attached form using the URL below and submit to Severn Trent. They will arrange for a company inspector to visit your property and make an assessment.

I was successful with my claim and have made a saving of £84-42 per year.

You can try to claim back a maximum of 6 years over payments under statute law, Limitations Act 1980 but when I tried it was refused on appeal by the Water Consumer council that confirmed water companies are exempt from this act after the court of appeal considered the issue in the case of Yorkshire Water v John Hall in 1994.

That being said it well worth arguing the case, if futile.

http://www.south-staffs-water.co.uk/publications/your_home/drainage_water.pdf

Good luck

Terry Palmer

Amelia Guest, aged 8 years old, a pupil at Norton in Hales Village School, is one of the proud top prizewinners in a special Christmas Card design competition. The competition, initiated by Market Drayton Town Mayor, Cllr. Roy Aldcroft, prompted a huge response locally. The cards from the 5 top prizewinners have now been commercially printed and are available for sale, with the proceeds going to 3 locally based charities.

Amelia is pictured on the right, with some of her fellow entrants, along with an image of her winning design.....click here to view.

Edward Gill is well known to many villagers, as one of the evacuees who came to Norton in Hales at the outbreak of World War 2. He has already published a book about his reminiscences of the time he spent in the village over 60 years ago.

Edward (pictured here) now lives in South Wales but still keeps in regular contact with the village all these years later. Most recently, Eric has written some more of his memories of the time. To read these latest memoirs, click HERE.

The Hinds Head is now fully open for business again and is also serving food. Click below for details of their snack and full meal menu.

[Pic 1] [Pic 2]

Parish Council "Celebration Evening"

Although numbers were slightly down due to heavy evening rain, the Parish Council's "Celebration Evening" held in the Jubilee Hall on Tuesday 6 October 2009 was a great success. Everyone was welcomed by Parish Council Chairman Ron Lucas, who was Master of Ceremonies. He explained that we had much to celebrate; the Norton-in-Bloom Committee having won the Heart of England Gold Award in the Village Category 2009; being entered in the National Finals next year; the Certificate of Merit awarded to In-Bloom Secretary Malcolm McDonald for his excellent work; the wonderful displays for the judging of the Council's Best Front Garden Competition and all the splendid effort to re-build the community sports pavilion. In addition to parish councillors and Norton-in-Bloom Committee members, our Shropshire Councillor Brian Gillow OBE and his wife Helen attended. Mrs Margaret Edwards, the Clerk, had devised a gardening quiz which was enjoyed by all, the two winning tables scoring 24 out of 25.

Chairman of the In-Bloom Committee, Mrs Alma Finlay-Burrows acknowleged all the effort her committee and parishioners had made to make the village look so appealing to the Hearty of England judges and asked for more volunteers to join her committee. She revealed the beautiful vase presented to the village for winning Gold.

Best Front Garden Judge Mr Philip Lindop, from Westholme Nursery, Woore, was then introduced and gave a short and interesting talk on how he and his mother Mrs Anne Lindop had judged the gardens in August following which he answered a number of gardening questions from parishioners. Philip then presented the prizes, as follows -

Winner of the silver cup and first prize; Mr and Mrs Derek Harvey, No. 4 The Croft.
Second prize; Mr and Mrs David Horton, 'Mayfield', Forge Lane.
Third prize; Mr and Mrs John Mayer, 'North Lodge', Bearstone Road.

Highly Commended; Mr and Mrs 'Bob'Peppitt, 'Norway' Forge Lane; Mr and Mrs Bert Rathbone, 'Grey Gables', Chapel Lane; Mr and Mrs Malcolm McDonald, 'Hazel Cottage' Chapel Lane.
Commended; Mr and Mrs Michael Ankers, No. 4 Griffin Close; Mr and Mrs Michael Brassington, 'Meadow Croft', Forge Lane; Mr and Mrs James Morris, No 4, Church Meadows;
Special Award; Ms Paula Turnock, No.8 Pear Tree Croft.

Cllr Brian Gillow offered words of congratulation during a very eventful 2009. The evening was then rounded off by a splendid buffet supper which had been provided by the parish councillors and their wives.

The pictures show some images of the evening, Paula Turnock and Derek Harvey receiving their awards, and finally some pictures of Derek Harvey's winning garden

[Pic 1] [Pic 2] [Pic 3] [Pic 4] [Pic 5] [Pic 6] [Pic 7] [Pic 8 ] [Pic 9 ] [Pic 10]

Cricket Pavilion - There has been considerable progress during this year in replacing and removing the burnt out cricket pavilion with the new Community Sports Pavilion at the Norton cricket ground. Click here, to see the latest update - with thanks to all who have contributed through the course of this year - and also to see the before-and-after illustrations of the burnt out building and of the new facility.

[Pic 1] [Pic 2]

Heart of England in Bloom. The village has won a gold award again this year, was judged best in the Heart of England village category,and chosen to represent the Midlands in the national Britain in Bloom competition next year. To see the judges comments click here.

Parish Council's Best Front Garden Competition. On Wednesday evening, 12 August Mrs Anne Lindop and her son Philip Lindop, from Westholme Nursery, Woore, kindly judged gardens in Norton-in-Hales and Betton for the the Parish Council's 2009 Best Front Garden Competition. They chose 25 gardens for their short list from which they will select the first, second and third with three gardens to be Highly Commended and three gardens Commended. Nine selections in all. The winners will be announced at the 'Celebration Evening' to be held in the Jubilee Hall on Tuesday 6 October at 7.30pm.

Pictures show Anne Lindop with Philip standing under the finger post on the village green with a selection of some of the gardens on their short list.

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

Marathon Men Raise over £5,400 for St Luke's Hospice

A big thank you to everyone who supported our 4 village Marathon Men on their fundraising efforts on behalf of St Luke's Hospice.

Jack Tavernor, Matt Eardley, Richard Wakelin and Jonny Brindley undertook 4 marathon hikes back in May - yes each one was 26 miles - in 4 consecutive days, respectively in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. That's 104 miles in all, not to mention the overnight travelling from one country to the next.

Their efforts have raised a total of over £5,400 on behalf of St Luke's Hospice in Winsford, Cheshire. This sum could be boosted by as much as another 28% as the gift aid tax rebate kicks in.

Many congratulations to Jack, Matt, Richard and Jonny for their wonderful effort!

Village Head-teacher Leaves For Pastures New

Dawn Herriott, head-teacher for the last 3 years at Norton village school, has moved on to a new post elsewhere in the Midlands. She will be replaced in September by Darran Hall, who has been deputy head-teacher at Much Wenlock Primary School.

During her time at Norton School, Dawn has achieved a great deal at the school and will be much missed by pupils and parents alike. Furthermore, she has contributed much to the village as a whole, including helping to secure a £25,000 grant for the new community sports pavilion. The Norton In Hales website committee would like to thank her for her contribution to the village over the past 3 years and wishes her every success in the future.

The Lower Bearstone Farm seven-turbine windfarm appeal has been dismissed. In his decision dated 15 July 2009 the Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State concluded that ‘In terms of appearance in this setting the turbines would be seen as large, alien features in their surroundings. The nature and topography of this pleasant tract of countryside is such that it would not be capable of absorbing this wind turbine development satisfactorily.’ He noted the marked and unacceptable effect that it would have on residents of certain properties in Dorrington and Bellaport. The appeal against the refusal to give consent for the access to the windfarm has also been dismissed.

This is a great victory for the action group VORTEX, for the five parish councils of Audlem, Adderley, Buerton, Woore and Norton-in-Hales. It is also a great victory for democracy and the large majority of parishioners who would have been seriously affected by this proposal. Our thanks are due to all who fought this appeal so magnificently.

Norton in Hales has featured on the BBC website with an item about the village schoolchildren participating in this year’s “Village in Bloom” efforts. Click here to link to the BBC feature.

Heart of England Best Kept Village Judging. On 8 July judging took place for the Best Kept Village in the Heart of England region. The Norton-in-Bloom Committee plus many willing volunteers worked hard in the weeks prior to the judging to present the village at its very best. At 10.00am the villagers assembled at the Jubilee Hall for coffee and to welcome the two judges. After words of welcome by In Bloom Chairman Alma Finlay-Burrows, committee member Graham Powell made a presentation of the portfolio then the judges set off on their inspection which included meeting the children at the village school to view their projects, meeting the pre-school 'Caterpillars' and viewing their tubs, touring the Church grounds and children's play area. They then toured other areas of the village before returning to the Jubilee Hall where parish council Chairman expressed words of thanks followed by a buffet lunch.

The results will be announced at a regional ceremony in early September.
The pictures below show Graham Powell presenting the portfolio to the two judges.

[Pic 1] [Pic 2]

Report by Philip Smith on the Village Fun Day...click here.

West Midlands Regional Award for John Cliff of Norton-in-Hales

John Cliff of Main Road, Norton-in-Hales, has received the West Midlands Regional Award for the Apprentice Employer of the year. He won in the Micro Section for small businesses with under10 employees. He was nominated by Reese Heath College, Cheshire, from whom he takes one or two apprentices a year. John has always been keen to offer Apprenticeships as he believes that a number of young people are more able to learn and earn qualifications through a practical route. He was fortunate to have an apprentiship himself when he was 15 years old. John and his wife Karen Cliff had a lovely day at the Botanical Gardens, Birmingham, where the awards took place on 2 June 2009. John will now go forward to the National Awards in London on the 16th July 2009.

[Pic 1]

Brand Hall Horse Trials Event

Brand Hall Horse Trials 5th - 7th June 2009. The Brand Hall Horse Trials and the Charles Owen British National Ponies Championship at Brand Hall, Norton-in-Hales were a great success, and the organisers John and Janet Plant did an outstanding job in ensuring that the Event went like clockwork. There were over 400 entries; and riders, supporters and spectators throughly enjoyed themselves. The Event took place in atrocious weather with almost constant rain with a cold wind most of the weekend. However, this did not dampen the spirits of those who were there.

There were six village organisation stalls in the 'Village Fete'. They were St Chad's Church, Norton-in-Hales Cricket Club, the Norton In-Bloom Committee, the Caterpillars pre-school group, Muckleston Women's Institute and the Ashley First Responders. In the Children's Painting Competition on the theme 'The Village Fete' there were 95 entries from the village schools in Norton-in-Hales, Adderley and Mucklestone. These were mounted in the main sponsors marquee for all to see. The winners were given WH Smith's Gift Vouchers and first, second and third rosettes, with a 'special prize winner' for good measure.

First : Kirsty Lambert and Mae Brennan from Norton-in-Hales School

Second: Jordan Smith from Addereley School

Third : Elizabeth Edwards from Norton-in-Hales School

Special prize to Hannah Sedgley from Mucklestone School

The three winning posters are shown in the pictures and the winner will be used on the front cover of the Brand Hall Horse Trials in 2010. Our thanks to Mr and Mrs Michael Taylor of Brand Hall for encouraging village participation in the event.

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

SUPPORT OUR VILLAGE MARATHON MEN - HIKING FOR CHARITY!!

Jack Tavernor, Matt Eardley, Richard Wakelin and Jonny Brindley are all set for a marathon charity effort, 4 marathon hikes in fact, in 4 consecutive days in 4 countries, Wales, Ireland, Scotland and England, starting on May 24th.

The 104 miles will be made harder by having to drive around the UK between the hikes and taking overnight ferries to and from Ireland. There will be little chance of a good night’s sleep.

The marathon is part of a big effort to raise money for St. Luke’s Hospice, in Cheshire, which cares for people with life threatening illnesses in our area. The Hospice provides vital care for patients and their families at critical times and is totally dependent upon donations from the public.

To help our brave Marathon Men achieve their target of £5,000, please see one of the 4 lads, or pick up a sponsor form in the Hinds Head, or go online at www.justgiving.com/4marathons4countries4days

Our vicar, the Reverend Adrian Leighton, has retired after 10 years of service in our village. A well-attended evening reception took place in February to wish him well on his way. On behalf of the website, we would also like to add our thanks for his dedicated committment to our village and to wish him and Geraldine the very best in the future.

Brand Hall Horse Trials Event 5, 6 and 7 June 2009. British Eventing is bringing a Three-Day Horse Trials Event to Brand Hall, Norton-in-Hales, on 5, 6, and 7 June 2009 (by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Michael Taylor). It is anticipated about 1,000 people a day will attend this prestigious Event and the organisers wish it to be something in which the whole village will participate. It is hope to have stalls, games, sideshows, a children’s painting competition, teas, etc and parishioners are getting together to plan the village’s programme over the three days in June. See links to more detailed features on this event. British Eventing’s Organiser is Mrs Janet Plant Tel. 01785 284632 or contact Parish Council Chairman Ron Lucas at 01630 652956.

[Doc1] [Doc2] [Pic1]

We have been advised by the Planning Inspectorate that the Windfarm Appeal Inquiry will start on 6th May 2009 commencing at 10.00am. It is to be held at the Victory Hall, London Road, Woore. The appointed Inspector is Trevor Cookson DipTP, MRTPI.

There is to be a pre-inquiry meeting with the appointed Inspector on 27th February 2009. This is usually attended by the advocates and expert witnesses who will be giving evidence at the Inquiry. The purpose of the pre-inquiry meeting is to agree the format and content of evidence at the Inquiry together with sitting times and identification of the main issues. Cllr Graham Powell has been invited to attend on behalf of the respective Parish Councils.

Building Work starts on the Community Cricket Pavilion. Following the settlement of the fire insurance claim and the Shropshire County Council Community Fund Grant of £25,000 plus the Educational Fund Grant and grants from the Parish Council of £1,000 and others, work started on re-building the cricket pavillion and community facility on Monday 26 January 2009. Planning permission was granted by North Shropshire District Council in mid-January and Rob Bromley, the contractor wasted no time in getting on site. The appeal to parishioners to support the ‘buy a log’ campaign continues.

It is just a year since the old cricket pavilion was burnt down following an electrical failure.

Meeting with County Highways Department on roads in the village. The Parish Council held a meeting on Monday morning 26 January 2009 with representatives of the Shropshire County Divisional Surveyor’s Department, County and District Councillors and some local residents to discuss various items of concern to include the general state of the highways including the deterioration of the recent pothole and general highway repairs, the impact of heavy lorries and agricultural machinery on grass verges, kerb edgings, etc.; the noise being experienced during the night from agricultural machinery passing through the village, and the lack of serious investment in our carriageways.

Everyone met at the Jubilee Hall car park and the party walked around the village highlighting areas of concern. It is the County’s intention to resurface Beswicks Lane and provide a passing place, possibly in the Easter holidays, and Main Road will be top dressed towards the end of May. Other areas of concern will be addressed as and when funds permit.

Parish Council recommends refusal of proposed Vodafone mast at Tunstall Hall Farm, Betton. Following an application for planning permission to erect a 3G Vodafone "tree" mast in a field just off the Market Drayton A 53 bypass at Tunstall Hall Farm, Betton, the Parish Council met on 27 January 2009 to consider their recommendations to North Shropshire District Council. There was strong objection from some members of the public who live in the houses opposite the bypass on both visual and health grounds and concern that possible Broadband enhancement may not be of direct benefit to rural users north of our village. After a full dicussion the following recommendation was made -

CLLR POWELL PROPOSED THAT THE PARISH COUNCIL OBJECT TO THE APPLICATION ON THE FOLLOWING GROUNDS:

They are not satisfied that all alternative sites have been adequately investigated, including the sharing of existing facilities. In the circumstances ALL steps should be taken to find an alternative location which is more suitable.
The proposed installation would be detrimental to the visual amenities of the area.
Cllr Lucas seconded the proposal and the motion was carried by 3 votes to 2.

A copy of the full minutes of the meeting is available to view on the Parish Council page.

The Jazz in the Cloisters Evening at St Chad’s Church on Friday 21 November was a great success. The Hales Street Stompers traditional jazz band of seven instrumentalists and one lady vocalist played to a packed house of over a hundred who enjoyed a wide range of trad. jazz. An excellent buffet supper was enjoyed by all and £710 was raised for the Church Restoration Fund. Many thanks to Mel Rees and the committee for making all the arrangements.

The Shropshire County Library Service mobile library visits the village on alternate Friday mornings for an hour from around 10.00am. It parks outside the bus shelter opposite the Hinds Head. Please use it or lose it.

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.

[1] [2] [3]

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.

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

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.

[1] [2] [3] [4]

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.

[1] [2]

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

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

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.

GOLD!!
Norton in Hales received a gold at the Heart of England awards ceremony. The village also won the "best in small village" category on 1st September. Jean & Mel Dunk and Mick & Doreen Brassington will be attending the National ceremony in Perth on 21st September in the hope of scooping the top prize competing against other villages in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Calling all budding local historians
Is anyone in the village interested in helping to compile material of and historic nature about Norton in Hales, which can be featured on this website. If you have access to old documents, photographs or other material, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact Dick Walton on 01630 654734

Church Garden Fete raised £1005
This year's church garden fete was a total sucess and manged to raise £1005. Thanks to all who helped make it such a delightful afternoon.

Village Hall
The Jubilee Hall Committee are currently looking for a Bookings Clerk. Anyone interested should please contact Jeff Harrell on 01630 653081 or David Rigby on 01630 654202

Pancake day! Class 1 spent the morning making and tasting pancakes. They also made some very sturdy ones to race with in the afternoon. It was bitterly cold, but they all had a great time and became expert at tossing the pancakes! See the pictures.

Snowfall! Norton in Hales experienced a heavy snowfall on the morning of March 2nd. The children at the village school made the most of it!

Traditional Vegetable Show to be revived
An annual Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Show will be making a return to Norton in Hales in September 9th. The In Bloom committee have decided to re-launch this show to mark the village's entry in the Britain in Bloom competition. Entry is free and there will be prizes for overall category winners. Children are also encouraged to take part. For more information please call Jean Dunk on 01630 655838.

Computers stolen from school
Four brand new computers, which were installed on Friday 17th February, were stolen over that same weekend.
Anyone with any information which might be relevant to this break-in, is encouraged to contact the police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting - Tuesday 24th January (posted 18th Jan 06)
There will be be an Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 24th January at 7pm at the Jubilee Hall. The meeting has been called following the planning application for low-cost houses in the village. A planning Officer has been asked to attend and the public will be invited to ask questions.

£1000 raised by carol singers (posted 16th Jan 06)
The carol singers would like to thank everybody very much indeed for their generosity also for the kind hospitality. Thanks also go to all the drivers. The amount raised was £1000.

The North Staffordshire Hounds (posted 4th Jan 06)
The North Staffordshire Hounds met at Brand Hall on New Year’s Eve morning. It was a lovely morning with a good following, led by Joint Masters Mark Allman and Mrs Anne Hartley. Click here to see more pictures, including one of our Parish Councillor, John Lovatt.

School raises £680 at Winter Fayre (posted 16th Dec 05)
Norton in Hales school would like to thank all the parents and children who helped out at the Winter Fayre and also all those who supported the Fayre by coming. Around £680 was made on the day which, considering the lack of electricity was a great achievement.

Children in Need (posted 21st Nov 05)
Pupils and staff at Norton School have raised a total of £92 for Children in Need. The children held a non-uniform day and donated £1 to the charity.

Harvest Festival (posted 4th Nov 05)
Read the latest about how our children celebrated harvest festival this year.

Station Bridge Closure (posted 14th Sept 05)
Station bridge will be closed to traffic for essential repair for at least the next three months. There will be access for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists during this period. All other traffic must follow the diversions via Knighton, Woore, Buerton and Kinsey Heath until the bridge re-opens.

Refuse Collection (posted 14th Sept 05)
Our refuse Collection Service has now changed. Please click on "Community Services" for further information.

Heart of England in Bloom competition (posted 5th Sept 05)
Norton in Hales has won the Gold Award in the Village category of the Heart of England in Bloom competition. The Village category is defined as having an Electoral Roll range between 301 and 1000. (There are 340 in Norton). Cheswardine and Halmer End were other villages in this category. They were awarded silver gilt, whilst Norton had a Gold Award and was therefore the Village category winner.

There are four category winners in all in the region, each representing different sizes of community. The four in question are Norton in Hales, Newport, Shrewsbury and Coventry City Centre. In addition to the honour of winning in 2005, each of the four will now go forward and represent the region in the National competition in 2006.

See the “Norton in Bloom” page in the “Clubs and Societies” section for more details.

Club Cubana (posted 19th July 05)
The Club Cubana Salsa Evening at the village hall was a huge success. All tickets were sold out and over £150 was raised for the village hall. There will be another Club Cubana Salsa Evening in October. More info in the diary section nearer the time.

Jubilee Hall (posted 19th July 05)
The village hall have registered for a Licence for Entertainment which will be valid from 7th November 2005.

Heart of England in Bloom (posted 19th July 05)
Judging for this years Heart of England in Bloom competition took place on 9th July and the village looked stunning. The portfolio shown to the judges will be available for perusal at the Hinds Head in August. The results of the Heart of England in Bloom judging will be announced on September 3rd at Trentham Gardens.

Shropshire Life (posted 19th July 05)
Norton in Hales is on the front cover of the July issue of Shropshire Life. There is an article on a few villages in Shropshire and Norton in Hales is one of them.

Refuse Collection and Recycling (posted 19th July 05)
From 5th September your refuse and garden waste will be collected on alternate weeks. A new service to collect recyclables from the kerbside is also being introduced from 5th September. Two recycling boxes will be delivered in August and these are for newpapers, magazines, bottles and cans. They will be collected on the same day as the green wheelie bin. More exact dates will be availble in August.

Sports Day (posted 18th July 05)
We were very lucky on Friday to have a gloriously warm, but not too hot day for Sports Day. The day began at 10 with the usual races, egg and spoon, sack, running and skipping. The children had the luxury of a gazebo to watch from, whilst the parents cheered on from the sidelines. We broke for lunch and the children joined their parents for a picnic. In the afternoon the mums, dads and toddlers had their races and finished off a tiring but very enjoyable day. It is one of the high spots of the school year - weather permitting!

Container gardens (posted 30th Jun 05)
See more of the children's container garden's made with the help of a parent in an after school club. Click here

Penny Race (posted 30th Jun 05)
£61.15 was raised recently by the children at the school’s Penny Day event – click here for more details.

Caterpillars Pre-School (posted 3rd Jun 05)
Caterpillars Pre-School and Friends of Norton School are thrilled to confirm that they have raised a total of £2330 at their "Ladies Evening". The event was a huge success thanks to the hard work of everyone involved, the promise auction, Zoe Lyons the comidian and the delicious food. Special thanks go to Mrs. J. Furnival for the kind use of the marquee for the evening.

St. Chad's Fundraising (posted 24th Mar 05)
Support St. Chad's church fundraising - pens now available at 50p, also fridge magnets at £1.

Pancake Evening (posted 7th Mar 05)
The Pancake Evening raised a total of £365. Monies raised have been split between the Tsunami appeal and St. Chad’s Church. Thanks for everyone’s generosity – a good time was had by all.

Neighbourhood Watch Alert (posted 4th Mar 05)
Callers at homes in Norton in Hales offering to sell "goods". Take identification and vehicle details - if concerned ring the police.

There have been reports of people of calling at homes in other areas of North Shropshire to sell "goods". A few have been given entry (often in early evening) and stolen cash.

Take no risks - Lock your doors and do not let anyone in that you would not trust. Report incidents immediately to PC Haycox on 0845 7444888 and then let your coordinator know.

Tsunami Appeal (posted 28th Jan 05)
Teachers, parents and children at Norton in Hales School have helped to raise a total of £271.54 for the Tsunami Appeal. Parents baked cakes for a cake stall and the children had a bring and buy sale of toys after school.

Calling All Campanologists (posted 14th Jan 05)
Fancy a go at bellringing? We need a few extra hands to learn the ropes (so to speak). If you'd like to see what it's all about, contact Bill Tavernor (654977) or Dick Walton (654734).

Watch Out For Rhona! (posted 14th Jan 05)
Rhona Crewe, daughter of Jane and Richard who emigrated from Norton Farm to Saskatchewan in Canada 3 years ago, is on our TV screens and magazine racks just now. The current trailer for the E4 channel (being shown on both Channel Four and E4) features Rhona prominently, as does the front cover of the current edition of “Prima Baby” (see picture). Rhona, who now lives in London, qualified with a degree from Dance College in London and now works for a modelling and entertainment agency in the big city.

Neighbourhood Watch (posted 3rd Jan 05)
Good News! Two occupants of an old model dark blue Ford Escort were apprehended by the police after their suspicious behaviour in the village was reported by a co-ordinator.

Please take note of registration/colour/model of suspicious vehicles and report it if you feel there is strong enough reason. Otherwise keep note of the date and details in case of need.

Your neighbourhood Watch is valuable to the parish! Let us all play a part in keeping it active and please remember co-ordinators do the work voluntarily for the benefit of Norton in Hales parishoners.

A White Christmas (posted 29th Dec, 2004)
A light snow shower fell on the village around 9 a.m. on Christmas morning. Later in the day, heavier snow fell to a depth of over 5 centimetres, making for idyllic scenes around the village over the next 48 hours

A number of photos taken on a glorious Boxing Day are set out below. More will appear in the “Gallery” section in the next few days.

Neighbourhood Watch Alert (posted 17th Dec, 2004)
Please be aware that the drivers of a blue ford escort have been seen acting suspisciously in the village. They are 2 men in their early 20s. There has also been a night-time disturbance in the back garden of a house on Church Meadows.

Norton in Hales Neighbourhood Watch
Vehicles had valuables taken from them on the evening of 6th December in the Chapel Lane/Beswick Close area. Please ensure all valuables are out of sight and if your vehicle hasn't a lock, please remove them to where they are safe.

Christmas is a wonderful time for the petty thief - gifts often ready wrapped; hide presents from sight from your home windows as well as your car.

Norton in Bloom cup
Dereck Harvey won the Norton in Bloom cup this year for his excellent floral displays. The cup is for the best front garden and presented each year by the Parish Council.

Newcastle and District Plough match!
Vintage tractors busy at work at the Newcastle and District Plough match held in Norton in Hales on 23 September 2004.

Norton-in-Hales wins village "Heart of England in bloom" Gold!
The good news was announced on September 10th that Norton in Hales has won a gold medal in the village section of the Heart of England in Bloom competition. More details to follow.

Local villager Laura Walton graduates (posted July, 2004)
Local villager Laura Walton has graduated from a 5-year course at Manchester University Medical School with an MBChB degree, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. Laura, from Napley Drive, gained her earlier educational grounding at Norton in Hales village school, before moving on to the Grove School. She has now taken up her first House Officer post at Trafford Hospital in Manchester and will move on early in 2005 to a 6-month surgical post in Preston.