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LITTLE WALDINGFIELD PARISH ROOM TRUST
Could you be a volunteer charity trustee for the Little Waldingfield Parish Room?
Are you community minded and do you like organising or helping with events?
Do you have ideas on how the Parish Room could be used?
Do you have a couple of hours to attend meetings five or six times a year plus time preparing for Trustee events?
You would be part of a Trustee Board to oversee the management and administration of the organisation. As a trustee of the Little Waldingfield Parish Room, you will play a very important role so that the charity is run appropriately to preserve this valuable village asset in the interests of the community.
Being a trustee is very rewarding. As a trustee you have the chance to support and shape the work and strategic direction of a community charity and make a significant difference to your community. We do this by organising and running events for our community and renting our facilities.
If you are interested in joining the Parish Room Trustee team and making Little Waldingfield an even better place to live, helping to provide educational, social, recreational and health promoting opportunities for local residents, please contact Alan Campbell, Chairman 01787 249941
Village Litter Pick
The annual Village Litter Pick will take place this Saturday 19th March.
Meet at the Parish Room at 10:00 am to collect pickers, bags and Hi-Vis vests; there will be coffee, tea and hot-cross buns served afterwards.
Success
The successful referendum at which 95% of votoers voted in favour, the LWNP was formally adopted by Babergh District Council on 2 March 2022 and as a result now forms part of the development plan framework for the area.
Little Waldingfield Neighbourhood Plan Parishioner Referendum - Results
Here are the results of the referendum vote, which are a resounding success, both for your Parish Council and, more importantly, for our village, so very well done to everyone who was involved over many years in making this great result happen.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s paid monthly – or twice a month for some people in Scotland. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work. Universal Credit is being rolled out to replace Jobseeker’s Allowance, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Employment & Support Allowance and Income Support. The full rollout of Universal Credit is scheduled for completion in 2024.
Swan Update from Justin Grainger
New On-Line Fitness Classes
COPD Class
Wednesdays 13:00-14:00
HIIT/Keep Fit
Tuesdays 18:00-19:00
Pilates
Mondays 09:00-10:00
Tuesdays 10:00-11:00
Tuesdays 19:00-20:00
Wednesdays 10:00-11:00
Thursdays 18:30-19:30
Fridays 10:00-11:00
Seated Pilates
Thursdays 12:00-13:00
Details from Lisa 07788547754
or click on this link: https://www.aurarphoto.com/
Great News - Churchfields Planning Application Withdrawn
My search of the planning appllcation website today confirmed that this unwelcome planning application has been withdrawn by the applicants, probably in advance of a Babergh refusal. So great news and a lovely Christmas present to us all.
Andy Sheppard 22nd December
Neigbourhood Plan Public Notice
Babergh is undertaking its consultation on the village plan, and here is a link to the Notice
The Swan - Please Take Urgent Notice
Great news: Work is about to commence on our new Swan, as groundworkers from UK Power bring a new 3 phase electricity supply underground to the pub, along with a new supply to the Coach House and power for a new pub signpost, to make it ready for main works. There will also be a tidy up of the car park as well as groundworks by Anglian Water.
As these groundworkers require unfettered access to the whole car park at all times for the next 4-6 weeks, public use of the Swan forecourt unfortunately needs to stop, from the end of this week, Friday 9/10/20. Should anyone continue to park, this will seriously hamper the project and negatively impact on costs, both of which are to be avoided.
The above is a message from Justin Nevison-Grainger which I hope all villagers take heed of.
8th October 2020
A Swan Update from Justin Nevison-Grainger
A quick update for you and villagers generally; there is and will be more activity as:
- Builders are engaged to quote for the improvements and restoration,
- Specialist local joiners finalise measurements for the replacement windows to the pub (other than the 2 to be repaired as per Heritage),
- Ground workers and UK Power work to bring a new, safe, 3 phase supply underground into The Swan, for the new commercial kitchen requirements,
- Builders undertake some preliminary works to investigate certain structures to work with Heritage in agreeing some final details, such as location of French window to the rear.
Once builders have been appointed, there will no doubt be lead times in joinery and start dates. Whilst I share any village frustrations, and desire to just get on with the restoration, you will understand that I have to reach agreement with planning and Heritage before this can happen. Overlay that with most builders being flat out with post CV19 lockdown demand, supply issues with building materials as a consequence of the pandemic, and investment funds being impacted dramatically by CV19, it’s not that simple. Also, this is one of the hardest hit sectors for which much increased uncertainty, and increased risk, lies ahead.
10th Aug 20
Our New Go-Start Bus Service 112
With thanks to Robert Wheeler, here is the enhanced and updated timetable for the 112 bus service:
Major Neighbourhood Plan Event
In 2019 a Steering Committee was formed by the Parish Council with a remit of preparing a Neighbourhood Plan for the Village. The Government encourages parish councils to produce their own Neighbourhood Plans enabling local people to have a say in how the neighbourhood grows and develops.
Pre-Submission Consultation on Draft Neighbourhood Plan
The Parish Council have now reached the Draft Plan “Pre-Submission Consultation” stage, which has to run for a minimum 6 weeks, runs from on or before Friday 5 June to Friday 24 July (inclusive). Full details are included within the NP section of this village website, and may be accessed HERE.
June 2020
Swan Update from Justin Grainger
As you will be aware, the planning permission was very specific with detailed pre-conditions, further discussion and agreement with planning/Heritage before significant work may start. Therefore, proposals for these detailed Phase 1 conditions incl. detailed dimensions, drawings down to specific windows etc etc went into planning late last week/today. I am unable to start the window replacement and/or repair or major internal works in earnest until these are agreed. Once planning and Heritage have made counter proposals and we are all agreed, I can seek tenders for the refurb’ / alterations. I cant even replace the rotten windows, with craftsmen built replicas, until I have this agreement. I cannot start on the major render repairs properly until the windows are agreed/repaired/replaced.
In the meantime, you will see that I have made substantial investment on those areas where I have gained specific agreement, such as a brand new roof with handmade tiles. Also, external garden works (in agreement with my neighbours both sides) begin this week so that there should be further enhancement to appearance and less delay once building starts.
20th January 2020
Save our Bus Service
CAN YOU HELP SAVE OUR BUS SERVICE?
Please download the newsletter to see the bus timetable and ideas as to how you personally can help - click HERE.
Swan Update from Justin Grainger
Now that planning has been granted recently, you will have seen that Castle has undertaken a fabulous job with the main roof, fascia's, soffits and gutters. The next stage is to repair the rear, render to make it watertight for the winter. My architect has to submit more details to satisfy planning conditions for the main works, and we are engaged with Heritage about window repairs and replacements, and the new front porch door. Castle will also be repairing the present extension roofs shortly, and re-roofing the porch/adding a rain drip strip to the render. This work should allow us to get the external building largely painted and looking nice ahead of the internal works.
I will also be talking to a fencer and garden clearance people to fence in the new land and tidy up the site for the winter, pending the serious building works getting underway. Once we have the go-ahead from planning and Heritage, we will put the detailed renovation and improvement works out to tender with some local builders. Once we have a builder engaged and a timescale for completion, we will advertise the pub for long term lease and engage those parties who have already expressed an interest.
Proposed development behind Enniskillen Lodge
Developers have now submitted outline plans to erect six dwellings to the rear garden of this property, comprising four detached properties and two single storey semi detached affordable homes.
The plans and supporting documentation may be accessed from here, by entering the planning reference: DC/19/03986.
Comments may be made to the planning authority (Babergh Mid Suffolk), in addition to anything you might wish to say to the Parish Council when this planning application is on their agenda.
To see the indicative street scene, click Here
To view the planning statement, click Here
The Parish Room Redecoration
This has now been completed and the only item outstanding is the replacement of one of the new dimmable LED lights which sadly never worked - apparently this can happen with LED battens, and is something to do with the more complex starting circuitry apparently. The room is now looking really clean and modern, and is a pleasure to be in.
Village Tea Party
Another great success as around 50 people came along to this yesterday, so many thanks to trustees, everyone who contributed some really great food and of course to those who attended - it was a really lovely social event.
24th June 2019
Withdrawal of 112 Bus Service
Presumably everyone has seen the latest in the paper on this - the 112 service is one of 23 threatened with withdrawal, which does seem likely to come about. Barbara Campbell is coordinating efforts to seek alternatives, whilst it is also possible for bus pass holders (the majority of 112 users from LW) to swap the pass for £100 of taxi vouchers per annum, which might be worth thinking about.
PETITION AGAINST WITHDRAWAL OF THE 112 BUS SERVICE
Did you know that the 112 bus service run by Suffolk Norse, which goes to Sudbury on Tuesdays and Thursdays, is being cut?
I didn't, but sadly it is and its final day of service is Thursday 27th June - just seven weeks away!
There are many people in Little Waldingfield and surrounding villages who find this service invaluable and need it to continue, so a petition has been set up in the LW phone box to demonstrate to Suffolk Norse just how important this service is to the daily lives of local people.
There are a number of principles at stake here, of public provision and of climate change - one busload is one exhaust pipe and not the several caused by many cars. In view of this, we should all support those who cannot drive, are less abled, elderly, or young but do not have a driving licence, or simply do not wish to drive. Lastly, saving money by not providing a bus service simply offloads the cost on to ordinary people, including the most vulnerable and most deprived, which is really just not on.
Firstly, please add your name to the petition, and please do so as soon as possible.
Secondly, County Councillor Colin Spence has indicated that he is happy to receive villager comments which Councillor Barbara Campbell (chair of LWPC) is prepared to coordinate; with this in mind, she is happy to receive letters / other written communications via her letter box (see address below) or emails to: b.campbell.lwpc@outlook.com
Appleton House, Church Road, LW CO10 0SN
Many thanks
9th May 2019
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN UPDATE
Following the very successful NP consultation workshop, the display boards and response sheet are now available, please click Here to access them.
Security of Homes and Property - LATEST UPDATE
Sadly we have been made aware of an attempted break in to outbuildings in the village last night, so please take a moment to check your security to hopefully prevent any further break-ins.
If you have or think you might have been targetted, in addition to contacting the police, please advise Councillor Barbara Campbell, who if appropriate, will coordinate a village wide response.
To do this please email to b.campbell.lwpc@outlook.com
11TH MAY 2019
You may have noticed that a concrete block has been placed at the entrance to the playing field. This is to allow pedestrian access only. Now that the weather is improving and hopefully getting warmer over the coming days, it is important to be vigilant and make sure that we all take care to keep our property safe and secure.
- Ensure that when going out all windows and doors are closed and securely locked;
- Cars are locked at all times and if possible kept on the drive or in a locked garage;
- Garages and sheds are kept securely locked;
- Be wary if a stranger knocks on your door asking to use the telephone, for a drink or attempts to distract you in any way.
If you see anything suspicious or if something makes you feel uncomfortable, telephone the police for advice
KEEP FIT FOR ALL ABILITIES NOW RUNNING WEEKLY
At 18.30 most Tuesdays in the Parish Room, Church Road - check events calendar - lasting one hour and costing just £5.00.
Everyone is welcome, no one is too old or too young; meet new friends and get fit in the process - brilliant.
For further information, please contact Nic Carter on 07886 124698 or email nic@niccarterpt.co.uk
Village Post Box Replaced
Sadly in the eyes of many, myself included, our lovely old brick postbox has been replaced with a red box on a metal stand - no doubt cheaper but not as good looking, particularly in a conservation area such as Little Waldingfield.
Village Litter Pick
The village is, for now at least, free from this modern day blight, created solely by passing drivers too lazy to take their rubbish home with them. The volume of empty cans and bottles was unbelievable, along with remnants from take away food and drinks containers, along with the ubiquitous crisp and chocolate wrappers etc, which of course can be so harmful to wildlife. Hopefully the tidy aspect will, at least for a while, deter other lazy drivers from chucking stuff out of the windows whilst driving through, though we all know that sadly it will recur once again, until such time that everyone becomes a bit more considerate to others - here's to less rubbish next year and a great big thank you to all of our volunteers.
Andy Sheppard 24th March 2018
The Swan Little Waldingfield – Update for the Parish Council, Villagers and SOS
The Swan closed because it failed for the second time in relatively recent history. I bought The Swan, with no borrowing, on the open market from the receivers for Santander last summer, who had been running it temporarily on a shoe-string budget and temporary manager. The pub was available for sale to any villager, the general public and advertised extensively by respected pub specialists, Christies. Initially, I sought new tenants straight away, and indeed did have two couples very keen on the pub; however, their ideas for the pubs offering would have not been in keeping with the village, or appealing to reasonable expectations, or indeed competitive locally. In view of the previous financial failures and run-down state, there is no point in re-opening as it is, and strong tenants would not be forthcoming. I have further invested in tidying up and securing the property as best possible pending the renovations, in addition to substantial planning and historical research costs.
Therefore, I am going through the complex planning, heritage report and listed buildings process to ensure it has a good chance of gaining the right permissions, and may be renovated and improved to give it a strong chance of viability with new tenants in situ, who will be sought once we get close to renovation completion date. I can’t really give you a reliable timescale for reopening as the planning process is complex and slow, and I want the pub to have the best possible amenities. I can say that once I have some realistic drawings ready for planning, these will be shared with the villagers at an open event at the pub or Nethergate brewery tap – I do hope that will be during the Spring and that villagers will be both excited and their support continue. It is clearly not in my interest to have my investment standing empty for longer than necessary.
However, if you are looking for somewhere relaxing for a drink in the meantime, I can recommend the new Nethergate brewery tap in Long Melford where I am a director and co-owner; which gives me some insight into the pub market, in which my fellow directors/owners and I have interests in 15+ pubs and restaurants. In the meantime, I do understand and very much appreciate villagers enthusiasm to have The Swan re-opened, and must balance that with re-opening something attractive to the best possible tenants, in good order, viable and worthy of the village for the long term.
Justin Nevison-Grainger ACIB BSc(Hons)
13th March 2018