Cycling London to Paris in 4 days

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2014 London to Paris cycle ride Chaingang outside Chateau de Chantilly

2014 London to Paris cycle ride
Chaingang outside Chateau de Chantilly

In four days at the end of July, 26 members of Barnt Green Chaingang Cycle Club rode in excess of 300 miles from London to Paris. It was a first for most of the group and for some the challenge was greater having only taken up cycling in the last 12 months. The trip included some challenging hills in Kent and a 100 mile second day stage in France when temperatures reached 100 degrees.

Cyclist, and co-organiser, Jo Hodges commented: It was tough but it was also fun. We all supported each other and there was an overwhelming sense of achievement as a very weary group rode down the Champs Elysée.

Participants were also able to see something of the 2014 Tour de France as it ended in Paris the day after their arrival.

This was very appropriate as many of the group had travelled to Harrogate to see Le Grand Départ. Supported by local shops and businesses, thousands of pounds have been raised for charity and fond memories made that will last a lifetime.

 

2014 bonfire and fireworks

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This year’s annual bonfire and fireworks will take place on Saturday 8th November in the field opposite the Barnt Green Inn. The event includes BBQ, licensed bar and other family orientated events. Tickets are available on the gate.

Barnt Green mobile library service at risk

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Worcestershire County Council, in a review of their mobile library service, have given notice that the 3-weekly library van visit to Barnt Green is officially at risk. However, before any final decision is made, residents are invited to submit their comments. This can be done by:
• completing the online questionnaire (new window); or,
• completing a hard copy of the questionnaire.
Copies of the questionnaire are available from the mobile library, any Worcestershire library or from the parish council office at 80 Hewell Road, Barnt Green. The consultation period ends on 31 October 2014.

Cllr Lucy Hodgson, County Council Cabinet Member for Localism and Communities, said: “In order to continue to meet the financial challenges we need to look at changes to the mobile library service. Before any decisions are made it is important that we hear what our customers have to say. Though this consultation everyone has the opportunity to tell us what they think and we will be able to ensure that all customers can continue to access library services and receive a service that is appropriate to them.”

During the mobile library consultation period all customers currently using the Library Service At Home will also be contacted directly by staff to discuss future planned changes to their service too.

For further information please contact Nicki Hitchcock, Outreach and Mobile Services Manager for Libraries and Learning Services or a member of the Libraries and Learning Team on 01905 822722, email

Fiery Hill Road: Development update #1

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At a meeting with Parish Councillors John Jagger, Charles Hotham and Susan Whitehand, representatives from Banner Homes (Now Cala Homes) indicated that, although a material start will be made on site prior to Christmas 2014, building work will not start in earnest until early in the new year. At present, the aim is to have a show home available by June 2015 and to have sold the last unit by December 2017.
Current thinking is that Cala will sell homes as they are built rather than off-plan.
The Parish Council will meet representatives from Cala Homes again in late September after which a further update will follow.

Rail improvement works timetable announced

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This summer, Network Rail will be carrying out major engineering work project on the Cross City Line between Redditch and Barnt Green. This involves the installation of a 3 kilometre length of track alongside the existing single track through Alvechurch.

This new section of double track will improve reliability and crucially, from the start of the December Timetable, the train service frequency will be increased from 2-trains to 3-trains per hour. A further benefit of the scheme is that Alvechurch station will be transformed, with an additional platform, a new footbridge and lifts – providing step-free access for all.

This is an extensive project, which means the rail network will need to close between Redditch and Barnt Green while works are carried out. Replacement coach services will operate during the closure period from Redditch to Alvechurch connecting passengers with the train service at Barnt Green and Longbridge.

The closure will be on four Sundays in June and for eight weeks between July and August as follows:

Sunday 8 June 2014
Sunday 15 June 2014
Sunday 22 June 2014
Sundat 29 June 2014; and
Sunday 6 July to Sunday 31 August 2014 (8 weeks)

Network Rail advise they will undertake a comprehensive programme of communications to keep passengers informed of the alternative travel arrangements.

Poppies promise colourful commemoration

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flower_poppy The Parish Council’s offer of free poppies to commemorate the outbreak of WW1 has been well received within the village. In order to ensure that the poppies were accessible to residents, the Parish Council enlisted the support of Cafe Morso and The Tea Shop. Both outlets report that customers were delighted to be able to take advantage of the offer. The 50 packets of seeds are nearly all gone so hurry if you want one …

Welcome to new councillors

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The Parish Council is delighted to welcome two new councillors. Rosemary Briggs (66 Sandhills Lane) and Robert Cholmondeley (20 Bittell Road) were co-opted onto Barnt Green Parish Council at the full council meeting on 31 March 2014.

First World War Centenary Competition

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WWI Centenary imageThe Parish Council has been considering how Barnt Green can come together, as a community, to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. The war affected not only those who fought but also those who were left behind. Its impact was profound and touched all areas of life. We hope that our Centenary Competition will inspire you to write, draw, paint, compose music, arrange flowers or cook. Your entries should simply seek to evoke the spirit of the age. Near the date of the centenary, the Council will seek to display the entries (well, at least the non-perishable ones!) so that the whole community can commemorate the event appropriately.

The Centenary Competition
Entries must have a First World War theme and entrants must either live or work within the Parish or attend a school, church, society or club located in Barnt Green.

More than one piece of work may be submitted for consideration.
Family or group (two or more people) entries are permitted.

Entries will be judged within the following three age groups:
(a) up to 11 years;
(b) from 12 to 16 years;
(c) over 17 years.

The closing date for entries is 12.00 noon on 25 June 2014.
Because of the perishable nature of floral and food submissions, entries will be judged that afternoon.
The Parish Council will award one £25 gift voucher and two £20 gift vouchers for the best entries in each category.

Please follow the this link to download  the competition entry form and rules. Both forms are available in hard copy on request from the Parish Council office.

Sign up NOW for the Barnt Green Sport Relief mile

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On Sunday 23 March 2014 take part in the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile hosted by the Barnt Green Chuggers and Barnt Green Parish Council. Sign up now!

Dust off those trainers and walk, jog or run (or hop, skip, jump …) around the 1 mile village-based route or be more adventurous and try either the 3 mile or 6 mile off-road route taking you past the Bittell Reservoirs!

Don’t miss out. Follow this link and snap up your place on the Barnt Green Mile now!

Half price entry fees available for a limited period only.

Local bus services ‘at risk’

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In a bid to save £30 million pounds per year, Worcestershire County Council is actively considering ending the subsidies that support the provision of many local bus services. Among the services at risk are all the buses (145, 182 and 183) serving the residents of Barnt Green. Make your voice heard before 17 January.

The County Council estimates that it pays a subsidy of £1.66 for each of the near 41,000 passengers using the 145 service each year. The equivalent subsidy for users of the 182 and 183 service is estimated to be £1.06.

As part of its Transport Review, the County Council have launched an online consultation on the withdrawal of these subsidised bus services.  The consultation period closes on Friday 17 January.

Although the Parish Council is responding to the consultation it is important that as many local residents as possible make their voices heard. It is unthinkable that local residents who depend on these services should see them withdrawn.