Simple Simon

Winter 2015 Edition
 
 
Roundabout Winter15.pdf

The Graham Edward Memorial Season is now into its final week. They have lots of equipment in the pavilion. They also had a match on the evening of the same day (kick off at 6.30pm).
 
Although I was aware that the National Play Day happens around now I know the council didn't receive a booking form prior to the event. The first I knew of it was seeing a banner on the fence on Monday morning (although I had received an email on the Sunday asking if the building was available).
 
In addition, following recent matches and the GE guys doing sterling work clearing up litter after all matches, all the litter bins are full. Although there was a collection on Monday morning, the collector (Ringway) refused to empty the pavilion bins. As it's a brown bin collection week, the pavilion bin will remain full until next weeks' collection.
 
I hope that sheds clearer light on the situation.

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One for you Simple Simon??

...I've heard that there may be someone supplying not just cold refreshments but hot drinks, cakes and puddings!

And to kick off:
 
Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mocking Bird" that I recently borrowed from Gobowen Library.
 
I've been a fan of the tall American actor Gregory Peck having seen his later work in films such as "The Sea Wolves", "The Omen", "The Boys from Brazil" and "The Scarlet and the Black". In the 1960's, not long after the novel was first published, Peck starred as Atticus Finch in the film adaptation, but I still haven't had the chance to see it.
 
The book is set in the Deep South of the 1930s and is told from the point of view of a young girl, Scout Finch and her changing relationship with older brother Jem and best friend Dill. Their father is a lawyer defending a black man accused of raping a white girl and how this situation has an effect on the family. 
 
At 309 pages, the actual trial of the accused man doesn't really become central until at least two thirds into the book, and even then it's just a chapter or so long - so this is by no means a court room drama. It's more about how children become aware of what is going on around them.
 
Well worth a read.

I can tell you that this year the pavilion in Gobowen was used for 2 children's parties because it was large enough, heated, has a car park, a kitchen and some toilets.
 
One of the parents expressed in interested in using the building for a late night booking (10om to 2pm) for an event involving alcohol, but the council wouldn't allow it because they don't have a licence.
 
The institute is a much larger building with more facilities. Would a late night party disturb in the main hall local residents? Is there anywhere else in WR that could hold this type of event?

I attended the consultation last night. This is what it was all about:
 
Oswestry Town had applied for support from the Mary Portas review of town centres but was unsuccessful, however, they have managed to get £10,000 to improve the town centre. The idea was to put in place a "Town Team" to identify "what suits Oswestry".
 
The scheme was a joint economic venture between Shropshire Council (they were in suits), Oswestry Town Council and Oswestry Chamber of Commerce. However, funding streams are more available to community bodies rather than local authorities, so part of the consultation concentrated on how to get different groups talking to each other, forming connections and generating ideas.
 
I might have mentioned Community Online as an example of a forum linking up three villages that share ideas and get individuals and groups talking to each other, and it was taken on board as an option. Someone did mention that "not everyone is online" and another said any new forum should be part of the Oswestry Town Council website (did I mention there were a lot of town councillors present?).
 
"Project North" was presented by Stewart Thomas, Planning Manager of Shropshire Council. He mention trying to get groups communicating with each other, talking to the owners of unused shops but not trying to impose development.
 
Kate Garner of Shropshire Council set a number of quetions for attendees to answer that would give them some pointers as to how the £10,000 should be spent:
 
How can we improve communication (between individuals and groups - should it be virtual or hardcopy?) and be inclusive? How do we promote and develop the town as a whole place (what is its USP)? What do we need as far as street scape (pedestrian/car/cycle) is concerned? How will it be managed? I heard someone mention that street furniture should be cleaned or removed. I must say I couldn't help mentioning the traffic free route a couple of times. The results of the Oswestry2020 consultation won't be made available until April. It was a good opportunity to do some networking, but I do feel that £10,000 isn't going to make a big difference to the town, and I do get frustrated with people who talk down the internet as a tool for consultation (and even actual physical change)...sheesh!
 
The new Centre in Oak Street (replacing the old North West Centre) is very impressive, but there is a design fault: The building is one of these fashionable glass structures letting in plenty of natural light from street level windows, and during some presentations some kids outside thought it would be fun to tap on the windows constantly.
 
Notes to architect: FUNCTION FIRST, design second.

I've just put a poster up on the Co-op notice board giving details of a scheme to give young people (25 and under) loans to start their own business ventures. The company also featured on the BBC's Breakfast News programme this morning.

For more info, follow the link below:

www.youngbritain.com/

Over the past few years the skateboard ramps have been put up on the pavilion car park for one day sessions during some school holidays. It takes time and a number of people to fit the ramps together and take them apart after the session. The space available on the car park is a bit restricted and the ramps aren't safe to use if they get wet.

One solution is to have a permanent BMX/skateboard circular track on the Gobowen playing field, perhaps making use of the mounds of soil by the sports courts and down at the far end of the field. The track would need a proper surface allowing for a smooth rides and trick moves.

The track could be as big, or bigger than the one at Ellesmere. There is plenty of space down at the bottom end of the field providing it is not situated too close to the river.

Does anyone think this is a good idea?

Community Online are proud to annouce that it has won the Media Trust Inspiring Voices Award.

Quote from Media Trust’s marketing director, Gavin Sheppard: “We know that there is a wealth of great media work already going on in the community, but we were especially impressed by Community Online. This project provides a valuable communication channel for those living in the villages and is a true example of community reporting in action

These awards recognise the achievements of projects like Community Online that have used media to promote a positive change in their local community. Whether it’s creating an online forum to connect local people or making a film to promote awareness of an issue, anyone can use the media for the good of their local community. I hope that the success of Community Online will inspire others in Shropshire to share their story and connect with the local community”


To read the full press release download the attached PDF
Media Trust Press Release.pdf

Hey! I'm Simple!

I live in Gobowen. I enjoy meeting people, walks in the country and World Peace.

I've been making my way through the boxed set of "The Lord of the Rings" that I've borrowed from a friend of my sister. High points: Christopher Lee, Ian McKellen, Gollum, some of the scenery. Low points: The rest of it. I never want to watch it again. I will strangle the next person I see with big hairy feet!

With Taurus rising in your sign and a new moon on Thursday, this is an excellent time to take up a new interest or hobbie!

Did you know...many years ago a kind old man called Walter Disley used to live on St. Martins Road in Gobowen. He worked in the Officer's Mess at Park Hall Camp where the men nicknamed him "Uncle Walter" after Walt Disney.

His son, John Disley, a former Olympian, is the co-founder of the London Marathon.

Wat's Meadow was partly built a couple of years ago. It was planned to be a new housing estate on the outskirts of Gobowen. A new roundabout just outside the village was created to allow access for residents as the estate would be sandwiched between the Wrexham Road and the railway line.

However, the recession hit and the estate was never completed, but a number of houses were finished. I'm not sure if any of them are occupied.

I've learnt that there are also plans to develop the old coal yard situated behind the railway station with afordable houses, but the market is so depressed and there doesn't seem to be any sign of an upturn in the foreseeable future.

Shouldn't we concentrate on bringing old or unused properties back into use first?

Winners of a personalised Community Online Mug are.......

Smithy
rachyowen
Maggie
Matt H
Liam Hope
Vuyo Madikezela
Simple Simon
Neo
cazzie1dav
Justin (Teddy) Cliffe
RobGreene
Shooting Folk
Zoe B


Well done!

I've seen some plans for the proposed new Zebra crossing in Gobowen that will cross the road between the Post Office and the Co-op.

Although I recognise that there is a strong need for a crossing, I would advise caution. Situating a pedestrian crossing so close to the level crossing could cause a nasty accident, especially if longer vehicles are backed up onto the railway line waiting for people to cross.

I would advise decision makers to approach RailTrack, the Highways Agency and the Derwen College.