Rocester news update

B5030 Junction Improvements

Public Consultation Meeting

A Public Consultation will take place on Wednesday, 8th May 2013 between 15:30 hrs and 19:00 hrs to exhibit and discuss the plans for the two roundabouts that are proposed for the junction of Churnet Row and the B5030. All members of the public are very welcome to attend.

Rocester News

Rocester Village News

Parish Council
In December Councillors, along with other representatives from community groups, will be attending a presentation by the East Staffs Borough Council on the latest criteria needed for community projects to qualify for help by the Neighbourhood Working team. Last year Rocester Allotments Association benefitted from this scheme.
There is no Parish Council meeting in January; however the Councillors do meet to set the Precept (Budget), for 2012 – 2013.

Best Kept Village
January is also the month when papers for the Best Kept Village are sent out by the Staffordshire Community Council. If you would like to contribute in any small way towards our entry, then please get in touch with either myself or the Parish Clerk. Again the main purpose of this competition is to show how members of the community work to maintain and improve our village environment.

History Group
The November meeting was an appropriate time to start researching the backgrounds to the names from the First World War. A lot of information is available on the internet – even for some, their height and chest measurement. However personal family stories and photos are of more informative, so please let myself or Roy know if you have anything of interest.
Throughout the coming year the group will be looking at local surnames and their origins.
The December meeting will be a social evening.

Breakaways
Wendy Darker, a well know local artist gave the group not only a demonstration of her considerable painting skill, but also recounted many interesting tales associated with her work with animal portraits. The December meeting is the Christmas meal, and in January there will be the usual enjoyable quiz night, but the venue has yet to be confirmed

Village Hall
The Barn Dance in Novembers was a resounding success for both participants and onlookers The Quiz Night on Friday Nov 30th and the Christmas Party on Saturday Dec 8th are the next two events planned by the Village Hall Committee, but the hall has also been booked for other events so check local publicity for these.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Kate Yorke

Rocester News

Rocester Village news

As often happens with Rocester Village News events take place just after the copy date, and this month it is been written even earlier due to holidays.

Parish Council
At the September meeting we met Sara Botham who is the new ESBC Neighbourhood co-ordinator for the Rural districts. It was this group that supported the setting up of the Allotment Society. ESBC are now putting together their next programme and are collecting ideas for new Community led projects, so if you have any ideas please get in touch with any of the Councillors or the Parish Clerk.
Better still why not come along to the next Parish Council meeting and put your ideas forward.
John Gregory was thanked for his time as a Parish Councillor, but at the time of writing, we have not found a replacement.

History Group
In September we were once again looking at local footage of Rocester from the 1960’s and comparing it with the same image today. There certainly has been a lot of changes in the centre
The October Meeting will continue with revisiting the local country houses, by looking at Abbotsholme and Clowneholme.

Breakaways
The September meeting was a sharing of craft ideas and techniques which proved most informative. The Church is also starting a craft group on a Monday afternoon initially to make crafts for the Christmas market. All level of skills welcome.
Paul Fox, a local poet, will be the speaker at the October meeting of the Breakaways.

Rocester and District Camera Club
The first meeting was a huge success and well attended with John Nash encouraging everyone to be more adventurous and not just use their automatic settings. The next meeting will be on Tuesday October 2nd at the Red Lion.

Kate Yorke

Local teacher gains national recognition.

Local teacher gains national recognition from
O2 Learn for video gem.

Local teacher gains national recognition from
O2 Learn for video gem.

Jon Tyler, Head of History at Denstone College, has become the latest winner of an O2 Learn Best Lesson Award and will receive £2000 for him and his school department for his video Murder Mystery in Victorian England: https://www.o2learn.co.uk/o2_video.php?vid=1655

O2 Learn is a free, moderated video sharing website that invites teachers to upload videos of their best lessons. It celebrates the UK’s teaching and is part of O2’s wider Think Big initiative.

Jon’s winning video invites students to solve the actual murder of Lieutenant Bennett, who died in the service of Queen Victoria in 1838. The film provides information about the crime and students use this to select from three potential suspects and identify the murderer.

Jon explained how the video helps students: “A grisly Victorian murder really helps to engage students in history and structuring it as a CSI style crime scene makes it entertaining and fun. Students get drawn into solving the crime and forget that they’re actually learning at the same time.”

Jon taught himself how to make videos and is an enthusiast. He added: “Making video based resources is quite straightforward once you get the hang of it.
You don’t even need a video camera you can create a film just using images and text. More teachers should give it a go!”

Jon has tried out the video on his headmaster who managed to solve the crime and also his students including Tom Phillips, 14, who gave his views on the video: “I think it was really good because I was just trying to work out who the killer was at first, but after it had finished I found I had learnt lots without even trying’.

O2 Learn aims to create Britain’s biggest classroom by helping to connect all secondary students with great teaching. Teachers from across the country upload short videos of their best lesson and students can then watch and rate the lessons that are useful to them.

Each week the three videos that have been rated highest by students are shortlisted. A panel of experts review the shortlist and select a winner to receive the O2 Learn Best Lesson Award.

Gav Thompson, Head of O2 Brand Innovation and creator of O2 Learn said: “Jon’s video is a testament to the high quality, creative and innovative teaching that takes place in classrooms daily. O2 Learn helps to connect as many secondary students as possible to great teaching like this. Teenagers are growing up in a digital world so there’s real value in teachers engaging with them online in a way that is relevant and fun.”

Jon and Denstone College now have the chance to win one of the Annual O2 Learn Best Lesson awards with £80,000 of prize money up for grabs. The winner of these awards will be announced at a gala dinner at the end of December 2012.

As a thank you for uploading a lesson O2 Learn gives each teacher a mobile broadband pack. They also have a chance to win £2000 for themselves and their school department every week.

Bamfords Rally

Bamfords Rally Details

BAMFORDS of UTTOXETER
Bamfords Vintage Rally
By Kind permission of Ken Halden
At Nabb Lane,ROCESTER
ST14 5JB
Saturday&Sunday the 1 st / 2 st SEPTEMBER 2012
10 am-until-4pm
Food and refreshment on site
Admission : £3.00 Children FREE
CONTACT

phillip on 01889 591248

ROCESTER VILLAGE NEWS

THIS ITEM IS AN UPDATE OF NEWS AND EVENTS IN ROCESTER.

Jubilee celebrations around the village may not have been on the scale of the
Coronation celebrations in the village sixty years ago,(of course there were very few TV’s then), but never the less those that participated had a good time.

Village Hall
The Supper Quiz was a great success with a good selection of questions to suit all participants, and left everyone asking when the next one would be.
The decorations of the hall and gardens made a very positive contribution to the village’s Jubilee celebrations, and the attendance at the Jubilee Family Bingo on the bank holiday Monday exceeded expectations. The evening finished off with the lighting of the Parish beacon, which even more people came to see, and a rousing chorus of the National Anthem.

Jubilee Mugs
The Parish Council having presented commemorative mugs to the 13 years old and younger residents through the schools, still have some mugs for sale at £5 which are available from the Parish clerk, the Spar shop or the Village Hall.

History Group
The History group put together a small display of Rocester in the Fifties which was on display at the Village Hall, which prompted a good deal of interest and recollections, and we continued this theme at the June meeting. All those who said they had photo’s which might be of interest to us please don’t forget to let us see them.
It also made the group realise that now is the time to start putting together a collections for the future, so at the next meeting on July 10th we shall consider how best to do this. We shall also tie up some other loose ends from previous topics, and plan future topics.

The Breakaways
The group celebrated the Jubilee with a Royal Family themed Quiz and a sharing of Commemorative memento’s. The next meeting will be a social.
.

Rocester Village News - May 2012

This Rocester village news will be appearing in the next Parish Magazine and provides updates on Allotments, History Group, Village Hall, Jubilee, Housing and these web pages

Allotments

After a delayed start to the growing season, not helped by the weather, the allotments were a hive of activity last Sunday with everyone busy preparing their plots.

History Group

Looking at the early Fifties prompted many recollections at the last meeting. We were reminded not only of local events but also what was happening both internationally, and nationally as well as the cultural trends of the time.
In Rocester it was a time of Carnivals, Shows and Rose Queens, so we have lots of phots of people in costumes but very little of anyone in ordinary clothes. Can you help?
The next meeting on Tuesday 12th June 7.30 will look at the second half of the Fifties.

Village Hall

The Village Hall’s AGM not only dealt very efficiently with the business side of the meeting, with excellent reports from the officers, but was also an enjoyable social event. The interval for refreshments was the opportunity to view a range of displays showing recent events and to view the improvements in the hall especially the newly refurbished kitchen. The committee were deservedly congratulated on all their achievements, but it was recognised that there was still more work to be done. Any offers of occasional help would be most welcomed.
The next two events are a Supper Quiz on Friday 25th May and a Tabletop Sale on Sunday 27th May.

Jubilee

On Monday June 4th there will be Jubilee themed Family Bingo at the Village Hall followed by the lighting of a beacon on the playing fields. Keep a lookout for posters with more details.
The Parish Council are presenting Jubilee Mugs to the younger Rocester school children, but also have some to sell to Rocester residents. Again details of purchasing opportunities will be displayed around the village and on the Village Website.

Housing

Awaiting notification from ESBC as to when the Housing application for Churnet Farm is to come to the Planning Committee.

Rocester.net

The Parish Clerk has now taken over as editor and will be bringing the site up- to-date.

Kate Yorke

Welcome to our new Web Editor

Any interesting news?

Remember, it,s your web site Rocester, so why not use it to share information. Contact the editor by clicking at the bottom of the home page.

Queens Diamond Jubilee

Limited Availability of Diamond Jubilee Mugs

The mugs are available at £5 each from the Parish Clerk or any of the Rocester Parish Councillor's. The mugs feature the official Blue Peter Diamond Jubilee logo and on the reverse side there is a Roman helmet and the parish councils logo.

Proposed demolition of farmhouse and buildings

To demolish the farmhouse and threshing barn and replace it with buildings set further back would totally change this approach to the village.

1. The buildings that are being proposed to be demolished form an important part of the streetscape, both visually and historically, on one of the main approaches into the centre of the village. The farmhouse and the mill houses opposite at the moment form a visual framework to the wider space beyond created by the Millennium Gardens and the wall of Riversholme.
To demolish the farmhouse and threshing barn and replace it with buildings set further back would totally change this approach to the village. This view is supported by p18 of the University of Leicester Archaeological Service report no 2011-164,
The positioning of the two farm buildings of note, namely the farmhouse and threshing barn, on the High Street frontage, means that they contribute significantly to this streetscape in terms of character, style, date and sheer physical mass. Consequently their loss could be deemed detrimental to the character of the conservation area.
2. The fabric of the Farmhouse has been recently been left to deteriorate to such an extent that restoration will be costly. There has not been an internal survey done on the building to determinate the historical structure of this building yet there is in the University of Leicester Archaeological Service report no 2011-164 p10,speculation that an earlier timber structure might exist,
An inspection of the rear of the building further suggests that the eastern and southern parts of the structure (Figure 13 & Figure 14) post-date an earlier, possibly timber structure.
Our information and knowledge of the whole of the village history supports the theory that a building has stood on this site for a very long period. To have the farmhouse building demolished without an internal survey being done could result in an important part of our village history being lost forever.
3. The need for demolition of these buildings is to enable access to be achieved to develop the site behind. This site has not yet even got outline approval for development therefore we feel that to permit demolition of buildings which are a key aspect of the conservation area, would be totally wrong and undermine the relevance of conservation areas not only within Rocester but also within the whole of East Staffordshire.

ROCESTER VILLAGE NEWS

APPLICATION TO DEMOLISH CHURNET FARMHOUSE. E MAILS DEADLINE IS TODAY!!!!

Housing
At the last Parish Council meeting we had a presentation from ESBC about compiling an emergency planning register for the village, and were informed that in East Staffordshire flooding was considered to be the most likely emergency. Two or three items later on the agenda we had to consider the application to demolish Churnet Farm house and buildings, although even outline planning for the site has not yet been applied for.
It is important that more people from the village respond in writing to these planning applications.

Village Hall
I’m sure most of you are aware by now of how successful and enjoyable was the evening with the Denstone College Swing Band. Well done to the organisers.

Other events also take place in the village and if anyone would like to submit a few comments about them I would be happy to include them in Rocester News.

History Group
Thank you to all the members of the group who attended the presentation on the Rookery last month for their understanding when my upgraded computer wouldn’t talk to the projector. Hopefully next month on Tuesday April 10th this problem will be resolved when we look at Doveleys.

The Breakaways
There was a good turnout for a very enjoyable social evening in March held at the Red Lion. The April meeting, a quiz, has brought forward to Monday April 2nd due to Easter, and will be held back again in the Church.

BKV
Again a reminder for Children’s posters supporting the Best Kept Village completion, which will be displayed around the village. The judging period is between the May 1st and July 22nd. Judges visit the village once in May and again in June with the best large and small village in each district going forward to the county finals which are judged in July. There is a completion for the best posters (5-7 and 8-11 age groups) and also a competition for the 11-16 age group to submit a poem, painting or essay on the theme of Remembrance.

DEMOLITION OF FARMHOUSE AND ASSOCIATED FARM BUILDINGS

CHURNET FARM
HIGH STREET
ROCESTER

AN APPLICATION HAS BEEN RECEIVED FOR THE ABOVE PROPOSAL. DETAILS AVAILABLE AT www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk

PLEASE FORWARD COMMENTS BY EMAILOR IN WRITING BY 20TH MARCHOR RING THE PLANNING OFFICER ON 01283 508695
EMAIL JOHNATHAN.IMBER@EASTSTAFFSBC.GOV.UK

Village News

History Group

The December and January meetings have continued to revisit Rocester country houses, looking at Barrow hill, Banks Farm (or, as it has been known locally since 1680, Mince Pie Hall because of its crenulations) and Woodseat. The census returns from 1851 - 1911 have been researched to try and access the size of the household in these establishments. These returns have also shown that people from a wide geographical area were coming to live and work in Rocester during the later part of the 19th century . The Rookery (now demolished) and the Hartley family will be the subject of the next meeting.
The date of the next meeting is still to be confirmed due to half term holiday plans.

Housing.

If you didn’t managed to get to the presentation on the proposed development of Churnet House Farm, it is still possible to view the proposals at

http://www.pegasuspg.co.uk/rocester/

This development is at yet only a proposal although there is every indication that an outline planning application will be applied for and you will then be able to send your comments direct to the ESBC planners.


Finally, the Village Hall Committee should be congratulated on the excellent Christmas Party they organised, with the sponsorship of Trent and Dove, after the switching on of the Christmas Lights.





Kate Yorke

Rocester Village News

Congratulations

Congratulations to all who helped to make the Flower Festival weekend such a tremendous success.
The much needed up-grading of the Village Hall will be a longer project but the new committee have already made some positive steps in a short time and have shown what can be achieved by all working together.

Housing
The local press recently have been reporting on the proposals regarding housing development that East Staffs Borough council are presently consulting on. Rocester Parish councillors are part of an Alliance formed from members of other Strategic Village Parish Councils who are also concerned about the proposed level of housing development in East Staffordshire especially on Greenfield sites.
To give residents the opportunity to see and comment on these proposals the Parish council has arranged a
Public meeting on Wednesday 7th September 7.30pm at the Village Hall. There will be a display of the options and a representative from the planning department will be there to answer questions, as well as our Borough and County councillors.

The Children's Centre
After much delays Rocester Children's Centre will operating from this month. First Steps Pre School Group will be using it for three days and they will use the village hall on the other two days when the centre will be used by other groups supporting local families.
This building is designed and fitted out to specifically support young children and their families.

History Group
The next meeting is planned for Tuesday September 13th 7.30 at St Michael's when we will be continuing the local wartime theme including the Fauld explosion.

PACT
The next meeting is planned for Wednesday 21st September 7.30 at the Village Hall. At the last meeting representatives of the Fire and Rescue service reminded us of the Free Home Fire Risk Check that they do and also the Electric Blanket checks, both of which I can personally recommend.


Kate Yorke

Churnet Bridge esstential maintenance

Staffordshire County Council is proposing to repair Churnet Bridge carrying the C0010 High Street over the River Churnet in Rocester. The works are planned to commence on the 6th December 2010 and are expected to take approximately 1 week to complete.

Staffordshire County Council will shortly carrying out essential repairs to Churnet Bridge spanning the River Churnet, Rocester. We shall be rebuilding damaged sections of bridge parapet.

How long will the works take?
The work will take 1 week to complete.

Why are the works taking place?
The works are to make good the damaged sections of bridge parapet wall.

When are the works taking place?
The works will start on 6th December 2010, the closure commencing at 08:00 and the road will remain closed until 17:00 10th December
A diversion route for all traffic will be signed as follows:
Clockwise: B5030 Rocester Bypass (Northbound), U-turn on B5030/B5031 Roundabout, B5030 Rocester Bypass (Southbound), C0010 Ashbourne Road, C0010 High Street.
Anti-clockwise: C0010 High Street, C0010 Ashbourne, B5030 Rocester Bypass (Southbound), C0010 High Street.

What effect could the works have on me?
We take care to make sure that work is completed with the minimum of disturbance to the local community but as with any works on the highway, some traffic delay may occur.

Will I be able to access my home/business?
There will be no through access to vehicles over the bridge for the duration of the works but access up to the bridge from both directions will be available by following the signed diversion. The adjacent footbridge will be open for use throughout the duration of the works.

How you can help us
You can help us to get the job done with the minimum of fuss by following this advice:

• Please do not attempt to drive through the closure.
• Please keep children away from the works to ensure their safety.
• Please drive considerately around the diversion.

If you have any questions about the work or, concerns about how the work is being carried out, please do not hesitate to call our Highways Hotline on
0300 111 8020 (calls will be charged at a local rate)
or email us at highways@staffordshire.gov.uk

Rocester Village News - November - December

See all the latest news from the Rocester community

Christmas lights
Look out for the posters advertising the switching on of Rocester Christmas lights on Saturday 4th December at 6.30. As well as Santa there will be a raffle in aid of The First Responders to be drawn on the night.

History Group
The Local History Group met in November to look at the changes to the area the other side of Churnet, the around the present JCB factory. The postal address was known as Rocester part 2 to distinguish it from the main village, or Rocester part 1. We would be very interested to see any photo's you may have from the 1950's and 60's recording the building of the factory and all the landscaping.
The next meeting on December 14th will look at the history of the Canal and Railways. Venue to be confirmed. 590379.

Allotments
At the next meeting on December 6th a representative from ESBC will be attending to inform the Parish Council what is involved in providing allotments.
What is needed initially is not just a suitable piece of land but also a group of people willing to take on the organisation. If you are interested but unable to attend the meeting, then please get it touch with the Parish Clerk 01889 591503.

Trees
The removal of the chestnut avenue on Ashbourne Road is a sad sight, but unfortunately they had succumbed to the disease that has affected, and still is, affecting many horse chestnuts through out the country. Let us hope that they will be replaced.


Kate Yorke

Information Request

Information requested on a former Rocester resident

From: Dr.Christopher Page

Would Mr Roy Burnett be prepared to tell me if he has any information on a Rocester resident, a colonel McCarthy, whose goods were auctioned (but not posthumously) in 1800 (see The Derby Mercury (Derby), Thursday, November 6, 1800; Issue 3581).

Many thanks!

If you can help with this information request please contact the editor or email Dr Christopher Page directly on: chp1000@cam.ac.uk

Rocester Village News - August

See all the latest news from the Rocester community

Village Action Plan
The village Action Plan has finally been printed. Copies will be available on request from the Parish Clerk or to view at the Church, Village Hall, Surgery, Police Post and on the Action plan page of the village website
These Action Plans reflect the views of residents as expressed through the village survey, a youth survey, and the various consultation events. Although the economic climate has significantly changed since they were compiled the aims still remain the same. It may just take a little longer to achieve them than first anticipated.
These are the main headings:-

1. Young People
To develop social facilities and activities for all young people
2. Housing
To ensure that the housing provision in Rocester reflects the needs of the community.
3. Community Safety and Security
To provide a village environment in which people feel safe.
4. Parish environment
To improve the appearance of public areas within the village, and ensure their regular maintenance.
5. Heritage
To protect and promote Rocester's Heritage
6. Community Facilities
To promote Community-led Activities
7. Roads and Traffic Management
To improve road safety generally in and around Rocester Village

The initial response and offers of support from the organisations identified as being able to help us achieve our aims has been very positive. The success of the Action Plan though, ultimately depends on how much Rocester residents are prepared to offer their active support. If you are interested in any of these areas then please contact, the Parish Clerk or any of the Parish Councillors for more details.

Allotments
As part of the Action Plan, the Parish Council has already started investigations into the possibility of providing some community allotments. If you are interested then please contact the Parish Clerk.

History Group
The damp weather in July didn't stop member's enjoyment of a very informative walk around Marston Montgomery led by Ivan Dyche. The September meeting date and venue are still to be confirmed.
Although Rocester has such a fantastic history little of it remains visible so it is very important that we do not lose what we still have just because not enough people are aware of its significance. For those who are interested, Staffordshire archives Gateway to the Past online catalogue offers more historical insight to Rocester.
PACT
The next meeting is Tuesday 14th September 7.30 at the Village Hall

Kate Yorke

Rocester Village News - October - November

See all the latest news from the Rocester community

Rocester has traditionally relied on 'word of mouth' for communications within the village and to a great extent still does. In the past everyone knew what was happening locally, but lifestyles have changed. While we might now be fully aware of events on the other side of the world through the media, our knowledge of local community affairs can be sadly sparse.
Rocester has plenty going on regularly for all ages. It is therefore important for all groups who meet regularly not to forget that there will always be someone new to the village, and to make sure that basic information is easily accessible to all - not just advertising special events.
I am more than aware that some of the information on the village website is not up to date and hope to address this soon -we are still looking for someone to help us with this -however the diary section which is very easy to enter details, is very much under used.

I am very willing to include news from local groups in this section BUT I need to be sent/given the information.

Reminder that the next PACT meeting is on Tuesday November 23rd 7.30 at the village hall.

History Group

The regular meeting day is the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7.30. It is open to all with admission £2 to cover basic expenses. Next month the meeting is planned for November 9th when the topic will be 'Vanished Views of Rocester', venue to be confirmed. Last month the meeting was held in the Church when we were looking at the old Parish Records. Further details from myself, 590579.

Rocester WI
The WI meets on the 2nd Monday of the month 7.30 at the Church. Visitors are always welcome. November 8th meeting is cake decorations with a Christmas Theme.


Kate Yorke

Parish Council vacancy

Would you like to become a Parish Councillor?

We have a vacancy on the Parish Council, if you would like more information please contact the Editor.

Allotments

Would you like an allotment?

If so, Please contact the Editor for more information.

Sponsered ride

On behalf of MIND...Carter Street

Bob Elkin is taking part in a sponsered ride on the 12th July on behalf of the charity MIND.He aims to ride to LLangollen a total of 148.6 miles and hopes to get even more sponsors.
If you would like to make a donation please contact the webmaster to receive further information.
This is for a very commendable cause and we wish Bob all the best for next Monday.

Rocester Questionnaire 2009 Summary

The questionnaire was delivered to over 700 households with 247 returned.

The questionnaire was delivered to over 700 households with 247 returned. Not all had been fully completed. This is important to bear in mind when reading the report and assessing numbers. The following is a summary of the main responses.

1. Housing
40 - 65 was the predominant age range in these households with 179 being home owners.
Most are happy with the size of their home and 195 households wanted to stay in Rocester.
159 didn't want any more housing developments with only 30 in favour.
2. Education
Most school age children used The Dove, Ryecroft and Alleynes, and Burton College for the 16+.
There were 67 expressions of interest in both day and evening Leisure and Skill-based courses.
3. Child, Health and Personal care
Access to full day care for the under 5's and 'Before and After School Clubs' for 5 -13 year olds was identified.
Most people use Rocester surgery and thought local services and facilities were good.
In a third of the households there was someone with a long term illness, and a fifth attended a clinic regularly, but less than 2% were receiving care in the home.
.4. Employment and Development
Distances traveled to work were fairly evenly spread over the range 2 - 20 plus miles.
Word of mouth remains the most popular form of communications, closely followed by the Parish magazine and local papers. A 1/3rd didn't have access to the internet.
Tourists and visitors were thought to be poorly catered for, though opinion was divided as to whether the village should have more holiday accommodation.
5. Amenities
The majority do their main shopping in Uttoxeter with the Premier, Spar and Post Office being the most frequented shops in Rocester. A Butcher was the most popular additional retail amenity requested.
Sport outside the village is widely participated in by residents.
There was very strong support for providing additional facilities for young people, with a small minority prepared to occasionally help.
6. The Environment
2/3rd of respondents thought the main accesses to the village were safe, and lighting and footpaths adequate. However maintenance of existing paths was a concern, as was a lack of footpath on parts of Ashbourne Road.
There was a large response to concerns over speeding traffic and parked cars, identifying problem areas throughout the village.

Almost 80% felt safe in the village but were still in favour of a greater police presence, and more CCTV, though they agreed that th PACT consultation was sufficient. For the other 20% feeling intimidated by groups congregating, mainly in the centre of the village, was the problem.

Rocester residents are very aware about the appearance of their village. Although 2/3rds thought the general appearance of the village, especially the buildings was acceptable, many also identified specific areas that were in need of improvement, with litter being one of main problems, especially in the centre. Dog fouling, graffiti and vandalism are others.

According to the replies Rocester has many good and varied views both within the village and in the surrounding countryside, but not enough is done to promote the village's history and heritage. Only 51 people were aware of the Rocester Heritage trail.
7. Transport
The most popular means of transport was the car as public transport was not convenient or practical and was expensive. Car sharing was not a preferred option for the majority of households.

Parish Council

Chairman Mark Howard, Vice Chairman Phillip Atkins

Parish Council
• At the Annual Parish Meeting there was a good representation of the support services who work with the Parish council and they were able to offer various ways to support the Village Action Plan. Despite only a few residents attending, the meeting provided some constructive discussion regarding community facilities and improvements.
• At the May Parish Council meeting Mark Howard was re elected Chairman, and Philip Atkins re elected as Vice-Chairman.
Joan Le Blanc was welcomed as a new Parish Councillor, with the other Councillors being Dennis Barlow, Ian Roberts Jan Gallier and myself. There are still two vacancies to fill; please contact the Parish clerk for further details.
• It was also agreed to have another Hanging Basket Competition to support the Best Kept Village entry. Details to be confirmed.

PACT
A reminder that the next meeting is 7.30 Wednesday 16th June at the village Hall.

History Group
• The last meeting was an informal business meeting and social event where we agreed to continue meeting regularly but not necessarily have presentations each month.

• The next meeting is on Tuesday June 8th 7.30 at the Village Hall were there will be a presentation on the history of 'The Rookery' and its inhabitants.

Tiny Arts
Tiny Arts is a new FREE creative arts session for 18month - 4year old children and their Parents/Carers to enjoy together.
Held at St Michael's Church on Monday mornings 9.45 - 11.15 during term time, there is no need to book.


Kate Yorke

Rocester Village News

Annual Parish Meeting

At the Annual Parish Meeting the proposed Village Action Plans were on display. The summary of the results of the survey will be available on the village website with copies at the Police Post. The final plans are hoped to be published very soon.
From the survey the following priority issues for residents have been identified, with the proposed Actions to address (in no particular order)
• Young People - to develop social facilities and activities
• Housing - Ensure that housing provision reflects the needs of the community.
• Community Safety and Security- Provide a village environment in which people feel safe.
• Parish Environment - Improve the appearance of public areas and ensure their regular maintenance
• Heritage - Protect and promote Rocester's heritage
• Community Facilities - Promote community lead activities
• Roads and Traffic Management - Improve road safety generally and to improve footpath along Ashbourne Road.
How these Actions can be achieved, who needs to be involved and the resource implications are all mapped out in the Action plan document.
HOWEVER these actions need the active support of the community to be achieved.

At the time of witing there are two vacancies on the Parish Council. Please contact the parish Clerk for further details. The next Parish Council meeting is the AGM on Monday May 10th 7.30.

PACT
The next meeting is 7.30 Wednesday 16th June.

History Group
Last meeting the history of Rocester Hall, Barrowhill, Mincepie Hall and Woodseat was the focus. Future meetings will look at the other large houses in Rocester. The next meeting will be an informal opportunity to discuss the format and timetable for future meetings.

Best Kept Village
As part of the Dove Firsts involvement in the community some children from the school planted a flowering cherry tree, supplied by the Parish Council, in the millennium gardens.
Judging will take place from May 1st



Kate Yorke

Web Master

we need a new web master

If anyone is interested in volunteering to act as the editor can they please contact the present editor who, due to work commitments could do with some help to manage the web site.

Village News

An update on the survey results

We might be in an economic recession but the biggest shortage of resources in this village is people's time. This is one of the reasons for the delay in publishing the summary results of the survey. The playing fields too are another example, where a valuable community resource is only being maintained at a very basic level by the Parish Council, as there hasn't been an active committee for a very long time.
Also we have had the comments back from the Best Kept Village judges. While they again praise the Church and grounds, the rest of the public places especially in July left much to be desired, though this year the posters supplied by members of the youth club was a good bonus.
East Staffs Borough Council have recently been clarifying with parishes the area were dogs are restricted. Dogs are not allowed on the playing fields.

PACT and Residents meeting
A reminder that the PACT meeting will be on Tuesday 8th December 7.30pm and the Uttoxeter Rural Residents Association meeting on Wednesday December 9th at 6.30pm, both in the Village Hall.

History Group
Arkwright's Rocester Mill was the focus of the November meeting. The PowerPoint presentation used both archive and recent photograph's to illustrate the development of the mill site, its buildings and its power sources from the earliest of times to the present day.
Tuesday December 1st 7.30 at the Village Hall will be the next meeting when the topic will be Mill houses, Anyone with relevant deeds, sales documents or photo's which we could borrow and record please get in touch with myself or Roy Burnett.

Rocester WI
At the November meeting, which was a change to the published programme, Carol Edwards brought along a wide selection of jewellery for sale, the proceeds of which all went to the charity Newlife. This charity, whose overheads are totally funded by a consortium of retailers, recycle and sell discontinued stock, mainly clothes, at greatly reduced prices, at their superstore in Cannock. The money raised is used to support and fund grants for equipment for disabled children.

Kate Yorke

Village Action Plan

Village Questionnaire

Village Action Plan
Thank you to every one who took the trouble to complete and return the Village Questionnaire and also to the volunteers who distributed them. Over 35% of the questionnaires were returned with and the additional comments made will enable an Action Plan to be formed that reflects the views of the residents. At the moment the results are being analysed by Staffordshire Moorlands Community Voluntary Services and should be ready early in September.
Action Plans not only reflect the views of a community but need the active support of communities to implement them. If you are interested to know more then please contact the Parish clerk, myself or any Parish Councillor.

Best Kept Village
The winners in this year's competition all had groups of local residents involved. Rocester needs a small group to promote this competition. It was very disheartening this year to have to replace the small poster board on the Ashbourne Road entrance to the village four times within the first two weeks.

Hanging Basket Competition
Results will be published in next month's magazine

Local History
Despite a heavy thunderstorm there was a good turnout for the July meeting which met up at the Church, and the rain eased off enough for us to have a guided tour round Abbey Field. It was established that the earthworks are in fact the formal gardens of the once Rocester Manor, family home of the Trenham's. Although there are no remains of the once great house, we were able to speculate as to its probable location.
On close inspection of the old market cross it appears to be constructed of stone from Great Gate.
The next meeting will be October 13th . Venue to be confirmed


Kate Yorke

Cash machine

"Disgruntled customer"

will rocester ever get a cash machine that doesn't charge you to get your money out, and actually has cash in it when you need it?

Phil Meakin

Od Times

hi, popped over yesterday with my daughter to show her where i grew up, place has changed very much over the last 30 yrs although still familiar, used to hang round with the likes of colin peach, paul horrowbin, glen halsey, anthoney woolley, michael green etc, when we first moved to village in early 60's we stayed with my moms aunt and uncle in the rookery above the lake (was fields then though) the uncle used to run the warehouse at the bottom of the hill before being bought out by jcb

Village news

Hanging Basket Competition

There are only a few items to report back on this month. The analyse of the Village Survey has been delayed due to illness but is expected very soon.

Hanging Basket Competition
Results
Residential:1st The Laurels, High Street; 2nd Eyes Farm Bungalow, Dove Lane; 3rd No3 Atkins Way
Commercial: 1st The Spar Shop, 2nd Rocester Garage; no 3rd prize was awarded

PACT Meeting
There was a good turn out again at the Pact meeting but it was pointed out that the majority present were Neighbourhood Watch members. These meetings are open to ALL residents and provide an ideal forum to raise issues of local concern and to hear what the various agencies have done to resolve them. This time the Police reported that there was a decrease in the number of reported incidents in the village.

Latest news from the JCB Academy

The latest news from the JCB Academy can now be accessed on the web pages

See JCB Academy newsletter

July Village News

Village Action Plan

The Questionnaire should hopefully be delivered to residents in early July.
House collection arrangements are being organised, but The Market Shop, The Police Post and The Spar Shop have agreed to be collection points.
The questionnaire is designed to be confidential but the separate back page will contain contact details for volunteering or for additional comments.

Local History
At the last meeting Jeremy Crick shared with us his passion for and research into the history of the Trentham family who's family home was Rocester Manor from 1540 until 1684. Not only did the family hold important offices within Staffordshire but they had close connections with the Royal Court. Jeremy has published this account on his website.
July 14th the group is having a Field Trip, meeting 7.30 at the Church to investigate the relationship between the Church, the Abbey and the Manor house buildings.
A reminder again, that any local photos or documents are of interest for the group to look at in our quest to record the history of Rocester, or to those researching Family History.

PACT
The June meeting was well attended. The police reported that they have been working with the ESBC Traffic and Dog Wardens within the village, and how they are conducting an anti-social awareness project in the schools. The number of reported incidents had significantly decreased since the last meeting.

Parish Council
The Parish Council are again holding their Hanging Basket Competition for both residential and commercial properties. Baskets just need to be visible from the road to enter the competition.
It was also proposed that the village has a Scarecrow Competition in the Autumn, details to be confirmed.

WI
Members had great fun making silk scarves and necklaces using microwave dyes. For the July meeting members are asked to bring their oldest piece of Tupperware, August is a Coach trip to the Wyre Valley, and September is Gardeners Question time with Alan Mullins. Visitors are always welcome.

And finally congratulations to Bill Tranter for his well deserved MBE.

Hanging Basket Competition

Details to be posted around the village

remember to feed and water your hanging baskets. P.S I've heard that talking to the plants really does work! Could you be our next green fingered silver tongued expert?Comments please.

Scarecrow Competition

watch this space

competition to be arranged for September so start to think about your entries.

Rocester Village News

Village Action Plan

The April consultation evening provided many useful comments which will be used to help form the questions for the next Village Questionnaire.

The event also prompted a group of residents to bring their ideas for improving an area between Riversfield Drive and Dovefields to the Annual Parish Meeting. The Parish Council welcomed the proposal's, and are working together with the residents to take the project forward.

Local History
The June meeting concentrated on the history of St Michael's. As there isn't a definitive account available the research for this meeting turned out to be 'a work in progress' which was further informed from the early photo's of the Church.(What happened to the top of the Market Cross?)
The photo's of the Rose Queens in the old vicarage's garden also proved very popular.
If you have any photo's / documents connected to Church activities the History group would be very interested in seeing them to bring our research up to date. Contact myself or Roy Burnett.
The next meeting is 7.30 June 9th at the Village Hall where we are hoping to focus on the Abbey's History and Rocester Manor followed by a field visit in July. Everyone is welcome and it is only a £1 a visit.

Recycling Facilities
All households in the village now have the facilities to fully recycle their domestic rubbish. As the large bins at the Village Hall through misuse are now causing a litter and safety hazard, the Parish Council will ask for them to be removed from the end of July.

The next PACT meeting is Tuesday 2nd June 7.30 at the Village Hall.
This is the meeting where all agencies come together to solve community issues.

Village News

Village Action Plan

Unfortunately the copy date for the Parish magazine was due just before the village meeting on 20th April and the Annual Parish Meeting is on Monday 27th April, 7.30 at the village hall, so there is little to report this month.

In preparing for the village meeting it has become increasingly more obvious how important it is that more people become actively involved in village issues.
To start with any local project requiring funding will automatically stand a better chance if it is initiated and supported by the community. Community groups have access to more grant opportunities than do Parish Councils.
Involvement in a community group can just be for a one off project or event.

As villages grow there is an increased demand for community facilities such as play areas and village halls, and the management of these depends on the local communities themselves. Do you realise that at the moment there is no active Playing Fields Committee?
Although there is already a core of willing volunteers, the more people who can offer a little time the more the community will benefit.

Riversmead development
The new development was officially opened by the Mayor of East Staffs Cllr Liz Staples on Wednesday 8th April.
The Residents Panel which was set up during the development will continue to meet jointly with the Uttoxeter and Rural Residents Association in the committee room of the village hall on the following dates;
o Wednesday 6th May 6pm
o Wednesday 5th August 6pm
o Wednesday 4th November 6pm

Local History
The next meeting is Tuesday May 12th when the subject will be the History of St Michael's Church and Rocester Abbey.

Best Kept Village Competition
A reminder for posters please as the village will be judged between May1st and the 24th July.

Rocester entrepreneur

Training firm bucks the downward trend

by ADRIAN JENKINS
A TRAINING company from Burton has bucked the downturn by enjoying phenomenal growth in only its first year in business.

Swan Corporate Training Limited, in Third Avenue, Centrum 100, handled a third more clients than expected and now plans to increase numbers by another 60 per cent in the next 12 months.

Part of Swan Training Group, run by Rocester entrepreneur Graham Gallier, 56, and his wife, Jan, the firm, which occupies four offices at Gretton House, in Waterside Court, works across several fronts.

Employing 12 staff, the firm offers national vocational qualifications (NVQs) under the Government's Train to Gain initiative, specialising in cleaning; health and safety and management training; apprenticeships and help under the Skills for Life programme.

Food hygiene, infection control, first aid and waste management are some of the key areas in which training is offered.

Funded mainly by the West Midlands Learning and Skills Council, Swan operates nationwide and has already assembled an impressive list of clients, such as Mitie - contracted by Rolls-Royce - North Yorkshire Police and Chesterfield Borough Council.

Companies do not have to pay for the training as long as students pass, the main requirement on them being a willingness to let staff learn.
Mr Gallier, whose catering and cleaning expertise is complemented by the catering and management skills of his wife, a former lecturer at Sudbury Prison, said: "We are over the moon with the way the company has grown.

"Not only are we achieving our own success in business but what we are also achieving is a very high percentage of retention - 90 per cent - with our students, which is very important."

Swan's success is underpinned by three elements: employing highly qualified staff to conduct vocational skills training; finely turned marketing and a formula enabling the firm to complete NVQ courses faster than its rivals but without compromising quality.

Asked for his vision of the firm's future, Mr Gallier said: "It looks very good.

"The downturn: who knows? Training funds may be looked at. However, we have no reason at the moment to believe that anything is being changed in Train to Gain."

The firm may even need to move, he said: "Gretton House is for small businesses. It's not a case that we are looking to move but it may be that in a year's time that we have to move because there's no more space here."
Story First Published: 05/05/2009 07:50:59

Independent Financial Advice.

Welcome to Jason, Rocesters own financial advisor.

Independent Financial Advice is available from Jason at Oxygen Financial
> Tel 01889 595177 / 0845 094 5518
> Mobile 07970670087
> Fax 0845 094 5519
> web www.oxygenfinancial.co.uk
>

Village Action Plan

there will be an important meeting that will help to shape the future of Rocester

From 7.30pm on Monday 20th April at Rocester Village Hall (See poster)
there will be an important meeting that will help to shape the future of Rocester.
This event will identify the local issues which will be addressed in the new Village Action Plans.

 There will be displays showing how the previous Action Plan brought about significant benefits for the Village
 An opportunity to meet the people and agencies who will be involved in the next Village Plans.
 Displays from local organizations
 Refreshments and Free Prize Draw

More importantly, this is your opportunity to make your views and wishes known so that the new action plans can truly reflect the comments of the whole community.

PACT and Neighbourhood Watch
The PACT meeting (Partners And Community Together) were set up to be the forum for dealing with any issues affecting the community as a whole. At the meetings are representatives not only from the Police and Neighbourhood watch, but also the Parish Council and Trent and Dove. The Borough Council, County Council, and Education are also Partners.
The key issues from the last meeting were, litter and antisocial behaviour as a result of alcohol, the increase in dog fouling, and inconsiderate parking.
The next meeting is Tuesday 2nd June 7.30pm.
Neighbourhood Watch are always looking to recruit new members and at the moment would appreciate some secretarial assistance. Please contact Shirley Glover.

Local History
o Roy Burnett enlightened the group at their second meeting with the history of the High Street and the selection of photos shown from his extensive collection also prompted many recollections.
o The next meeting will be on April 14th 7.30pm in the committee room at the Village Hall when Roy will be showing photo's of other roads in the village and telling us about their development.

Best Kept Village Competition
Children's Posters supporting the Best Kept Village Competition are required again. Last year we did well so let's have even more posters this year. Posters are being collected by myself or can be left at the Police Post.

Spare time on your hands?

Interested in helping others?

Time on your hands?

Children growing up and need you less?

Have you given up work or retired but want to put those brain cells to good use?

Then look no further than your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

East Staffordshire Citizens Advice Bureau, based in Burton on Trent is a charity mainly staffed by volunteers. We provide advice to anyone who needs it on many different issues, for e.g. debt, housing, consumer and benefits.

We can offer you;

Free Training

Varying volunteering opportunities for e.g. advisers, administration and IT in a friendly and supportive environment

A chance to meet new people and develop valuable new skills and
experience.


Who volunteers?

Well anyone with some time to offer who wants to help others and
themselves!

From parents at home who now want to spread their wings and get
involved with an organisation to build up their skills and confidence


To retired workers/professionals who although don't wish to work full time any more, still have something to offer and willing to pass to others the benefit of their own experience.
For More Information and an Application Pack
Telephone: 01283 527987

January Village News

Village Action Plan

Village Action Plan
The Parish Council have agreed to put together a new Village Action Plan. The last plan was launched in 2004 after extensive consultation with Rocester residents, and a comprehensive village survey.
The Action Plan document, supported by statistics, showed other authorities or organisations what Rocester Residents wanted. The major issue at that time was the redevelopment of Riversfield Drive.
There will be plenty of opportunities again for consultation and for residents to identify new priorities for the future of our village. So make sure your voice is heard.

Young people
One of the priority issues in the village at the moment is the provisions for children and young people.
o The youth club is part of this provision and at a meeting at the end of November members of the Youth service outlined their plans for the older group to the Village Hall committee. The successful 8 - 13 year youth group had had only short term funding, and its disbanding was a cause of concern to many parents and children, but it is hoped that future holiday activities can be arranged. Of course the Youth Service always welcomes local volunteers and can provide opportunities for training
o A steering group has been formed to look at provision for 8 year olds and older and if you are interested to know more then contact myself or PC Graham Johnson.

Praise must be given to some of the youngest members of the village for their wonderful Christmas Concert. It was heartening to see the Village Hall filled to capacity thanks to the hard work of the Pre-School staff and their committee members.

Computers
Another Digital Photography course is running again this term at the Dove First School.

Building Projects
As one development comes to a close another one is starting.
o The Riversmead development finished ahead of schedule despite problems caused by the sewerage work.
o Just before Christmas the mill site was handed over to the contractors and work has now started on the JCB Academy. It is hoped that there will also be as good a liaison between the contractors and residents as there was with Trent and Dove.

PACT and Neighbourhood Watch
Since December Rocester has again a regular PCSO, David Higgs.
Among the issues raised at the last Pact meeting were;
o Illegal and inconsiderate parking, especially on pavements, thus obstructing pedestrian access
o Rubbish being left around the recycling bins
o Alcohol consumption in public areas and the resulting litter

The date of the next meeting is Tuesday March 3rd 7.00pm in the Committee Room at the Village Hall

Local History
Finally on Tuesday 10th February 7.30 in the Committee Room at the Village Hall there is a meeting for anyone interested our local history. Rocester has a rich historical heritage and there is already a core group of people interested in forming a Local History Group. As an introduction there will be a presentation of The Rocester Heritage Trail.

Rev. Kesh

change of e mail address

revkesh@sky.com

Happy New Year

Keep an eye on your neighbours

With all the bugs that are around at the moment perhaps we should all keep an eye on each other. Do you have transport? How about your neighbour/ Could you share the journey or take turns to collect shopping etc.Have you seen your neighbour this week? Perhaps they are unwell and would appreciate seeing a friendly face.

Rocester Village News

PACT and Neighbourhood Watch

PACT and Neighbourhood Watch
o Most of the time the regular local reports and warnings that Rocester members receive would be out of date by the time the magazine is printed. However one report recently prompts me to remind people that the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service provide an excellent free fire risk check for your home and you may also be eligible for free smoke alarms which they can fit.
o I am also pleased to report the success of the new CCTV cameras at the village hall in identifying those responsible for an act of vandalism. It is intended to improve the lighting in the Village Hall car park which will also increase the efficiency of the cameras.
o The date of the next PACT meeting is Monday 24th November 7.00pm in the Committee Room at the Village Hall.

Village improvements
o The village has a new bus shelter outside the garage on Ashbourne Road. This will be another facility to add to the map for the Best Kept Village competition. Each year the map has to be updated for Rocester is certainly a village which is constantly changing.
o If there are any areas of facilities in the village that you would like to see improved or would like to be part of the Best Kept Village team then contact the Parish clerk or any of the Parish Councillors.

Rocester WI
o Rocester WI hosted a successful WI group meeting at JCB Club in October where they were they were admirably entertained by Richard Westcott demonstrating his role as a Pantomime Dame.
o 7.30 December 8th at St Michael's Church Rocester members will also be hosting the WI Two Rivers Group Carol Service. All are welcome to attend.

Riversfield Drive
o The next Trent and Dove Residents Panel meeting is on December17th at 5pm and is the last planned, as work on the development finally draws to a close.

Kate Yorke

Rocester Carnival

Does anyone else remember?

i remember back in the 70's rocester used to have a carnival, there'd be floats pulled by tractors going down all the roads & stalls set up @ the rec. with games like tug-o-war, 10 pin bowling but with wooden balls being bowled down a few old planks pushed together. i found a very old picture of a float @ http://www.search.staffspasttrack.org.uk/engine/resource/default.asp?resource=13513
does rocester still have a carnival? if so can you post details on the website?

Rocester Village News

October

Computer Courses
Following on from the very successful Digital Camera Course in the Summer, Rocester Learning Champions, Adult and Community Learning and the Dove First School have been working together to arrange two more computer courses in the village
'An introduction to the Internet', a five week course started on the 15th September, and the second is a seven week course on Desk Top Publishing starting Wednesday November 5th.
Both courses will be held this time at the Dove First School 3.30 - 5.30.
If you are interested or would like more information please contact myself, 590379 or Bob Hoskins.

Riversfield Drive
The development continues to make good progress despite the rain and the next Residents Panel meeting is 6pm Wednesday 22nd October at the Village Hall.

JCB Academy
As one major development in the village nears completion, another one is about to begin. All the official consents are now in place for the JCB Academy and work is due to start in the near future.

Partners And Community Together
At the last PACT meeting PC Graham Johnson reminded us that although Rocester does have its incidents, according to the crime statistics they are comparatively low compared to other areas.
The Staffordshire Police have a new non-emergency phone number
0300 123 44 55
The old number still works but the new one is cheaper. Remember only incidents reported directly to the Police are included in statistics. The next PACT meeting is Monday 24th November 7.00 at the Village Hall.
Youth Club
Last year the Staffordshire Youth Service was working very successfully in Rocester with the 8 - 13year olds. Regrettably this year they only have the funding to work with the older 14 - 19 age group, now meeting on a Thursday evening at the Village Hall 5.30 - 7pm.

Family Tree

GAUNT of Rocester

Family Tree

Some of my direct ancestors came from Rocester, starting around the 1720's and some of them stayed there until at least the late 19th century.
It would be nice to hear from any others with Gaunt ancestry in the area.
Other names in my tree from the same area are Adams,Taylor, Mould, Cheadle,Walker,Salt,Fenton, Hambleton amongst others


Regards to all
Tom Gaunt

FUN DAY TODAY!! DON'T FORGET:

JCB CLUB

12 - 3 LOTS OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL THE FAMILY.
PUNCH AND JUDY1.30 - 2.30
BADGE MAKING
MASK MAKING
SPORT AND GAMES
WHY NOT BRING A PICNIC AND ENJOY A FUN FILLED AFTERNOON.

JCB sports and social club

We are holding an event next Tuesday at JCB sports and social club

it is free and for families to start the summer holidays.

Villagers comments

Litter

someone should point a cctv camera down the north corner of the rec near the river, it's littered with fosters beer cans.catch the person or persons responsible for this & make them clean it up or prosecute them.--------------------------------------------------------

Hanging Basket Competition

Don't forget to feed and water your baskets

The judges will be visiting soon. Remember, if you dead head the flowers they will grow back bigger and better. Lots of water and food should fill those baskets to bursting. A little bird tells me that talking to the plants really does work. Good luck everyone.

Parish Magazine

Please read below the latest news from your parish magazine.

The Annual Parish Meeting this year was advertised more widely but it was disappointing to find that it was yet again the familiar faces who attended. As the Chairman of the Parish Council, Mark Howard, pointed out in his annual report, the Parish Council would welcome ideas from the community for village projects.

The Digital Camera Course has got off to a good start with eight residents enrolling. Further computer courses are being planned for the autumn term.

Don't forget that the village is holding a Hanging Basket Competition this year. After this last lot of warm weather the gardens and the countryside are looking really beautiful. You only have to have your basket visible from the highway to be eligible.

There have been changes to the recycling facilities in the Village Hall car park. There is no longer a separate plastic bottle bank, but plastic bottles can now be placed in the can and bottle bank.

As phase 1 of the Riversmead development nears completion, William Davis the contractors and Trent and Dove have been working with children from Ryecroft School to produce site safety posters which are now displayed on the hoarding by the site office on Riversfield Drive. An opportunity is also being planned for some of the children to come and have some hands on experience of the building trades in the autumn term

The next Residents Panel Meeting is on Wednesday June 25th 7.30 at the Village Hall.

Improved CCTV cameras have now been installed on the Village Hall car park.

Finally a reminder that the next PACT and Neighbourhood Watch meeting is on Wednesday 28th May 7.30 in the Committee Room at the Village Hall

Kate Yorke

Family Tree

The Bull Family

Hello !!
I have been researching my family history over a number of years and am now at a "Sticky place". My Bull family go back to Rocester, to the marriage of Joseph Bull to Mary Forrester on 6th July 1802.
I'm not certain but I think Mary could have been his second wife and he may have been a widower when he married.
They had 6 children born in the area - Stubwood, Combridge. Mary died 7.11.1824 and was buried at Rocester.........it is Joseph who is my "Sticky Place" !!. Until I find his burial and the age at which he died I cannot pursue my Bulls any further back.
I think their last child to be born was Frances in 1816 at Rocester. I'm sure Joseph must be buried at Rocester too........if anyone could help I would be most grateful !!.
Thanking You
Ann Furber

Hanging Basket

Prizes to the value of......£50.00 £30.00 and £20.00 in vouchers..Best Kept Village Competition.

Hanging Basket Competition
There is going to be another Hanging Basket Competition in the village this year. There will be two categories, residential and commercial, with prizes to the value of £50, £30, £20 for both. The baskets will be judged by the Mayor of ESBC before the end of July. To be eligible all you have to do is make sure your basket is visible from the public highway. Posters advertising the competition will be displayed around the village and the winners names published on the Parish Notice Board, the Parish Magazine and the Village Website.

Housing
The next Trent and Dove Residents meeting is on Wednesday April 30th 6pm at the Village Hall. As Phase 1 of the Riversmead development comes to an end Trent and Dove are opening one of the last two remaining properties as a show house on the 30th April 10 - 1 and 2 - 5.30. Phase 2 is planned for May with the demolition of the remaining flats followed by an archaeological dig by Birmingham University.

Best Kept Village Competition.
Posters are now being displayed around the village to remind everyone that we have entered the competition plus the children's posters. It's not too late to enter more posters. Please hand them in either at the Police Post or to myself.


Kate Yorke

JCB Academy plans

Available for viewing at Rocester Police Post on Saturday April 5th.

The Parish Council urge residents to take the opportunity to view for themselves the proposed JCB Academy plans which are available at ESBC Midland Grain Warehouse, Burton ; Uttoxetr Library; and Rocester Police Post on Saturday 5th April 10 - 12

Rocester village News

free digital photography course

The new growth of Spring can not only be seen in the gardens but also opportunities are opening for our residents. On Wednesday April 30th there will be starting a free 6 week course on Digital Photography, hopefully at the Village Hall, but time and venue details have still to be confirmed. If you are interested then please contact either myself on 01889 590379 or Bob Hoskins. As a follow on there will also be computer classes to be held at the Dove First School. Details to be confirmed.
Interest was show at the Taster Day last February in Healthy Eating and for the past two weeks there has been a Health Trainer at the Police Post on a Wednesday who offers free help to get fit, eat healthily, stop smoking and other lifestyle issues. The number to ring for more information 01283 527982

Housing
Another well attended meeting was held by Trent and Dove for residents where it was reported that the second phase of demolition is due to start in May. They are also hoping to be able to have a show house open in April at the top end of the sight. ESBC have chosen 'Mill Place' for the completed block of apartments on Riversfield Drive and 'Podmore View' for the new road off Atkins Way

PACT
The PACT meeting followed straight after the Trent and Dove meeting with many people attending both. PCSO Alicia Flint is now based in Rocester, at least for the next 12 months, though Community Policeman Graham Johnson told us that there had been a very low number of reported incidents in the last three months. However everyone was aware that the improving weather and longer days can bring its own problems.

JCB Academy
The planning application is now in for the new Academy so do take the opportunity to view them at Uttoxeter Library.

Kate Yorke

St. Michael's Church, Rocester

Events Coming Up:

Charity Bingo in aid of St. Michael's Church, Rocester on Friday 14th March at the Village Hall at 8pm.

Easter Services:

Maundy Thursday at 7pm

Good Friday Childrens Workshops 10am -12 in St. Michael's Church.

Healing Service at 2pm on Good Friday.

Easter Day - Sunrise Easter Service at 6am at Croxden Abbey.

Easter Day Family Celebration at 10.15am at St. Michael's, Rocester followed by a Easter Egg Hunt in the churchyard for everyone.

March 25th - 28th: St. Michael's 'Beach Party' Holiday Club for 9-13yr olds. 1.00pm - 4.00pm at St. Michael's Church. Friday 28th Day Trip to Birmingham Sealife Centre. Cost £5.00 per child for the whole weeks events.

Greetings from Texas!

I have traced a bulk of the Hickinbotham family back to Rocester,

Greetings from Texas! I have traced a bulk of the Hickinbotham family back to Rocester, so it seems we have a common link. I would like to learn a great deal more about the area and its history, particularly if any of my ancestors played a part in it. There is also the possibility that I will be able to visit there in spring 2009 on holiday, and I look forward to soaking up the area. Until then, I welcome any questions or comments. Take care and God bless!

Welcome to the Knights family

Congratulations on the birth of your son Brooklyn.

Rocester would like to welcome the family to the village and hope that you will be very happy here.

Happy New Year

wishing everyone a Happy New Year .

Why not start the new year by sharing your new years resolutions with us. Maybe just by sharing your news. Forthcoming weddings, engagements Birthdays or promotions.We would love to hear from you.

New Vicar for Rocester

Welcome to Rocester

New Vicar for Rocester is Rev. Kesh Rico Govan who is being licensed to the Parish on Thursday 4th October 2007. Kesh is married to Catherine and they have three children and they are all looking forward to living and working in Rocester.

GCSE Results

This week, good luck to all

If you would like to share your results, please e mail the editor

GARAGE CLEAROUT

Ford Escort H reg. offers
3 wardrobes
Bedside table
Stainless steel single drainer sink etc.

Please e mail the editor if you are interested in any items.

Natural gas

Woodland Drive

At last the long awaited gas has arrived in Woodland Drive.Local MP Janet dean will arrive in Woodland Drive at 1.30 on Thursday to view the situation after a long determined wait by all residents concerned.After yet another winter of expense the residents look forward to a cosy winter.

Does anyone have any information about the Copes?

Family history

Hello to all in Rocester. I am researching my mother's family name which was Cope. They most recently lived in Kidderminster but seem to have come from Rocester. My 2 x Gt. Grandfather was Samuel Cope christened 16 Oct 1803. His parents Samuel and Ann, but unable to find a marriage for them or any details further back. Any Copes still in Rocester who can shed any light on them or further back? I would be so pleased to hear from you.

Best wishes Anne

Message from Ted Whittaker

New "Team Vicar"

Greetings! I wondered if you might like to add a comment somewhere, that we are
looking for a new "Team Vicar" to come and live in Rocester. I will be
referring to your website in the 'Parish profile' that we do as part of the
advertising process?
PS - I like the trail. You might perhaps like to add that the Lych gate is also
the war memorial. thanks, Ted

UTTOXETERS FIRST DISTRICT FARMERS MARKET

Another well attended event

Social Enterprise company Uttoxeter District Farmers Ltd have held their second Uttoxeter Farmers Market in The Market Place, Uttoxeter. To be held on the last Saturday of each month. Details available at www.uttoxeterfarmersmarket.co.uk

EXAM TIME

Good luck to all students who are participating in exams

Please give lots of support help and encouragement to everyone involved in exams over the next few days. This is a difficult time for all so work hard sleep hard and do your best.
Remember to share your results when the time comes. We will be happy to publish them.

Parish council AGM

At the village hall

30th April 7.30. Everyone is welcome

Village Action Plan

Best kept village

The Village Action plan was launched in 2005 following local consultations, and a management committee was formed to support and monitor the implementation of these plans.
With most of the objectives of the original plan having now been achieved, what remains are the ongoing problems such as dog fouling, ant- social behaviour, litter and traffic/parking. As these are now being addressed through the PACT meetings the role of the original Action Plan Management Committee is no longer necessary.

However the village does now need a new Parish Plan reflecting the current needs of the village and local residents. An opportunity will be arranged to gather local opinions, and also to offer the chance for others to become involved in local affairs. However in the mean time you can always let us know what you think by,
,
contacting a Parish Councillor with your views
come to the Parish Council AGM on April 30th 7.30pm at the Village Hall
come to the next PACT meeting on May 23rd. 7.15pm Village Hall

It also time again for the Best Kept Village competition. Last year we did well, let's hope we can do the same again. The judging takes place once in May and again in June. There is still time for children to submit a picture supporting the competition; entries to Dove First School, First Steps Preschool, or the Police post.

Kate Yorke

Wedding Anniversary

Happy Anniversary Dianne and Tim

Wishing you both all the best on Sunday.You were our first wedding so congratulations from the Rocester web site team.

PLANS UNVEILED FOR JCB'S MULTI MILLION POUND ACADEMY

JCB has revealed detailed plans of its proposed multi-million pound Academy that would enable young people from across Staffordshire and Derbyshire to pursue careers in engineering and manufacturing.

The company has unveiled plans to locate the Academy, which would have a capacity of 540 students and cost around £20 million, in the Grade II-listed Tutbury Mill in Rocester following a refurbishment and the creation of an impressive extension that would use modern technologies to make the whole site environmentally sustainable.

JCB aims to make the Academy, offering diplomas in engineering, manufacturing and international business for 14 to 19-year-olds, the country's first fully sustainable school building. This would involve taking a number of innovative steps to create power, conserve heat and reduce waste.

Proposals include reviving the mill's water race and installation of a modern water turbine to create energy; recycling waste timber packaging from JCB factories by turning it into biomass chips to provide heating; collecting rainwater to flush toilets and using solar panels to heat water.

Plans to refurbish the 18th-century mill, one of the oldest iron-framed buildings in the UK, include steam cleaning the timbers, damp proofing, renewing the windows, re-roofing and strengthening the structure. The new wing would be contemporary, incorporating glass and steel. An atrium is proposed to link the new wing to the existing building.

Building work on the Academy is planned to start this winter in readiness for a planned September, 2009, opening. The plans are subject to a feasibility study currently being undertaken by the Department for Education and Skills.

Councillor Philip Atkins, a Rocester resident who sits on Staffordshire County Council, East Staffordshire Borough Council and Rocester Parish Council, said: "This would be excellent news for Rocester, young people throughout the area, JCB and the engineering and manufacturing industries as a whole.

"It would be a wonderful opportunity for local people to learn from the experts at a global company that is a true market leader. It would also be a terrific opportunity to regenerate an important Rocester building."

The mill was built on the site of an old corn mill by industrialist Richard Arkwright in 1781-2. It was used for processing cotton until 1888, when it was converted to grind and mill locally mined gypsum.

Consultations have already been carried out with school headteachers, further education colleges and local education authorities in Staffordshire and Derbyshire, as well as with Rocester Parish Council and residents of the village. JCB is also liaising with English Heritage over the proposals.

Academies are independent but publicly funded, no-fees, all-ability schools. The young people at the JCB Academy would be taught a balanced blend of academic and vocational skills and would be encouraged to take part in enrichment activities such as Young Engineers Clubs, Young Enterprise and The Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The proposed intake of students would come from Staffordshire and Derbyshire. Under the plan, youngsters from places including Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, Cheadle, Uttoxeter, Ashbourne, Burton-upon-Trent, Swadlincote, Derby, Belper and Ripley would be eligible to apply for places. There would be a mix of teaching and non-teaching staff at the Academy, including industry and business experts.

JCB already works with 35 local schools and colleges and the JCB Academy would be the latest step in the company's long-term investment in the education programmes of young people. It is hoped that the Academy would not only raise the profile and appeal of manufacturing among youngsters, but would also have a positive impact in deprived areas including parts of Stoke-on-Trent and Derby.

PACT Meeting

correction of time of meeting

This weeks meeting is at 7.15 not 6.15 as previously advertised. Everyone is welcome. Please see diary dates for further information.

LOCAL ELECTIONS

4th MAY

Do you live in Rocester and would like to be involved in decisions that are made on your behalf?Why not consider being a candidate for your parish council. Information will be posted on the Parish council notice board located near to Spar.

Rocester Village Action Plan Group

February 07

Rocester Village Action Plan Group

It's the beginning of another year and its time again to start filling in the forms for the Best Kept Village competition. Although the judging doesn't take place until the beginning of May now is the time to start thinking how we can build on our success from last year. More children's posters promoting the competition would be a start. So now while outdoor activities are limited by the weather, encourage your children or grandchildren to get out their Christmas packs of pens and crayons, or even design a poster on the computer.

Rocester WI has held its inaugural meeting and a steering committee formed with Pat Garner as President. A programme is now being compiled and the group will meet on the second Monday of every month at St Michael's. New members always welcome.
Another new group, Craft Activities, has started on a Tuesday morning 10.30 - 12.30 at the village hall. Why not call in and see if it's something you would like to join.
Interest has also been expressed in forming a Local History group. Contact myself or the Parish Clerk for more information.

The first meeting of PACT (Partners and Community Together) led by the Neighbourhood Police Unit was held at the end of November with;
Late night anti-social behaviour behind the shops
Dog Fouling
Parking problems, including around the Dove School
as the chosen priority areas to be dealt with by the appropriate authorities. At the next meeting on the 23rd Jan there will be a report as to how these issues have been dealt with and the next priorities will be set.

Kate Yorke
Chairman
January 07

Steam Trains in Rocester

Riversholme School

Great websit. Lovely village in which my son went to school. He attended the Riversholme school which is now a resteraunt. Brocksford hall closed and riversholme was specially opened for the kids. Unfortunatley it was only open three or four years. Can anyone remember this?
Also i have been looking at some great photos of Rocester on another web site. Before J.C.B there was a railway station. You could go to Ashbourne from Uttoxeter. I am not that old so i cant remember the railway. Can anyone else remember the good old days of steam in Rocester?

PACT meeting

Partners and community together

At the first meeting of Partners And Community Together (PACT) the following items were agreed as the top three community priorities
Excessive noise and general disturbance late at night from groups of young people.
Parking , including parking on pavements and around Dove First School
Dog Fouling
These issues will be addressed by the appropriate agencies and the outcomes will be reported back at the next PACT meeting on Jan 23rd.

PACT meetings are an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns over village issues, to then vote to decide the three main priorities, and for the panel of local community representatives to address the issues and to give a progress report at the next meeting.

Cold weather

Spare a thought for your friends and neighbours

As the nights are drawing in, and the weather turns colder think of others. Do your friends or neighbours need company' Are you going to the shop? maybe you could save them a journey. Are the elderly keeping warm? Can you help them with any tasks or chores such as filling coal buckets. Maybe the youngsters could pop to the shop for them. Let's make our village a community to be proud of and help each other from time to time.

The Patter of tiny feet

A belated congratulations to John and his Wife on the birth of their babies

A multiple birth took place in Rocester and it is hoped that all parents are doing well.
The Irish wolf hounds may be heard howling on a cold frosty night! Do not despair it is not the hound of the Baskervilles!

Rycroft

Diary Dates

John Gore
Email: headteacher@ryecroft.staffs.sch.uk
Message: Thanks for your flier.
Here is some infor re Ryecroft which may be of interst to you.....
1. Diary dates.....
Christmas production... Wed 13 Dec and Thurs 14 Dec. 7pm in the school hall. Tickets available form the school office tel. 01889 590394 from 4 December

2. Transition Year 4 to Year 5
Everyone is delighted with how children have settled into school at the start of this year. Our Year Fives seem to have had the best start of any group in recent memory and children moving up a year have adjusted to the changes in their routines without a problem. 'There is a really purposeful and settled atmosphere around school,' said Mr Gore. The views of parents expressed at a recent open night confirmed this view. Bobbi was eager for the start of term to arrive as she wanted to 'make lots of new friends.'
Many thanks to all of you who took the time to support your child with holiday projects, reading and other activities. Lucy thinks 'The Reading Challenge is a really good idea as it gets us back into reading books after the summer break'. A new maths scheme is now being used in Key Stage 2 which has definitely got the children motivated. Ben has found it to be 'very exciting' - now not many people say that about maths!
And finally- all three of the children interviewed said the elections for our School Council were really good as they wanted to have their say in what was going on.

3. Extra -curricular activities
At a recent open night for our new Year 5s a few parents asked for details of our extra-curricular clubs programme so that they could encourage their child to join-in with some of these activities. As many of our children come to school by bus and car we feel that it would deny opportunities to many children to join in if the clubs were held after school, therefore most clubs operate during the lunchtime. Of course, the clubs are very popular with the children.
Monday Homework club
Choir in Hall
Netball for Year 7
Tuesday Homework Club Tuesday after school
Keyboard Club Drama-Year 8
Netball Years 5&6 Guitars-beginners
Wednesday Homework club Wednesday after school -
Recorders Stoke City FA coaches
Chess club - football for all years
Art Club
Netball - Year 8
Thursday Homework club Thursday after school
Young Engineers Club- Year 8
Music Theatre group
Friday Homework club School Band



I hope this is of use to you
John Gore
Headteacher

Staffordshire Trading Standards

Wednesday 1st November 10.00 am - 2pm

Rocester Police Post

Have you been the victim of a rogue trader?

Bought shoddy goods and don't know how to complain?

Been intimidated by doorstep sellers?

First Responder Group

A first responder group has been formed to cover the area.

Further information can be found on www.dove-valley.org.uk

The Red Lion are trying to form a Golf Society

Membership only £25.00 per. year

To include a polo shirt. Why not contact Darren for more information.

Exam Results

Proud parents wanted to share their good news with our readers

GCSEs A levels, university places, driving test results, new baby or engagement. Come on Moms and dads share the news, that's what we're here for.

Parish magazine

Rocester Village Action Plan Group

Our community website www.rocester.net is at last live on the internet. Have you seen it yet? What do you think of it Let us know because this is your site and the aim is to reflect the current news and views of the community as well as providing information for local residents as well as visitors to the area.
At the time of writing I am aware that some more information regarding the local organisations still needs including, but perhaps you have spotted an omission or error - let us know. It's also very easy to enter your dates for the diary - please make use of it for free publicity for an event.

I am also aware that not everyone has access to the internet - is this something we need in the village?

The next 'Action Plan Management Committee 'and the 'Police and Community Together' project, meet just after the deadline for this month's copy of the magazine so nothing new to report yet. We will be starting to think about a new set of action plans or targets for the Village. What should be our next targets for the village? What are your priorities?

It's always nice to report on success, and congratulations must go to the Playing Fields Committee on the new additions to the skateboard park. If you are interested in giving support to or being involved in a successful group then contact their chairman Tony Kent 07977253574 or Andy Peach.

Congratulations as well to the Village Hall Management Committee. The newly surfaced car park and the railings around the Memorial Gardens have certainly enhanced the village's environmental assets.


Kate Yorke
Chairman