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Friday 21 September 2018

Car Boot Sale 28th October (Burton Green)

CAR BOOT SALE & BREAKFAST

Sunday 28th October 2018

BURTON GREEN VILLAGE HALL
Hodgetts Lane, CV8 1PH

Spaces available in car park @ £10 per car (NO VANS)
3 tables available inside for Table Top Sale @ £10 each

Cars and tables to be in situ by 8.30am ready to open by 9.00am

BREAKFAST SERVED FROM 9.00am UNTIL 11.30am

Car Park to be cleared by 12.00 midday

Enquiries to 0771794891

Thursday 20 September 2018

HS2 Ground Surveys and Project Delays

Ground Surveys

HS2 will be undertaking 'Ground Surveys' (borehole drilling) commencing September 24th in fields off Crackley Lane and in Burton Green. The work will last for 6 weeks. HS2 will be working from a site at Westwood Heath.See this article in the Kenilworth Weekly News:
https://www.kenilworthweeklynews.co.uk/news/hs2-to-conduct-ground-surveys-in-burton-green-and-kenilworth-1-8632677

General information about ground surveys provided by HS2 is here:
https://hs2inwarwicks.commonplace.is/schemes/proposals/ground-investigations/details

Specific details about ground surveys in Burton Green are here and here (PDF files).


Road Closure

Cromwell Lane (presumably the section between the Bridge and Red Lane corner) will also be closed on Friday 5th October between 9.30am and 3.30pm. This is to enable tests involving ground penetrating radar.


Project Postponements

Construction work for HS2 (at the national level) had been planned to begin this November. The start has been postponed by 7 months. This is the second postponement to the start of construction.  HS2 euphemistically refers to this postponement as "additional time to optimise their designs".
"HS2 has pushed back the start date for its civils work, with construction now expected to commence more than seven months later than originally planned... This is HS2’s second change to the notice to proceed, with work having originally been scheduled to begin in November this year. The confirmation of the delay came in a response from transport minister Baroness Sugg to a question from Lord Berkeley. She said: “Following consideration of supplier feedback, the HS2 Ltd board has recently decided to move the date of notice to proceed from 1 March 2019 to 1 June 2019 in order to provide suppliers with additional time to optimise their designs.”"
From:
https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/dft-confirms-hs2-civils-delay/10033308.article


Cost Uncertainties - Geological Factors

One reason for this setback would appear to be that the civil engineering contractors' projected costs were over budget. Part of the reason for the unexpected cost hike seems to be the uncertainty in the ground conditions.

"Leading geotechnical engineers have said that the cost of delivering HS2 could rise sharply as a result of the use of target cost contracts without geotechnical baseline reports (GBRs). One engineer, who has worked closely on the project, has suggested that the price rise resulting from the client effectively passing all risk to the contractor could be as much as 30%... which makes the project unaffordable and will result in delays."
From:
https://www.geplus.co.uk/news/hs2-price-hike-warning-over-rejection-of-risk-allocation-tool/10030661.article

HS2 seems to be anticipating that a better knowledge of the ground structure will enable a more accurate estimate of construction costs to be made, which they hope will bring the project back within budget.


Doubts About the Future of HS2

Civil engineering construction cannot begin until the project is given a 'Notice to Proceed'. The Notice to Proceed was originally planned for November 2018. It is now planned for June 2019. The construction phase of the project can be cancelled at any time until June 2019.

Despite the 7 month postponement to the start of construction, and the extended cancellation window, HS2 is claiming that the project will still go ahead and will still be delivered on time. Given that the timescale for the planning phase seems to have been overly optimistic, and neglected to allow 7 months for 'design optimisation' (a 50% time overrun), it is difficult to believe that the construction timescale was not also pie-in-the-sky.


Other Problems at the Department of Transport

Meanwhile, at the Department of Transport:
"Transport secretary Chris Grayling has recruited the former boss of British Airways to lead a review of the railways after presiding over a string of problems. Keith Williams, who left the airline in 2016, will chair a deep review that will cover both train operators and the track operator, Network Rail."
From:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ex-ba-boss-keith-williams-to-lead-rail-probe-m3xzdcsps

Or, as Harry Cole from The Sun put it:



The Need for an Intelligent Progressive Transport Policy

The following paragraph is not official government policy, nor Conservative Party policy. It comes from an article on the Conservative Home website:
"Develop a collective backbone, and scrap the £50-100 billion idiocy of High Speed 2 (HS2).  HS2 is nonsense and always has been. Return the money to the Treasury to fund other parts of the New Britain Agenda and invest in a Priority Projects Investment Fund throughout Britain.  Commit to break ground on HS3 (the high-speed northern link) and Crossrail 2 before the next election.  Revamp commuter lines into London, Manchester and Birmingham.  Prioritise the introduction of Mobile Block Signaling that allows more trains to run safely, especially on hard-pressed suburban routes.  Presume in favour of reopening old railway lines – and invest a decent chunk more in road and cycle routes while we’re at it.  Let’s show that we care about peoples’ daily transport dramas, and that we’re dealing with them now, not in 15 years’  time."
From here:


Wednesday 19 September 2018

Leigh Educational Foundation

For young people of Stoneleigh, Ashow, Leek Wootton & Guy’s
Cliffe and Burton Green, Warwickshire

Young people who are under 25 years old and who live in the
designated villages above are free to apply for financial assistance
for their:
  • School/Educational trips both home and abroad
  • School uniform/equipment of all kinds
  • College/University/Training expenses
  • Youth Groups, Teams, Scouts, Cubs, Brownies and the like
or contact
James Johnson – Clerk to the Trustees

Tel: 01926 419300 or email:


Tuesday 18 September 2018

Kenilworth Policing Priorities (October)

The next Kenilworth Community Forum takes place at 6:30pm on Tuesday 2nd October 2018 at the Kenilworth Senior Citizens Club, Abbey End car park, Kenilworth, CV8 1LA.

Ahead of the forum the online vote is now live and will close on Monday 1st October 2018. There will be a further chance to contribute at the forum.

Priority options are:

  1. Inconsiderate parking in Burton Green to prevent/deal with vehicles causing obstructions on the highway, educate motorists and provide reassurance to the local community.
  2. Anti-social behaviour patrols at parks,recreational areas and open spaces in Kenilworth to prevent/deal with anti-social behaviour and to provide reassurance to members of the local community.
  3. School safety patrols at Thorns Infant School, Blackthorn Road, Kenilworth to promote pupil safety when going to/from school; including the prevention/detection of road related issues during school drop-off and collection times.
  4. School safety patrols at Kenilworth School, Leyes Lane, Kenilworth to promote student safety when going to/from school; including the prevention/detection of road related issues during school drop-off and collection times.
  5. Crime reduction patrols in Kenilworth town centre to prevent/deal with incidents of theft and anti-social behaviour, and to provide reassurance to businesses/members of the public.

You can vote (and see the results of the vote so far) here:
https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/article/51731

Monday 17 September 2018

Minutes of Residents' Association September 11th 2018

Minutes of Burton Green Residents’ Association Committee Meeting September 11th, 2018 

Present: Dianne Adams; Hilary Cox; Andy Gibbs; Judi Hibberd; Janet Hickinbottom; Bron Putnam; Faith Ward; and Mary Webb,

 1. Apologies and Minutes of the last meeting:

 Apologies had been received from Paddy Deeley

Summary of actions following the meetingResponsible
Words and music for Armistice commemoration community singingHilary
Request for school involvement in Armistice eventFaith
Lamp post in Red Lane not workingRona
Voting forms for AGM Santa’s Sleigh charitiesRona
Finalise Santa’s sleigh arrangementsRona
Arrangements for erection of Christmas treeBron
Liaise with school re Christmas card competitionRona
Arrange printing of banner advertising armistice eventsRona
Seek permission from the farmer to erect the beaconRona
Source buglerRona
Village litter pick on October 14th 11 am at Cromwell Lane bridgeAll
Details for bulb plantingMary and Hilary
Speak to homeowner about overgrown hedgeRona
AGM agenda to be sent round the email loopJudi
Refreshments for AGMRona, Mary and Hilary


Minutes of the last meeting and Matters Arising

The minutes of the July 10th meeting were approved. 

Matters Arising from the previous minutes:( as above)
  • The application to the Parish Council had been successful.
  • Faith would be approaching the school in October
  • Mary had not had room in the Bugle to request cake stands.
  • The Choir had agreed to sing two songs at the Armistice commemoration. Hilary was to source words and music for the community singing.
  • Judi had arranged thank you cards.
  • Mary had asked several times about the removal of the barrier around a manhole on the verge in Red Lane. This had still not been actioned.
All other matters arising had been covered or were to be agenda items.


2. Treasurer's Report

A report had been circulated. Dianne explained the various items. 
Total funds available amounted to £3489.24 with the £149.56 defibrillator costs still to be taken out.

Subscriptions collected amounted to £1,049 compared to last year’s 1039.40. Expenditure since the last meeting included the plants for the flower tubs (£109.43). A £250 donation had been received from Warwick District Council for WW1 Commemorative Funds.


3.  Residents' views/concerns
  • A lamp post in Red Lane was not working.  Rona would report this. Action: Rona
  • There had been water problems again in Cromwell Land and residents had been unable to contact Severn Trent

4. Update on and discussion of Residents' Association initiatives and issues

Choice of charity for Santa Sleigh

It was agreed that a local charity should be selected. 

Several charities were suggested including Canley Community Centre; Kenilworth Helping Hands Club; Coventry Boot Fund; and Helen Ley House.

It was decided that the charities should be asked to provide information for the AGM where a public vote would be held.  Those not selected would be considered for future years.

Rona would prepare forms for voting. Action: Rona

Date and arrangements for Santa Sleigh

Details were still being finalized by Mary, but it was hoped the event would take place on December 14th.  The choir had very considerately changed the date of their concert to December 21st to make the Village Hall available.  However, there was still some uncertainty because of a regular booking of the hall. Action: Mary

To avoid future clashes the Hall had been booked for December 13th, 2019.

Christmas tree and Christmas cards

Andy Gibbs offered a tree which he would cut down in his garden.  Barry and Darren would be asked if they would erect it on the Jubilee Verge w/c December 7th

Faith would again liaise with the school regarding the Christmas card competition.  The final entry needed to be ready for printing on November 21st.

Jubilee Group feedback on plans for commemorating 1918 armistice

Final arrangements were taking place.  Orders would be taken for afternoon tea. The choir would sing at 3.30 to be followed by community singing. A colouring table would be made available for children. Soldier silhouettes had been produced to place on the Jubilee Verge. British Legion crosses would be available to purchase at £2.50 each. Deirdre Vernon had demonstrated how to make poppies which the schoolchildren would be creating to display on the Jubilee Verge.

Rona would order a £15 banner to display at the top of Red Lane to publicise the armistice event.
Action: Rona

The Parish Council had agreed to purchase a gas-fired beacon as part of a national initiative to mark the armistice.  The committee discussed the best location for this and it was agreed to seek permission to place it in the field at the top of Red Lane. 
Action: Rona

Post meeting note: the farmer had kindly agreed to this request

Peter Hancock had volunteered to erect the beacon.  Also, in line with the national initiative, it was hoped to have a bugler to play the Last Post at 7p.m. on November 11th.
Action: Rona

Litter initiative

Litter remained a problem, but a productive meeting had been held with WDC and the recycling adviser.  Suggestions for how residents could secure their recycling items had been published in the recent edition of the Bugle. The cleansing team would also visit the village every two months.

The next Village Clean Up would take place on October 14th 11am at Cromwell Lane bridge 
Action: all

Bulb planting 

The digging of trenches for the bulbs would be the best method. Barry would be asked for help with this.  Hilary and Mary would purchase the bulbs and a date for planting would be sent via the email loop.

AGM arrangements

 The banner had been amended and would be put up.  Judi would send the agenda, once agreed, round the email loop. The format was agreed as last year with the chair’s report available in advance and on the seats.  The key issues would be: 
  • The charity to be supported from the Santa’s sleigh collection
  • Village Hall update
  • The road (Andy Gibbs)
  • An introduction from the new school head (if available) 
The constitution required that the officers and three committee members should stand down. All committee members plus Andy, Bron and Hilary would stand down but were prepared to stand again.  Helen Hehir had volunteered to join the committee.  Other volunteers would be welcome.

Refreshments would be arranged by Rona, Mary and Hilary. Action: Rona, Mary and Hilary


5. Village Hall

Cheryl had submitted the following:
Amazingly, we’re still awaiting planning permission… we hope it will now be heard at the October committee but it’s not definite. 
·         We’re looking for new trustees from Autumn next year, please ask anyone interested to get in touch with me for an informal chat about the role and shadowing opportunities.·         We’re currently awaiting information from Groundworks to see whether we are eligible to apply to the HS2 community fund. If so, we intend to apply for funding for a range of art works to enhance the interior and exterior/grounds of the new hall. We’re open to suggestions and will need to/would like to consult the community. If we are eligible and if the residents’ association are thinking of applying too, perhaps we could do a joint consultation? 
·         Next events were advertised in the Bugle: Off the Cuff on 13th October with a sharing platter and Autumn crumble supper and a Quiz Night on 17th November.


6. Parish Councillor's Report

Andy reported that the next meeting would be held on the following Monday.
The main contractor for HS2, Balfour Beatty would be presenting
.
New Parish Councillors were in post and details had been included in the recent edition of the Bugle.


7.  Any Other Business

Notice was drawn to the fact that double yellow lines were to be introduced to one side of Westwood Heath Road.

WDC was consulting on air quality but it was agreed this would be a matter for the Parish Council.

Some residents had expressed concern about an overgrown hedge in Hodgetts Lane.  Rona would arrange to speak to the home owner. Action: Rona

HS2 Community Fund – a coordinated approach had been recommended.

Post meeting note - Rona circulated the following:
A meeting had been held in July with these actions:
  • It was agreed to find out details of the Greenway Trust’s application
  • Lesley Tacon would see if the school had ideas.
  • Paddy- agreed to contact Groundwork regarding the fact that the village is hugely disadvantaged by the criteria for awarding funding: we can't apply until we own the land, we have to be in the position to start 6 months after being granted funding and finish in 2 years. Paddy will also clarify with Groundwork the five projects per community rule. 
  • Deirdre wold ask Red Lane residents to contribute ideas.
  •   Rona would ask at the AGM
A further meeting would be held in September.
Post meeting note- Rona had received the following correspondence:
I’m writing to you on behalf of the Leigh Educational Foundation in order to publicise ourselves more widely to the residents of Burton Green. 
The Foundation as a charity has been going for 308 years and was begun in 1710 by the Leigh family to give financial assistance to young people in the parishes of Stoneleigh, Ashow, Leek Wootton and Guys Cliffe. Over the years young people in these parishes have benefitted considerably and both Leek Wootton and Burton Green schools as a combined Academy have benefited too. However when Burton Green split from Stoneleigh and formed their own new civil parish, individual applications from the new parish have dried up! 
I as Chairman of Trustees to the Foundation, would like to remind residents of Burton Green that you are not forgotten and we would welcome applications from young people living in your area. To that end I attach a flyer which I hope may be useful for you to email out to residents, perhaps include in the next Bugle and put up on your Village Hall noticeboard too?  
I have met Archie and have spoken about the Foundation to residents at an HS2 meeting in the Village Hall which at the time probably wasn’t the best forum. 
Many thanks and kind regards  
Richard Coates, Chairman, Trustee of the Leigh Educational Foundation 

Judi had represented the Residents’ Association at the Made in Burton Green meeting.  The group was considering involvement in the Coventry City of Culture 2021 events. Thanks were given to Judi for her involvement.


8. Date, time and venue of Next Meeting

The next meetings were scheduled for  October 1st (AGM),  December 11th

Monday 10 September 2018

Bugle - September 2018

The September 2018 edition of the Bugle has been published.

Just below are thumbnails of the page images. To enlarge any page image, click on the thumbnail below. Once you have the individual page, you may also need to click on the magnifying glass in your browser, where you can view the page at its original size...









The text of the Chair's Report has also been added to the Residents' Association page.

The archive of back issues of the Bugle is here: Bugle Archive.

Thursday 6 September 2018

OVO Energy Tour of Britain at Westwood Heath 2018

The 4th stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain 2018 ran along Westwood Heath Road, on its way to Leamington Spa.

Police officers from the Central Escort Group closing off the road...



One of the police officers stopped to tell us that the cyclists were two miles behind him...


This is the small breakaway group, who were the first riders to arrive...


Just below, the leaders of the breakaway group. On the left is British rider Matt Holmes, and on the right British rider Alex Paton.



The main bunch of riders, the peloton, were about 2 minutes behind the breakaway...



This is Chris Froome, reigning Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España champion, and winner of the Tour de France in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017



And this is Geraint Thomas, the current Tour de France champion...



This is Andre Greipel, from Germany, winner of 22 stage victories at Grand Tours, and 11 stage victories at the Tour de France, and who was the winner of today's race...




Finally, the long caravan of support vehicles...



The entire event was covered live on ITV4. This is the eye in the sky that was looking down on us...



Previous Cycle Races Passing Along Westwood Heath Road

Ovo Energy Women's Tour Passing Through Westwood Heath 2018
https://burtongreen.blogspot.com/2018/06/ovo-energy-womens-tour-passing-through.html

Ovo Energy Women's Tour Crash at Westwood Heath 2017
https://burtongreen.blogspot.com/2017/06/ovo-energy-womens-tour-crash-at.html

Aviva Women's Tour Coming Through Westwood Heath 2016
https://burtongreen.blogspot.com/2016/06/aviva-womens-tour-coming-through.html

Monday 3 September 2018

Black Waste Wood Ponds Construction

Using its powers authorised by the High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Act 2017 for Ecological Mitigation, HS2 Ltd has advised Warwick District Council of its intention to construct four ponds and associated reptile basking banks in two sites, one adjacent to The Greenway near the site of the new Village Hall, and the other in Black Waste Wood, behind Cromwell Lane.







Full details of the proposals -- which have been submitted by Laing OʼRourke Murphy Joint Venture (LM), HS2 Ltd's appointed contrator undertaking works ahead of the main construction through Burton Green by the Balfour Beatty Vince Joint Venture -- can be seen at Warwick District Council's planning portal here:
https://planningdocuments.warwickdc.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=_WARWI_DCAPR_81894

Advice has now also been received that representatives of Laing OʼRourke Murphy JV will be attending the HS2 'Drop In" on Monday (3 September) from 6pm to 8pm in the Village Hall and will be able to explain the plan and answer questions.

Warwick District Council Planning Department's current deadline for receiving comments on the plan is Thursday 6 September.