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Previous articles from the community newsletter ‘Around Ashton’
‘Around Ashton’ Autumn 2023
‘Around Ashton’ Summer 2023
‘Around Ashton’ Spring 2023
‘Around Ashton’ Winter 2022
‘Around Ashton’ Autumn 2022
‘Around Ashton’ Summer 2022
‘Around Ashton’ Spring 2022
‘Around Ashton’ Summer 2021
‘Around Ashton’ Spring 2021
‘Around Ashton’ Autumn 2020
‘Around Ashton’ Spring 2020
‘Around Ashton’ Winter 2019
‘Around Ashton’ Autumn 2019
‘Around Ashton’ Summer 2019
‘Around Ashton’ Spring 2019
AHSRA Playing Field – We have introduced an improved security system with CCTV to minimise the risk of vandalism and deter break-ins to the pavilion, there are the requisite notices about the CCTV posted in the pavilion. The football pitches are being well used which can have the added benefit of increased business for the café. The field is generally well respected but on occasions the rubbish bin nearest the pavilion is filled to overflowing. There are alternative bins within a few metres and we would request in the event of one bin being full, users use an alternative rather than leaving rubbish on the ground adjacent to the full bin. Whilst on the subject of disposing of waste, can we request that dog owners, who conscientiously do collect the dog waste, use the appropriate bins specifically for this, provided at Ashton Lane and Whitegate entrances to the public footpath. Finally can we ask that those people who walk dogs in this area follow the request made of them on the signs and only walk their dog on a lead and on the perimeter path and that they do not allow their dogs to foul the track or the field Most people now should be well aware of the considerable health dangers to young children from dog faeces together with the sheer nuisance it creates. Please show consideration for others by picking up your dog’s mess and disposing of it in the appropriate bins.
‘Around Ashton’ Summer 2018
‘Around Ashton’ Winter 2017
‘Around Ashton’ Autumn 2017
Pavilion Café’s Big Tea Party
Stunning weather and fantastic support from the village combined to make the Pavilion Café’s Big Tea Party on Sunday, June 18th a resounding success. One of more than 110,000 ‘Great Get Together’ events held around the country in memory of the late MP Jo Cox, the Big Tea Party attracted 300 adults and children who came together on the recreational field for a sun and fun filled afternoon of tasty treats, musical entertainment, bouncy castles and games. During tea in a giant marquee, the Rev David Lamb of St John’s Church called for a minute’s silence to remember Jo, who was murdered in her West Yorkshire constituency on June 16, 2016, and to “celebrate all that we have in common.” Mike Powers of Ashton Hayes Sports and Recreation Association (AHSRA) and village resident Jean Hamilton led a group of children in planting a memorial tree, a young Cox’s Pippin which has now produced its first apple. Although not intended to be a fundraiser, the event raised £600 thanks to the generosity of local people. The funds were shared between St John’s Church, Ash-Worth Timebank and the Jo Cox Foundation.
Picnic in the Park 2017
Once again the sun shone and a lovely afternoon was had by many of the village .The Picnic in the Park was combined once again with the Rose Queen crowning and there were many things to see, to enjoy and be involved in . The raffle prizes were on a par with past years..(See the photograph of Nicola and Jim Whitelock Wainwright setting off for Chester Races in a chauffeur driven Rolls Royce which was just one of the prizes this year). The refreshments available in the Pavilion and through the barbeque were delicious .The income from this years event was greater than ever and will as usual go towards improving and adding to the playing field equipment and facilities. A huge thankyou needs to go to all those who were involved in the planning, setting up and helping on the day and thanks too to all who came and supported the event and those who weren`t able to be there but donated towards it.
If you’ve ever enjoyed tea and delicious homemade cakes in the Pavilion Cafe you’ll know that it’s a brilliant community resource, one that’s much appreciated by customers and entirely run by volunteers. It’s a tribute to the dedicated volunteers we do have that we very rarely fail to open through lack of staff but it does happen and we wish it didn’t. Those of us who volunteer derive a great deal of pleasure not only from serving a range of simple snacks in a friendly, welcoming environment with beautiful views over the recreational field and over to the Welsh hills but also from connecting with local people. It’s fun, it’s easy, it’s not too time consuming and there’s no pressure so why not give it a try? We operate a rota system that puts you in charge of deciding when you can offer a shift. If you’re thinking of giving it a go why not pop into the cafe and have a chat with one of our volunteers? We’re open on Fridays from 12pm – 5pm and on Saturdays and Sundays between 2pm and 5pm. Alternatively you could call Jane on 01829 752607 or janecolville1@gmail.com
‘Around Ashton’ Summer 2017
Tickets now on sale for the Big Tea Party Sunday, June 18, 3pm – 5.30pm Only a few days to go to the biggest neighbourhood street party Ashton Hayes has ever seen so please, make sure you buy your tickets in advance to secure your places at this unique event on the beautiful QE II playing field on Ashton Lane. There’ll be fun, laughter, inflatables for children and music for all. And there will be no need to worry if it rains on the day because tea will be taken with your friends and neighbours under one giant marquee. There will also be a brief but moving ceremony to plant a Cox’s apple tree in memory of Jo Cox, the West Yorkshire MP and mother of two young children who was murdered on June 16, 2016. Jo was all about combating isolation and uniting communities. In light of recent, terrible events in London and Manchester her words, spoken just a year before her tragic death, assume an even greater significance: “We have far more in common than things that divide us.” Tickets for the Big Tea Party are just £3 person (under 11s go free), and are available now. Buy yours at the Pavilion Café, which is hosting the event, or at Ashton Hayes and Mouldsworth Community Shop. Purchasing your tickets in advance will help the hard working band of volunteers who run the café to plan the catering. Your numbered ticket will cover sandwiches, cake and other tasty tea-time treats with a hot drink for adults and squash for children. But please, do bring tea party finger food as well to share with others in true street party style. The café will be open on the day for those who wish to buy additional items such as ice creams, cold drinks, biscuits and crisps. Numbers corresponding to all tickets sold will be entered into a prize draw for a hamper kindly donated by the community shop so don’t forget to keep hold of your tickets after showing them on the gate. The winning number will be drawn at random. Any profits from this event will be shared with St John’s Church, Ashton Hayes; Ash-worth Time Bank and the Jo Cox Foundation. Donations will be most welcome.
‘Around Ashton’ Spring 2017
Pavilion Cafe now open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday It may often be too wet, cold and windy to walk or play on our beautiful recreation field but a warm, weekend welcome still awaits you, your family and friends in our small but perfectly formed Pavilion Cafe. Delicious home-made soups, cakes and traybakes, sandwiches and toasties are served along with hot and cold drinks by local volunteers so why not make a date for: Fridays between 12pm and 4pm Saturdays between 2pm Sundays between 2pm and 4pm. These are our new winter opening times which we’ll be extending come the end of March when we’ll have some special Spring promotions from tasty cream teas to Easter themed goodies so why not make a date to treat yourself.
‘Around Ashton’ Winter 2016
‘Around Ashton’ Autumn 2016
The Pub Action group thanks everyone who has joined us at the Pavilion ‘Pop Inn Pub’ over the summer months. We have had a great turn out on the sunny evenings. We now have an email list of ‘members’ and use this to inform everyone about the next event. If you would like to be kept in the loop, please email us at garry@ashtonhayespc.co.uk
‘Around Ashton’ Summer 2016
Pop Inn Pub pulls in 75 members in its first month of opening
We are delighted with the support the Pop Inn Pub has generated in the past month. The initiative was set up by the Pub Action Group and has the support of Ashton Hayes Sports & Recreation Association and the Parish Council. The idea is simple – to provide a meeting place where adults and children can socialise every other Friday in summer. Lifetime membership is £2 for adults and kids are free – and we also ask for a donation each time to cover the costs of electricity and cleaning at the pavilion venue. We can’t sell alcohol and so we ask folk to bring their own (which makes it cheaper for everyone!). Families can also dispense with childminding costs as the kids can run around on the field and in the playground. Thanks to everyone for their support. Next event is 7pm on Friday 17 June.
‘Around Ashton’ Spring 2016
Café open over Easter Weekend
Now the days are longer and the weather warmer we have decided to move to extended opening of the café. This will happen as from Thursday 31 March when the café will open from 12.00 to 5.00. Fridays will be the same and on Sundays we will open from 2.00 to 5.00. For the Easter weekend we will aim to be open on the Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday from 2.00 to 5.00. We hope you will drop in and make good use of your café both over Easter but generally too. We really do need some additional volunteers as it is very hard to ensure that there are two volunteers on duty all the hours we are open especially during the spring and summer period with the extended hours. There are all sorts of roles for volunteers and you can do as much or as little as you like. Our volunteers include men and volunteers range range in age from 18 years onwards. If you are at all interested please let us know…drop into the café and leave your contact detail with the volunteers on duty
‘Around Ashton’ Winter 2015
Community Café tempts more customers with delicious fayre
The community café at the Pavilion on the playing field continues to be successful although the winter months bring with it a sharp decline in customer numbers. We now offer a full range of coffees and teas and continue to try to tempt customers with our homemade soups, toasties, cakes and scones, not to mention ice creams and drinks. We are keen to expand our list of volunteers so if you are in any way interested please let us know by contacting Nikki Partington on 01829752008 or 07979082093 or email nikki.partington@btinternet.com or Jane Colville on 01829 752607or email janecolville1@gmail.com. There is a range of tasks and there will be one to suit you we are sure!. Our volunteers seem to really enjoy being in the café especially when it is full of customers who are clearly enjoying themselves.
‘Around Ashton’ Autumn 2015
The Community Café, otherwise known as The Pavilion Café, has been going for a year now, entirely run by volunteers and it has been proving its worth is all sorts of ways. It offers local people opportunity to spend time together or to simply get out from the house and enjoy a drink or something to eat and some company. It is in a lovely setting and the café has been extending its menu gradually and has been investing in equipment and furniture to make it more convenient to customers and to the volunteers. Over the summer the café provided the sale of refreshments during Picnic in the Park. It has also run its first birthday event and very recently it hosted a charity fundraising event for Macmillan Cancer Support services that raised an amazing £550 – thanks to all those who helped and donated. We would like to be able to host other fundraising events on behalf of other local organisations and charities so if you are interested in taking advantage of this please let us know – call into the café to talk about it or contact Jane Colville on 01829 752607email janecolville1@gmail.com In August we learnt that the Big Lottery is to give us £10,000 to resurface the car park so to give easier access for those pushing buggies or wheelchairs. It will also fund a set of replacement chairs in the café plus some foldaway outside tables. We were delighted that the Community Shop has agreed to provide funding to allow us to install a telephone line and Broadband to the Pavilion and to invest in a better coffee-making machine which will offer a wider range of coffees. We are very pleased with the way the café has been received and its value to those in and around the village but we do very much need more volunteers to help even if it can only be on a once a month basis. Please contact us if you feel you can do something to help us. It really is good fun in that it’s a way to keep in touch with others in the village and feel you are doing something very worthwhile in the community. Contact Jane Colville on 01829 or email janecolville1@gmail.com or Nikki Partington 01829 752008 or email nikki.partington@btinternet.com
July Picnic in the Park raised £2000
Our July Picnic in the Park was well supported and thanks to those who attended and an army of helpers, over £2000 was raised to help towards the upkeep of the field. Next year’s date is Saturday July 9th 2016 Car Park: AHSRA have been successful in obtaining funding for the laying of tarmac to improve the surface. We are very grateful to the Community Shop for donating £1500 following their AGM. The field has been fertilised and verti drained to improve the sub soil in addition to the annual aeration to maintain the health of the grass. Playground equipment and the gym are checked on a regular basis. If you are concerned about the safety of any item please contact a committee member asap. AHSRA is a registered Charity and whilst from time to time we receive grants for capital items ALL the costs of maintenance, cleaning etc have to be raised by income and more particularly donations. Please help us to maintain this facility either by making an annual donation and/or volunteering to work with AHSRA. Contact: Mike Powers (Chairman) 01819 752620 or Donald Rowntree 01829 759173
‘Around Ashton’ Summer 2015
The Pavilion Community Café celebrates a year of success but needs more volunteers
We are coming up to a year of being open and are really pleased with the way the café is progressing and the positive feedback we get from all sorts of people. Credit must go to all our volunteers who give of their own time to keep the café open and make it such a welcoming pace to be. We really do need more volunteers so we don’t overburden those we have. So if you are in any way interested please drop into the café when it’s open on Thursday and Friday from 12.00 to 5.00 or Sunday from 2.00 to 5.00 or telephone Jane Colville 01829 752607 email janecolville1@gmail.com or Nikki Partington 01829 752008/email nikki.partington@btinternet.com. We’d love to have some younger volunteers, 16 years or over, so if you would like to be involved in this initiative please make contact as soon as you can. We are holding a celebratory event to mark our first year of opening on August Bank Holiday Monday….details will follow soon but please pencil this into your diary as it should be worth coming out for!
‘Around Ashton’ Spring 2015
Come to the 2015 Picnic in the Park:
This is a date for your diary! On Saturday 11th July in the afternoon the village will be gathering on the Playing Field for the annual Picnic in the Park and Rose Queen event. Lots of fun and interest for all ages. More details to follow soon. We will need lots of volunteers so if you can help please let Georgina Lloyd Watts or Lisa Allman
Village Hall car park gets a makeover
The Village Hall Committee is pleased to announce the completion of improvements to the Village Hall car park. The work involved a small extension and complete re-surfacing of the existing car park. Our appreciation and thanks to the Big Lottery Fund for their generous sponsorship of these works. We would also like to express our thanks to Jane Colville for kindly coordinating the successful application for assistance from the Big Lottery Fund. Additional improvements are planned including the provision of extra storage to meet the need generated by increased usage of the Hall.
Café culture thrives in Ashton Hayes Hopefully you will all by now have spent some time in our own community café in the Pavilion on the playing field in Ashton Lane. If you haven’t then put that right and pop along for something to drink and eat and to meet up with people for a chat. You can get homemade cakes, soups and fresh coffee, hot chocolate and a variety of teas. The service is very friendly and it’s a great place to meet up. One of our latest additions is our Loyalty Card scheme whereby if you buy 9 hot drinks over a period of time that will entitle you to the next one free! We are also about to make available some highchairs for when our younger members of the community visit plus a baby-changing unit is to be installed. We’d like to know what you think about the café and how we might improve. We are always looking for more volunteers to help run the café so please contact us if you are interested. There are various tasks and its not just about serving behind the counter…please ask us if you would like to be involved. Our opening hours are changing at the end of the month and we will be open a bit longer. The café will open from 1st April on Thursdays and Fridays from 12.00 to 5.00, and on Sundays from 2.00 to 5.00
‘Around Ashton’ Winter 2014
Café culture thrives at the Pavilion
The Pavilion Café which opened in August and is to be found on the Recreation Field in Ashton Hayes is going from strength to strength and if you haven`t been to visit it yet we highly recommend it. As a community café it is being run entirely by local volunteers and it is your café with a commitment to adding to the facilities available to people living in the village and surrounding area. It is starting to provide a great opportunity for volunteers as well as customers to socialise in a pleasant setting and enjoy a drink and homemade food. The café is bright and clean and has a very pleasant atmosphere. We are finding it appeals to a wide range of people from young families and football supporters through to people just wanting to catch up with each other and those people who may not have much opportunity to get out of their houses. The range of food on offer is increasing and we have just launched our homemade soups to sit alongside the homemade cakes, scones and preserves. We also stock a range of ice cream and drinks, good coffee and teas. From mid November we have changed our opening hours for the winter months and can now offer some lunchtime options to people. We still open on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays but now we are open for longer on those weekdays…from 11.00am to 2.00pm on Thursday and Friday and on Sunday we open slightly earlier and run from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. We enjoyed an exciting Halloween special event for the children and their Mums and Dads and we are this month running two special Christmas events. We need more volunteers to help in the café, to prepare food for us and also very importantly to help provide lifts to those who struggle to get to and from the café on their own . We also need volunteers to help us with our publicity and many other tasks. We hope to be able to involve young people in volunteering in the café shortly too. If you are interested in getting involved or just want to find out more about the cafe please contact us …drop in and speak to the volunteers on at the time or contact either Nikki Partington on 01829 752620 and email nikki.partington@btinternet.com or Jane Colville on 01829 752607 or email janecolville1@gmail.com
Knitting , Crochet and Craft Club
A club is running through the winter months for those interested in craftwork. It is being organised by Caroline from Timebank and in the New Year will be meeting on a weekly basis in the Pavilion Café on a Thursday morning for the first half of the café session. If you are interested in craft work and would like some company and inspiration why not join …more details from Caroline: ashworthtime@hotmail.co.uk or telephone Caroline on 01829 751398
‘Around Ashton’ Autumn 2014
Pavilion café well supported since Bank Holiday launch
August Bank Holiday Monday, 25th August 2014, saw the launch of a brand new café in Ashton Hayes. The Pavilion Café is on the playing field opposite the old Methodist Chapel on Ashton Lane. For those of you who don’t know yet, the Pavilion Café is open 3 times a week: Thursdays 2.30 to 4.30, Fridays 10.30 to 12.30 and Sundays 2.30 to 4.30. The Café is well worth a visit. So far all those who have been to it have enjoyed themselves: good food, good company and lovely surroundings. The logo and the name of the Café were chosen from entries in a local competition. The winner, Gillian Forgrave, and her family were the first official customers of the café. Well done Gillian! The Pavilion Café is run entirely by volunteers and is for everyone. Meet up with friends, and make new ones, while sampling some truly delicious cakes, scones and more. We hope that before long the café will be able to offer sandwiches and soup. The volunteers are always happy to listen to any suggestions customers have about how the café can be enhanced. The café is for people of all ages to enjoy, from babies, toddlers and school children with their parents and grandparents, through to young people and to the older generation too. Ashworth Timebank is supporting the café by offering transport to those who might not find it easy to get to and from the café on their own. If you have not already called in to the café, please drop by – you will receive a warm welcome and we would love to see you. Volunteers are always welcome. If you feel you could volunteer in the café, whether to serve the drinks and food or to be involved in other tasks, please chat to whoever is on duty or contact Nikki Partington (nikki.partington@btinternet.com). Without volunteers this cafe wouldn’t be possible. The volunteers are very grateful for the support given by the community to the new and exciting venture.
Join the Health Walks ‘Get Going Strolls’
Health Walks is an initiative which Age UK are promoting across the country and is going to be available from Thursday 9th October at 2pm in the village at the Sports Pavilion, making use of the perimeter path on the playing field to start with. This walk is ideal for people who are recovering from illness or surgery or for those who have not done much walking previously. People of all ages are welcome. Timebank are supporting this and there will be posters and further information coming out about it. If you want to find out in advance of this please contact Look after yourself Caroline at Timebank on 01829 751398. Come along on a Thursday afternoon at 2pm….you will have company, will get information and some practical advice about the benefits of walking, will get the opportunity to have a walk and at the end of it you can have some refreshment at our new café ….what could be better than that ?
Next Picnic in the Park will be on 11 July 2015
Saturday 12th July saw the third Picnic in the Park event, which this year was combined with the St John’s Church Rose Queen celebrations. The day started with the Rose Queen procession, with the Rose Queen, Emma Varey, and Rose Bud, Emily Meara, and other children being escorted around the village by two vintage vehicles, and a pink fire engine. Following a service at the church the procession made its way back down to the Recreation Field where our newly crowned Rose Queen officially opened the Picnic. Visitors were entertained with music from the original Pananama Jazz Band and circus skills from our entertainer Neil. There were plenty of stalls and games around the field as well as the annual Gardening Club show. The day was made possible by many village organisations working together to provide the event. Thank you to all members of these groups and the many volunteers who worked so hard both on the day and in the run up to the event. Groups involved included Ashton House Nursery, Ashton Scouts, the PTFA, the Gardening Club, the Community Shop, AHSRA, the Carbon Neutral Group and Community Energy Company, The Neighbourhood Planning Group, St John’s Church, Ashton WI, the Thursday Club, Ashworth Timebank and the Parish Council. Funds raised on the day were donated to AHSRA towards maintenance of the playground facilities. However a portion of the funds raised have been reserved to fund a similar event next year…. A provisional date has already been set for 11th July 2015. If you have any ideas for next year’s event or would be interested in becoming involved in the planning or simply helping out on the day, please contact Lisa Allman on 01829 751043.
It has been a summer of activity on the field with many sunny and warm days. In addition to the playground being used by families of all generations we have seen a wedding, birthdays parties, and of course the Village Day Event in mid July. It was wonderful to share the Village Day with the Rose Queen parade and we hope that this will be repeated again next year, there were many other activities and with tea, cakes, beer, BBQ, ices etc.to sustain those who did not choose to bring their own picnic. The jazz band and Kelsborough choir provide the musical backdrop. Thank you to all those who helped in making the day a success, and in particular to Lisa Allman and her committee for organising the event. Plans are already in hand for next year. The date is July 11 2015. Make a note. We would love to hear from you if you want to get involved and assist in the planning and preparing of the Village Day. Contact an AHSRA committee member. The cafe is now open! See the notices for opening times and other article in this newsletter. Run by volunteers it is proving to be a quite a social hub, and the cakes are – well just go down and taste them! If you need transport to get you to and from the café, please give Timebank a call. The Christmas Dance? As there are a number of other activities going on in the village in the lead up to Christmas we are planning an event in January. A Ceilidh on 24th January – another date for your 2015 diary. Friends of the Field donations, an important contribution to the running of the Recreation Ground and Pavilion. Thank you to those who have already set up their 2015 donations by standing order. If however you prefer to make your donations for next year by cash or cheque, please either leave them with Helen at the Post Office, or pass to Donald Rowntree @ 6 Pentre Close, Ashton Hayes.
‘Around Ashton’ Summer 2014
Plan is cooking for running a non-profit community café in the pavilion
Plans are afoot to start up a small and low key café initiative which will be run by volunteers and will open for two or three sessions a week, possibly from the Pavilion. This will be a charitable enterprise that will seek to cover costs and provide some support to the playing field. We hope it will attract people who already use the facilities the field has to offer and also those who maybe haven’t been able to make much use of it to date. We would want it also to be somewhere that the younger members of the community might use. Watch out for more information about this. We’d love to have offers of assistance from more people willing to volunteer for this much-needed facility. There are plenty of tasks both behind the scenes and when the café is open. If you are in any way interested in this please contact janecolville@btinternet.com or telephone 01829 752607.
‘Around Ashton’ Spring 2014
Grass is green for AHSRA
Despite the very wet start to the year the field is now drying out well, benefiting from the aeration and fertilising that was carried out last year. It is now hoped that there will be no further disruption to the weekend football fixtures. Hire of Pavilion: Bookings are available for children’s parties, which proved so popular last year. The Pavilion is also ideal for small group meetings and activities. The Hire rates are unchanged at £9.00 per hour + VAT, (with a discount to Friends of the Field) – Book early to avoid disappointment! Contact: Mike Powers on 752620 or Donald Rowntree on 759173 Friends of the Field. Thank you to those who have already made their 2014 donation. This support is a major factor in maintaining the quality of the facilities. All donations to are of course welcome, and those of £20 and over will be included in our quarterly prize draw, the first draw of 2014 being at Easter. As a thank you to Friends of the Field we are offering one hour’s free pavilion rental. To make your donation, please place in an envelope, marked “AHSRA” and hand to Helen Rimmer at the Post Office. Village Day – Saturday July 12th; A date not to be missed in the Village Calendar. To include the Rose Queen parade, Gardening Club Show, Circus skills, Beer tent, Cakes and Teas, Bouncy Castle, Music and Jazz, Races, Stalls,etc.. Why not bring a picnic – or enjoy a tasty treat from the BBQ? Do you want to help or be involved? Please contact Lisa Allman: 01829 751043
‘Around Ashton’ Autumn 2013
‘Picnic in the Park’ success paves the way for next year’s event
Saturday 6th July was the date set for this years Picnic in the Park and we couldn’t have asked for better weather (a stark contrast to the terrible weather for last years Jubilee celebrations), which made for a really successful day. Visitors were entertained with music from The Red River Band. There was a Circus Skills workshop, a Vintage Fire Engine, Children’s Fun Races, Badge making and a model aircraft display as well as the annual gardening club show. The day was made possible by many village organisations working together to provide the event. Thank you to all members of these groups and the many volunteers that worked so hard both on the day and in the run up to the event. Groups involved included, Ashton House Nursery, Ashton Scouts, Ashton Football Club, The PTFA, The Gardening Club, The Community Shop, AHSRA, The Community Energy Company, The Parish plan Group, St Johns Church, Ashton WI, the Thursday Club, Ashworth Time Bank and the Parish Council. Some of the funds raised on the day were donated to AHSRA towards maintenance of the playground facilities. However a large portion of the funds raised have been reserved to fund a similar event next year…. planning will begin early next year and volunteers who would be willing to help organize such an event should contact Lisa Allman on 01829 751043 Here’s hoping for similar weather next year! ‘
‘Around Ashton’ Summer 2013
PICNIC IN THE PARK ON 6 JULY: After the washout Jubilee event we held last year on the new playing field we though we`d risk the weather again and go for a similar event inviting the whole village to come out and enjoy an afternoon together with all sorts of things to do and to look at. As you will see from the poster it runs from 12.00 to 4.00 on Saturday 6th July and there should be something for everyone. Bring your own picnic. Admission for adults is only £2 and children can come in free. We’d like to thank the Parish Council for agreeing to underwrite the costs of the children’s entertainment should we get a deluge and need to cancel the event. Fingers crossed.
‘Around Ashton’ Spring 2013
Put a spring in your step in the field Why not try out our latest additions… Walk around the ¼ mile footpath; Picnic at one of the benches; Football; Use the heated Pavilion and kitchen for children’s parties or as a meeting room; Exercise on the outdoor gym; Fly a model plane (insurance required), Zoom down the zip wire; play equipment for children; Nordic Walking; Bird watching; balancing course; hold a wedding (yes there was one last year!) – or just enjoy the fresh air and views of Beeston Castle round to the Welsh hills. If you or your organisation wish to use the facilities or have suggestions on further improvements then please contact a committee member via Helen Rimmer at the Post Office. We have three further benches ready to put into position, one being part of the award for “England’s Most Improved Playing Field 2012”. A new gate has been fitted next to the Pavilion to provide authorised vehicle access onto the field and as an overflow car park, and further planting has been carried out to provide a habitat for the local wild life. Become a “Friend of the Field” – your voluntary donations are invaluable. Details from Donald Rowntree (759173) and Mike Powers (752620)]
‘Around Ashton’ Winter 2012
AHSRA’s field wins first prize out of 200 entrants for top UK award
AHSRA supporters show off the trophy and the new plaque awarded for winning first prize in the 2012 ‘Most Improved QEII Site, Supported by SITA Trust”, presented at Lord’s Cricket Ground on 29th November. The prize also includes a new wooden bench for the field. This is the inaugural award of the QEII Playing Fields Awards that started earlier this year. AHSRA would like to thank the entire community for the support it has given to this amazing project. The trophies will be on public display at the shop. In entering the award AHSRA said “Until the summer of 2011, our village had no recreation ground or play area worthy of the name. The village football team played their “home” matches 5 miles away. Kids were bored and some were being a nuisance. Our association was founded in 2007 (becoming a charity in 2010) to put in place a first-class recreation ground facility, with land purchase being its first goal. In 2009/10 we raised enough money (£67,5000) to buy a 4.7 acre field near the village centre. Our involvement with the QEII scheme started in early 2010 and the signing of the Trust Deed with the Parish Council was a key step forwards, giving confidence to partners and funders. When we purchased the field in 2010, it was just a fallow farmer’s field last used for growing potatoes. Its only community value was for dog walkers. Now it is a first-class recreation ground with a play area, football pitch, outdoor gym, carbon-neutral pavilion with car park, a perimeter path, nature area and picnic areas. Three teams on a regular basis use the football pitch. The fully accessible pavilion provides excellent facilities for changing, with showers, toilets and a spectator room with kitchen facilities. The building was built to a high environmental standard and features a 10kW bank of solar panels and heating via an air-source heat pump. Income from the solar panels (managed by the Ashton Hayes Community Energy Company) makes a big contribution towards the running costs of the field…(see PC website for all text)”
‘Around Ashton’ Autumn 2012
Field to get more equipment – Thanks to a £25,000 grant from SITA, the recreation field is looking better and better. The pavilion now has a smart path all around it, a small patio area and wooden cladding on all its walls. CCTV equipment has also been installed. It also has some outdoor gym equipment, which is proving to be very popular. The gym has been designed for adults and children over the age of 7 only. Other improvements in the pipeline include a further swing and tree and shrub planting to soften the look of the car park area. With the gym equipment and the running track, you could get fit and feel better. So get on down there and flex those muscles!
‘Around Ashton’ Summer 2011
AHSRA – Become a ‘Friend’ of our field The Ashton Hayes Sports and Recreation Association has formed a new group called “Friends of the Field (FoF)” to offer support in maintaining these wonderful facilities and to organise village events and generate new funds to purchase additional equipment. We are also asking you to put forward your wish list of what you would like to see provided. It is our intention to circulate a quarterly “e” News letter.’Friends’ subscriptions are £20 per family per annum and members will be entered into a quarterly draw for a £25 token for use at the village shop. It is also hoped to shortly add further benefits. Please become a FoF and if you are a UK tax payer (we are a registered Charity) ask for a Gift Aid form when paying. Contact: donald@rowntreehome.co.uk or call him on 01829 759173
‘Around Ashton’ October 2009
RECREATIONAL FIELD Instead of an article in this edition of Around Ashton we are enclosing a copy of ‘Open Space’ which is the newsletter of Ashton Hayes Sports and Recreation Association, which should tell you all you need to know about the current situation and on-going activities.
‘Around Ashton’ April 2009
RECREATIONAL FIELD Since the last newsletter was distributed permission has been granted for Change of Use to Recreational Purposes for the field in Ashton Lane. At the beginning of December the two drop-in sessions advertised in Around Ashton were well attended and the majority response was enthusiastically in favour of moving forward with the project. Land purchase in this type of situation is rarely straight forward, but negotiations have been continuing and it is hoped that further progress can be reported soon, but, unfortunately, not in time to catch this edition. To keep up to date please go to our new web site which is described in the previous article, or attend the Parish Council meetings. Next meeting Monday April 20th .
‘Around Ashton’ November 2008
RECREATIONAL FIELD Historical notes: As far back as 1989 a survey found that residents of Ashton had requested a recreational field be provided for the village. Since then successive Parish Councils have been trying to acquire a suitable plot, and in October 2006 the field in Kelsall Rd was purchased. There was a potential drawback in the form of an existing covenant, but informal advice, taken prior to the purchase of the field from what was considered to be a reliable source led the Parish Council to believe that this covenant would not pose a serious problem, and, with the best of intentions, and the full backing of Chester City Council, the land was bought. But the covenant problem proved to be too great and, reluctantly, the Parish Council had to sell the field. There were numerous out goings including legal and other fees for buying and selling, seeding and cutting grass, legal fees in connection with the covenant and interest on the loan, but we have still been left with a profit of around £16000 to take forward. Towards a new field Chester District’s Local Plan, adopted in May 2006, states that ‘the rural open spaces assessment identified a number of large and medium sized villages with particular needs for deficiencies in formal and informal sport and recreation. It was suggested that there was a particular need in Ashton for an area of casual/informal open space.’ When the recent Parish Plan questionnaire was compiled it didn’t ask about a recreational field because we believed we already had one. But the related question about ‘Open green spaces’ found that 83% said this was either very or extremely important to them, which supports current policy. The Parish Council is working in partnership with the Ashton Hayes Sports and Recreation Association to acquire 4.7 acres of land – most of the second field on the right as you leave the village to the south – for development as a community open space for all ages. The Parish Council’s decision, taken in July, is dependent on planning permission being granted and is subject to further funding sources being identified. The intention is that the open space should be financed without having to find funds from Ashton Hayes residents via the parish precept on the Council Tax. With the profit from the Kelsall Rd sale, plus the original deposit and grants available to it at present, the Parish Council has been able to offer up to £31000 towards another field. The field has been deemed fit for purpose by council officers; meeting criteria for road safety, visibility, nearness to the village centre, drainage and other factors. A planning application has been submitted and can be viewed at the Town Hall or online, using planning reference 08/01876/FUL. Written comments must be received at the planning office by November 20th. Comments can also be made on line. The web site address for viewing and comment is: www.chester.gov.uk/council_services/planning_and_building_control/planning/planning_applications_online.aspx The vision A quality recreation ground has been a dream of children and parents of our village for generations. Such a ground is not just for kids, it’s a place for all residents to relax in and enjoy. It’s a social centre, a place to include on your Sunday walk, a place for random encounters and meeting friends. The concept is still evolving. Currently what is envisaged is a play area, facilities for football, a general open space and seating where you can enjoy the views of the Welsh Hills. Further facilities will only happen following extensive consultation. We want your views! A project like this can only succeed if the village is informed and involved. There have been good reasons why it has not always been possible to give full details until now – it is difficult to negotiate land purchase in public. But that phase is largely over. Now the partnership would like to invite you to attend one of two drop-in sessions, the first on Saturday 29th November, from 10am until noon, and the second on Monday 1st December from 6pm until 8pm. Both sessions will be in the Parish Rooms. Please come along, find out more and give us your comments. There is also a very detailed Recreation Ground Proposal document which will soon be on the Web site, and a copy may be obtained via the Parish Council or the AHS&RA.