May and June 2009
In the last edition of Kidsgrove News I commented on the late start of Spring this year and our plans for the warmer days when they arrive. Well, no sooner had I submitted that article than the weather changed for the better, which prompted some of Residents Association committee members to take some exercise by walking around the many footpaths and woodland areas in Clough Hall; this in turn highlighted the ongoing problem of litter. Areas identified as needing to be cleaned up were Puzzle Wood, Clough Hall Lake, the wooded area adjacent to the football ground and the lane from Beech Drive to Unity Way (A34). Forty five bags of beer cans, bottles, soft drink cans, crisp bags, sweet wrappings, cigarette packets and numerous other items were collected .. in addition to this flower pots, car tyres, scrap metal and even a car fuel tank were removed. We are grateful to Newcastle Borough Council for taking the rubbish away and to those who supported us on this occasion, but despite the fact that the litter pick event was highlighted on a flyer distributed to Clough Hall residents the response was very disappointing.
The problem of litter is of course a nation wide problem, not just confined to Clough Hall, and I find it hard to understand why people abuse the area in which they live in such away ... what a difference it would make if we all kept the area around our own property clear of litter!
Group of Litter Pickers
The continuing success of the Residents Association, formed nearly four years ago, is dependant upon a sound financial footing and we are grateful for the support of our members, local businesses and charities. We have recently been awarded a grant from the Grass Roots branch of The Staffordshire Community Foundation, a much appreciated donation which is very helpful to a voluntary group like ours.
We in turn like to be able to support various charities and will be holding a Quiz Night on Wednesday the 22nd July at Kidsgrove Cricket Club - starting at 8.00pm. All proceeds from this Quiz will be donated to Douglas MacMillan. (Tickets are available, priced at £3.00 including refreshments).
Our first Guest speaker at the March meeting was Faye Lambert - North Staffs Community Rail Partnership who gave a very interesting and informative talk on the Rail system since privatisation in the 1990's. She informed us how input from the Partnership has helped to improve travel facilities and forged strong links with local communities.
Our second presentation "Murder Most Foul" was presented by DI S.Maxfield and PC D.Woodward and explained the relationship between the Major Incident Unit, local Neighbourhood Policing and the general public.
The first speaker at the April meeting was Rachael Butcher - Community Re-Assurance who explained that her role, whilst working for Newcastle District Youth Service and in partnership with the police on anti-social behaviour issues, was to help youngsters make decisions to change their behaviour.
Bats were the topic of our second speaker, Ged Ryan - Cheshire Bat Association. He spoke about the seventeen species of British bats, ten of which are found in Staffordshire and Cheshire. Anyone wanting to know more about bats, or who thinks they have a bat problem, should contact the Staffordshire Bat Group.