Tag Archives: Communities

Free parking for Warwick visitors

Warwickshire County Council and Warwick District Council are putting out the positive message that Warwick is open for business by offering free parking in the town centre at weekends.

Warwick town centre is currently undergoing improvements to High Street and Jury Street and as an act of goodwill to businesses and visitors the county council and district council are relaxing the rules to allow motorists to park for free on Saturdays and Sundays for the next three weekends.

From this Saturday (May 19), the county council will waive the charges for on-street parking and Warwick District Council will do the same for its off-street town centre car parks at West Gate, New Street, The Butts, Barrack Street, Linen Street, Priory Road, and Castle Lane. These measures will be in place on May 19 and 20, May 26 and 27, and June 2 and 3.

Cllr Peter Butlin, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport, said: “We recognise that there has been disruption in Warwick while the town centre improvements have been carried out, and have decided to offer free parking as a gesture of goodwill. We hope this encourages shoppers to enjoy their time in the town and stay longer without having to worry about the cost.

“Warwick remains well and truly open for business and we thank everyone for their patience while these works are being carried out. Once completed, High Street and Jury Street will be much more user-friendly for pedestrians and have considerable long-term benefits for the town.”

Cllr Dave Shilton, Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood added, “We are well aware of the difficulties that drivers are experiencing in travelling in and out of Warwick town centre at the moment.  We hope that by offering free parking at seven of our car parks in the town, residents and visitors will be encouraged to continue with their usual visits into the town centre.”

During the improvement works, businesses have remained open as normal and traffic patterns have settled down after initial delays caused by the diversions.

The county council is continuing to endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum and ask that people bear with us while the work is completed.

For more information on the Warwick improvements visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/highstjuryst

Details on parking in Warwick district can be found at www.warwickdc.gov.uk/WDC/roads-parking-and-transport

Little People, Olympic Achievement

Village Primary School’s Song on National Television This Week!

When a quiet Warwickshire village school decided to record an original song inspired by the London 2012 Olympics, little could they know how far their voices would carry!

The 106 children (aged 4-11) of Ilmington Primary School only released Rings Around The World on 21st April, yet it has already been filmed to be shown on BBC1 TV’s iconic Songs of Praise.  The programme will be broadcast nationwide this Sunday, 13th May, just days before the Olympic Torch begins its journey around the UK.

The song has been played on regional radio, will be featured on BBC Radio 2 and has attracted attention from far and wide.  On hearing the single, legendary magician Paul Daniels immediately tweeted the link to his 41,000 followers!

”Rings Around The World” is a rabble-rousing, heart-pumping, world-uniting anthem that demands to be listened to. Its message of global love and hope will bring tears from a nation standing proud, not just soppy mums and dads.  (Forget the bygone image of a cutesy kids’ choir, like St. Winifred’s School Choir’s “Grandma We Love You” in 1980.)

In this most amazing year, with a once-in-a-lifetime global sporting event at its heart, how much further will these children’s dreams carry them?

The CD (which includes a video of the 106 singers) is currently available at HMV Stratford-upon-Avon and via the website www.ringsaroundtheworld2012.co.uk.  The song is also available on iTunes.

“Rings Around the World is the kind of going-for-gold, inspirational anthem that makes you want to jump, cheer and do a triple somersault with a half pike. A perfect song to celebrate the Olympics,” said Steve Sutherland, former NME Editor.

Diamond dozen experiences around Coventry & Warwickshire

Featured

Diamond dozen experiences around Coventry & Warwickshire

Coventry & Warwickshire are at the heart of England and the very heart of royal history and romance. Little wonder we’re celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in genuine style. Come on a memorable royal break or tour, join jousting and feasting – even pop the ‘diamond question’. The Big Ticket also links great destinations at great prices. Our Diamond Jubilee dozen experiences give a taster of what’s in store.

1.       Best diamond breaks

Be pampered like royalty on a sumptuous Diamond Jubilee break at some of England’s top – and quirkiest – accommodation. Maybe begin the Jubilee Weekend in style at 4-star Ettington Park Hotel, Alderminster: the Neo-Gothic mansion’s Jubilee Friday Night Club features Royal Afternoon Tea, three-course table d’hote dinner, accommodation and full traditional breakfast, plus use of the swimming pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi (from £199 per couple, 1 June).

Four-star Lea Marston Hotel, near Coleshill, will welcome you with a gorgeous box of chocolates, Royal Afternoon Tea, a chance to relax in the stunning health club and scrumptious full English breakfast next morning (from £44 pppn, 31 May-10 June). Or how about an exquisite two-night Jubilee Spa Break for Two at 4-star Ardencote Manor, Claverdon: relax with an indulgent Jubilee Spa Ritual massage and manicure, as well as all the delights of traditional country manor house living (£189 per person, 1-30 June).

Even get away from it all at Landmark Trust’s The Bath House. Hidden in woodland near Stratford-upon-Avon and eccentrically decorated with shells, the former bathing venue for 18th-century fashionistas sleeps two – the perfect Jubilee Weekend Break escape (£921, 5 nights from 1 June).

2.       Best royal tour

British monarchs have been famous for going on royal progress around the land and Warwickshire, at the heart of England, has been in the thick of aristocratic activity. Create your own three-day progress around Royal Warwickshire, touring Warwick and Kenilworth Castles to discover tales of romance and rebellion; Royal Leamington Spa, Charlecote Park, Ragley Hall and Coughton Court for princely architecture and plots. There’s plenty of fine dining along the way!

3.       Best royal cavalcades

Whatever your transport around Warwickshire’s royal hotspots, take a look at the way monarchs hit the road. As part of a Jubilee week of exciting family activities, the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, is hosting a Royal Cars exhibition, including a 1983 Land Rover 110 station wagon used on the Queen’s private estates at Sandringham and Balmoral (Her Majesty learned to drive in 1945). Royalty on the Road at Coventry Transport Museum brings together a fascinating range of vehicles from superb Daimler limousines to the Austin Metro given to Diana Spencer by Prince Charles. (Royal Cars, 2-10 June; Royalty on the Road, to 10 June.)

4.       Best for royal child’s play

Who wants to be king or queen? There’s no need to wave magic wands, simply bring the kids to Compton Verney art gallery for some right royal half-term fun. They can make their own crowns and pose as a Tudor monarch – find oodles of inspiration in the gallery’s portrait collection of royalty and nobles – while children under five can also join storytellers and share the Diamond Jubilee adventures of puppets Connie and Verne. (A royal likeness, 2-8 June; A royal visit: storytelling for under 5’s, 4-8 June.)

5.       Best Big Lunches

The Queen specifically requested that the Big Lunch be part of national festivities and local communities are rising to the occasion on 3 June with street parties and picnics, from Warwick to Ryton Pools Country Park and Kingsbury Water Park – where children can also let off steam with lots of holiday activities. Enjoy a giant picnic and games at the National Trust’s Packwood House or Baddesley Clinton. Or fill a tasty hamper with Warwickshire’s famously mouthwatering local produce and tap toes to live music al fresco at Charlecote Park (National Trust) where Shakespeare allegedly poached deer for dinner.

6.       Best diamond garden party

Gather on the South Terrace at the National Trust’s Upton House, near Banbury, as sounds of 1930s gramophone records waft across the airwaves – a truly genteel Diamond Jubilee Garden Party. Sip your Champagne or cocktails and maybe feel inspired to drop into one of the art workshops that run throughout the day. Some 20,000 sandwiches and 20,000 slices of cake may be consumed at a typical garden party at Buckingham Palace, but nothing matches the temptations of Upton’s traditional sweet shop for those between-meal moments. (Diamond Jubilee Garden Party, 4 June.)

7.       Best diamond afternoon teas

Surprise the love of your life with an Eden Diamond Afternoon Tea. Book ahead at the Eden Hotel Collection’s 3-star Mallory Court Hotel, Royal Leamington Spa, or 4-star The Arden Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon, and alongside traditional afternoon fare with Champagne you can have a diamond served up – perfect if you’ve an anniversary around Jubilee time, or want to pop the question. Discuss your requirements in advance with the General Manager to have a bespoke piece of jewellery commissioned (price on enquiry). Less glittery but still glorious, both hotels also offer special Jubilee teas without the diamonds (Mallory Court, 4 June; The Arden Hotel, 5 June).

Alternatively, at The Bluebell, Henley-in-Arden, you can  savour a ‘Red, White and Bluebell’ vintage afternoon tea featuring fine finger sandwiches (including Coronation Chicken), ‘Queen of Hearts’ strawberry tarts and ‘Crown’ cookies to take away (1 May-9 June). The 500-year-old inn shares the same butcher (Aubrey Allen) as the Queen and believes, when it comes to food, British is best and local is better.  You’ll also spot some patriotic ‘Royal Rovers’ by artist Alison Fennell, who is exhibiting work here in May and June.

8.       Best for ’50s footwork

Get your dancing shoes on for an authentic 1950s Jailhouse Jive night out to celebrate the Jubilee, at the historic Old Courts, Warwick. Show off your moves to rock ’n roll and jive music by local band Phoenix, or grab the opportunity to learn to jive with experts from Planet Dance. In slightly more sedate mood, step around Leamington Spa on an entertaining 1950s town tour to see Jubilee themed windows and hear about 1950s shopping, leisure and the celebrated Leamington Lights. (Jailhouse Jive, Warwick, 2 June; 1950s town tour, Leamington Spa, 3 June.)

9.       Best for a Jubilee joust

Relive the thrill and pageantry of a royal joust at Warwick Castle, amid clashing lances, thundering hooves, racing hearts and cheers. You’ll also meet a host of historic characters around the towers, ramparts and grounds of Britain’s ultimate medieval fortress. From the scheming of Richard Neville, the Kingmaker, to the secrets of a Victorian Royal Weekend Party, Warwick holds the key to countless regal dramas through the ages. (Diamond Jubilee and Royal Jousting, 2-10 June.)

10.   Best for royal time travel

Follow in the historic steps of the first Queen Elizabeth at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden (English Heritage) and get ready to rub shoulders with royalty. Brush up your regal manner then join Time Travellers Go… Royal for absorbing games and crafts fit for a king or queen. Do remember your courtly airs and graces when you bump into noble characters from days gone by. (Time Travellers Go… Royal, 3-5 June.)

11.   Best double Jubilee

While the Queen celebrates Diamond, Coventry Cathedral marks its Golden Jubilee throughout 2012 with a rich programme of events that highlights its cherished place in the community as a centre of worship and cultural activity. The Queen came for the cathedral’s consecration in 1962 and Princess Anne will attend a special service on 25 May. Check the calendar for concerts and recitals, and come and enjoy the nation’s favourite 20th-century building.

12.   Best for Liz and Phil

Calling all couples named Liz and Phil! Several attractions, hotels and restaurants are making ‘Free Elizabeth and Philip’ offers to crown the Jubilee Weekend. You’ll need ID and it’s probably too late to change your names, but lucky Liz’s and Phil’s should check out the free admission to the Tudor World museum at The Falstaff Experience, a fantastic day’s motoring from The Open Road Classic Car Hire, complimentary Champagne at 5-star White-Sails guesthouse in Stratford-upon-Avon, and much more.

Line the Streets for the torch

The Olympic Flame starts its’ epic 70 day journey around the UK this month and to mark the occasion Warwickshire County Council is urging as many people as possible to ‘Line the Streets’ when it arrives in the county on July 1.

Local Leaders of the 2012 Games and community groups are already getting their neighbours, friends and family together to support their Local Torchbearer and show the world how proud they are of the place where they live.

Games organisers are urging people to make maracas and shakers, hang bunting, bake flame ‘cone-cakes’, plant golden marigolds, dress up in gold and make some noise to welcome and celebrate the arrival of the Olympic Torch. Downloadable toolkits, posters and save the date cards are available to help along the way from the Line the Streets webpage at www.london2012.com/join-in/local-leaders/line-the-streets/

Julie Crawshaw, Warwickshire County Council’s Olympic co-ordinator, said: “The Warwickshire weekend on July 1 is our opportunity to get into the Olympic spirit and welcome the torch as it makes its way through the county. There are many events being planned and we hope our residents will line the streets in their thousands.”

On Sunday 1 July and Monday 2 July communities in Alcester, Newbold-on-Stour, Alderminster, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Leamington, Kenilworth, and Rugby will share in the excitement of the Relay as it travels through Warwickshire.

The route takes in major streets in the county including Shipston Road in Stratford, West Street in Warwick, The Parade in Leamington, Castle Road in Kenilworth and Lawford Road into Rugby.

The streets along the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay can be viewed in full at www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay, which gives street-by-street details and proposed start times for when the Olympic Flame will travel through Warwickshire. Residents living in and around the county can find out when it will be travelling along their nearest high street, through their town square or past their local village shop.

The county council is encouraging as many people as possible to sign up as Local Leaders at www.london2012.com/localleaders and help organise the celebrations in your local area.

Residents are also being asked to tell the Games organisers how they are celebrating, so they can use their examples to inspire others. To do this all they need to do is email TellTom@london2012.com

Improving the Health of People in Warwickshire

Warwickshire County Council have made a pledge to tackle health issues such as smoking, obesity and alcohol dependency as part of a drive to improve health and well being across Warwickshire.

The pledge was made during a full council meeting at Shire Hall on Tuesday 23 February 2012.  The public interest debate provided county councillors, health practitioners, district councillors and members of the public with an opportunity to discuss how health care will be developed in Warwickshire in light of the national proposals for Public Health to be integrated into local authorities.

Key speakers at the debate included Bryan Stoten, Chair of the Shadow Health and Well Being Board, Alison Gingell, Chair of the Arden Cluster, Dr John Linnane, Director of Public Health and Wendy Fabbro, Strategic Director for the People Group at Warwickshire County Council.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Councillor Bob Stevens said:

“The public debate gave us a real insight into the challenges we will face as we move forward with the transfer of public health to the local authority.

“All parties have agreed that we need to take a more assertive role in addressing health inequalities within the county. However, we recognise that this can only be achieved if all agencies dealing with health including district and boroughs, clinical commissioning groups and our NHS colleagues are working together with common aims of improving the health and well being of the residents of Warwickshire.”

Director of Public Health, John Linnane said:

“The Government have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling inequality in public health and as Public Health transfers to Warwickshire County Council, we need to ensure that commitment to address inequality is at the heart of everything we do. This will include ensuring that we have a fully integrated policy to tackle smoking, obesity and alcohol dependency in order for residents to live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.”

As part of the pledge, Warwickshire County Council will now establish a programme of work to actively engage with key groups across Warwickshire.

‘A borough of opportunity’

A bold new campaign has been launched to bring business investment into Nuneaton and Bedworth.

The public and private sector partnership group set up to attract new investment into the area has launched a campaign with the slogan ‘think… Nuneaton and Bedworth’.

The ‘borough of opportunity’ drive is designed to put the area firmly on the map for businesses looking for an up and coming location.

It is the brainchild of the Nuneaton and Bedworth Investment and Marketing Group, which is made up of representatives from Warwickshire County Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and local businesses.

Cllr Alan Farnell, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “Nuneaton and Bedworth is an exciting place to be – a programme of town centre regeneration is currently underway with a range of new commercial development sites in the pipeline.

“The aim of the campaign is to attract investment by encouraging business to think of Nuneaton and Bedworth as a borough of opportunity.

“The investment and marketing group has been set up to provide a coordinated and consistent approach between the public and private sector for marketing the borough, attracting new investors and ensuring a positive economic future for the area.

“By pulling together and presenting a united front, we are working to make the area an attractive proposition for investors.”

The group is looking at ways in which the public and private sector can work better together on business investment. This includes getting private sector input into major projects happening in the borough and providing a co-ordinated approach to planning.

Work is already underway to produce marketing tools and improve the materials available. A series of fact sheets have been produced to attract potential investors.

Badged up with the ‘think… Nuneaton and Bedworth’ slogan, the marketing materials focus on the many benefits of doing business in the borough.

Among its unique selling points are the location, transport links, productive workforce and strong business community.