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The Clock Tower in the centre of Coleford is the symbol of the town and the Town Council felt that it was a shame that this iconic building was being used for little more that a storage space.
Consequently the Council has formed a Working Party to look at what could be done with the tower.
Annie Lapington the Town Clerk says “ it is important that the community a plays a part is making this decision. So the Council has invited representatives from the public to participate in this project, but whatever plans the steering group come up with it will be down to the people of Coleford to decide what will happen to the tower”
She continue “The tower is structurally in good order and there seem to be many opportunities for its future use. Suggestions have ranged from a museum about Coleford to being the Town Council offices. It will also give the council opportunity to think about the town centre space and see if that could be developed as well.
If you would like to be part of the working party please contact me at the Town Council offices.
REGULAR EVENTS
Mondays:
Tuesdays:
1. Coleford’s Tea Dance Group – Coleford Community Centre – (Until Mid June
2006) – 2:30-4:30pm. An opportunity to remember old favourites and learn the
occasional new dance. Contact Moira Bell (01594 542477) for details. Cost 80p
per person, including tea & biscuits
2. Pisgah Chapel, Coalway – The Dean Singers – 7:30-9:30pm – Rehearsals. A small
Male Voice Group who sing a side variety of music for pleasure and entertainment
extends a warm and friendly welcome to any singers who would like to join.
Contact – Mike Salmon (01594 836400) for details.
Wednesdays:
Thursdays:
1. Sequence Dancing – The Hut, Berry Hill, 8:00pm-10:00pm. Contact Ray Parkman
(01594 861373)
2. Wimberry Clog Step Dance Group – 1st, 2nd & 4th Thursdays – 8:00pm-9:30pm.
Contact Barbara Sanigar (01452 830248)
Fridays:
1. Market Kavern Bar, Angel Hotel, Coleford – Coleford Country Market –
10:00-11:30am
FOREST OF DEAN RADIO 1521 & 1503 MW/AM – Schedule -
‘Ferret Bag’ – Thursday 5:00-7:00pm
‘The Real Mix’ – Thursday from 7:00pm
‘Forestwide’ – Friday 5:00-8:00pm
Contact: 01594 820722
MARKETS
ATTRACTIONS & EXHIBITIONS ETC
Bells Hotel & Forest of Dean Country Club – Lords Hill, Coleford – 01594 832583
Clayshooting/Airgunning – Milkwall, Coleford – 01594 833940
Clearwell Caves – The Royal Forest of Dean’s Iron Mining Museum – 01594 832535
Forest Adventure Activity Centre – The Buckstone, Staunton, Coleford – 01594
834661
Forest Combat Paintballing – English Bicknor, Coleford – 01594 861757
Forest Hills Golf Club – Mile End Road, Coleford – 01594 810620
Little Follies – A Forest of Adventure. Enjoy the Biggest Indoor Soft Adventure
Playground in the Forest – Open 362 days a year – 01594 833229
Motiva Rope Course – Christchurch, Coleford – 01594 861762
Pedalabikeaway – The Cycle Centre of The Forest of Dean, Cannop Valley (B4234),
Nr Coleford – 01594 860065
Perrygrove Railway - ½ Mile South of Coleford on B4228 – 01594 834991
Whitecliff Off-Road Training & Driving Centre – Whitecliff Quarry, Coleford –
01594 834666
A Little Further away:
Dean Forest Railway – Norchard, Forest Road, Lydney – 01594 843423
Dean Heritage Museum – A Museum of the Forest, gateway to the Magical Forest of
Dean, Soudley (B4227) – 01594 824024
Forest of Dean Falconry – Ruardean Woodside – 01594 541888
Kingfisher Cruises – Cruise through the beautiful Wye Valley - Symonds Yat East
– 01600 891063
Littledean Riding Centre – Littledean, Glos – 01594 823955
Mohair Countryside Centre (Children’s Activity Centre) – Longhope, Glos – 01452
831137
National Birds of Prey Centre, The – Newent, Gloucestershire – 0870 990 1992
National Diving Centre, The – Tidenham, Nr Chepstow (A48) – 01291 630046
Quad Bikes – Wye Valley Quad Bikes – Tidenham Chase, Chepstow – 01291 689940
Wyedean Canoe & Adventure Centre – Symonds Yat East – 01594 833238
CHURCHES
Anglican
St John the Evangelist, Boxbush Road, Coleford. – Rev’d David Lawrence 01594
833379
The Church of The Good Shepherd, Broadwell, Coleford – Rev’d Alan Wearmouth –
01594 832660
All Saints, Staunton, Coleford – Rev’d David Lawrence 01594 833379
All Saints, Newland – Rev’d Greta Hale – 01594 832400
St Saviour, Redbrook – Rev’d Greta Hale – 01594 832400
St Peter, Clearwell – Rev’d Greta Hale – 01594 832400
Christchurch – Rev’d Val Turner – 01594 836830
St Mary the Virgin, English Bicknor, Coleford – Rev’d Val Turner – 01594 836830
Roman Catholic
St Margaret Mary, High Nash, Coleford - 01594 833173
Baptist
Coleford Baptist Church, Newland Street, Coleford – Rev’d Peter Wade – 01594
832278
Methodist
Pisgah Chapel, Coalway – Rev’d David Bull – 01594 833247
Ellwood Methodist – Rev’d David Bull – 01594 833247
Pentecostal
Mount of Olives (Assembly of God Church), Eastbourne Crescent, Gloucester Road,
Coleford – Rev’d Richard Pidgley 07817 434104
Quaker (Society of Friends)
Forest of Dean Meeting, Staunton Village, Hall, Staunton, Coleford – 10:30am
Sundays
Other
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Wynols Road, Coleford – 01594
832904
United Reformed Church, Worrall Hill, Coleford – 01594 860687
CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS
Badminton: over 21 Club – Coleford Community Centre, Bank Street, Wednesday
8:00pm-10:00pm (September to May) Contact Sue Brain (01594 835427)
Bowling: Coleford Bowling & Social Club – Buchanan Recreation Ground – Wednesday
8:00pm onwards. Contact Mr John Lock (01594 530415)
Table Tennis - Staunton Table Tennis Club, Staunton Village Hall. Contact Bob
Trimble (01594 832998)
Walking (Guided) – Forest of Dean Tourist Guides (Various organised walks
throughout the year) (01594 529358)
* * * * * * *
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in
this leaflet is correct at the time of going to print, the producer cannot
accept responsibility for errors or omissions. Inclusion in this leaflet does
not imply recommendation.
Organisers of events wishing to have them listed in this leaflet should hand
them in to the Coleford Town Council Offices or e-mail them to colefordtc@btconnect.com
no later than noon on the third Monday of the month preceding but please send
them in earlier if possible.
Should you wish to receive this issue regularly, please e-mail as above. All
that is asked is that recipients be kind enough to print and display on notice
boards etc.
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Why a Parish Precept and
what is it?
Every year in December, the Town Council has to prepare and agree the parish
budget for the next financial year. No-one likes having to pay for services but
without the Parish Precept there are many things that could not happen in
Coleford.
The Local Government Act 1972 states how your Town Council will help pay for
these. Parish and Town Councils receive no subsidy at all from the Government
and the Town Council ensures that money raised from your pocket in this way is
spent within the Parish in the best possible manner.
Obviously the office and staff are the highest cost within the budget but the
Town Council believes that good value is given for the money spent. Coleford
Cemetery also has to be maintained and a contribution is still paid to the
Forest of Dean District Council to assist with the maintenance of Mile End
Cemetery which also provides for the needs of the Coleford Parish.
The Clock Tower and the area around it are also within the Town Council’s
responsibilities along with the King George V Playing field and pavilion. In the
current year a great deal of money has had to be spent on roller shutters at the
pavilion to prevent further vandalism there. Your Town Council also looks after
the benches around the Parish.
The Town Council has the power to help financially with the three Playing Fields
at Woodville Avenue, Coalway and the Buchanan Recreation Trust. These are run by
their own committees who have to satisfy the Town Council every year that they
are working in the interest of the local people and the Council in turns makes a
grant available on an annual basis. This grant in no way covers the costs of
these playing fields and parishioners need to be aware of the importance of
supporting any fund raising these groups have to do. It is also a way of getting
involved in the community.
Other local groups are also awarded small amounts of grant by applying annually.
The Town Council once again ensures that these grants benefit the people of the
Coleford Parish.
Town centre events have been growing over the years and the Town Council
provides some financial support for the Christmas Lights, The Carnival of
Transport, The Music Festival and Dancing through the Dean. Without this support
the organisers of these events would not be able to apply for matched funding
towards the thousands of pounds that they cost. The amount of volunteer effort,
if it had to be paid for would treble the costs of these events.
It is sincerely hoped that you feel that Coleford really has value for money.
For 2006/7 the cost of the Parish Precept on a Band D property will be £47.40
for the whole year. This represents an increase of £1.23 over the current year.
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TOWN COUNCIL BACKS ROAD SAFETY
Coleford Town Council are working hard with Gloucestershire Highways Department and Gloucestershire Police to improve Road Safety throughout the parish. A major part of phase three of the town centre development is focused around the introduction of a 20 mph zone throughout the town, although some councillors are concerned that the current 30 mph limit is not adequately enforced.
Work is also being undertaken to improve footpaths in the area and to encourage the Highways Department to introduce dropped kerbs with all ongoing refurbishment work. An area of real concern to the Town Council is the Newland Street area, in particular in the vicinity of ‘The Collies’ Children’s respite home. Councillors are concerned that there is not a footpath into the town centre from this home especially given the number of wheelchair users that frequently have to travel along the road. The increasingly high volume of heavy goods vehicles that are visiting the quarry situated nearby worsens this situation. The council and local residents are working to improve the signage in this area to alert pedestrians of these risks, and also to extend the 30mph limit through to Whitecliff.
The Council have also recently praised the work of local residents in Gloucester Road who have carried out thorough research and analysis in terms of monitoring traffic flows and speeds in this area of the parish. This analysis has been forwarded to Gloucestershire Highways and the Police, and has the councils full backing.
Working with others - for YOU
Coleford town centre, successful venue for significant events with national and
international interest. Recognise the place? Remember the Carnival of Transport,
Music Festival, Dancing through the Dean, Christmas lights and farmers market.
Show piece events that focus the attention on a place of innovation, recreation
fun and community.
You, the people that live around the town have influenced how the visitors see
us, how they spend their time and money and what they tell others about our
beautiful home and place of work.
Members of Coleford Town Council in partnership with you the parishioners and
other agencies such as the Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme (HERS), English
Heritage and the Forest of Dean District Council, have worked to improve and
celebrate our heritage and plan for the future.
Look towards the Co-op through the Mushet gate, along Mushet Walk and glance
down at the pavement art, unique pictures in ceramics that remind us to connect
one area of Coleford with another. A combined project that's involved the
Coleford Project, local developers and the Town Council.
Look towards the High Street and notice the smell of fresh bread and see the
display of traditional loaves and cakes. Interested? Well look at the window and
sign, an example of using Shop Front Grant Scheme to help bring the Crusty Loaf
into a traditional look. A successful link between Commerce and District
Council.
Look towards the Bridge and beyond along Newland Street, feel like a safe walk
to the car park? Well now you can. Street lighting, pavement renewal and traffic
management in action. Mobility and access will shape the future prosperity of
Coleford and surrounding area.
Where will we park? And is there a case for making the town a car free zone?
Difficult issues definitely, but ones we need to address if we are to reduce
poverty and decay in the area. Have your say and your view represented. Talk to
your Town Councillor.
Need a doctor, dentist, chiropodist, speech and language therapist? Need one in
a hurry? Well your Town Council are working with Bream Health Forum and the
relevant NHS Trusts to make this possible. Lobbying members attending
consultation meetings and talking to parishioners has alerted us all to the
poverty of provision and the increasing demands for resettlement in the Forest
of Dean.
Central to the future growth in Coleford area is the investment in housing and
employment. Government initiatives determine the formula for this.
A challenge for us is to upgrade the sewer system to cope with existing use and
to make the system robust enough to accommodate a huge increase. Welsh Water,
Severn Trent Water, Environment Agency, District Council and a European MP are
working to agree a plan for the future.
Clean water and a safe environment are a human right. Cleaning up the Whitecliff
Brook and bringing the sewage system into the 21st century a key issues that
will make or mar the future of Coleford.
Use your influence, contact a Town Councillor.
Building for the future
Responding to a letter from a parishioner who had had a long wait for a bus, the
Town Council agreed to install a seat in the bus shelter at Mile End. Ever
mindful of the costs of repairs and to deter vandalism, an environmentally
friendly re-cycled plastic seat has been installed.
Regular bus passengers say they are very pleased with their seat!
Fun for all!
To comply with new regulations coming into effect in October 2004 under the
Disability Discrimination Act,recreation grounds must ensure that playground
equipment is accessible to all.
To assist with the additional costs the Town Council increased its grant
payments to the Committees of three recreation grounds in the parish.
Caring for Parishioners, cradle to grave.
It is reassuring to know that when we die our resting place will be cared for by
our own. If not family, then local people who serve the community as Town
Councillors. Grave yards and gravestones are visited, inspected and maintained
to ensure that a respectful and safe place exists to celebrate the lives of
parishioners. In some cases memorials are carefully laid flat, (awaiting
instructions from lost families) others are upheld and reinstated. An example of
Coleford Town Council caring for the community, cradle to grave.
Time for change at the Community Centre?
Coleford Town Council are continuing to play a key role in supporting the work
of the Coleford Area Partnership in the possible redevelopment of the site known
as Coleford Community Centre. Money is being gathered from local and regional
agencies to fund a feasibility study to devise a plan for a purpose designed and
built community facility for Coleford.
The Coleford Community Gardening project was set up in
December 2003. It is part of the Gloucestershire County Council Social Services
initiative Coleford Link. Enabling Adults with Learning Disabilities to spend
more time participating in activities within their local community.
The project has continued to give individuals opportunities to gain skills and
training in gardening and manual work. Members of the group will attend
appropriate training at Hartpury College, and with continued staff support the
group has been able to extend project working days from one to four days, giving
them the opportunity to take on more work.
The group have continued to work in partnership with Coleford Town Council and
the Angus Buchanan Committee in a number of manual projects, working at the King
George V playing fields and the park itself. The group also supports a number of
older residents in Coleford, helping them to maintain their gardens.
For further Information contact
Mike Doughty at the Royal Forest Centre
(01594) 822088
How to become a Councillor
If you have an active interest in and a concern for Coleford, are enthusiastic
and willing to learn, why not represent local people and help make the decisions
of the Town Council by becoming a Councillor?
Don't worry about knowing very little about Council work - this will quickly
increase with experience.
The Town Council has a monthly evening meeting and, if you have an interest in
the work of a sub-committee then you would need to attend a further monthly
meeting.
Councillors are not paid and have to declare an interest in a matter if they
have a financial or substantial personal
interest in it. Expenses for travel and subsistence are paid.
So, if you are still interested in doing more for your community, want to spend
your time productively in thinking, listening and acting locally then talk to a
Town Councillor or ring the Town Council office for more information.