South Cerney
Mike Stuart
mikestuart.scerney@btinternet.com
01285 860439

  • OUR new community and youth centre, Fenton’s, was officially opened last Saturday with crowds of people in attendance. The master of ceremonies, Phil James, resplendent in his scarlet uniform, kept the afternoon running smoothly, starting with the youngest members of the Fenton family cutting a ribbon to open the centre. This was followed with some short speeches and then by music provided by Singing for Fun, the choir and electronic hand bell ringing team from Ann Edwards School. In the sports hall were demonstrations by Zumba and by Cirencester Creative Dance Academy students that were watched by many spectators. Other clubs and organisations from the village were present promoting themselves. The entire afternoon was greatly enjoyed with many present having visited Fenton’s for the first time. For those unable to attend the opening there is an open day at Fenton’s this Saturday, March 25 between 10.30am and 4pm for those interested in the Neighbourhood Plan.
  • IN THE week prior to the opening day, more than 35 volunteers were involved in the planting of some 1,100 shrubs and trees in the garden areas around the new centre. Some areas were too wet to plant so the work will continue this week until the job is completed. To improve the fertility of the wet soil, three trailer loads of freshly made compost were collected from the Community Composting site at Upper Up.
  • TWO large flowering cherry trees were planted in front of Fenton’s by members of South Cerney Lunch Bunch, in memory of Raymond Fenton and David Croft, who were both of whom were members. 
  • PARISH council is installing two new defibrillators in the village, one at Fenton’s and the other fixed to the wall of the cricket pavilion at the Upper Up playing field. These should be in operation very soon. Parish council has funding for further defibrillators and is interested to receive suggestions as to where you think they should be fitted in the village, contact Robert Cowley the clerk with your ideas.
  • MOTHERING Sunday is being celebrated at All Hallows church this Sunday, March 26 at 10am. You are invited to come and celebrate mothers and collect a posy.
  • FOR THE under 5s of our village on the first, third and fifth Thursdays of each month at 2pm, All Hallows is the place to be as there is time to do all sorts of interesting things finishing with a drink and a biscuit.
  • THE South Cerney 2017 Scarecrow Trail will be over the weekend July 22-23 with the theme of 50 years of pop from the Beatles to Beyonce. Now is the time to start planning your scarecrow either by yourself or as part of a local organisation so a trail can be set up all around the village. For details and entry form call 860710 or email joan_townsend@hotmail.com

Siddington
Alison Wagstaff
01285 655838
awsiddington@yahoo.co.uk 

  • AT the parish council meeting on Tuesday, March 14, it was noted that we are still awaiting a decision on the Severalls Field planning application appeal (reference 15/05165/OUT). The inquiry commenced on February 28 at the Cotswold District Council offices and lasted for four days. The latest news is that the decision will be issued on or before April 26.
  • A SECOND stage of planting has taken place in the playing field nature area. The remaining native shrubs have now been planted, along with two black poplars and over 100 bluebell bulbs. The black poplar, which thrives in our area, is becoming increasingly rare and is suffering from hybridisation with other poplars. The two on the playing field have been genetically tested for purity and, crucially, are a male and a female. Installation of picnic tables will take place in the near future. 
  • A MOTHERING Sunday service takes place at St Peter’s Church on March 26, starting at 10am. Everyone is welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served after the service. 

Down Ampney
Melanie Fouracre
dastandard44@gmail.com

  • POULTON School Reunion, anyone wishing to attend this event on Saturday, May 13, can contact Rose Houston (nee Ash) at rhada9@gmail.com or 01793 751566 for more information. 
  • MOTHERS’ Day will be celebrated at All Saints’ Church at 4pm on Sunday, March 26. Parish Communion will take place earlier in the day at Poulton.
  • THE village shop has a range of Mothers’ Day cards, chocolates, local wine and bubbly in stock for this special day. The shop is always looking for volunteers, why not pop in for a cup of tea and a chat about how you could help? Training is available for shop volunteers on any/all aspects of running the shop.
  • DOWN Ampney coffee morning is on Wednesday, March 29 at 11am in the Dakota Room in the village hall, all welcome.