Bradworthy News - June 2001

Bradworthy Methodist Chapel

(Cllr. Trevor Sillifant) The Chapel continues to fund raise and congregation numbers are being maintained.

Neighbourhood Watch

(Cllr. Sillifant) Crime in the parish is down. It is planned to update the scheme.

Langdon Charity

(Cllr. Sillifant, Treasurer) The funds stand at £811. The Trustees make an annual distribution and are working towards raising the capital fund to the original £1000. Cllr. Sillifant thanked those who have made donations during the year and will gratefully receive donations from individuals or organisations.

Bradworthy Benefice

(Written report from Mr. Peter Lynch, Bradworthy churchwarden) Sutcombe and Putford have been added to Bradworthy, Abbots Bickington and Bulkworthy. Mr Richard Boughton has replaced Mr. Mike Wade as a Churchwarden. The deteriorating condition of the Church Hall leaves the Church Council with no viable option but to sell it. The church restoration programme has been completed with regard to the chancel and south trancept roofs - the rest of the work awaits the balance of the English Heritage Funding.

Bradworthy Memorial Hall

(Cllr. Alan Balsdon) All expenses and loans relating to the extension and refurbishment work have been cleared. Foot and Mouth restrictions and precautions have considerably reduced bookings.

Bowling Club

(Written report from Mrs Pam Ham) Several members have taken part in county and national competitions. Christmas Sunday Lunch, Scottish Evening and a Wine and Wisdom Evening were the fund raising events. There are vacancies in the Junior Section.

Guides, Rainbows and Brownies

(Written report from Mrs Diana Heard) All groups have continued with their varied programmes of instruction and ‘fun events’.

Wednesday Club

(Written report from Mrs Eve Wonnacott) Although the membership has reduced - those attending much appreciate the facilities. Fund raising supports a mini bus outing.

Bradworthy School

(Mr Richard Stephenson, Headteacher) There are 129 pupils. The various classes achieved good results in both formal and internal tests and in English, Maths and Science were well above average. Sports results are encouraging - the football teams being particularly successful. Tag Rugby and Soft Ball Cricket are popular. Visits to Snowdonia including Iron Bridge, Slate mines; Hydro-electric scheme and to the London Dome were enjoyed. A variety of Workshops were organised, The Christmas Entertainment ‘Jungle Book’ was most successful. Parent Education sessions have restarted. The PTA is very active and has raised considerable funds. Red Nose Day Appeal, Marie Curie and Help the Aged were charities supported. The plans for the additional classroom are well advanced.

Millennium Garden Project

(Cllr. Mrs. Angela Yeo) Work is going ahead - hedging is being done, paths laid mosaic work prepared. The School is being involved. Volunteers and local organisations not already assisting will be welcome to join in the project. It is expected that the garden will be opened in August.

Playing Field Committee

(Cllr Bill Jarvis, Committee Chairman) There is concern at the cost of replacing equipment and being able to meet the responsibilities of the Health and Safety regulations. The District Council, which owns the site, has been asked to take over the Play Area otherwise the present equipment will have to be removed and the village will lose out.

Bradworthy Agenda 21 Group

(Cllr. Jane Addy) Arrangement for Bradworthy Fair are going ahead in the hope that the Foot and Mouth epidemic will have passed by the end of August. The Group are prepared to assist a small community project which needs matching funding.

Pre-school Play Group

(Mrs Fiona Seggons and Mrs. Sam. Smart) There is a new Committee and changes in staffing. The facilities offered are appreciated. Outings are organised, entry in the Carnival is enjoyed Fund raising is well supported.

Bradworthy Carnival

(Mr Richard Boughton, Committee Chairman) A new Committee planned to have events at Easter but Foot and Mouth has interrupted these events this year. There was a swing from floats to walkers last year. Recipients of grants expressed their appreciation for financial and other support from the Council.