Shipston Town Council has formally submitted Shipston’s draft Neighbourhood Plan to Stratford District Council for independent examination.

The draft Neighbourhood Plan has been developed by a team of community volunteers over the past four years, with support from Shipston Town Council. The wide-ranging plan covers the period from 2016 to 2031, and looks at a broad range of planning issues including housing, infrastructure, the environment and the local economy. 

Commencing today, 2 November, Stratford District Council will run a final six-week consultation on Shipston’s draft Neighbourhood Plan, before submitting it for independent examination to ensure the plan meets legal requirements. Assuming it withstands scrutiny, a final plan will be prepared, incorporating any required amendments. Shipston residents will then decide whether to adopt the plan via a local referendum.

Town Mayor, Dan Scobie, said: “Submitting Shipston’s draft Neighbourbood Plan to Stratford District Council represents an important step in our journey towards having an adopted plan for Shipston, which will help guide future planning decisions in the town.

“On behalf of Shipston Town Council, I would like to sincerely thank the volunteers that have worked so hard to achieve this milestone - we are extremely grateful for their commitment to this vital project.”

In response to public feedback, Shipston’s draft plan has been developed to address:

• Housing growth, including affordable housing
• Improved infrastructure, particularly traffic management, parking and effective flood defences
• Sustaining and conserving the vitality, usefulness, and heritage value of the town centre
• Better social, welfare and sports facilities, including healthcare, schools, youth facilities, and meeting the needs of an ageing population
• An improved environment promoting health, wellbeing and access to open spaces
• Making the town more suited to local needs and ensuring those changes are sustainable.

To respond to Stratford District Council's consultation on the draft plan, please visit: https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=150953705801 

Residents can view hard copies of the draft plan at New Clark House or Shipston Library. The plan is also available to download at www.shipstonnp.org.

Shipston Town Council has opposed an application to build a new retirement housing scheme at South Lynn Gardens off London Road, citing a number of planning objections.

Churchill Retirement Homes is proposing to demolish the existing building on the 0.31-hectare site, and replace it with 33 retirement apartments, together with new vehicular access, communal facilities, car parking and landscaping. This represents approximately 42 new residents with an average age of 79 years. 

The proposal suggests that 14 car parking spaces will be adequate based on similar schemes elsewhere, and cites good bus services and easy pedestrian access to the town and medical centre. However, councillors have identified a number of discrepancies in the proposal, as well as an optimistic view of the time taken to walk to local services.

The application has been met with vehement opposition from a number of local residents, many of whom attended the town council meeting to voice their concerns. 

Shipston Town Council’s objections include the dominating nature of the proposed building, inadequate car parking and associated impact, the lack of public transport to support this type of development, and inadequate access to the town. In addition, concerns have been raised about the additional load on the medical centre.

Town Mayor, Dan Scobie, said: “In our view, this proposal is completely inappropriate. The number of dwellings proposed for such a small site is a real concern, with the associated impact this will have on infrastructure and quality of living.”

The town council has submitted a comprehensive objection which can be viewed on the district council’s e-planning portal at www.stratford.gov.uk. However, councillors would like to remind residents of the importance of registering their own views on this and other planning proposals. 

Councillor and member of the Planning Working Group, Martin Ferrier, said: “Whether you are for or against this or any other planning application, it is extremely important that you register your views directly via the Stratford District Council website to ensure the town’s voice is heard."

The High Sheriff of Warwickshire witnessed first-hand how firefighters manage serious road traffic collisions in August as part of a role-play exercise on his visit to Shipston Fire Station. 

The High Sheriff, Mark Davies, was accompanied by Chief Fire Officer Andy Hickmott and Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community and Fire Safety, Councillor Howard Roberts for his visit, the first a High Sheriff has made to the station.

Mark has had historical family links with Warwickshire dating back over three hundred years, and has lived in Admington, near Shipston for the last twenty five years. 

Talking about the visit, Chief Fire Officer Andy Hickmott said: “We would like  to thank the High Sheriff for the time taken to visit the station and learn more about what Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is doing to keep the communities of Warwickshire safe. It was an opportunity for us to demonstrate what highly skilled personnel we have and how those skills are deployed.”

Shipston Fire Station is manned by retained firefighters who work as an integral part of the county’s fire service.

Mayor, Dan Scobie, said: “We were very pleased that the High Sheriff chose to visit Shipston Fire Station. We are enormously proud of the work our local firefighters do, not only in tackling fires and collisions, but in educating the public about fire prevention and supporting community events.”

Have you ever wondered about the history of your home and the area you live in? Perhaps your house is where the engine sheds were when Shipston had a railway station? Or maybe you live on land which once saw its dweller dispatched to Australia having been caught stealing chickens? How many of the shops you now visit used to be pubs? And do you know which street used to be called Custard Lane?

All of these facts and many more can be uncovered during a trip to Shipston Museum, which is open to the public on weekend afternoons and by appointment. Curated primarily by History Society founder members, Mike Ashley and Dick Burge, what was the Ashley family games room is now a treasure trove of fascinating facts and finds from the local area. 

From a patented ‘safety milk bowl’ invented in Shipston, to locally-found roman coins, not to mention countless posters, catalogues and newspaper articles, there is plenty to absorb your interest. One of the most popular draws is the comprehensive collection of photographs of Shipston’s horse-drawn tramway and railway, which covers most of the Railway Crescent and Tilemans Lane area. The posters offer a fascinating insight into events of the past. The Flower Show poster (pictured top right, with curator, Mike Ashley), promises a live pig to the bowling winner, as well as promoting an ‘ankle and shingle’ competition and hat trimming for men!

Shipston Museum is very keen to encourage an interest in history among children and already works with the primary school to help bring local history to life. Mike Ashley said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of curating our museum are the times when young children come in and, with a bit of detective work, we’re able to find a picture of their great, great grandfather driving a train or similar. The look on their faces is one of pure joy and it’s wonderful to play a part in uncovering their family history.” 

Shipston High School has been a hive of activity throughout the summer holidays as work began on the next phase of the school’s expansion.

A two-storey block, featuring nine new classrooms, office space and an improved reception area is currently under construction at the top of the drive, making reception much more visible for visitors. The block will stand alone, adjacent to the existing building, and has been designed to allow staff and students to move around the site safely and easily.

This development, which follows the initial extension completed in 2015, will enable Shipston High School to offer a more contemporary environment to existing students, and provide the space needed to accommodate the recent rise in its pupil admission numbers to 120 pupils in each year group from 2017.

Warwickshire County Council provided a grant of approximately £2 million to fund the new building, in recognition of the need to invest in additional capacity at the school. The build is likely to take about eight months, with a full timetable of lessons expected to be held in the building from September 2018.

Headteacher, Gavin Saunders, said: “We are extremely fortunate to have this new block at Shipston High; in the current climate, this is rare. We are ambitious to ensure we keep developing the school for present and future students, and I am keen to consider how we can further enhance our sports facilities for the school and local community. Ideas and initial plans are already under consideration and we really appreciate the community’s interest. 

“Coincidently, 2018 is the school’s 60th anniversary, so an appropriate time for our next phase to open. We look forward to celebrating our heritage and our future in 2018.” Mr Saunders added. 

Mayor, Dan Scobie, said: “It is extremely encouraging to see this level of investment in Shipston High School. I would like to congratulate all the staff and pupils for their contribution to making the school such a success story for the town. I look forward to seeing the new building take shape.”

Shipston laid on another feast for music fans during this year’s Proms fortnight. 

The packed schedule of events offered something for everyone, from rock and roll fans to those with a more orchestral interest - and everything in between.

The Proms launched in spectacular style with tribute band, Abba Inferno, and Oxford-based, Vinyl Daze, playing to a packed Townsend Hall.

The Fame Contest followed, with On Crash Sunday (band), Greg Brice (solo), and Molly Hurwood (solo) winning their categories. As part of their win, they were all given a spot performing live on stage at the Last Night of the Proms. 

Across the fortnight, a vast range of venues including cafes, pubs, churches, and parks hosted a wide variety of performances. In true Shipston Proms style, the aim was to make the events as accessible as possible. Many were free to attend.

The event culminated in the Last Night of the Proms, headlined by Shipston’s own Laurence Jones who was delighted to perform for his ‘home crowd’. Laurence commented: “Thank you so much for all the support you have given me over the years, from playing classical guitar concerts around the town, for winning the talent competition when I was 14, coming out to support my first ever band shows in the pubs, packing out the Townsend hall for my album launch night 2016, and finally for rocking out with us to headline the Shipston Proms.”

Popular bands, Too Fat to Kidnap and Jupitronz, also performed, alongside the fame contest winners. 

Mayor, Dan Scobie, said: “We are extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful musical fortnight in Shipston, organised entirely by volunteers. Thank you to all those involved.”

To be a sponsor or ‘Friend of The Proms’ for next year’s 20th Anniversary contact the organisers via: www.shipstonproms.org

Photo by Charlotte Wright

Ten years ago this month - on Friday 20th July 2007 to be precise - Shipston and many surrounding villages suffered the worst flooding ever recorded. The River Stour reached a level of 5.22m, and while the flooding was over within 12 hours, it left devastation in its wake. Approximately 130 homes and businesses were affected, as well as roads and other infrastructure.

Looking back, the then Mayor, Alan Noyce, said: “That day, and its aftermath, was traumatic for a lot of people. While the town council did all it could to help, I’m extremely grateful to the community for how they responded. A lot of people gave a lot of time to help friends and neighbours get back on their feet.”  

Since that day, much has been done to reduce the likelihood and impact of flooding, while contingency and emergency plans have been improved to ensure help is available when needed.

Councillor Fay Ivens leads the Emergency Response Team. “Following the 2007 floods, the town council’s Emergency Plan has been completely revamped. When flooding is imminent, our contractors actively monitor river levels, distribute sandbags and offer reassurance to residents affected. In addition, we have a pool of people we can call on to move furniture should properties be affected in future. We also have a number of emergency centres we can call on to provide temporary accommodation, should that ever be necessary. To my knowledge only one property in, the town has been flooded since 2007.”

Many other initiatives were progressed following the 2007 floods, including a flood fair to raise awareness of prevention measures, with Stratford District Council providing grants to some homeowners to help fund equipment. However, the most significant progress made to reduce flood risk has been the creation of the Shipston Area Flood Action Group (SAFAG) in 2014. 

SAFAG has already completed property surveys, the publication of an Emergency Advice booklet for residents and a Town Flood Resilience Plan. Regular meetings with the major agencies have resulted in the clearance, repair and replacement of damaged road drains and a more frequent maintenance programme. Severn Trent Water has upgraded the capacity of the pumps at Newbold pumping station and undertakes more regular inspections.

SAFAG meets housing developers to agree schemes which minimise water run-off and is developing natural flood management schemes to reduce the frequency and impact of future flooding. Natural flood defences are more ecologically friendly, can help to reduce sediment and phosphate run off leading to improved water quality and the creation of wildlife habitats. They are also more cost effective and can be implemented in stages which is useful for funding purposes.

Len Grey, SAFAG member, said: “Our progress is attracting interest from senior members of government organisations. We have just hosted the Executive Director of the Environment Agency, who spent an afternoon understanding our progress and visiting our first natural flood management site. Close interest at this level will hopefully lead to greater practical and financial support.”

Mayor, Dan Scobie, said: “I am extremely proud of our town – not only for the courageous way residents and businesses coped with the devastating floods in 2007, but for the way in which volunteers have sought ways to minimise flood risk in the future. I would particularly like to congratulate SAFAG on their achievements to date.”

The 2017 Shipston Wool Fair Weekend has been hailed a tremendous success – despite some challenging weather at times.

Thanks to Shipston’s first ever ‘yarn-bombing’, the visual impact of the wool fair was more striking than ever, with fantastic knitting adorning the main entrances to the town as well as trees, benches, and signposts in the centre. Among the favourites were the giant sheep on the gyratory, the maypole on London Road and the bicycle outside the Horseshoe Pub. But perhaps the most photographed display was ‘Pedro’ who was spotted quietly reading a copy of the Shipston Forum in the town centre, much to the delight of residents and visitors.

The Totally Locally Fair attracted a wide variety of craftspeople on the Saturday, with many people buying unique treats and gifts to take home. The Community Songs of Praise on the Sunday attracted a large audience. The free event was an opportunity for local community groups and individuals to perform music, songs and readings to the delight of all who attended. The collection was split between St Edmund’s Church and Shipston Rotary’s charity for the occasion – the fund to help those affected by the recent tragic event in Manchester. 

Finally, the Wool Fair itself attracted crowds of people who came to marvel at the sheep shearing, take part in all the fun and games and enjoy the music. There were plenty of ice creams being sold despite the gloomy weather and the atmosphere was buzzing all day long.

Mayor, Dan Scobie, said: “I would like to congratulate all those who worked so hard to make the Wool Fair Weekend another great success. The yarn bombing really caught people’s imagination and it was lovely to see the town looking so colourful.”

Do you have breathing difficulties? Then Shipston's newest group could help.  

With support from the British Lung Foundation, community choir leader, Rose Smith, has launched a new 'singing for lung health' group. Meeting on Wednesday mornings at 11am in the Scout Hut, the group is ideal for people who have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other breathing issues, but everyone is welcome to attend.

Rose said: "The benefits of singing on breathing and health in general are well documented. This new group is about people getting together in a relaxed informal setting and enjoying singing together. You don't need a great singing voice - all ages and abilities are welcome to join in the fun."

To find out more, contact Rose on 07905 884151.

On 7th May, Shipston High will represent the whole of the West Midlands, Wales and the South East of England in the Rotary Youth Speaks Final in Telford. 

The magnitude of the team’s success needs to be contextualised to demonstrate how well Millie Bryan, Georgia Cooke and Holly Osborne have done in getting this far. Shipston High School has less than 500 students and yet this team has beaten far larger schools. The high school’s team is drawn totally from Year 10, meaning these students are only 15 years old; the competition they are in contains many teams from sixth forms with some students who are well on their way to being 19. Finally, they have achieved their success by already winning in three rounds, culminating in their stunning victory at Abergavenny on 1st April, when they saw off two very prestigious public schools to book their place in the final.

Do you remember the euphoria last May when little Leicester City, at 5000 to 1, went on to win the English Premier League title? Is Shipston High School the Leicester City of public speaking? We certainly hope so. Good luck Shipston High!

The Shipston Proms committee has announced that the 19th Shipston Proms, held between 16th June to 1st July 2017, will be headlined on the Last Night by local award winning blues sensation, Laurence Jones.

Laurence, who lives in Shipston, has won the prestigious British Blues Award - Young Artist of the Year for the last three years, as well as Guitarist of the Year for 2016. With his new line-up for 2017 his appearance will be part of a UK and European tour, with a new album due later this year. 

Laurence said: “It is an honour to be asked to headline the last night of the Shipston Proms in my hometown. For me personally it’s going to be a very special show, it’s going to be my chance to give something back to the people of Shipston who have supported me from the very start of my career. “

“From when I first started performing the classical guitar in the churches of Shipston at the ages of nine, till playing in the local pubs with my first band when I was 15. The band and I are going to rock Shipston Proms 2017 in style and we’re going to make sure it’s a Proms never to forget.”

The Proms will launch on 16th June in the Townsend Hall with an evening headlined by the ABBA Inferno tribute band and supported by Vinyl Daze with their Bluesy rock funk based repertoire.

The event line-up will also include the Shipston Proms Fame Contest on 17th June, with the two winners from the evening appearing on the main stage on the last night in the town square. Maintaining its longstanding promise of providing music for all, the Proms includes music from classical, through jazz and folk to rock.

For more information about the individual events planned, head to www.shipstonproms.org 

Photo by Chris Roberts, WiderViewPhoto

Shipston Town Council has elected Dan Scobie as Deputy Mayor with immediate effect. The election was prompted by the resignation of former deputy, Alison Henderson, due to ill health.

Dan has been a town councillor since 2014, and is actively involved in the finance, planning and communications working groups. Outside of his council responsibilities, Dan has been responsible for running the annual Shipston Food Festival and is the current Chairman of the Rugby Club. In his spare time, he also moderates the Shipston Notice Board on Facebook amid baking bread and brewing beer.

Town Mayor, Ronnie Murphy, said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside Dan for the remainder of my time as Mayor and have every confidence that he will be a great ambassador for our town in his new role.”

Deputy Mayor, Dan Scobie, said: “I’m extremely proud of Shipston and look forward to having the opportunity to get involved in even more local events and activities which make the town such a great place to live and work.”

Planning applications were the focus of the February Town Council meeting once again, with a number of new applications on the agenda.

Shipston High School has put in an application for a new two storey block of classrooms to help the school accommodate the increase in pupils coming to the school. The block would be built in a similar style to the recent extension and will provide much-needed additional teaching space. The proposed building would be constructed within the school site, using some of the existing playing field although there would still be adequate space for a full-sized football pitch in that area. Town Councillors supported the application but have requested that the school looks again at the proposed drainage strategy and works with Shipston Area Flood Action Group to minimise the impact of any development.

There were also two applications for new business units on Tilemans Lane. These were welcomed by councillors as they should lead to more flexible provision for smaller businesses. 

However, the town council has strongly objected to proposals to fell trees on the former IMI Norgren site to make way for drainage pipes to be installed. The trees are protected by preservation orders and it would take 30 years for replacement trees to reach a similar height. Councillors have also objected to proposals to change the front elevation of the Assembly Rooms on Church Street, in line with their previous objection to the change of use which would see the property switch from office to residential accommodation. 

Looking ahead, Barratt Homes has made clear it continues to have an interest in developing the Shoulderway Lane site. In addition, another company is considering options for developing a sizeable housing site on land north of Tilemans Lane, although no formal proposals have been put forward. Shipston Town Council is actively monitoring these developments and further updates will be shared when known.

Shoppers can pick up some fantastic offers during Shipston’s Fiver Fest Fortnight on Monday 13th - Sunday 26th February, organised by Totally Locally Shipston.  More than 20 independent businesses in Shipston and the surrounding area will be running deals over the fortnight including shops, cafes, service providers and many more.

Loads of businesses have created a special £5 offer for the residents and visitors to Shipston.  Even businesses who cannot achieve a £5 offer have wanted to get involved coming up with great alternative ‘5’ offers.  

You have plenty of opportunity to make the most of the Fiver Fest as it runs over a full fortnight! There are some fantastic offers to take advantage of and in the process discover businesses in Shipston that you may not have used before. 

Lucy Kirkman from Totally Locally, said: “Fiver Fest is all about giving residents the chance to pick up some great winter bargains while supporting local businesses. There are so many independent businesses in Shipston and you might find a ‘hidden gem’ you never knew about.”

Details of all the offers will be available in the participating businesses and can be viewed online at  totallylocally.org/shipstononstour. To find out more, follow the Totally Locally Facebook page @TotallyLocallyShipston

Shipston Rugby Club has secured £40,000 from the Rugby Football Union. The grant will be matched by the club, resulting in an £80,000 investment in the pitches.

The RFU investment comes following a grant application put forward by Shipston Rugby Club. There is a great deal of competition for these grants and the award shows that the RFU recognises that the club is doing well and growing. 

Shipston Rugby Club is currently home to 16 different teams, with four busy divisions – seniors, juniors, minis and ladies. The First XV play in the Midlands 3 West League. With such an active club, the pitch is in constant use and has suffered recurring problems for many years. Thanks to this investment, the pitch can be given a much-needed overhaul which is expected to take place in the summer.

Club Chairman, Dan Scobie, said: “Shipston Rugby Club has been going since 1963 and plays a very active role in our community. As well as benefitting today’s players, this investment will help ensure we can continue to attract new talent and can host important local and regional games which bring more people into our town.”

For more information about the club, visit www.shipstonrugbyclub.co.uk 

Photo by Andrew Waywell