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29th Oct 2018

Could you be Shipston’s next firefighter?

Extraordinary members of the Shipston community are being sought to be part of a first-class team of retained firefighters within the town.

Currently, there are seven retained firefighters in Shipston, responding to the call to keep our community safe. However, many more are needed to provide cover during the day, nights and weekends. This is an exciting and rewarding role, as local retained firefighter, Sam Begley can confirm. Sam joined the fire service two years ago. “Becoming a retained firefighter was a chance to fulfil a long-term ambition of mine. I was thrilled to make it through the assessment and thoroughly enjoy being part of a great team. As well as the operational duties, I’ve had the opportunity to learn new skills and meet a wide range of people. I love it.”

Warwickshire Fire Service is looking to recruit people from all walks of life. No previous experience is needed, but common sense, self-motivation, compassion and the ability to work as part of a team is essential. You must also live or work within five minutes travel time of Shipston Fire Station and be over 18. Retained firefighters are paid an annual retainer payment and an hourly wage when undertaking operational duties.

As well as responding to emergencies, retained firefighters get involved in community work, including educating children and adults on fire safety in the home and attending community events, including the annual Remembrance Parade.

Although not based in fire stations, retained firefighters usually live or work in their local community and carry a pager, so when they get the call, they are ready to respond to an emergency. The role can work alongside any current career in agreement with your employer or performed outside of your normal working hours. The job is challenging, but it is also one of the most rewarding careers available.

Mayor, Ian Cooper, said: “Shipston’s fire station is extremely important, not just to our town but to the surrounding villages. Shipston’s ability to answer an emergency call can make a significant difference to the amount of time it takes to respond to a fire. We are extremely fortunate to have such a committed group of local firefighters and I sincerely hope more people will consider putting themselves forward. As a retained firefighter, you will play a vital role in keeping our community safe.”

To take your first steps to becoming a retained firefighter or to find out more, visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/beextraordinary

29th Oct 2018

Centenary ceremony remembers soldiers who lost their lives in WWI

A ceremony to remember Shipston’s 36 WW1 fallen took place on Sunday 21st October at the Gyratory Garden. The event was to mark the 100th anniversary of the war’s end, watched over by the Tommy statue.

The Mayor, Reverends Sarah Edmonds and Sarah Bourne joined Legion members, relations of the fallen men and the public to hear names of the men read out. The Exhortation to the Fallen was given, and the Last Post and Reveille sounded by Luke Barker from Shipston Town Band. Two minutes’ silence was observed.

Legion Chairman Richard Adams highlighted the impact of the war on Shipston and stressed the pride the town continues to have for all who served in the conflict. Never will those who died be forgotten.

Remembrance Sunday is on 11th November. See page 11 for details.

26th Sep 2018

Could you be a town councillor and make a difference in Shipston?

Shipston Town Council is encouraging local residents to consider standing for election ahead of the next town council election in May 2019. Being a town councillor – a voluntary role – is a great way to support your local community and ensure the town’s voice is heard across the district and beyond.

There are lots of great reasons why people decide to become a town councillor. As well as helping to shape your local community and deliver local services, being a town councillor can develop your own skills, give you the chance to meet people and get involved in local events.

One of the most visible roles of the town council is in considering planning applications which affect the town. Thanks to the dedicated work of Shipston Town Council’s Planning Working Group, the council has influenced the outcome of planning decisions and contributed to improvements in development proposals.

But councillors are also responsible for lots of other issues such as deciding which community groups should receive funding, how the town itself should be maintained, and how to support economic growth through tourism and leisure.

Mayor, Ian Cooper, said: “I’ve served on the town council since 2006. In that time I have learned a huge amount about
public and community services, and the valuable role town and parish councils play in ensuring rural communities are
represented at district and county level.

“While there are times when the role is challenging, it’s enormously rewarding and often fun. I encourage residents
to consider getting involved to ensure we have a full complement of councillors come May 2019.”

At least two current councillors have already indicated they won’t be standing for re-election, so the council is keen to
ensure more people come forward. If insufficient candidates stand, the council may be forced to co-opt unelected
representatives.

Potential councillors should apply once the Notice of Election is published in March. For more information – including how to become a district or a town councillor – visit https://www.stratford.gov.uk/council-democracy/be-a-councillor.cfm
Alternatively, contact the Town Clerk at Shipston Town Council on 662180 or clerk@shipstononline.org.

26th Sep 2018

Patients can now access evening and weekend appointments

Patients registered with Shipston Medical Centre and other South Warwickshire practices can now book face-to-face or telephone appointments at two GP+ ‘hubs’ from 6-9pm on weekdays and 9am-1pm on weekends.

Routine and same day appointments will be offered with GPs, nurses and clinical pharmacists. In addition there will be same day appointments from 6-9pm on weekdays for children aged 0-16 who need treatment after school hours. Appointments are booked via your normal practice.

South Warwickshire GP+ will run initially from two centrally located and accessible hub locations: Trinity Court Surgery in Stratford-upon-Avon and Waterside Medical Centre in Leamington Spa. The service is being run by the South Warwickshire GP Federation and the hubs will be staffed by GPs and nurses from local GP practices. GP+ clinicians will have access to patient records, so that the patient’s full medical history is known and records can be updated regardless of when or where patients are seen (subject to patient consent).

Tim Morris, Managing Director of South Warwickshire GP Federation, said: “Attending GP appointments is not always convenient for patients, particularly for those who work full time. GP+ will make it easier for people to see a GP, nurse or pharmacist, whether that’s for a specific illness or to keep up to date with important screenings or medication reviews.”

For more information visit www.southwarwickshiregps.nhs.uk/extendedaccess/ or contact Shipston Medical Centre on 01608 661845.

26th Sep 2018

Allotment holders do Shipston proud in two competitions

Shipston allotment holders have once again impressed external judges at two recent competitions.

The annual Shipston allotment competition was judged by Chris Small, a member of the Gloucestershire Guild of Judges. Mr Small praised allotment holders for the high standards and wide range of produce on display.

The overall winner was Chris Dunn of the Shoulderway Lane site. Winners at New Street were Ann Lynch in first place, Peter Harvey second and George Dunn third. At Shoulderway Lane, Chris Dunn took first place, with John Arnold second and Simon Ford third. The Mayor presented certificates to the winners at the Flower & Produce Show at the Townsend Hall in August.

Shipston Town Council entered both allotment sites in the Moreton Show allotment competition this year and were thrilled when New Street Allotments were crowned winners. The site won £100 which they have generously decided to donate to Shipston Community First Responders. The judges were very impressed with the amount of produce despite the drought and said the improvement in the sites from year to year never ceases to amaze them.

Big congratulations to all allotment holders for the effort they put into tending their plots and producing beautiful vegetables and flowers, even more so this year in light of the challenging growing conditions.