PARISH News
The November edition of Business Matters, news and info. for Cotswold District's business can viewed online here
The latest edition of THE VOICE magazine December 2023- January 2024 can viewed online here
JOB VACANCY: St George's Hall, Blockley, seeks a new Hall Manager. Part-time role, full details here
Gloucestershire Libraries
have a range of experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds as well as core offerings which happen on a weekly basis. Join others in a warm and welcoming space!
Take a look at the digital version of
What's On here
to find out about Book Clubs, Saturday Clubs, Christmas Craft Markets, Poetry Cafes and Christmas Crafts.
Do you love poetry? Have a passion to share it? We also have details of Gloucestershire Libraries Share a Poem initiative which they hope to extend to Moreton-in-Marsh library.
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Cotswolds Food Network is hosting a FREE Christmas Community Event on 12th December at the Redesdale Hall, Moreton in Marsh 2-6pm
it includes Arts & Crafts, Circus Skills, a FREE raffle, disco and food & drink. For more information take a look here
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Cotswolds Winter Holiday And Food (HAF) programme includes lots of activities including Forest School Days, Christmas Activities, Trips and Panto. Bookings open 4th December.
For more information take a look here
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Advance Notice of Road Closure:
Pudlicott Lane, Chipping Campden
This road will be closed (as per the attached plan) from 09:30 to 15:30 on 02/02/2023 for BT pole testing work by Openreach.
Emergency and pedestrian access will be maintained.
If you should require further information please email streetworks@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Notification of Road closure :
Draycott Road from 22.01.24 - 24.01.24
see Map for details.
Emergency access will be maintained
Cotswold District Council has launched its budget consultation to gather views from as many residents and businesses as possible to help inform budget plans for the 2024/25 financial year. The consultation is open until midnight on Friday 8 December. All findings will be shared with councillors before they make decisions on the budget at a meeting of the Council in February 2024.
See the poster - click here
For more information on the budget consultation please visit: your.cotswold.gov.uk.
Gloucestershire County Council Roadworks Bulletin
for 19.10.23 - 29.10.23
Gloucestershire County Council Roadworks Bulletin
for 05.10.23 - 15.10.23
The October Edition of THE VOICE, parish magazine is available online here!
Advance notice of temporary road closure
Station Road, Blockley
This road will be closed (as per the attached plan) from 08:30 to 16:30 on 27/11/23 to allow for use of a crane to remove a dangerous tree by Chris Arnold Tree Surgery Ltd.
Emergency access will be maintained.
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Gloucestershire County Council Roadworks Bulletin
for 21.09.23 - 01.10.23
NOTICE OF VACANCIES Blockley Parish Council.
Due to the resignation of 2 councillors we are looking for 2 new councillors.
We are a small, friendly and dedicated group who are passionate about keeping our parish beautiful and a great place to live. If you care about your community please consider giving a little time to help keep it a wonderful place to live!
For more details contact the Parish Clerk
Gloucestershire County Council Roadworks Bulletin
for 14.09.23 - 24.09.23
Would you like Solar Panels for your home?
Cotswold District Council has teamed up with MakeMyHouseGreen (MMHG) to launch Cotswold Home Solar to help Cotswold residents get solar panels on their homes. MMHG will be able to support you through the specification, purchase and operation of domestic solar panels, home storage batteries and electric vehicle chargers.
The Cotswold Home Solar scheme aims to give householders thinking about solar technology greater confidence and understanding when weighing up the options, with no sales pressure. If you're interested in learning more about Cotswold Home Solar, click on the link below.
Many residents are currently struggling with rising living costs. That’s why it’s important to know what help and support is available now – that could benefit you, a relative, friend or neighbour.
Cotswold District Council has a great Cost of Living hub full of useful links & advice
Cotswold District Council Roundup
September Issue
Gloucestershire County Council Roadworks Bulletin
for 07.09.230 - 17.09.23
Gloucestershire County Council
Gloucestershire Call for Sites - Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Travelling Showpeople & Bargee communities.
For more information click here.
Gloucestershire County Council Roadworks Bulletin
for 31.08.23 - 09.10.23
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Know Your Numbers Week 4th-10th September:
local drop-ins for blood pressure checks
Gloucestershire NHS is giving people the chance to drop in for blood pressure checks during 'Know Your Numbers Week', starting with 10am-3pm on Monday at The Cross in Gloucester, then Tewkesbury, Stroud, Cinderford, and Cheltenham.
Click here for a full list of days and venues.
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GCC Adult Social Care Charging Policy Review - Opinions Invited
Gloucestershire County Council wants to hear the views and experiences of those who are affected by its Adult Social Care charging policy, which is under review. You can give your views using their online survey, which closes on 8th September.
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Have your say on Gloucestershire’s economy
Residents and businesses are being invited by Gloucestershire County Council to give their views on what priorities they would like to see included in a new economic strategy for Gloucestershire. The consultation ends on 15th September.
Go to Survey
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Gloucestershire County Council Roadworks Bulletin
for 24.08.23 - 03.09.23
THE VOICE Parish Magazine
September Issue
Gloucestershire County Council Roadworks Bulletin
for 17.08.23 - 27.08.23
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Blockley Parish Council send HUGE congratulations to the organisers of PAXFEST who raised an amazing £8000 for local charities and had a lot of fun whilst doing it!
‘PAXFEST’Cotswold Village Music Festival raises £8000 for Local Charities
Nearly 500 people gathered at Paxford Village Green on Saturday 29th July to enjoy the music festival 'PaxFest'. Bands came from across the South to raise money for four charities in the area. The funky acid jazz band ‘Tunehead’ headlined, supported by acts that included ‘The Peas’ from Warwick, ‘Firewatchers' from Malvern and ‘Alex and the Wonderland' travelling from South London.
After morning showers, the sun emerged in the afternoon to entice people to the event. PaxFest was enjoyed by people of all ages and brought the 300-strong community of Paxford together along with visitors from nearby Blockley, Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh and Shipston. Geoff Bolam, local musician and organiser of PaxFest said, “We set out to create a proper music festival covering a range of musical genres, with talented artists playing some of their own material along with more familiar songs. I’m delighted by the success of PaxFest - it’s great to be able to support local charities, promote talented musicians and have a lot of fun at the same time!”
PaxFest was sponsored by 13 local business with local builders NJN Design and Build Ltd, Northcot Brick and the Co-op making substantial donations.
Four local charities will receive £2000 each. They are Katharine House Hospice in Moreton, North Cotswold Foodbank, Blockley Educational Trust and Paxford Village Hall.
Photo credits Antonia Deutsch
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NEW BUS SERVICE! Community Connexions
There is a NEW bus service which offers a pre-bookable service into Moreton in Marsh or Stow on the World,
it is also available for Group Hire for clubs or special trips.
For more information click here
Cotswold District Council's Business Matters
June Newsletter
Cotswold Roundup - May
Click here for details
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF 400533 SCHOOL LANE (Blockley Parish) Cotswold District
Effective from 22.04.23 - 02.06.23
URGENT ROAD CLOSURE B4035 – County Boundary to Craxfield House (Blockley and Ebrington Parishes)
Effective from 5th May for up to 5 days
Gloucestershire County Council Roadworks Bulletin for 20.04.23 - 30.04.23
Click here for details
Coronation Tea Party - Vicarage Garden
Join Rev. Dana Delap in the Vicarage Garden to hear the Coronation Bells ring 3.00-3.30pm Saturday 6th May Tea & Scones afterwards
Gloucestershire County Council Roadworks Bulletin for 20.04.23 - 30.04.23
Click here for details
Cotswold District Council Business Matters Newsletter
The April Edition of CDC Business Matters Newsletter is available here
April Cotswold Roundup
The April Edition of Cotswold Roundup from Cotswold District Council is available here
Interested in learning about a career in Woodlands or Forestry?
The Landworkers' Alliance and their partners are running various day- and overnight- tasters at working woodlands around Gloucestershire and Bristol. These events are designed to support underrepresented or underprivileged young people in the local area. The funded days are an opportunity for 18-28 year olds to explore forestry work and woodland management. No prior experience of forestry work is required. A small travel bursary is available. For more information please click here
A consultation on division boundaries for Gloucestershire has begun!
Today is the start of a 10-week public consultation inviting proposals for new council divisions and division boundaries for Gloucestershire.
If you represent a local organisation or community group have your say via the consultation portal
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Gloucestershire Mentoring Programme is doing valuable work with young girls and those who identify as girls to help support and mentor them through life's challenges. This wonderful initiative is seeking new volunteer mentors who are interested in working with young people so that the next generation have the opportunities they deserve.If you are interested in becoming a mentor they have a full training programme.
Here is their March issue update
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Gloucestershire County Council Roadworks Bulletin for 26.03.23 - 02.04.23 complete with a dynamic map, enabling drivers across the county to keep up to date with all the roadworks in their area
Emergency Road Closure notification 400759 ROSE BANK TO WAR MEMORIAL PAXFORD (BLOCKLEY PARISH) COTSWOLD DISTRICT This Notice comes into force on the 22nd March 2023 and will continue for up to 21 days
The latest issue of Cotswold Business Matters Newsletter from Cotswold District Council is available here
Gloucestershire County Council Roadworks Bulletin for 17th - 26th March 2023 complete with a dynamic map, enabling drivers across the county to keep up to date with all the roadworks in their area
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
HABERDASHERS, BELL LANE, BLOCKLEY
Following discussion with Blockley Parish Council and District councillor Sue Jepson, IMRE Property Developments invite residents to a public consultation event to view the detailed development plans for the proposed residential development at: Haberdashers, Bell Lane, Blockley
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Notifcation of Road Closure : School Lane, Blockley
This road will be closed (as per the attached plan) from 22/05/23 to 02/06/23 to allow for sewer repair work by Severn Trent Water
Gloucestershire County Council Roadworks Bulletin for 9th - 19th March 2023 complete with a dynamic map, enabling drivers across the county to keep up to date with all the roadworks in their area
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GLOUCESTERSHIRE LOCAL RESILIENCE FORUM has a useful booklet which provides information for residents on dealing with various emergency situations such as flooding, extreme weather conditions, loss of power. Download a copy now and keep it handy, it could save your life!
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YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE!
Residents will need photo ID to vote at local elections on 4 May. Make sure your voice is heard.
For more information check here.​
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Gloucestershire County Council Roadworks Bulletin for 2nd March - 12th March 2023 complete with a dynamic map, enabling drivers across the county to keep up to date with all the roadworks in their area
Advance notification of road closure: TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF B4479 LOWER STREET UPDATED DATES OF CLOSURE *** Please be advised that this closure has been delayed and will now run from 13/03/23 to 31/03/23. All other details remain the same ***(BLOCKLEY PARISH) The reason for the closure is to undertake wall repairs. The road is expected to be closed from the only or until the works have been completed, whichever is the later
For the February issue of The Voice Magazine, Clare Turner, Chair of Blockley Parish Council has contributed this article in which she updates residents on the work of BPC and in particular the much needed planned future Highways repairs which are scheduled
The latest issue of Cotswold Business Matters Newsletter from Cotswold District Council is available here
UPDATE ON ROAD CLOSURE:
*** Unfortunately due to issues on site, these works have been delayed and will now finish on 03/03/23. All other details remain the same ***
• Greenway Road, Blockley
This road will be closed (as per the attached plan) from 06/02/23 to allow for water main replacement work by Thames Water.
Emergency and pedestrian access will be maintained.
If you should require further information please email streetworks@gloucestershire.gov.uk
The Robin
The Robin is a rural transport service that’s being piloted – so the more it’s used – and the more feedback you can send to GCC who are managing the service – the more it’s likely that the service will be retained and improved to better meet needs and serve members of the community who may have difficulty accessing transport. For more information take a look here
Please feel free to let me parishclerk@blockley.org know your views and experience, heading your email Robin feedback (which I can pass on) or of course you can contact Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) directly
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The February edition of the Cotswold Roundup from Cotswold District Council can be viewed here
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Gloucestershire County Council Roadworks Bulletin for 09.02.23 - 19.02.23 complete with a dynamic map, enabling drivers across the county to keep up to date with all the roadworks in their area
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Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) wants your views on how transport can be decarbonised –
The council, along with all other Gloucestershire authorities, declared a climate emergency in 2019 and the county council adopted a Climate Change Strategy. This strategy saw the council set out the following carbon reduction targets:
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The county council’s own operational emissions to be net zero by 2030
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Emissions from all sources across the county to be net zero by 2050
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The county to work with partners to deliver an 80% reduction in emissions by 2030, relative to 2005.
In 2020, the county council strengthened its targets further, committing to reaching net zero emissions from all sources across the county by 2045.
Gloucestershire County Council want to hear from as many people as possible, so please take the survey - https://haveyoursaygloucestershire.uk.engagementhq.com/journey-to-net-zero
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Help CPRE count the Cotswold stars by becoming a citizen scientist!
This year, the CPRE need you to help fill up the Cotswolds section of the interactive Star Count map! They’d love to see counts submitted to CPRE from every corner of the Cotswolds, including from towns just outside the area, like Cheltenham, Stroud, Gloucester, or Banbury. We can all join together to look up, get counting, and sending in our observations.
Taking part in Star Count is completely free, and can be done without any special equipment. You’ll be part of a nationwide citizen science project. Stargazers are asked to count the number of stars they can see (with the naked eye) within the constellation of Orion, and submit their count online. Visit www.cpre.org.uk/starcount to find out more and to register to take part.
The number of stars visible in Orion is a good indicator of the amount of light pollution affecting views of the night sky, and can be compared with previous data to show how our ability to see the stars is changing
Blockley Forum discusses topical issues that affect our community. Do come along to hear from local experts and have your say! See full programme here
Gloucestershire County Council Roadworks Bulletin for 26.01.23 to 05.02.23 complete with a dynamic map, enabling drivers across the county to keep up to date with all the roadworks in their area
Draycott Village Recreational Trust recently benefitted from a Grant from Blockley Parish Council to provide some sports equipment for older children in the village. Here's a lovely thank you photo of a hardy bunch of parishioners braving the freezing fog. We're hoping the younger 'kids' in the village get a go in goal too!
The Rural Services Network has just launched a survey on The Cost of Living and are keen to encourage as many households as possible to complete the survey. Click here for more information and a link to the survey.
Research commissioned by the RSN last year shows rural areas are suffering more acutely from the rise in the cost of living compared to urban areas. The purpose of the survey is to understand more about rural household budgets at, what is, a very difficult time for many. Results from the survey will help them to engage more effectively with Government Departments, MPs and other policy makers.
Notification of Road Closure B4479 temporary closure. This road will be closed (as per attached plan) from 05.02.23 - 07.02.23 for level crossing barrier repairs.
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The January Issue of Cotswold Roundup - the monthly newsletter from Cotswold District Council is available online now - just click here
Notification of Road Closure Lower Street, Blockley. This road will be closed (as per the attached plan) from 06/03/23 to 24/03/23 to allow for boundary wall repair work by C R Leach.
BPC is delighted to welcome Steve Neill as a new councillor, Steve brings lots of enthusiasm and expertise particularly in the EV charging arena, something which as a council we are keen to embrace. Steve explains here what motivated him to get involved. You can make a difference too - we are looking for more energetic residents who care about their community to come and join us. To find out more click here
Notification of Road Closure Greenway Road will be closed for Water Main replacement from 16.01.23 to 17.02.23 click here for more details
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) in Gloucestershire is currently preparing a Strategic Needs Assessment to identify priorities for our Safer Gloucestershire plan and our Community Safety Partnerships. As part of the Strategic Assessment work, The OPCC is undertaking a Perceptions of Crime Survey - this is now live and can be accessed by the link below. The survey is open until WEDNESDAY 18 JANUARY 2023. https://gloucestershire-opcc.welcomesyourfeedback.net/perceptionofcrime
CDC Message re Bins & Recycling
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SUSPENDED Waste & Recycling Collections – 12 December. Due to the freezing temperatures and unsafe conditions underfoot for collection crews, we have taken the decision to suspended all waste and recycling collections for today. We are currently working with our waste contractor, Ubico, and considering the forecast for the next few days, before agreeing our catch up arrangements. Once these are confirmed, details will be available here: https://www.cotswold.gov.uk/binday For information on school closures across the county visit: https://closures.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ If you need to travel, keep safe and check your route before setting out in case of road closures.
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The Warm Welcome Project has a mission to support organisations to open their doors and provide a warm welcome for those struggling to heat their homes this winter.
They believe everyone should have a warm and welcoming space to go to this winter, which is why their network of community organisations, churches, libraries, businesses and other faith groups across the UK have opened their doors to provide exactly that.
It is a national scheme bringing together warm spaces across the country and helping communities looking to set up warm spaces in their area. You can look up warm spaces near you via their website and more are added all the time as they are set up. If any local groups/clubs want to set up a warm space they can get guidance on their website and also register their warm space so others can find it.
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Gloucestershire Mentoring Programme is doing valuable work with young girls and those who identify as girls to help support and mentor them through life's challenges. This wonderful initiative is seeking new volunteer mentors who are interested in working with young people so that the next generation have the opportunities they deserve.If you are interested in becoming a mentor they have a full training programme, the next session is on 9th January and you can book here
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Cotswold District Council has just published the Monthly Roundup.
To read about the latest news just click here
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In a joint initiative between Cakes & Co and Blockley Parish Council we are delighted to let you know that 'Souper Mondays' will launch on Monday 5th December at the Little Village Hall, Blockley. Every fortnight, all parishioners are welcome to come along from 1pm-4pm for homemade soup and company.
Ideal to beat the winter blues!
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The latest Cotswold District Council Business Matters newsletter has lots of information about help for local businesses and news of initiatives - if you run a local business then do check it out
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The ROBIN has landed!
A new bespoke Minibus service is now covering North Cotswolds. A GCC initiative, this on-demand serivce is designed to serve residents in two areas, North Cotswolds & Forest of Dean. To find out more check out this section of the Gloucestershire County Council website
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Community Support & Programmes for families during the cost-of-living crisis
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Holiday activities and food (HAF) programme for children in the Cotswolds and the Cotswold Connected Food programme
The Holiday Activity and Food Programme goes live on 1st December for bookings to activities. Below is the link to the Cotswold District programme which will run from 19th December – 22nd December. Families are encouraged to book activities through this link from 1st December 2022;
https://www.haf.worldjungle.org.uk/
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Free school meal holiday offer
Gloucestershire County Council will be providing food vouchers, £30 per eligible child for the entire two weeks rather than food hampers this winter holiday. If families have already registered they do not need to register again but if they wish to update their existing information they can do so by emailing to this address; childrensfund@gloucestershire.gov.uk
If you have not registered for holiday free school meals vouchers please do so via this link by 6th December 2022; https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/education-and-learning/school-transport-and-free-school-meals/meals-during-school-holidays/holiday-free-school-meal-vouchers/holiday-free-school-meal-vouchers/#main
Vouchers will be sent out to families by email on 13th December 2022.
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Free Transport and helpline
Gloucestershire County Council have asked Barnardo’s to manage the holiday transport offer. If any families do not have access to transport and wish to get to activities beyond walking distance they can contact Barnardo’s directly. The County Council will also provide a helpline for families who are having difficulties with the children’s activity booking system (CABs). This will operate from 10am until 4pm weekdays. Information and details for both of these offers are currently being finalised and will be posted onto the county website soon, the link is below:
https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/education-and-learning/holiday-activities-and-food-programme/
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Cotswold Connected Community and Food Programme – Funding support for local projects
This programme is open to not-for-profit Voluntary and Community Sector organisations and Social Enterprises. We would also like to hear from individuals or small un-constituted groups with a great idea. Projects must demonstrate how the funding will be used to increase community resilience and enhance people’s lives. There may be such groups in your area:
Some useful links to community resources related to well-being and cost of living.
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Blockley C of E Primary School gives to our Local Food Banks. With the cost-of-living crisis biting, many more people are needing to use this resource. If you have any donations, please do drop them off at the school on the first Friday of every month by 9am term time
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Blockley Parish Council would like to thank resident William Walmsley of WJ Engineering for his kind offer to weld in place free of charge the D rings on the playground equipment in Churchill Close following a spate of damage that had taken place. We hope that this will put a stop to any further vandalisation
Thank you Will
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The Cost-of-Living Crisis - Cotswold District Council has a useful webpage detailing the sorts of support available, do click here to find out more.
There is also some great boiler advice here.
A great new initiative - Gardens of Hope meets at the War Memorial in Blockley on every other Sunday to chat, share, barter or sell homegrown seeds, fruit and vegetables. Next meet Sunday 30th October at 11am
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Gloucestershire County Council Roadworks Bulletin for 15.12.22 - 25.12.22 complete with a dynamic map, enabling drivers across the county to keep up to date with all the roadworks in their area
Our Chair, Clare Turner has contributed this article to the November issue of
The Voice Magazine - a great update on what has been happening with the Council over the past few months
Results of the Speed Survey 2022 PDF & Spreadsheet
Parish Celebrations of the Platinum Jubilee
The 2022 program for The Blockley Forum, click here
There are 5 vacancies on the Parish Council, so if you would like to contribute to your community please get in touch. Our councillors work hard to achieve the best for the parish and are committed to ensuring fair representation. We are particularly interested in hearing from residents in Draycott and Paxford which currently have no councillors. The council meet 10 times/year (no meetings August & December). If you would like to know more please email parishclerk@blockley.org.uk
Notice of public rights and publication of unaudited annual governance and accountability return - Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021 - See here
Public consultations, action plan and strategy
2021
Councillors worked with the Clerk to draft a questionnaire which was hosted online by freeonlinesurveys.com. The survey was live for one month and launched on 1st February 2021. Respondents were invited to complete the survey either online or using a paper copy which the clerk then added to the online response. BPC advertised the survey through its website, social media (Facebook) and noticeboards. The information was also shared through the Blockley primary school communication networks and on the well-used virtual Blockley Noticeboard page on Facebook. Residents living in close proximity to Churchill Close were alerted to the survey through hand-delivered correspondence.
2021
A paper setting out proposed actions for Blockley Parish Council, to address the Climate and Ecological Emergencies following a commitment to take action that was made in February 2021. Adopted by Blockley Parish Council 21/10/21.
2021
The strategy document is the result of a review and will direct the Parish Council in any decision making over the next four years (June 2021-August 2025).
