Alrewas village news

Lichfield Mercury Village News

23rd February edition

Last Thursday a Micklehome Drive resident left clothing outside her home for the British Heart Foundation and when theofficial collector visited later in the morning the bag had already gone. Other charity bags left out in the area mayhave also been taken. The Police have been informed.
The Police have also been informed of the dangerous practiceof a few drivers who contravene the one-way system at the end of Micklehome Drive by emerging out onto Burton Road. Offenders should expect a ticket when caught.
A vigilant resident in Park Road saw a man removing boarding from thederelict Essington Farm on 16th February, a suspect van was nearby. Our local officer was soon on the scene andquestioned the individual who did have legitimate access to the building, but the Police are very grateful for this typeof call which does quite often result in arrests.
Purchases of the Police approved forensic property markingproduct Smartwater have been encouraging. Residents in Mill End Lane and Church Road will be the next to receiveSmartwater literature. Residents are reminded that a monthly Neighbourhood Watch bulletin is displayed on the ParishCouncil notice board located outside the newsagent with useful information and advice.
The amount of dog mess inthe village has increased following the recent snow. It is important that residents report persistent dog fouling toLichfield District Council on 01543 308999 who can respond to complaints by putting up signs in the area and undertakingenforcement action. One dog owner has been noted several times on Burton Road using Tesco bags to clean up after her dogbut then throwing the bags into the hedge.
If you are concerned about your energy costs local energy co-operativeSouthern Staffordshire Community Energy (SSCE) have been awarded a grant by the Department of Energy and Climate Changeto help up to 200 households in Alrewas by providing free energy surveys and support to reduce their bills through a newproject- Lichfield Area Energy Saving Scheme (LESS). An initial survey can be completed on line or can be carried out bya trained SSCE volunteer. The first 30 Alrewas households to complete the survey will be eligible to receive a freeenergy monitor.
Following the initial survey householders can request a detailed energy assessment which will becarried out by a qualified energy assessor. They will receive expert advice on the energy saving measures that will savethem most money, help with funding, and installation through trusted local tradespeople. To apply for the initial surveyand request a free monitor, call Kate Sadler on 07565 963282 or complete the initial survey online at www.ssce.co.uk.
There is a Fashion Show and Sale in the Village Hall on Thursday 22nd March with the opportunity to view and buyquality high street clothing at up to 75% off the retail price.
Tickets are £5.00 and are available from Paul’sNewsagents or on 01283 790297. Proceeds go to the Alrewas Arts Festival
There are only a few tickets left for thenext Live and Local event, the five-piece force of male vocal antics ‘Men in General’ on 3rd March. Tickets are£8.00 (£6.50 concessions) available from the Pharmacy or Carol on 01283 209949
All Saints and the MethodistChurch warmly invite all interested persons to join in this year’s Lent Discussion Group, ‘Not a Tame Lion’, whichexplores the themes in CS Lewis’ ‘Narnia’ (as well as his own faith and life) through film and reflection. Theseries will take place on six Wednesday nights starting at 7:30 pm at The Methodist Church, beginning 29th February,with refreshments.
 

Lichfield Mercury Village News

16th February edition

Several Alrewas residents entered the Catton Hall Xtreme Challenge on Sunday, a 10k course made up of steep gradients,deadly declines, obstacles, tunnels, icy water that competitors had to skate over or swim through with an addedingredient on that particular day – deep snow! Gareth Moss did really well, finishing 11th out of the 200 competitors,but they all had fun. Alrewas entrant Gareth Roberts said “Basically it was very cold with lots of ice in the waterobstacles, and there were no changing facilities so stripping naked in the car park in sub zero temperatures to get drywas not clever (although Tracey Taylor had more offers to keep her warm than me!). Alan Pallet's commentary on hisprogress could be heard from anyone on the hill, and the Alrewas footballing contingent recognised that football shortsdon't keep you warm when you've been dunked chest deep in freezing water.” There was also a strong Barton contingentbut there were suggestions from the Alrewasians that some of them didn't complete all of the obstacles!
The AlrewasArts Festival committee are holding another Fun Auction on Saturday 17th March where you will have the opportunity tobid for loads of great prizes such as a day trip on a canal boat and plenty of bargains. Last year two of the Festivalsheep raised over £100 a piece and this year a Festival lamb is up for auction. If anyone has anything they can donatefor the auction please contact Jean on 01283 790766.
Never mind the winter blues, get out you dancing shoes. TheRoy Cropper rock and roll band returns to the British Legion Club this Saturday from 9pm. All are welcome.
 

Lichfield Mercury Village News

9th February edition

Neighbourhood Watch report that only one crime was committed in Alrewas during January and that was the theft of anunattended cycle. Neighbouring villages have not been so fortunate with homes being burgled in Kings Bromley andFradley consequently Alrewas residents must continue to be vigilent. A Micklehome Drive resident did just that duringthe afternoon of Saturday 4th February when two youths were seen to leave a car and enter the dis-used printers yard inMicklehome Drive. A quick call to the Police and the prompt arrival of an unmarked Police vehicle resulted in theyouths being questioned and searched. A substance was seized for analysis. This is one of many instances where localresidents have been an important help to the Police and instrumental in keeping Alrewas a safe place in which to live. On Friday night 3rd February rear garden fence panels were damaged to a home in Micklehome Drive also close to the oldprinters yard.
Badminton continues on a Thursday evening at All Saint’s School and is becoming very popular,equally enjoyed by beginners and more advanced players. The new times are 8pm until 10pm and you can drop in and out orstay for the whole session. New players are most welcome, the cost is just £3 a night or you can pay half termly.
During this week all residents should be receiving through their letterboxes information about the plans for restoringAlrewas Village Hall and a donation request. The building, alterations and decorations will be carried out in a stagedapproach and quite a substantial amount has already been raised. Every penny, pound or note that you can spare will helpto upgrade this invaluable village resource and work may be able to get started sooner than expected. Upgrading meansaiming to allow for multiple use of the hall, not only for groups to hold meetings and events but also to encourage allsorts of new village activities, so please support the fundraising in any way you can.
The next Parish Councilmeeting is on Monday 13th February in the village hall starting at 7.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to comealong from 7pm to view planning applications and chat to councillors.
• There is a Nursery Family Open Morning atAll Saint’s School on Thursday 23rd February. Parents, carers and families of children born between 1st September 2008and 31st August 2009 are welcome to drop in anytime between 9.30am and 11.30am to find out about the nursery’sfacilities, flexible use of their 15 hours funding, the wrap around facility available, free lunch sessions and more.

Lichfield Mercury Village News

2nd February edition

The new season for the Lichfield District Ladies Darts League begins on Tuesday 7th February, and The Crown Inn arelooking for new players to join there successful team. Matches are on Tuesdays from 8pm. No experience is necessary andall abilities are welcome, so go along for a relaxed and enjoyable evening. Registration is just £2, with a weekly subscollection of £1. If you are interested or have any questions please contact Sam on 07736471570
Around 100residents dropped by the village hall on Sunday to find out more about the village archive project and offering to helpgive an insight into Alrewas in the past. Some great material was collected and collating the stories, pictures andartifacts can now begin in earnest. The initial project will be complete by the Arts Festival in August but this will beongoing work for many years to come, preserving our 2000 year history now and in the future.
The next Live andLocal event bought to you by Alrewas Arts is ‘Men In General’. These five ordinary lads, so they would have usbelieve, sacked by BP for mishandling an oil spillage and awarded six-figure pensions, now talk and sing Marvin Gaye,Joe Jackson, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Billy Joel, The Beach Boys, The Spooky Men’s Chorale and other top lyrics.Fast-moving and funny, this five-piece force of male vocal antics is not to be missed. The show includes indoorparachute jumping, a road movie, the benefits of going barefoot, a painting by Edward Hopper, unusual hobbies for men, apub at midnight and mistakes anyone could make. They hope that by the end of the night we’ll understand men a lotbetter. Now that’s a tall order! They perform in the village hall on Saturday 3rd March. Tickets are £8.00 (£6.50concessions) available from the Pharmacy or Carol on 01283 209949
At the last WI meeting Audrey Hall gave a talk ontheir trip all the way down to London on their canal boat Lente of Alrewas. The 320 miles took five weeks and 126 locksto navigate through. The next meeting is on 6th February in the village hall when Mrs Wendy Sheratt will talk on‘Health & Fitness’. The member’s competition is ‘A Fitness Tip’. Visitors are always welcome to meetings forjust £3.00 which includes light refreshments.
All are warmly welcome to this week’s Sunday service ’40Minutes with God’ at All Saint’s Church’s at 10am, which will feature the theme of Noah’s Ark. Children areinvited to bring a soft toy, as well as large cardboard boxes to help construct the ark and there will be specialcontributions from Colin, as well as the instrumental group.

Lichfield Mercury Village News

26th January edition

In June this year Alrewas resident Paula Stanley will be participating in the 'Nightrider 2012' challenge in London. Itinvolves setting off from Crystal Palace at 11.25pm and cycling 100k (approximately 64 miles) around the capital. Shehas elected to raise funds for the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) which is a charity that helps deaf childrenand young people until they gain independence, and provides welcome support for their families. If you would like tomake a donation, please go to her charity page at justgiving.com/paula-stanley. All donations go directly to theNational Deaf Children's Society.
Laura Pyatt, who has her own School of Performing Arts and is currently runningZumba classes in the village hall, is hoping to start a childrens Singing and Movement Workshop on Tuesdays if she getsenough interest. Children from 5 years upward can learn to sing and perform in a fun and interactive way. They will beintroduced to vocal technique, correct breathing, speech, movement and performance technique. They will learn a varietyof songs from action songs to pop and musicals and how to move to the music. The workshops will help to develop theirrhythm, language, concentration, co-ordination and pronunciation and there will also be a number of performanceopportunities. Please register your interest with Laura on 07851239165
Neighbourhood Watch report that after a fewcrime free weeks in Alrewas a high value adults bike was stolen from outside a home in Daisy Lane on Sunday 15th Januaryat about 7pm, and later the same evening two males wearing hoodies were disturbed when climbing over a garden fence atthe rear of property in Main Street near to the junction of William IV Road. Alrewas can still claim to be a low crimearea, but the occasional crime is a reminder that all residents must be alert always and be prepared to reportsuspicious incidents immediately - in an emergency via the 999 system or if not an emergency call 101. Never assume thatsomeone else will make the call. Our Neightbourhood Watch Area Co-ordinator is Ralph Seville and his number is 01283790527.
All residents who are interested in out village’s history, who may have their own stories to tell orwho would like to be involved in an exciting project which will result in our own village archive are reminded thatthere is a drop in session in the village hall this Sunday 29th January. There will be four short presentations at11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm & 3:00pm and plenty of time in between to talk with the team. For more information seewww.alrewas-archives.co.uk.
As part of Feel Good Friday organised by the Samaritans on 3rd February, Richard Evansis offering half hour treatments of either Cranio-sacral therapy or Reflexology at £15, with him donating £3 pertreatment to Samaritans. If you think might enjoy a treatment, please contact Richard on 01283 790403. His websiteaddress is www.touchheals.co.uk.
This Sunday at All Saints Church there are two special items. In the 10 amservice, Tom Peach (a young resident who recently visited South Africa with a group from Lichfield Cathedral) will bespeaking about his experience. Then at 4 pm, Karen Smith will be offering a special multi-medias presentation on herrecent life-changing pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and sharing how monies collected from people in Alrewas havebenefitted the orphanage serving severely handicapped children in Bethlehem. All are welcome to both.

Lichfield Mercury Village News

19th January edition

Jan Altham, a previous Best Kept Village judge, is keen to get Alrewas back into the competition. She is looking toenlist support from groups in the village as well as individuals. If you would like to help please contact Nigel Moss,Chairman of the Civic Society (the sponsoring organisation should we enter) on 01283 790008.
Any young peoplebetween 12 and 15years living in Alrewas who would like something to do on a Friday evening or somewhere to meet theirfriends are very welcome to come along to the Youth Club in the Scout Hut between 7pm and 9pm. The cost is just £1 andthere is pool, wii, table football, chill area and softball area. Optional activities this term include Zumba (thisFriday), film night, textile workshops, dodgeball night and a manicure evening. Call Jane on 10283 791470 for moreinformation or just turn up.
Neighbourhood Watch report that four crimes were committed in Alrewas duringDecember. They included diesel stolen from six HGVs in Croxall Road between the 3rd and the 5th, keys and an A5 Audiconvertible stolen from Main Street the night of the 14th, locks forced and a horse trap etc. stolen from Fox Lane onthe 16th, and a sat nav and jewellry stolen from a car in Main Street around the 23rd December.
Most residentswill be aware of the frequent warnings about cold-call telephone scams suggesting you have a computer problem or areowed a refund from an official organisation. A Neighbourhood Watch member recently received a variation to this from amale with an Indian accent claiming to represent an electricity company. He suggested that as a pensioner, and as hepaid by direct debit, he could be sent a device which could be plugged into a socket and would give a 40% reduction onelectricity bills for life. He was then asked for his date of birth and bank details which fortunately were not given. Trading Standards have been alerted. As with all such cold calls residents are urged not to give any information andend the call.
During the next few months N. W. will continue to circulate a police appeal regarding theimportance of Smartwater, the property coding product available to Alrewas residents at a reduced price of £20. Residents eager to learn more about the product should contact the Area Co-ordinator Ralph Seville on 790527.
It’s a great time of year to start getting fit again and Zumba is an effective and fun way to do it. Classescontinue every Wednesday in the village hall between 6.30pm and 7.30pm and cost £4.00. All levels are catered for andbeginners are made very welcome, just turn up.
All Saints Church will be joining in the 10.30am service at AlrewasMethodist Church this Sunday 22nd January to celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. There will be no 10amservice at All Saints Church on that day, just the 8am Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion. Everyone is warmly welcometo join in this special joint service, after which will be held a ‘bring and share’ fellowship lunch.
 

Lichfield Mercury Village News

12th January edition

2012 is going to be an exciting year for arts projects in the village and all residents are warmly encouraged to getinvolved. The 4th Alrewas Arts Festival is Saturday 25th August to 1st September with the successful format beingrepeated of workshops and many popular events such as the street market and finale.
There are also three projectsbeing run throughout this year. The first is the development of a village archive funded by the Heritage Lottery whichwill collect together stories, memories and photographs of the past to create a film, display and a book for everyhousehold. The village hall will be central in hosting the archive once complete.
The next project is theOddfellows project; the fascia of the village hall will be decorated with faces of village people from about July toOctober this year. This visual result will be stunning and aims to involve more than a hundred villagers. The fasciawould be cleaned following the project ready for the facelift already planned.
The third project is Radio Alrewas;during the Festival we are going to host a live radio station. This will involve lots of people managing it,interviewing villagers, creating pre-recorded shows and more.
The Alrewas Arts Festival Committee hope residentssee the worth in these projects and gain their support, whether it’s bringing enthusiasm and spreading the word,recognising the vision and taking a long view, or offering practical help.
Our village hall is also an essentialpart of these projects and residents are urged to support the continued fundraising for its refurbishment. The letterrequesting a donation from every resident (postponed from last year) will be coming through your door towards the end ofthe month.
At the December Parish Council meeting a letter was received fro the County Council regarding thebarriers across Statfold Lane by the Millstream. They stated that “they are there in an attempt to deter people fromcrossing and using the footpath which is now closed to the public. As with all such warning, or restrictive, measuresand signs they tend to be bright and ‘garish’ in order to serve a purpose. Accordingly we will not be replacing thebarriers”.
Marstons have agreed to address the overgrown area on Furlong Lane behind the fence at the back of thecarpark when demolition of the outbuilding starts later this month.
The Parish Council has agreed to residents’requests to place a dog bin at the corner of Wellfield Road by the footpath to the bowling green.
The next ParishCouncil meeting is on Monday 16th January, 7.30pm at the village hall.

Lichfield Mercury Village News

5th January edition

The front of the surgery will soon be getting a facelift including a new entrance lobby with revolving doors, and a newlook reception and waiting area and more accessible disabled toilets. Work is due to start at the end of January andcontinue for eight weeks. During this time there should be minimum disruption for patients but some services will berelocated during the building work.
A new beginner’s class in Latin American, Argentine Tango and ballroomdancing starts in the village hall on Thursday 12th January 8.00 – 9.00pm. Classes will run by fully qualifiedteachers and cost £5.00 per person. Call 07721 556660 for further details or go to www.martinaschoolofdance.co.uk. There is no need to book, just turn up. New people cannot be taken after the first two weeks.
Alrewas Cricket Clubstart junior cricket practices on Wednesday 11th January. The Under 11s (Years 4-6) are in the Sports Hall at JohnTaylor High School from 7.00 to 8.00pm and the Under 13s and Under 15s (Years 7-10) are at Shobnall Leisure Complex from8.00 to 9.00pm. The cost is £2 per session and new players are most welcome. For more information contact Tim Aston on07866 730887 or go to www.alrewas.play-cricket.com.
At the Alrewas & District Agricultural and HorticulturalSociety’s AGM in December Peter Coates was elected Show President and Elaine Dolman Deputy. Preparations for thisyear’s Alrewas Show on 21st July are already underway. If you are involved in a group or club in the village you maywant to start thinking of entering a float, the theme will be ‘The Olympics -past and present’. The Alrewas Showwebsite has had a revamp. Go to www.alrewasshow.co.uk to find out about what’s happening at this year’s show asplans progress.
A new course for adults starts Tuesday 10th January at All Saint’s School 7.30 – 9.00pm.‘Exploring Art Deco’ looks at the key figures and the sumptuous and innovative design legacy of the 1920s and 1930s.The course tutor is Richard Stone and the cost is £30 for 10 meetings. Call 01283 790139 for more details or go towww.westmidlands.wea.org.uk.

Lichfield Mercury Village News

22nd December edition

At the Parish Council meeting the police reported there had only been two incidents in the last month, an attemptedbreak-in at Leavesleys Garage and diesel theft from some parked lorries. PC Griffiths has reprimanded some of the youngpeople involved in the parties that caused so much trouble a few weeks ago and since then there has been no anti socialbehaviour in the village.
The police highlighted parking around All Saint’s School as a major concern. PCSOTracy Horton has been working with the school and doing her utmost to alleviate the problem by being present at busytimes, but has mainly been met with disdain or rudeness from parents who seem to be unaware of the serious danger theyare causing their own children and other residents. A gentleman recently died in Furlong Lane because an ambulancecouldn’t get through for parked cars. The Parish Council will support the police if it becomes necessary to startissuing large numbers of penalties.
Neighbourhood Watch warns that, although Alrewas still has relatively fewcrimes compared to other communities, we are occasionally reminded that our village is as vulnerable as the next. On thenight of Wednesday 14th December an expensive white Audi A5 sports car was stolen from the Kings Bromley end of MainStreet. Residents are reminded again to be extra vigilant on the run up to Christmas and not to forget elderlyresidents who may have trouble getting out during cold spells and who may need a re-assuring visit.
The newHighways number (previously Clarence) for road and pavement problems is 0300 1118000. For out of hours emergencies call08448 222888, we are area 4.
The signs erected by the landowners two weeks ago banning public access to the fieldsbehind Dark Lane and along the side of the weir and canal only lasted a couple of days before they were removed bydisgruntled residents. This has been an unofficial right of way for many years and a favourite walk by many residents,particularly dog owners. The erection of the signs has raised much concern as last time it was done there were plansafoot for houses on that land.
All Saint’s Church warmly welcomes everyone to some special services thisChristmas. On Christmas Eve at 4pm ‘Waiting for Jesus’ is a crib service much loved by children of all ages (bring asoft toy to ‘wait for Jesus’), then later at 11.30 pm there is the ‘Candlelit Midnight Mass’. On Christmas Daythere is a Traditional Christmas Communion at 8am followed by the Festive Family Christmas Service at 10am.
BertFlitcroft’s number was printed incorrectly last week. It is 01283 790571
Happy Christmas. Please keep the newscoming in

Lichfield Mercury Village News

15th December edition

Congratulations to Bert Flitcroft, our local poet-in-residence at the Alrewas Arts Festival, in the recent publicationby Fireleaf of his poetry book entitled ‘Singing Puccini at the Kitchen Sink’. Copies can be purchased frombookshops or online www.fineleaf.co.uk and he is always pleased to chat about the book or about poetry in general if youwish to call him on 01283 790572.
In the run up to Christmas Neighbourhood Watch urge residents to be careful andalert. Don’t leave presents in full view of prying eyes or discarded cardboard boxes of expensive Christmas presentsoutside in view of passers by indicating that you have these new possessions indoors. When in town don’t leavevehicles unattended with shopping piled up inside and keep your purse or wallet close. If homes are to be leftunoccupied during dark afternoons and evenings or even for several days, please consider using automatic timers tooperate lights and ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye open. Smartwater forensic coding kits are selling well inAlrewas so far canvassed by Neighbourhood Watch and the operation will continue into the New Year until all residentshave been given the opportunity to buy this important item of crime prevention. Neighbourhood Watch wishes everyone asafe and enjoyable Christmas.
All are welcome to come and celebrate Christmas at All Saints Church this Sunday withtwo lovely carol services. The 4.00 pm one is a family style carol service which is highly participative and small-childfriendly (and will include a special contribution from Colin), as well as giving prizes to the winners of the Church’sChristmas Competition.
At 7.30 pm it is the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols featuring candlelight, specialchoir anthems, and favourite carols for all to sing.

Lichfield Mercury Village News

8th December edition

At the November Parish Council meeting County Councillor Janet Eagland reported that the state of the roadside from theroundabouts to the Arboretum was now being addressed following concerns about Royalty regularly taking that route. Itwill be getting a whole new facelift.
Councillors noted that the pavement contractors in the village were near tocompleting the work and will convey thanks for the considerate and courteous manner in which the work had beenundertaken. They also thanked Councillor Eagland for arranging for the trees on the A38 south sliproad to be trimmed
Speeding and congestion along Main Street was discussed after it came out as being one of the biggest concerns fromthe rural villages consultation earlier in the year with many residents requesting a 20pmh speed limit. CouncillorsSlight and Coates will set up a working group to identify the problems and potential solutions regarding the trafficflow along Main Street
Lichfield District Council confirmed that an application to allow parking on the triangulararea on the left in Mellor Drive would be resisted on the basis it would detract from the appearance of the development.The Parish Council had requested this small piece of land be converted following residents complaints about thedangerous parking at the junction of Fox Lane and the A513.
Three planters have been purchased and delivered toLichfield District Council to install outside the shops once a licence from the County Council has been granted.
Aworking party is in consultation with the County Council and the owners of the Bailey Bridges by the Millstream and ismaking progress towards possible repair of the bridges. It has now been tentatively agreed that if the village can raisethe money to resurface a footway across the bridges the County Council may re-open the footpath
Next Parish Councilmeeting is on Monday 12th December, 7.30pm in the village hall. Members of the public are welcome to view planningapplications and chat to councillors beforehand.
Neighbourhood Watch report that residents in Inge Drive have beenexperiencing noise caused by youngsters taking a short cut from and to Poppy Gardens through a damaged fence. Theproblem has been reported to the police and to the Parish Council with a view to repairs being carried out to the fence. Residents who have not responded to the Police circular regarding Smartwater, the forensic property coding product, areurged to take advantage of the greatly reduced price of £20. The importance of Smartwater in any community should notbe underestimated.
The festive sight and sound of the Round Table Christmas Tableau comes to Alrewas this Sunday.It starts around 4.30pm in Micklehome Drive, proceeding to Wellfield Road, Oakfield, Walkfield and Sommerville. Ataround 6.30pm it will be heading down Furlong Lane towards Park Road then on to Mill End Lane, Manor Fields and finallyback down Main Street around 8pm.
It is always a delight for children but hard work for the collectors who thisyear are members of Alrewas Youth Club. They will receive a part share in the takings for the night to help sustain thevillage Youth Club, so please give a few pennies

Lichfield Mercury Village News

1st December edition

The Alrewas Short Film Festival on Saturday once again highlighted the talent (particularly the young talent) we have inthe village. Twenty five short films were screened made by all ages. A selection can be seen on YouTubehttp://www.youtube.com/user/alrewasfilmfestival and are well worth a look.
One of the films was an excerpt of apoignant ten minute film made by Jeff Whitehouse entitled ‘All Gave Some, Some Gave All’. It is a short awarenessstory in tribute to the armed forces and promotes the NMA and talented people around Alrewas and the Midlands.
Ithas been made to raise funds for the National Arboretum and sponsoring copies of the film can be obtained from Jeff on01283790803
The William IV re-opened on 24th November with new landlords Alex and Sharon. There will be drinksonly for two weeks and then they will start serving food. The pub closed a few weeks ago after the previous landlordleft due to financial difficulties.
There have been mixed reactions in the village to the proposal being made bythe Leavesley Company for the site behind the garage on Main Street. There are three options, one of which is to includethe storage units which have been opposed to by residents for some time now, another is for a three story 80 bedroomedhotel. The project also includes a footbridge over the A38 to the Arboretum which is much desired by residents but willnot be considered by the County Council due to the cost.
Neighbourhood Watch are offering every Alrewas residentthe Police recommended forensic property marking product Smartwater. Treasured possessions and expensive items can beinvisibly marked and the owner identified by police if the items are stolen then recovered. The Police indicate that theproduct is feared by criminals and displaying window stickers could be a strong deterrant. There is a small one-offcharge of £20 made possible by Staffordshire Police, County Council and other crime reduction partners, the usual costis £60. Smartwater street signs will be soon be purchased by Alrewas Neighbourhood Watch as an extra deterrent. Forfurther information contact Area Co-ordinator Ralph Seville on 790527.
Christmas is almost here and a visit to theAll Saint’s Church Christmas Fayre is a great start to the festivities. Pop along to the church this Saturday between2 and 4 pm for lots of fun and interesting stalls for the whole family including a massive Christmas craft stall,tombolas, homemade Christmas cards and gifts, cakes, games, seasonal refreshments and live Christmas music by the AllSaints School Choir and All Saints Church Handbell Choir.
The following weekend is packed with Christmas events.The Vicarage Christmas Party is on Friday 9th December from 7:30 pm. Admission (£5 adult) includes a wide selection ofparty foods, holiday games and a festive sing-a-long. Please bring a bottle or two for the ‘sharing table’
The Stepping Stones Christmas Quiz is on Saturday 10th at the village hall with quizmaster the Fabulous Dave Ward.It’s £6 each, teams of up to six people, and includes fish and chip supper, nibbles and mince pies. Call Jude on01283 790260 to register your team.
On Sunday 11th the Needwood Singers present ‘Carols by Candlelight’, anevening of Christmas music from the last four centuries with some well known favourites and audience participation. Itstarts at 7.30pm the Methodist Church and tickets are £7.00 (£5.00 concessions), available from Mrs Goodwin 01283716790.
The same evening (between 5 and 8pm) Santa will be coming around the village with the Lichfield Round TableTableau assisted by Alrewas Youth Club.
The Royal British Legion Club’s AGM is on Friday 9th December at 8pm inthe Club Headquarters. All are welcome.
 

Lichfield Mercury Village News

24th November edition

The Cricket Club is holding an open meeting on Monday 28th November to plan its junior cricket programme for 2012.Matters to be discussed include appointment of team managers, new teams at Under 10 and Under 9 age groups, promotion ofcricket for girls, recruitment and schools liaison, coach education and development of young leaders. The meetingstarts at 7.30pm and will be held in the Pavilion, Walkfield. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information callTim Aston on 07866 730887 or email timaston@needwoodcottage.go-plus.net.
The Cricket Club's Annual General Meetingwill be held the following evening, same time, same venue.
Neighbourhood Watch report that anti social behaviourreturned to Alrewas again last weekend 12/13th November when a large number of youngsters arrived in the village many bytaxi no doubt in response to a message on 'face book' that a party was in progress. The Police attended and since thenlocal parents and youngsters have been interviewed. Alcohol consumed by youngsters continues to cause problems, and onthe night in question damage was caused to vehicles in Church Road. The number of scrap metal collectors visitingAlrewas appears to have been reduced following a recent Police operation involving other agencies. Many operators werestopped and their vehicles and loads thoroughly examined. Residents can further assist by not leaving objects outsidefor collection, but instead to call J. D. Metal Recycling based in Burton on 01283 510695. We may now see a reductionin local crime involving metal objects. Although Alrewas crime is still relatively low, the close proximity of the A38and A513 means that travelling criminals can occasionally call. There was as burglary at a home in Rykneld Street whenthe occupants returned home late on Friday evening 11th Nov. A window was smashed and property including a TV andcomputer stolen. At about 3.40am on Sun 13th Nov a resident in Furlong Lane disturbed a man on the drive. The promptaction may have prevented a theft from a vehicle or a car key burglary. Residents are urged to report any suspiciousincident or any anti social behaviour immediately as such reports quite often prevent a crime being committed. Thenationwide non emergency Police number is now 101.
There is a Ladies Night this evening (Thursday) in the villagehall from 7pm. This is a great opportunity to start or even finish your Christmas shopping with a selection of stallsincluding Two Birds, Jamie at Home, Vie at home, Anne Summers, Creative Baking Co, Village Rainbow, Partylite, Top toToe, Usbourne Books, Phoenix Cards and much more.
There will also be a pamper room upstairs with mini treatments onoffer, slots can be booked at the start of the evening. Entrance is a £1 donation which will include a glass of mulledwine and a mince pie and the wine bar will be open all evening.
There is a Table Top Sale this Sunday between 2and 4pm in aid of the 2012 Arts Festival. The village hall will be packed with stalls including white elephant, books,tombola, cakes, crafts, designer clothes and candles so do call by and take a look.
This Saturday everyone iswelcome to drop into the Alrewas Short Film Festival from 6.30pm in the village hall. This is a wonderful programme ofshort films (3 minutes or less) written, filmed and edited by people you might know! Films are suitable for viewing byall ages.
 

Past news items are also available to read here