The monthly parish council meeting was held in the village hall on Monday 1st Sept. Four councillors were present with Cty Cllr Phillip Morris-Jones and 8 members of the public in attendance.During the open meeting
Lesley French, chairholder of the Village Trust gave a report on the Trust’s plans for the next month, including the purchase of new chairs, painting safety markings on the steps outside the hall and new arrangements for the cleaning of the hall. Lesley also outlined the programme of entertainment for the autumn.
Mr John Cunliffe gave a report on the progress of the Parish Plan, he told the meeting that the uncertainty over the future of the village shop had delayed the report. A meeting of the committee is planned to discuss amendments.
Cllr Damon Swindell reported that the sub-committee had been told that, at present, it was not within the powers of the parish council to apply for a loan to buy the village shop premises. The sub-committee will continue to meet in order to find another solution.
Cty Cllr Phillip Morris-Jones reported that the Warwickshire County Council fund, renamed ‘The Rugby Area Medium Grant Scheme’, was now available and applications should be made by 26th September. He urged the Parish Council to exert pressure to get signs erected to discourage drivers of heavy goods vehicles from using village roads, he suggested that they explore the option of ‘Flashing Speed Signs’ in the village.
Cllr Morris-Jones stressed the importance of attending the Fosse Locality Panel meeting on 30th September to discuss matters of importance in the area.
Many of the drains in the village of Pailton and the surrounding area were blocked adding to the flooding problems. The service provided by the Warwickshire County Council was deemed inferior and inadequate.
Pailton is one of the few councils taking part in a pilot scheme to give Quality Councils the responsibility for cleaning the streets and gutters in the villages. A team has carried out this work which was considered a great success.
The grass cutting programme for 2009-10 was discussed. It was hoped to include Brookside Avenue and the grassed area in front of the newley refurbished “ Airey Houses” Lutterworth Raod.
The Chairman was pleased to report that Mr. L.Bailey had cleared part of the culvert and would continue the work when trees had been cut down.
Footpath “waymarker” signs are to be renewed by the W.C.C. Footpath Association.
A satisfactory financial report was given and the meeting closed.
On Saturday 13th September many parishioners made their way to Monks Kirkby to enjoy the first major Autumnal event which was the now-traditional Last Night of the Proms concert at Saint Edith’s church
The programme followed its usual pattern with a selection of appropriate music provided by the greatly popular Bilton Silver Band conducted by their musical director Mr. Brian Clarke.
The star of the event was local soprano Liz West who gave a flawless performance of well known numbers accompanied by spectacular costume changes which drew enthusiastic applause from the large audience.
The programme concluded with the combined singing of the patriotic songs which have become established form at a national event staged, by coincidence, at the Albert Hall on the very same evening.
This years printed programme gave added interest by including a history of the Bilton Silver band also the musical adventures of conductor Brian Clarke and soloist Liz West.
The evening was introduced by churchwarden, Mr. Bill Wooliscroft who paid due tribute to the performers, the organisers and the particularly large audience for their much-needed support for the church maintenance fund.
On the warm sunny morning of 14th September the first of the harvest celebrations was held at St. Denis Church. Every window was gloriously decorated with fruit and flowers, the produce of many of Pailton’s gardeners. More gifts were laid at the alter by the young children who were part of the large congregation who attended the service conducted by the Reverend Christine Garrod.
The rousing harvest hymns were accompanied on the organ by Mark Bennett and the lesson read by Ruth Bilson.
After the service, refreshments were provided by Mrs. Ann Latham. The parishioners then collected the fruit and vegetables on display in return for donations to the church funds.
On Saturday 20th September a Grand Harvest Supper for all members of the Revel churches will be held in the parish hall in Monks Kirby. All are welcome to attend.
The Village Trust is planning the first event in the Autumn Calendar at the village hall. A spectacular performance titled “Health & Stacey” which is described as an “epic jungle romance”will be presented under the “live and local” banner by Rugby Borough Council. This hilarious event is to be staged on Saturday 18th October at 8pm. Tickets are available from (01788) 833113.