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Fairford Blog is a collection of diary entries, news, gossip and
other Fairford related information.
CDC Begins Search for New Recycling Facility
Cotswold District Council is urgently looking for a new recycling site serving the Fairford area, following the Town Council’s decision to remove the current facility.
A recent decision by Fairford Town Council and the local Youth Football Club to remove the recycling facility near the car park in Horcott Road, Fairford has prompted Cotswold District Council to look for an alternative site on an urgent basis.
Scott Williams, Waste Manager at Cotswold District Council, commented: "It’s very unfortunate that the recycling banks have to be removed, especially since the closest alternative site is over 6 miles away in Lechlade, but we are aiming to provide a better option in the near future.
"Fairford has a great track record for recycling and, I appreciate that this is not an ideal state of affairs for everyone. I can assure residents that we are doing all in our power to find a workable solution quickly and, while we search for another site for the banks, I would urge them to recycle as much as they can via our fortnightly kerbside collections."
Posted
: 23/02/2010 15:55:08
Fairford's Sharon Davies - Dancing on Ice
Former Olympic swimming star Sharron Davies is swapping her swimming costume for ice skates when she takes part in ITV TV show Dancing on Ice.
Sharron, of Fairford, will compete against the likes of Eastenders star Daniella Westbrook, comedian Bobby Davro and Sir Paul McCartney’s ex-wife Heather Mills, when the TV show starts next month.
Posted
: 24/12/2009 10:17:23
Fillip For Fairford Fitness Fanatics!
Exercise enthusiasts in the Fairford area are welcoming a major upgrade to the gym in the town’s leisure centre. The new gym, which will open fully on December 11th after extensive improvements, will be able to accommodate up to 30 users at any one time, treble the size of the previous facility.
Cotswold District Council has invested £225,000 in Cotswold Leisure Fairford, the majority of which has been spent on extending the previous gym and purchasing twenty four pieces of state-of-the art equipment including treadmills, steppers and exercise bikes, as well as built-in audio-visual entertainment.
At a special preview evening on December 10th opened by Councillor David Fowles, the Cabinet Member for Customer Services, regular gym users and local community leaders tried out the new equipment and expressed their delight with the end result.
Jamie Nesbit, CDC’s Head of Leisure, commented: "This is great news for Fairford. I fully expect that there will be a big demand for use of these great new facilities.
"We also recently upgraded the gyms in the dual user sports centres in Bourton on the Water, Chipping Campden and Tetbury and this prompted a rise in membership - I am sure that Fairford will follow suit."
For further information on Cotswold District Council’s leisure-related activities, please contact the team on 01285 623000.
Posted
: 15/12/2009 16:35:39
Learn To Ride Your Mini Moto Safely
Mini-moto riders are being given the opportunity to learn how to enjoy their hobby safely, legally and responsibly at an event at Fairford Police Station this weekend.
Young people in the area who already ride, or might be thinking about riding a moped, motorbike or mini-moto, are invited to join PCSO Lesley Pooley, PC Sarah Crawford and motorcyclists from the Gloucestershire Constabulary Roads Policing Unit at 6pm this Saturday, August 8th.
PC Sarah Crawford said, "Any vehicle, whether used on the roads or on private land, can be very dangerous if not used safely and responsibly. We hope that this event will help provide young people with advice on vehicle maintenance and how to drive safely in a fun way.
"Parents are also welcome to come along and meet us and our motorcyclists from the Roads Policing Unit."
Riders are welcome to bring their vehicles to the station on the day and anyone who would like any more information about the event is asked to contact PCSO's Pooley or Crawford on 0845 090 1234.
Posted
: 07/08/2009 09:24:24
Air Tattoo sold out for Saturday, Sunday available
Tickets for the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on Saturday have completely sold out for the first time in the event's history according to the RIAT website
However, organisers have said some tickets still remain for Sunday's airshow.
Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said "Anyone still without a ticket who would like to come and share the excitement of this unique event must act quickly and buy a ticket online for Sunday. There are no tickets for sale at the gates on either of the two days so please do not turn up on the day without a ticket."
Posted
: 16/07/2009 10:34:59
Fairford Air Tattoo 2009
The 2009 Fairford Air Tattoo takes place at RAF Fairford on 18th and 19th July.
This years event is all-ticket. An announcement said,
"The organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo would like to remind all visitors that this year the event will be TICKET ONLY.
In order to control the numbers attending the event only advance tickets are being sold. None will be available at the gates as in previous years."
Posted
: 13/07/2009 13:19:37
Fairford Air Show 2009
The 2009 Royal International Air Tattoo takes place on 18th and 19th June at RAF Fairford.
The 2009 Air Show promises to be back to it's best after the 2008 air show had to be cancelled due to the weather.
For information see our Fairford Air Show page.
Posted
: 12/07/2009 23:46:00
Fairford Leads The Way In Preparing For Floods
Volunteers in Fairford will be playing the part of evacuees in a mock up emergency exercise on Saturday 21st March to help the town prepare for a real life emergency.
Fairford Town Council is planning a simulation to test their emergency plan and also to give their volunteers some experience of how it would work in a real event like a flood or fire.
Fairford Town Council have capitalised on a £10,000 resilience grant made available from Cotswold District Council and are the first in the District to have their own ‘Place of Safety’ and emergency plan in place. Cotswold District Council has been working closely with Fairford Town Council with the development of their emergency plan following the floods in 2007.
Part of Fairford’s emergency plan involves the development of a ‘Place of Safety’, which uses community venues and volunteers if a section of the town has to be evacuated from their homes for a short time. This complements the larger scale more formal ‘Rest Centre’ that the District Council would initiate if a large scale evacuation is necessary.
Clive Bennett, Portfolio Holder for Safe and Strong Communities said:
“Fairford communities are at the forefront of resilience with their emergency plans. Having the plan in place will mean they will be better equipped to cope with any major events like flooding or a large fire. But more importantly it has brought their community closer together by getting back to old community values.”
Chris Roberts, CDC Ward Councillor for Fairford and spokesperson for Fairford Emergency Action Group said:
“We are lucky in Fairford that we have a strong community that in times of crisis will pull together. We realised during the floods of July 2007 that Fairford is out on a limb and we needed to be able to cope on our own until outside help can get to us. Our trial emergency on 21st March will test our planning for this eventuality and show us where improvements can be made.”
Posted
: 16/03/2009 11:18:40
Fairford Leisure To Host Children In Need Event
Splatter sports centre staff with custard pies as part of a Children In Need charity afternoon at Cotswold Leisure Fairford.
The After School Club at Fairford Sports Centre – which hosts children between 4-11 years old – will host a fund-raising event as part of the nationwide charity drive on Friday November 14th (3pm-6pm).
There will be an opportunity for children to get their own back on leisure centre staff with some pie throwing – every yellow custard pie thrown at sport centre staff donates 10p per throw to Children in Need.
Also on offer is cake decorating/selling, a giant Pudsey coin fund raiser, a bouncy castle, a disco and party games and races.
All children are invited to wear a Pudsey Bear bandana, which can be bought in Asda or Boots.
The normal After School Club session fee of £5.90 or £7.00 will be donated to Children in Need. The Cotswold Leisure Fairford ‘After School Club’ operates Monday to Friday from 3pm to 6pm during the school term.
Children from Fairford Primary School are collected at 3pm and a minibus is available from Kempsford Primary School.
For further information and to book a place please contact Cotswold Leisure Fairford on 01285 713786 or email fairfordsportscentre@cotswold.gov.uk
Posted
: 12/11/2008 10:21:46
Alcohol Campaign Moves To Two More Towns
A Council-led crackdown on underage drinking will be extended to two more towns when it comes to Fairford and Lechlade later this month.
The 'Don't Buy for under 18s' campaign, a Cotswold District Council-led venture in partnership with Gloucestershire Police and local retailers, will move to the east of the District on October 24th after initially being launched in Tetbury in July.
The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the problem of adults buying alcoholic drinks on behalf of underage drinkers, and will highlight the dangers of underage drinking, health risks for teenagers and the penalties adults could face if caught.
And the Council's Community Safety team and the Mobile Police Station will be on hand at Fairford Market Place between 3pm and 4.15pm and in the centre of Lechlade from 4.30pm to 6pm with information, support and advice on offer about alcohol, the consequences of underage and binge drinking, and the law. It will also be an opportunity for local people to share their concerns with officers on this subject.
Les Haines, Principal Community Safety Officer said: “When we launched this campaign we were surprised how many people were unaware that it was a criminal offence to purchase alcohol for under 18 year olds. In fact in a recent local survey of adults, over half said that they had been approached by under age drinkers to buy alcohol on their behalf.
“Fortunately we have a great deal of support in the Cotswolds in our joint efforts to combat the problems which under age drinking brings to individuals and communities.”
Cotswold District Council has been working with the Youth Service, Trading Standards, and local businesses, shops and schools in a bid to combat underage drinking, as well as GDAS (Gloucestershire Drug and Alcohol Service) and GINI, part of the Young People's Substance Misuse Service.
For further information or advice on any issue to do with underage drinking, please contact Cotswold District Council's Community Safety team on 01286 623000 or visit the website at www.cotswold.gov.uk
Posted
: 16/10/2008 12:44:28
'People For You' To Be Launched In Three Towns
Getting volunteers on board to help older people in Tetbury, Fairford and Lechlade is the theme behind the launch of the Cotswold District Council-led ‘People for You’ scheme this week.
The programme will come to the east and west Cotswolds with an official launch, including a volunteer-recruitment drive and information and advice session, in the Community Centre in Fairford on Thursday October 2nd, and the Dolphins Hall in Tetbury, on Friday October 3rd.
The events start at 12noon and last until 1pm and both potential volunteers and anyone who feels they could benefit from the service is welcome to come along to the launch.
People for You, which was first started in Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh two years ago, aims to give older people in rural areas better access to information about housing, benefits, care and social issues, through trained volunteers.
These volunteers visit the elderly in their homes, where they will talk through any problems and concerns with residents, giving them a regular friendly face to get to know and feel able to confide in.
They will also visit and assist anyone returning from hospital or anyone who may feel isolated or are housebound because of longer term ill health.
Katie Moylan will host the service from Tetbury Hospital, while Sue Black will coordinate the scheme in Fairford and Lechlade from Fairford’s new Community Centre. Sue said:
“We want people to come forward and join us in the team, in order to ensure our older citizens feel both confident and connected.”
Their role will involve recruiting, coordinating and sending out volunteers to anyone in need in their area. Both volunteers are looking for approximately six volunteers or more.
Anyone interested in being a volunteers in the People for You scheme should contact Sue Black on 07507 641815 or Katie Moylan on 07507 641816.
Posted
: 29/09/2008 22:24:09
Fairford Steam Rally Cancelled
The Fairford Steam Rally, due to take place this weekend (Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th August), has been cancelled due to bad weather.
The Fun Fair will still operate
For more information visit www.fairfordsteamrally.com
Posted
: 14/08/2008 23:57:03
Air Tattoo Cancelled Sunday
The organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire announce that the airshow on Sunday, July 13 will not go ahead.
The decision was taken following lengthy discussions between the organisers, police and other safety services. It was based on concerns for our visitors and the disappointing conclusion was that we could not fully safeguard them.
The public is asked not to travel to RAF Fairford tomorrow.
Posted
: 12/07/2008 16:44:59
Air Tattoo (Saturday) Cancelled
Due to the unusually heavy rainfall during the past 72 hours, a decision has been made by the organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire to cancel the airshow on Saturday, July 12.
The cancellation of the airshow on Saturday follows a sustained period of heavy rainfall that has resulted in waterlogged conditions not only in the public car parks but also on the airfield itself. The decision was taken following consultation with the police and other safety services.
Posted
: 12/07/2008 12:12:32
Free Training For Fairford's Emergency Volunteers
Volunteer helpers in Fairford are set to receive free training to help them cope in an emergency.
The 30 volunteers, who have offered to provide help and support to other members of their community in the event of an emergency, will take part in a training exercise on Wednesday, June 11, to help them be prepared.
The presentation and table- top exercises will take place at the town’s newly refurbished Community Centre in the first of a series of training sessions being scheduled across the Cotswolds.
Cotswold District Council Emergency Planning Manager Claire Locke said: “Fairford Town Council has done a great job recruiting a group of volunteers who have offered their help should an emergency take place.
“We want to support these people by helping to prepare them for their roles should the worst happen. Helping out in an emergency can be a stressful and difficult task and as with most things preparation is crucial”.
The event will include presentations from Cotswold District Council and also a table top exercise led by Chris Davies, Emergency Management Officer at Gloucestershire County Council. This exercise will involve working through the impact of an imaginary (but realistic) potential emergency, to explore the kind of actions and skills needed by emergency volunteers.
Cotswold District Council Community Resilience Liaison Officer Tim Dowan said: “We intend to roll out this training across the District, with approximately another five or six events expected, as Towns and Parishes develop their emergency plans. We will be ready to support them.”
Fairford Ward Member Councillor Chris Roberts said: “Supported by a Parish Resilience Grant from Cotswold District Council, Fairford has been amongst the first in the District to work on a comprehensive emergency plan. Simple but effective planning can help to avoid the potential impact should the worst occur, be it flooding or any other disaster that could befall a community.”
For more information about emergency planning for Town and Parish councils, please contact Tim Dowan on 01285 623433.
Posted
: 09/06/2008 20:56:38
Dates Set For Fairford By-Election
The by-election to fill two vacancies for the Fairford ward of Fairford Town Council is due to take place on Thursday, December 13th, 2007.
The candidates at the election are:
JONES, Suzanne Carol -27 Moor Lane, Fairford, Glos, GL7 4AL
MORRIS, Lizzie - 7A London Street, Fairford, GL7 4AQ
PLUMRIDGE, Annabelle - Poppy Cottage, 11 Milton Street, Fairford, Gloucestershire, GL7 4BN
WARDLE, Mark - Park Corner House, Park Street, Fairford, Glos, GL7 4JL
Polling will take place between 7am and 10pm at Palmer Hall, Fairford. Poll cards, giving details of the polling station and timing of the poll will be issued on Monday 3rd December to all those electors able to vote at this election.
The poll closes at 10pm and the count will take place immediately afterwards at the Palmer Hall in Fairford.
Please contact Cotswold District Council Electoral Services Officer Sarah Dalby on 01285 623229 for further information.
Posted
: 29/11/2007 18:14:19
Cotswold DC Sets Date For Fairford By-Election
A by-election to fill the vacancies for Fairford Town Council of Cotswold District Council is due to take place on Thursday 13th December 2007.
The by-election has been called following the resignations of Mr Bart Borchardt and Mr Greg Phillips.
Anyone wishing to stand as a candidate must complete a nomination form which must be returned to the Returning Officer by noon on Friday 16th November 2007, Nomination packs are available from the elections office, or Fairford Town Council.
Any elector who wishes to vote by post at this election needs to complete an application form. This form must be returned to the elections office by 5pm on Wednesday, 28th November 2007. Postal vote application forms are available from the elections office, or our website www.cotswold.gov.uk.
For further information and forms contact Sarah Dalby, Electoral Services Officer, Cotswold District Council, Trinity Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1PX. Telephone 01285 623229
Posted
: 02/11/2007 19:11:22
Cardboard recycling comes to Fairford
Cardboard recycling facilities have been introduced in Fairford as part of Cotswold District Council's drive to increase recycling rates and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.
A cardboard recycling bank has been sited at the High Street Car Park in the town where there is already a container for plastic bottles.
The Council has now increased the number of cardboard recycling banks in the District from two to seven this year.
To find out more about recycling services in the Cotswolds and information on your nearest recycling banks, visit www.recycleforgloucestershire.com
Posted
: 08/10/2007 16:04:15
Exciting finds in Fairford
Archeological excavations in Fairford have unearthed the remains of buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries.
Finds include fragments of window glass and remains of a small kiln in what is believed to have been a workshop.
Gloucestershire County Council Archaeology Service are carrying out investigations prior to the redevelopment of Fairford Community Centre.
To date the archaeological works have revealed the remains of two small buildings, believed to date to the 15th/16th century. One, near to the High Street frontage, was only partially exposed and produced evidence of lead working debris.
They also discovered fragments of 14th century window glass, some still within their lead cames, which are believed to have originated from the medieval church. It is thought that lead from the medieval church was being recycled within the building, for re-use perhaps within the new church.
The discoveries mean that redevelopment work on the community centre and old Farmor's Free School has had to be rescheduled to allow archaeologists to continue their investigations.
Other finds also include the remains of a small square building near the church, which has yet to be fully excavated. It appears to contain the remains of a small kiln, fragments of ceramic building material and is thought to be a small workshop from the 15th century.
Posted
: 27/06/2007 02:00:47
Along the River Coln Talk
Edwin Cuss will be the speaker at the next Fairford History Society meeting on Thursday 15th February at 7.45 p.m. in Fairford Community Centre.
His talk is entitled “Along the River Coln – A Visual Journey”.
Members can join or renew their membership at any meeting or by contacting Ian Westlake on 712329
Posted
: 24/01/2007 13:54:19
Advice to boil drinking water lifted
Precautionary water safety measures issued to customers in the Fairford area of Gloucestershire last week have been lifted.
Posted
: 16/01/2007 10:37:57
Police Investigating 'Tagging' In Fairford
Police in Fairford have arrested two boys on suspicion of criminal damage in connection with a number of graffiti 'tags' sprayed on cars and buildings in the local area in recent weeks.
The boys, who are aged 17 and 13 and who both come from Fairford, have been released on police bail pending further enquiries until Wednesday February 7.
The pair were arrested after police received several reports of incidents in which the letters 'TR' had being sprayed in silver paint on vehicles and property in Fairford.
Officers investigating the case are appealing for anyone who may have had property damaged in this way, but who has not yet reported it to police, to get in touch.
Anyone with information is asked to call PC Martin Pendle on 0845 090 1234, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting incident number 117 of Monday December 11 2006.
Posted
: 08/01/2007 14:32:30
Two arrested after fire at Fairford school
Police have arrested two 15 year-old boys in connection with an arson attack on a school in Fairford.
At around 9.15pm on Saturday January 6 a member of the public alerted emergency services to a fire at Farmors School in The Park, Fairford.
The blaze was extinguished by firefighters, but not before it had caused extensive damage to an office and classrooms.
The two boys, who come from Cirencester and Fairford, were arrested on Sunday January 7 on suspicion of arson. They have been released on police bail until February 1 pending further enquiries.
Because of the damage caused to its buildings Farmors School has been closed today, Monday January 8.
Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact Cirencester police on 0845 090 1234, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting incident number 531 of January 6.
Posted
: 08/01/2007 11:03:44
Who do you think you are? Find out at Fairford
You don't have to be rich or famous to get help in tracing your family tree. Experts will be on hand at Fairford Library on Wednesday 15 November to help you delve into your family's past.
The Family and Local History Day is an opportunity to speak to experts from:
* Gloucestershire Archives
* Gloucestershire Family History Society
* Fairford and Lechlade History Societies
Local County Councillor, Ray Theodoulou, said: "Previous Family History Days held at Fairford Library have proved extremely popular with people of all ages a who are interested in their family backgrounds. This event will provide further marvellous opportunities to find our more about your ancestors, and delve into your family and local history."
The experts will be available between 10am and 4.30pm and there is no need to book in advance for this free event.
Heather Forbes, County and Diocesan Archivist for Gloucestershire, said: "This event is one of a series which Gloucestershire Archives is holding in libraries around Gloucestershire this year. It is a good example of the way in which libraries and archives together with the county's Family History Society and local history groups work together to provide high quality and interesting services for local people."
Posted
: 09/11/2006 21:20:32
Shop Window Smashed In Fairford
Police are appealing to the public for help after offenders smashed a window at a business premises in Fairford over the weekend, causing £500 of damage in the process.
Between 9.30am and 11.50am on Sunday October 29, unknown offenders smashed 6ft by 3ft window at the side of Tools 4 U in London Road, Fairford.
Anyone with information about the damage is asked to contact Cirencester police on 0845 090 1234, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting incident number 312 of October 29.
Posted
: 31/10/2006 01:56:40
Man charged after Fairford Police appeal
A man has been charged with theft following a successful appeal by Fairford police for the owners of suspected stolen bikes seized by officers to come forward.
A 44 year-old man was arrested when officers recovered several bikes, believed to have been stolen from locations in the Cotswolds and Wiltshire, from an address in Marston Meysey during August 2006.
After releasing the man on bail pending further enquiries, officers appealed for victims of bike theft in the local area to get in touch in a bid to identify the items seized.
Five members of the public were subsequently reunited with their bikes and the 44 year-old, who comes from Marston Meysey, was charged with theft on September 25.
He is now on bail to appear before magistrates in Cheltenham on Monday October 16.
PC Sarah Crawford, who led the investigation into the thefts, said: "I'd like to thank everyone who got in touch as a result of our appeal.
"Their input into the investigation was invaluable, and it was extremely gratifying to be able to reunite people with their missing property."
Posted
: 06/10/2006 11:29:11
Increased aircraft activity at Fairford
Fairford residents are likely to become aware of increased aircraft activity during October as RAF Fairford becomes the base for a giant exercise, involving 1,200 personnel and approximately 30 aircraft.
The exercise was previously held at RAF St Mawgan in Cornwall but budget cuts at St Mawgan meant that an alternative site had to be found.
Organisers say there will be a significant increase in take-offs and landings at RAF Fairford during the exercise, the most intense period of activity being from Monday October 16 through to the following Wednesday when there will be 24-hour activity including some controlled explosions to simulate mortar attacks.
Posted
: 02/10/2006 11:07:47
Man assaulted in Fairford
Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault outside a pub in Fairford resulted in a man sustaining a broken jaw and a badly cut eye.
The man, who comes from Lechlade, had become involved in an argument involving several people outside the Vortex Inn in Cirencester Road, Fairford, at around 12.10am in the morning of Saturday September 9.
The argument developed into a scuffle, during which the victim was assaulted by an unknown assailant.
Following the attack the man was taken to Great Western Hospital for treatment.
Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Fairford police on 0845 090 12434, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting incident number 30 of September 9.
Posted
: 22/09/2006 18:31:31
Road death victim named
THE teenager who was killed on the A419 on Sunday morning has been named as 18-year-old Natalie Perryman from Cricklade.
The teenager was walking in the fast lane of the northbound carriageway with two friends at 4.15am when they were struck by a green Volvo driven by a 32-year-old male driver, of Fairford who suffered minor facial injuries.
Police are appealing for any witnesses who saw either the women or the vehicle prior to the accident to contact either PC Steve Love or Sgt Richard Moorhouse, of Swindon Police on 0845 408 7000.
Posted
: 02/08/2006 19:16:28
Have your say: Volunteers wanted for budget event
A hands-on opportunity for residents to tell Cotswold District Council how they think it should spend its money takes place on Saturday, September 23rd
The Council is holding a half-day workshop at its HQ in Trinity Road, Cirencester, to hear residents' views on its spending priorities and budget proposals.
It is now is seeking volunteers for the event and is offering a payment of £50 to cover expenses, plus transport for those who need it.
A number of over-55s have already come forward, so CDC is now looking for people aged between 18 and 55 to join the workshop.
Participants will get the chance to do some 'budgeting for real' – and will be invited to say how they would share out £10million between services if they were running the Council.
Current spending mostly reflects the Council's priorities of environment and heritage, homes, people and services, waste management and financial control and best value.
Council Leader Councillor Lynden Stowe said: “We want to know what services are important to our residents - and what level of council tax they are prepared to pay.
“Like all councils, we are facing financial challenges and increased pressure to fund new responsibilities and rising costs across the board.
“To meet these extra costs and ease the burden on residents' pockets, we have to make savings elsewhere in our budget and have drawn up a strategy that proposes £800,000 of savings over the next four years.
“The workshop will help us take the views of council tax payers into account when finalising our budget. I hope people will come and join us and grab this opportunity to have their say.”
If you wish to volunteer for the workshop, please contact Marie Whiteman or Jenny Huggins at Cotswold District Council on 01285 623101 as soon as possible.
The Council will also be running its annual round of community meetings across the District to discuss its spending plans with the public. All meetings start at 7pm.
The dates and venues are:
* Monday 30th October - Dolphin Hall, Tetbury
* Wednesday, 1st November - CDC Moreton Area Centre
* Thursday, 2nd November - CDC Council Chamber, Cirencester
* Monday, 6th November - Cotswold School, Bourton-on-the-Water
* Tuesday, 7th November - Community Centre, Fairford
Posted
: 31/07/2006 13:38:49
Jet heading for RAF Fairford crashes
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that an RAF Pilot has ejected safely, moments before his Harrier jump jet crashed just north of Oxford.
The plane was travelling to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire where it was to take part in the 2006 Royal International Air Tattoo this weekend.
The jet came down at approximately 5pm on Thursday 13th July near Kidlington. The pilot was taken to hospital by Police helicopter. At this time it is not known if there are any other casualties.
Posted
: 13/07/2006 19:28:14
Land speed record attempt in Fairford fails
A pair of jet-powered cars have failed in bids to break the British land speed record after suffering technical problems at RAF Fairford.
The vehicles were aiming to achieve average speeds over 300mph to reach the highest speed ever recorded on UK soil.
Body panels on one of the cars came loose and an inspection of the second car revealed that two front tyres were damaged so it was not able to complete the second attempt (the record is calculated as the average speed over two runs).
Posted
: 10/07/2006 11:32:43
Road diversions for Air Tattoo weekend
There will be a number of road diversions in place during the Royal International Air Tattoo, they are:
** No right turns from the A419 on to the C114 towards Castle Eaton traffic will continue on the A419 to the Cricklade Junction B4040 and join the southeast bound A419 and take the left turn to Castle Eaton
** No right turns from the C114 on to A419 traffic wishing to turn right on to the A419 will be diverted to turn left and travel southeast on the A419 to Turnpike Roundabout where traffic will turn to join the northwest-bound A419
** No right turns for south east-bound traffic on A419 into Kingshill Farm vehicles will continue on the A419 to Turnpike Roundabout and turn to join the northwest-bound A419 and turn left into Kingshill Farm;
** No right turns on to A419 from Kingshill Farm traffic wishing to turn right on to the A419 will be diverted to turn left and travel northwest on the A419 to the Cricklade Junction B4040 where traffic will turn to join the southeast bound A419.
Posted
: 05/07/2006 17:12:23
Fairford boy injured in crash
A 16 year-old boy needed hospital treatment after he was involved in a crash in Fairford during the evening of Tuesday May 30.
The boy, who comes from Fairford, had been riding an off-road motorbike along Rhymes Lane in Fairford at around 8.50pm when he was in collision with a white Peugeot 406 estate.
Following the crash the boy was taken to Cirencester hospital by ambulance for treatment to minor leg injuries.
The driver of the Peugeot, a 37 year-old man from Meysey Hampton, was uninjured.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call police on 0845 090 1234 quoting incident number 614 of May 30.
Posted
: 01/06/2006 14:49:40
Recycling recognition for Fairford ward
Fairford residents have been recognised for helping Cotswold District Council to boost its recycling rate to one of the highest in Gloucestershire.
Ward Councillors Malcolm Berry and Ray Theodoulou are proud to announce that Fairford saw the largest increase in household recycling of five areas monitored between October and February.
The ward - made up of Fairford, Hatherop, Horcott and Quenington - has been given a cash prize for its efforts, thanks to a community incentive scheme funded by the Government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The councillors have a prize fund of £1,500 to provide grants for projects within the ward. They will consider grant applications from any community activity or organisation for any amount up to £1,500.
Projects will be favoured if:-
1. They are new.
2. They contribute to the living ambience; including our heritage and built environment.
3. The grant will provide for public access to share the benefit, including where membership is open to all.
4. The applicant can show a plausible case that they have contributed to the successful re-cycling that led to this fund.
5. They show a higher percentage of the total project cost will be met by the applicant's own fund raising activities.
6. The applicant has not recently applied for grant support.
Councillor Berry said: “We are delighted that more residents are so keen on the Council’s recycling. Their efforts have helped to push Cotswold District's recycling rate up to 38 per cent – one of the highest in Gloucestershire.”
Councillor Theodoulou said: “The incentive scheme is a great way to reward communities for their recycling achievements and should result in projects that will benefit everyone. We look forward to receiving grant applications.”
Application forms are available from Cllrs Malcolm Berry and Ray Theodoulou, Cotswold District Council, Trinity Road, Cirencester, GL7 1PX.
You should submit your completed application to them by midday 9th June 2006. Grants will be announced by midday 16th June. The councillors reserve the right to reject any or all applications, and their decision will be final. No correspondence will be entered into concerning unsuccessful applications.
Five areas of Cotswold District took part in the DEFRA funded Household Incentive Pilot scheme.
1. South Cerney, Somerford Keynes
2. Fairford, Hatherop, Horcott, Quenington
3. Maisey Hampton, Down Ampney, Kemble, Poole Keynes
4. Tetbury
5. Ampneys, Poulton, Driffield, Preston, Siddington
Posted
: 12/05/2006 17:14:47
Roman graveyard found in quarry near Fairford
Archaeologists have unearthed a large Roman cemetery in a Gloucestershire gravel quarry near Fairford.
It is believed that more than 100 people were buried at the site near Fairford which dates back 1,600 years.
Experts are reported to have said that the find is unusual because no big settlements are known to have existed nearby in the Roman era.
Dr Alex Smith, Oxford Archaeology's project manager said: "We believe a small Roman farm lies immediately to the west, and it may be that the cemetery acted as a communal burial ground for the local rural population."
Posted
: 12/05/2006 08:12:51
World's top guns set their sights on Air Tattoo
Stay cool this summer and head for the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire – the greatest airshow on earth.
For just two days a year, this sleepy corner of the Cotswolds is transformed into a throbbing, adrenalin-fuelled flying festival as thousands of people gather to satisfy their lust for thrust.
On Saturday July 15 and Sunday July 16 more than 300 aircraft from around the globe will take centre stage as the hottest high-fliers take to the skies for some cloud-busting aerial action.
Watch as man and machine are pushed to the limit as they unleash an electrifying combination of raw power and state-of-the-edge technology in this ultimate display of 21st century airpower.
Expect high-octane entertainment from the super-sleek stealths, futuristic fast jets, Cold War fighters plus the cream of international aerobatics teams - including the legendary Red Arrows. And birdwatchers will be out in force as rarities such as the Osprey, Merlin, Falcon (F-16), Harrier and Hawk gather overhead.
On the ground, there is the opportunity to meet the Top Gun pilots, get up real close to their aircraft and fly your own jets in a range of exciting flight simulators.
There's the chance to set your own Guinness World Record, experience metal mayhem in the Robotzone and enjoy an outdoor evening concert – featuring wonderful jazz singer Clare Teal and the BBC Big Band.
All this plus exhibitions, Formula One cars, games and an exciting new Tri@RIAT zone that offers youngsters the opportunity to experience a range of fun, interactive activities incorporating music, sport, engineering and cutting-edge technology.
The Royal International Air Tattoo is organised by The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises in support of RAF charities. Tickets are priced £30.95 in advance or £36 on the day. Under 16's go FREE. Tickets can be bought either online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0870 758 1918.
We have 15 pairs of tickets to the 2006 show to give away, click on the link below to see the competition details
Royal International Air Tattoo Competition
Posted
: 26/04/2006 12:28:21
Speed record holders attempt record at Fairford
On July 7th this year, on the runway at RAF Fairford, current UK Land Speed Record Holders Primetime Land Speed Engineering pit their pair of afterburning jet cars 'Vampire' and 'Split Second' against each other in an attempt to better their existing Outright British Land Speed Record of 300.3mph.
At the same event the team will also be making an attempt on the British Land Speed Record for Electric Cars using their battery powere streamliner 'e=motion'.
(Source : Process and control today)
Posted
: 23/04/2006 23:33:35
BBC2 series to feature Fairford church
Barley Studio, York-based masters of stained glass conservation and design, are celebrated as part of the current BBC2 series, "A Passion for Churches".
The programme reveals Keith Barley's twenty-year battle against the corrosion threatening St Mary's church in Fairford, Gloucestershire, which contains the most complete set of late medieval stained glass in the country.
Stained-glass conservator, Keith Barley, said, "The complete series of 28 windows makes a visit to Fairford a pilgrimage. It is a European masterpiece."
The involvement of Barley Studio over twenty years has also meant that work on the medieval glass has informed the company’s contemporary design work. Stained-glass designer Helen Whittaker revealed that, "Working on the medieval stained glass at Fairford has had an influence on my own modern designs such as the Retro-Quire at Beverley Minster."
Although the conservation work at Fairford is nearing completion, Keith Barley described one of the most difficult challenges, "It's a problem which dates back to the 1700s – in fact Daniel Defoe wrote that the 'Judgement of David' window was blown out by a storm and much of this has been damaged and lost. Repair and renovation is painstaking, but incredibly rewarding."
The programme is broadcast on BBC2 on Monday 13th March at 7:30pm.
Posted
: 10/03/2006 15:07:06
Cotswold sets Council Tax for 2006/07
Cotswold District Council today set its Council Tax for the coming financial year.
The Council has added £3.15 to its share of the annual average bill (Band D), a 2.5% increase.
This is a 1% reduction on the original 3.5% increase proposed when it agreed its budget in January.
The Council decided to use £46,000 of a last-minute £317,000 grant from the Government's Local Authority Business Growth Incentive Scheme (LABGI) to reduce its share of the bill.
The level of LABGI grant – a new scheme which rewards local councils for economic growth in their areas - was announced this month. Cotswold District Council has received the highest grant in the county.
Council Leader Cllr Julie Girling said: "Residents of the Cotswolds have a right to expect us to keep Council Tax as low as we can. When we learned very late in the day that we had received this windfall, we felt it was only right to return part of it to the tax payers. The remainder of the grant will remain in reserves until the Council considers how best to spend it."
Gloucestershire County Council has increased its Council Tax by 3.5%, or £32.23 per year for a Band D property, while the Gloucestershire Police Authority has increased its bill by £8.06 (4.9%) at Band D.
The total average (Band D) tax, made up of these three elements, will be £1,255.47 - a £43.44 (3.6%) increase on the current year's tax. In addition, the majority of residents pay a sum to their parish, which varies across the District.
Cllr Girling added: "Drawing up the Council's budget is a challenging task. We are working hard to deliver quality services while dealing with the extra responsibilities placed on us by central Government."
"We also have to meet rising costs while trying to limit increases in fees and charges for many of our services. This has made our position very difficult but we are certain our spending reflects our priorities of environment and heritage, homes, access to services, waste management and financial control."
The Band D bill for residents of the District is as follows:
Gloucestershire County Council: £955.23
Cotswold District Council: £129.28
Gloucestershire Police Authority: £170.96
Total excluding parish: £1,255.47
Posted
: 28/02/2006 13:43:32
Nuborn spectacular at Fairford
School age rock stars take to the stage in Fairford's first Nuborn band showcase at the Fairford Leisure Centre on Sunday, March 5th.
The event, featuring performance by students aged 10 to 16, follows hot on the heels of the success of the first Nuborn night in Cirencester.
First up is Fairford band, Strive, whose heavy drumming and strong guitar play will make a great opening act.
Cotswold District Council Events Officer Rik Husdan said: "This band has worked hard to get where they are now and have the songs, the personality and the attitude to make this Nuborn into a spectacular event."
Following Strive is a band with a unique hard rock sound. Red Noise - Pete Walker, Joe Milnthorpe, Lawrence Killham on guitars, John Mander singing and Will Woodward behind drums - are ready to show Fairford what they are made of. Their influences range from Nirvana, Guns n Roses, Scorpions, Staind and Led Zeppelin.
The Cardinals, on third, have already had the opportunity to play their punk rock in Cheltenham. With influences from Babyshambles to The Clash, their sound and punk rock style is taken from bands such as The Jam and The Libertines.
Rik said: "If ever there was a name to bring back some hard rock into Fairford, it's MP5, our fourth band. Their musical style can be described as rock, rock, rock with strong guitar rhythms. With influences taken from Guns n Roses, Pearl Jam to My Chemical Romance, MP5 is a band you will want to put on your MP3."
Headlining this event is Fairford band, No Need. The band has been together for just two months, but have 15 years playing and singing experience between them. Their influences vary from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Velvet Underground and Arctic Monkeys to heavy bands such as Pantera, Black Label Society, and Sabbath.
Rik added: "All in all they have enough talent and taste in music to give Fairford Nuborn a great finish. It's going to be a night to remember!"
Doors open at Fairford Leisure Centre at 6.15 for a prompt start at 6.30pm. Tickets are £2.00 adults / £1 U16's and are available on the door only.
For more information please contact Rik Husdan on 01285 623448.
Posted
: 24/02/2006 16:00:09
Go back in time for half-term fun in the Cotswolds
The Romans will be brought to life in a series of special events for Cotswold children during half-term week.
Cotswold District Council's Museums Service is running outreach sessions at Moreton-in-Marsh, Bourton-on-the-Water and Fairford, as well as at Cirencester's Corinium Museum.
The opportunity to make a make a Roman mosaic using real tiles, grout it and take it home is on offer on the following dates:
• Monday, 13th February at the Moreton Area Centre, Moreton in Marsh (01608 650881) from 10am – 12.30pm.
• Tuesday, 14th February at the Corinium Museum, Park Street, Cirencester (01285 655611) from 10am – 12.30pm
• Wednesday, 15th February at Bourton Youth Club next to Bourton Library (01451 820964).
The sessions are suitable for children aged 7-12 years and cost £6.50 or £5.50 to Museum cardholders. Booking is essential.
On Thursday, 16th February, Roman Myths and Masks are in the spotlight at Fairford Library from 2.30pm-4.30pm. Children aged 6-12 are invited to come along and listen to ancient Roman myths, then make a fantastic mask depicting on of the gods or goddesses, and take it home. Please book in advance at Fairford Library (01285 712599). The cost is £4.00 0r £3.00 to Museum card holders.
There's a chance to take a journey through time, looking at how writing has developed and changed with The Writing Voyage at Cirencester Library on Thursday, 16th February from 10am – 12.00pm.
The session allows children aged 7-12 to have a go at ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, Roman capitals, runes and illuminated script, make their own quill pen, use a slate and try out the finger stocks! Please book in advance at Cirencester Library (01285 659813). The cost is £4.00 0r £3.00 to Museum card holders.
Posted
: 02/02/2006 19:09:21
Over 60s urged to choose bus pass or travel tokens
Cotswold residents are being asked to decide if they wish to receive free bus travel or a limited number of travel tokens, following a shake-up in the law.
From April 2006, everyone aged over 60 is entitled to a bus pass, which allows free unlimited travel on any journey that starts in the Cotswold District and does not involve a change of bus. Under the present system, the pass covers only half the fare.
The pass can be used on all registered local transport services but cannot be used on long-distance coach services, excursions, rail services, dial-a-ride, taxi or private-hire services or social car schemes.
Tokens will, as now, still be available for use in taxis and non-registered transport services, but will remain at the value of £16.
Cotswold District Council, which runs the scheme, has sent out more than 10,000 application forms to residents aged over 60 and people with certain disabilities who are entitled to the passes. Now it is urging people to return the forms as soon as possible.
Residents cannot receive both tokens and a pass – they may only have one or the other – and once they have made a choice, they cannot change it until April 2007.
There is no charge made for the tokens or the bus pass, which is valid for a year, but applicants must send a passport-sized photograph if they are applying for a pass for the first time.
While there will be no time limit on bus travel, operators are entitled not to pick up passholders before 9.30am on the grounds of limited space on specific services.
Posted
: 03/01/2006 11:23:00
Woman dies following crash near Fairford
At approximately 12.10am on Sunday November 27th a grey Ford Fiesta was involved in a single vehicle collision near to Turville Barns, Eastleach Turville, near Fairford say Gloucestershire Police.
The police, fire and ambulance services attended the scene and the female driver - the only occupant of the car - was removed from the vehicle by the fire service.
Sadly she was certified dead by paramedics. The woman was 24-years-old and living in the Fairford area.
The coroner has been informed.
Posted
: 28/11/2005 10:03:50
Fairford bike crash victim dies
Police are appealing for witnesses following the death of a motorbike rider who was injured in a crash in Fairford says the Gloucestershire Constabulary web site.
The rider, a 42 year-old man from Kempsford, was hurt when his Kawasaki ZX 750 bike was in collision with a blue Vauxhall Astra on Whelford Road at around 4.30pm on Thursday November 10.
The bike had been travelling towards Kempsford after leaving the A417 when it was in collision with the car near the Whelford Industrial Estate.
The rider was taken to Swindon Hospital where he died on Tuesday November 15.
The driver of the Astra, a 24 year-old woman from Fairford, and the front seat passenger, a 58 year-old man from Fairford, suffered minor injuries.
Police are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash; in particular the occupants of a white van believed to have been travelling behind the motorbike at the time the incident took place.
Anyone with information is asked to call Cirencester police on 0845 090 1234 quoting incident number 395 of November 10
Posted
: 21/11/2005 14:52:58
Fairford Town Council election
An election to fill the vacancy on Fairford Town Council will be held on Thursday 24 November.
The election is for the Fairford Ward of the Town Council area.
The polling station will be open from 8 am until 9 pm and the counting of votes will take place immediately afterwards.
Postal votes will be issued on 17 November and must be returned by 9 pm on Thursday 24 November to be included in the count.
The candidates contesting the seat are:
Christine Kate Blackwell (Liberal Democrat)
Paul Humphrey Le Fanu Fisher
Robert Charles Winney
For further information contact Sarah Dalby, Electoral Services Officer at Cotswold District Council (01285 623229)
Posted
: 14/11/2005 17:25:13
Hans Christian Anderson performance in Fairford
Hans Christian Anderson's The Snow Queen is being performed on Friday November 18th at 7pm at the Palmer Hall, Faiford.
Tickets cost £6 for adults and £3 for children and are available from Fairford Post Office or by phone on 01285 712019
Posted
: 11/11/2005 11:54:52
New benches for Fairford?
Fairford Town Council is reported to be looking into the cost of putting more benches in Fairford. The possible locations are believed to include The Croft, Market Place, Hatherop Road and Leafield Road.
Anyone wishing to sponsor a bench is asked to contact Penny Ibbotson on 01285 712344
Posted
: 11/11/2005 11:16:04
New landlords for Fairford pub
The Plough in Fairford has new landlords. Roger and Petra Fessey have taken over the running of the Arkell's owned pub
Posted
: 04/11/2005 00:45:23
Thieves leave digger embedded in bank
Thieves left a JCB digger embedded in Lloyds bank in Fairford after failing to remove the cash machine. It is the latest in a line of similar ramraids in the area. Police are appealing for witnesses
Posted
: 28/10/2005 00:17:56
RAF Chinook from UK distributes quake aid
A helicopter sent from Britain has started to distribute aid to victims of the earthquake in Pakistan and Kashmir.
The aircraft was loaded onto a C17 transport plane at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire yesterday before its flight to Islamabad.
Two more Chinooks are due to leave the Gloucestershire air base for Pakistan today
Posted
: 23/10/2005 11:04:41
Fairford Town come from Witney with 3 points
Fairford Town beat Witney United 1-0 at the weekend thanks to an 11th minute Lee Stoddart goal
Posted
: 12/10/2005 18:30:58
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