Available to hire for meetings, seminars, functions and parties
Available to hire for meetings, seminars, functions and parties
Available to hire for meetings, seminars, functions and parties
Available to hire for meetings, seminars, functions and parties
News and Archive
News and Archive
Our small community of Pudleston cum Whyle is over 2500 km from Kyiv but, as with almost anywhere in the Western World, there is tremendous strength of feeling and support for the people of Ukraine. Over a period of three weeks the community came together to organise two fund raising events at the Village Hall, and a staggering total of £2130 was raised for the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
On Saturday 9th April we held a Bring and Buy coffee morning. The village came out in force, bringing home made cakes, chutneys, and jams to sell, and donating plants and seedlings to the cause. Together we raised an astonishing £1400.
Then on Thursday 28th April we showed Stephen Spielberg’s West Side Story as another fund raiser for Ukraine. A sell-out audience of locals and friends enjoyed a supper of baked potatoes and raffled a superb hamper donated by the Deli in Leominster, No 27 Drapers Lane.
The takings from the film night put the total amount raised up to a final £2130!
A Perfect Musical Evening with Grey Wolf
supported by
Pudleston's own Bandangle
Saturday 27th November
On Saturday evening Grey Wolf and Bandangle got our feet tapping and brought smiles to our faces. First up and setting the tone was Pudleston’s home-grown folksy/americana band, Bandangle. Anchored by Andy on double bass, and with Emily’s violin providing contrasting tone colour, Roger and Robin on guitar and banjo took us through a lively set of well loved tunes. With Roger’s smooth Ralph Mctell-like voice and Robin’s expressive, sometimes gravelly vocals, Bandangle’s collection of well-loved favourites couldn’t fail to please.
Next up was Grey Wolf; a trio this time rather than the usual quartet. Sadly Jim Allen couldn’t be with us. He was at home isolating in preparation for an operation, but half way through the gig he made a surprise appearance on Andy’s computer screen. As always, he wowed us with his musicality and technical skill on banjo, and it was of course lovely to have him there, even if not in person.
But though Jim was missing, Martin, Ben and Andy seamlessly adapted their repertoire of traditional Americana, old-time, country and folk-dance music. With a variety of plucked, strummed and bowed instruments including an Appalachian dulcimer, and not forgetting the harmonica, their set ranged from the contemplative and dark ‘Fire in the Sky’, to Ben’s foot-stomping rendition on fiddle of ‘Half-past Four’ and the trio’s evocative take on the traditional Appalachian spiritual ‘Bright Morning Star’. Particularly memorable was Martin’s own composition ‘The Long Walk Back Home’. Inspired by a Scottish hermit, and with fiddle and guitar in wistful conversation, the melodies and harmonies spoke nostalgically of all things Gaelic, recalling the remote beauty of the Scottish highlands.
To finish, Bandangle joined Grey Wolf for a lighthearted rendition of ‘Down the Road’. With the audience joining in, this was a perfect way to end a thoroughly entertaining, though thoughtful in parts, musical evening. Thanks guys! And please come again!
Gypsy Jazz and More!
Remi Harris on Guitar with Tom Moore on Double Bass
Saturday 27th October 2021
The scene was set: A stage empty of people, a line of guitars of different shapes and sizes, a double bass, dramatic lighting, a buzzing, expectant audience … Then Remi and Tom walked on. Their relaxed, conversational patter made us feel immediately at home, as though we’d been invited to witness a private jamming session. And when they started to play we realised we were in for a very special evening. What a privilege it was to hear such talent! With a mix of imaginative takes on old favourites, jazz standards and new compositions, Remi and Tom took us on a journey through nostalgia, humour, excitement and simple amazement. We heard their take on an eclectic selection of classics including 'Can't Buy Me Love, 'Someday My Prince Will Come' and the second movement of Beethoven's Pathéthique Sonata. Themes on guitar and double bass interwove, complementing and answering each other as if in conversation. Sometimes, mid tune, we recognised hints to other well known favourites cleverly woven into the music, and even, once, ‘Happy Birthday’! Remi also played two of his own tunes, 'Don't let them get you down', and 'Embers'; a wonderful late-night, sleepy, fire-flickering piece. It was a fab evening.
Thanks, guys, for coming out to a small village hall in the middle of rural Herefordshire and wowing us with your musicianship.
Sunshine, sunshades and sunhats were the order of the day for the Family Picnic at the Village Hall last Sunday. After Covid lockdowns, and with a number of local residents also having had to shield, the picnic brought the rural community together again. 70 people turned out to enjoy games including skittles, beat the goalie and quoits, and to enter a creative competition on the theme of ‘Pudleston loves Bees and Trees’. All entrants to the competition were given a wild flower to plant, and the winners took away pots of honey. The raffle raised £265. First prize was a visit to the Midlands Air Ambulance (MAAC) base at Strensham, with afternoon tea for six. It was won by Sylvia Ciaravaglia. The second prize was a fabulous hamper with all items donated by the Leominster stall holders who had delivered to the community during lockdown. These included Paul’s Fresh Fish Ltd., Cherries and Berries, and Lee with his cheese. The hamper was won by Sarah Jarrett of Whyle Lane. Altogether, with a silent auction and other donations, the event raised around £500 for MAAC. Mary Seldon, Herefordshire Fundraising Executive, said, “I am absolutely staggered at the amount raised – it has got to be a record for the size of place and what was involved.’
Pudleston Village Hall AGM 2021
Our AGM took place at St Peter's Church on Wednesday 26th May. After 12 years and many supper talks, quizzes and fun events including several memorable pantomimes, Robin Clark stood down as Chairman. He was thanked and loudly applauded. Robin's cheery good humour from the Chair will certainly be missed, but he will remain on the committee. The new management committee and officers were duly elected and are as follows:
Chair - Linda Fryer
Treasurer - Keith Arrowsmith
Secretary - Roger Fryer
Committee members - Sarah Arrowsmith, Rachel Bailey, Helen Clarke, Robin Clarke, Vicki Connop, Judy Malet, Frances Offer, Judy Thompson, Roger Thompson, Len Vidler
Keeping Pudleston Supplied in the Pandemic.
Since the first lockdown in March 2020 a group of volunteers has organised deliveries of fresh food for people living in and around Pudleston. Each week local traders deliver vegetables, fruits, cheeses, cooked meats and fish to the village hall to be delivered to the local community by a team of distributers. If you would like to make use of this service and place an order yourself, please contact Helen Clark on keepershouse@googlemail.com . For further information contact Graham Bailey on 01568 760347, or grabail@yahoo.co.uk .
Click on the link below to read the full report.
Hereford Seed Swap Comes to Pudleston.
From Saturday 13th February 2021
Instead of holding the usual annual event, and mindful of staying Covid-secure, this year the Hereford Seed Swap team have made up boxes of seeds for individual village halls. Pudleston's box will be in the open shed at the back of the hall from 10 am on Saturday 13th February. It will stay there until gardeners have finished swapping seeds. All seed is free whether you have your own seed to swap or not. Please come along and help yourself. But please remember to follow the guidelines to stay Covid-safe.
The Seed Swap team hope to be back at the Courtyard for their usual event in February 2022. If you would like updates from them, please contact herefordseedswap@gmail.com
2020... And what a year it was!
As with other village halls, since the first lockdown in 2020 almost all of our usual events, clubs and regular meetings have had to come to a complete stop. Even so, our committee members have carried on working behind the scenes to improve facilities at the hall for when we can properly re-open. Excitingly, we now have a new projector and surround sound for showing films and for use with illustrated talks. We are also, and importantly, exploring improvements to the sound quality. Our secretary, Linda Fryer, has put together a summary of everything that has been going on. Click on the link below to download her report.
Kim Cypher keeps the music playing!
Despite an apocalyptic weather forecast and the ever changing demands of Covid regulations, on Sunday 4th October people in Pudleston came together under socially distanced gazebos to celebrate and support live music. Kim Cypher and her band played cool tunes, smooth jazz and dance numbers that got everyone on their feet dancing around the mole hills.
The rain stopped just before the concert started and the sun even shone during two great sets from the band. Kim, who is based in Cheltenham and leads the band on vocals and sax, was joined by a stellar line up of nationally known musicians including husband Mike on drums, Chris Cobson on guitar and Mike Green on bass. Tunes ranged from her own compositions to some great jazz standards, all delivered with her usual energy, skill and unique sense of fun and humour.
Like so many village halls Pudleston has had to interpret and conform to Covid restrictions, and the committee has worked hard to make events like this possible. The hall is now a Covid secure venue with all the appropriate risk assessments and controls in place to make sure everyone is as safe as possible, but this causes other problems. Social distancing requirements mean that small halls like ours can’t accommodate enough people to make quality music events viable. Ticket sales alone cannot cover the cost, so it was only through a combination of ticket sales and generous donations that we were able to stage the event.
Many thanks to all those who helped keep the music playing on a rainy October afternoon in Pudleston!
Pudleston Village Hall Annual General Meeting was planned for the 18th May 2020. As a result of the current situation this could not happen. However the chairman has written his report and the Annual accounts were completed.
The officers and committee have all agreed to continue in post until elections can be held sometime in the future.
The Committee would like to thank residents and friends for their support during the last year and hope we will be bringing new events to you in the near future.
Please click on the link below to view reports from the AGM.
We are delighted to be gaining a reputation for providing outstanding music performances at Pudleston. We have a fine venue with stage, lights and a comfortable "green room" for artists. This autumn saw Hattie Briggs fill the hall for an outstanding performance of her own songs and some covers. She had previously performed in all the big concert venues supporting Alfie Boe and received a standing ovation at the Royal Albert Hall.
On January 18TH local Blues Band featuring Remi Harris and Vince Ballard played to a packed hall. Never did we think we would hear the music of Cream , Fleetwood Mac and so many more almost lift the roof!
The AGM was held on 22nd May 2019 and saw the re election of the committee under the chairmanship of Robin Clarke. The treasurer submitted the account which was approved for the year. It was also recorded that over the last 9 years a total of £64,000 has been spent refurbishing and refitting the hall. This has been achieved through grants, generous donations and our fundraising events. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this amazing effort. It has created a well equipped and inviting hall for community use.
Ultra fast broadband meeting will be held at Bodenham Village Hall on Monday 4th Feb
About 25 people from Pudleston attended the meeting. we were the largest group there!
The most interesting speaker was Rob Jones, the man responsible for the design and build of the network in Herefordshire. He was able to explain the sequential nature of the build in detail.
This clearly explained the delay, which has been caused in part by landowners disputing wayleaves across their land. Gigaclear go across land as little as possible but on occasion it is essential.
The contract with Gigaclear is to bring the cable to the title boundary of a property. From there we can pay for Gigaclear to bring it to the home, or there is a package to do the groudworks oneself (details on website). There is a negotiable cost if Gigaclear do it which involves a contribution from the householder but this can be discussed depending on the distance etc.
They accepted communication has not been a strength and have now set up a help team. Questions can be answered and issues raised 01865 591137 (Network Build Care Team)
The timescale cannot be precise because of issues with way leaves, but there is an aim to start connecting in the Kimbolton /Leysters/Pudleston area by May 2019. People tried to get something more exact but he would not be drawn as there are too many things that could delay it. Infact if a land owner cannot be persuaded it could be a whole redesign job!
Hope this is helpful, if you have questions I would suggest the phone number above, or there is a number for Matt Smith at Fastershire 01432 260634.
Many felt this was one of our best supper talks! An evening enjoyed by a full audience heard from Paul Beard. Paul is an experienced and knowledgeable volunteer from Berringtion Hall, he delighted the audience with his tales of the families who had lived at the hall. His anecdotes have also linked these families to live in London, politics and finance. Many thanks, Paul a great talk!
The supper of Chilli and a dessert table was also much enjoyed.
We are delighted to announce that a grant has been obtained and funds raised to allow work to begin on this project in Spring 2019.
This was a fantastic evening which raised £530 for the restoration fund. The hall was packed with people all wanting to hear some of the past stories and events which had taken place in Pudleston.
Many thanks to Stephen Roberts who had researched so many families from the area. The display that accompanied the talk was fascinating and provoked long discussions! Thanks too to Joyce Marston who provided some insight into the historical importance of the Church and it's beautiful windows. Supper was enjoyed by all who attended.
This was a wonderful evening for the whole community!
On behalf of local residents we would like to thank The Parish Council for their generous donation which has been used to contribute to the installation and running costs of our village defibrillator.
We would also like to thank Mr George Sideras for his generous donation to the village hall, which has been used to complete the replacement of the old windows ensuring the hall is a warmer and more secure place.
Thank you.
Snow arrived in Pudleston on the first and third weekends of March. The dry powdery snow was driven from the east by strong winds and deposited itself along the lanes, causing drifts as high as 12 feet in places. The committee encouraged by members of the community sent the following letter to the Parish Council to record our appreciation and thanks to those, from the community, who cleared the roads. Also thanks to those who kept up the stream of information using Facebook. All of this ensured people were not too cut off or isolated and the community spirit shone through.
Pudleston Village Hall Committee
Village hall
Pudleston
19th march 2018
Dear Parish Councillors
At our recent meeting the committee members discussed the recent "snow events".
The committee and other members of the community want to formally thank the local farmers and other residents who worked so hard to clear the roads, we would surely have waited a long time for the County Council!
Thanks too, should go to the Pudleston Community Online Facebook Page, which was able to keep residents informed.
It demonstrated the true community spirit that we all appreciate.
With much appreciation and thanks
Linda Fryer
Secretary Pudleston Village hall.
Pudleston 999
Pudleston has a defibrillator, attached to the wall of the village hall.(to the left of the front door). It is available for use by anyone and the instructions are clear and easy to follow as you proceed. Unfortunately the good neighbour scheme has been suspended as there was a lack of support from the community. Further Heart Start Training is being arranged for spring 2019.
For further information please contact Judy Thompson on 01568 760606 or email poundhouse@hotmail.com
Update January 2019. Sadly we are still waiting! The community are feeling very frustrated having had communications from Gigaclear that Ultra fast would be with us soon.
The customer service team at Gigaclear appear to be unclear on what's happening, as different information has been shared with us by them. Contact with Fastershire seems to be equally unclear. Apologies for getting up your hopes up.........… if I hear anymore I will pass it on.
spring 2018. We have received confirmation from Fastershire that Pudleston is included in the next roll out of Ultra fast broadband. Work to lay the new fibre network should begin June 2018 (a little later than first proposed). The fibre will offer a minimum package 50Mbs up and down to all homes that were not part of the BT roll out from Steens Bridge.
Look out for a letter from Gigaclear/Complete Utilities who will be undertaking the work.
OUR DEFIBRILLATOR IS READY FOR USE.
Although we hope it will not be needed we are proud to announce the defibrillator sited on the wall of the village hall, is ready for use. Instructions are built in to the machine for its use, so in an emergency it could help save a life.
If you wish to receive training or wish to be able to use the emergency telephone support line which now exists, in this village, please contact Roger by email poundhouse@hotmail.com .
With the help of a grant from Kingspan a great deal of work has gone on in the village hall grounds. The hedge has been laid by Mr Bufton and the grounds tidied. A wild flower meadow is developing and there is a new bench, on which you can sit and enjoy the flowers and the view. A spotted orchid was found last week!
There is also a noticeboard to help you identify and record the flowers you find. Soon it will also carry an illustrated brief history of Pudleston.
Do stop and take a look!
We must also extend our grateful thanks to Kingspan and Signrite for their support in this project.
Click here to see the minutes of the AGM held 15.05.17
BT have lost the contract for the next phase of the Hereford Fastershire roll out of the rural broadband. An announcement is due 31.03.17 which will identify which areas are included in the roll out. Following the announcement we hope to hold a meeting to inform residents of the next steps.
Yesterday a reporter from the "Today" programme on Radio 4 came to Pudleston to discover more about our broadband issues. She interviewed several members of the community including some who attempt to run a business from the village. Many of you will have heard our input this morning and an on air promise by Kim Mears, from BT, to investigate our issues further. Since then radio Hereford and Worcester have taken up the story and tomorrow The Times may cover our plight as part of their report on rural broadband provision/funding.
We have put Pudleston on the map and hopefully we can keep the interest going and make a difference.
Can we thank everyone for their support and in particular those who have given up their time to be interviewed just before Christmas.
I am pleased to report that we have had a response to our correspondence from all parties.
Mr Bill Wiggin has written to BT on our behalf and has requested additional information.
Mr Jesse Norman has acknowledged the information
Natalia Silver sent a Fastershire response
Bruce Baker (Ward Member)took all the information to a Council briefing on Monday 5th December and has provided a newsletter for information.
The Hereford Times are hoping to run an article w.b. 12th December.
Copy of response from Mr Bruce Baker
Hampton Ward Newsletter - December 2016
BROADBAND
A number of residents in Hampton Ward are suffering from a serious lack of broadband speeds, with the signal sometimes dropping out altogether. This can be a disaster for business users, or when attempting internet banking, or buying goods or services online.
The main companies tasked with delivering a broadband service have basically abrogated their responsibilities by not installing the necessary equipment in rural areas such as ours. In order to address this serious failure, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Councils, along with a few large commercial companies have formed an organisation known as Fastershire.
This organisation, however, is not just about providing Herefordshire and Gloucestershire with a world class broadband network. The project also includes many social and digital inclusion activities, designed to help small and medium size businesses get the most from fibre broadband and to be more competitive.
The Government have decreed that a minimum broadband speed of 2mbps should be available to everyone, but no time scales have yet been set. I was surprised to learn that every home in the county is dealt with as an individual unit and this is one of the reasons you may have a good signal, but your neighbour may not and is one of the reasons why reliable information has not always been available in the past.
Basically, if you as an individual user need to know where you stand with regard to a fast and reliable broadband provision to your home or business, you really should make your own enquiries. The various methods available for you to contact Fastershire, are noted at the end of this newsletter.
A number of local businesses are suffering from a lack of broadband speed and in order to address this problem, bursaries are available along with a voucher scheme to allow business users to access broadband via a satellite.
Installing the equipment in rural areas has proved to be extremely difficult as we live in remote areas, often some considerable distance from the green control boxes used to house the equipment. The bottom line is the further you live from a box, the slower and less reliable the signal.
The costs and infrastructure problems involved in rolling out an efficient broadband service to all 80+k dwellings in Herefordshire, have also been immense - £20m so far.
On a positive note, we have been promised that by the end of 2018 everyone in Herefordshire will be able to access the broadband service they need and deserve.
Fastershire are now able to offer the residents of Herefordshire a number of exciting new services, including training for those people who have yet to experience the benefits of accessing the World Wide Web, via a free 'introduction to the internet' workshop.
A quick way to discover more about these services, is via their web site: www.fastershire.com/training
For business users Fastershire are able to offer help with internet related matters with a 'Faster Business Review'. This will include tailored advice from an advisor; analysis of your accounts and information regarding 'Faster Business Events'.
All this and more, is available from: www.fastershire.com/faster-business. You can also phone for help and advice: 01432 260609, or email your queries to:
go-online@fastershire.com
Financial grants are now available to support Local community groups such as parish/town councils, clubs and other not-for-profit organisations in the county, to help them learn more about the benefits of going online and to develop the skills needed to use the internet.
For more information or to request an application form, visit: www.fastershire.com/training; or phone Herefordshire Council's delegated grants team on: 01432 260753. I hope you find this information helpful?
Finally, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.
Cllr Bruce Baker
Hampton Ward
Hampton Ward Newsletter - December 2016
BROADBAND
A number of residents in Hampton Ward are suffering from a serious lack of broadband speeds, with the signal sometimes dropping out altogether. This can be a disaster for business users, or when attempting internet banking, or buying goods or services online.
The main companies tasked with delivering a broadband service have basically abrogated their responsibilities by not installing the necessary equipment in rural areas such as ours. In order to address this serious failure, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Councils, along with a few large commercial companies have formed an organisation known as Fastershire.
This organisation, however, is not just about providing Herefordshire and Gloucestershire with a world class broadband network. The project also includes many social and digital inclusion activities, designed to help small and medium size businesses get the most from fibre broadband and to be more competitive.
The Government have decreed that a minimum broadband speed of 2mbps should be available to everyone, but no time scales have yet been set. I was surprised to learn that every home in the county is dealt with as an individual unit and this is one of the reasons you may have a good signal, but your neighbour may not and is one of the reasons why reliable information has not always been available in the past.
Basically, if you as an individual user need to know where you stand with regard to a fast and reliable broadband provision to your home or business, you really should make your own enquiries. The various methods available for you to contact Fastershire, are noted at the end of this newsletter.
A number of local businesses are suffering from a lack of broadband speed and in order to address this problem, bursaries are available along with a voucher scheme to allow business users to access broadband via a satellite.
Installing the equipment in rural areas has proved to be extremely difficult as we live in remote areas, often some considerable distance from the green control boxes used to house the equipment. The bottom line is the further you live from a box, the slower and less reliable the signal.
The costs and infrastructure problems involved in rolling out an efficient broadband service to all 80+k dwellings in Herefordshire, have also been immense - £20m so far.
On a positive note, we have been promised that by the end of 2018 everyone in Herefordshire will be able to access the broadband service they need and deserve.
Fastershire are now able to offer the residents of Herefordshire a number of exciting new services, including training for those people who have yet to experience the benefits of accessing the World Wide Web, via a free 'introduction to the internet' workshop.
A quick way to discover more about these services, is via their web site: www.fastershire.com/training
For business users Fastershire are able to offer help with internet related matters with a 'Faster Business Review'. This will include tailored advice from an advisor; analysis of your accounts and information regarding 'Faster Business Events'.
All this and more, is available from: www.fastershire.com/faster-business. You can also phone for help and advice: 01432 260609, or email your queries to:
go-online@fastershire.com
Financial grants are now available to support Local community groups such as parish/town councils, clubs and other not-for-profit organisations in the county, to help them learn more about the benefits of going online and to develop the skills needed to use the internet.
For more information or to request an application form, visit: www.fastershire.com/training; or phone Herefordshire Council's delegated grants team on: 01432 260753. I hope you find this information helpful?
Finally, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.
Cllr Bruce Baker
Hampton Ward
Update - December 2016
Phase 1 fibre deployment
At the end of December the current rollout and the contract with BT to deliver the fibre network in Herefordshire will come to an end. This contract has enabled 35k premises to order a fibre speed of over 30Mbps, and combined with BT's own investment in Hereford, Ledbury and Leominster will have enabled in the region of 90%. Steps to check if fibre is available:
1. Visit: www.fastershire.com
2. Select if you are a business or residential
3. Enter your post code and select address
4. The information will tell you if you can order a service, and what type of service.
5. You will need to contact an ISP (internet service provider) to order a service that you need at a cost that is suitable to you. These will vary.
Phase 2 fibre deployment
For those premises not able to access a fibre service or still have speeds below 30Mbps, Fastershire is currently in a second state of procurements. Fastershire will award the new contracts in early 2017 at which point information about which premises are included in Phase 2 will be listed on the website.
For more information about this process, please visit: www.fastershire.com/phase2
Faster Business
Faster Business offers a range of FREE activities designed to help small and medium size businesses get the most from fibre broadband and be more competitive.
There are three elements to supporting businesses in Herefordshire:
1. Training and seminars - on a range of digital subjects
2. 1-to-1 Advice - these sessions allow businesses to understand the opportunities that are available due to better connectivity
3. Business bursary for local companies to be fibre connected if not part of the current deployment.
For more information, please visit: www.fastershire.com/faster-business
Email for businesses: business@fastershire.com
Faster Communities
Fastershire is not just about technology and the project also includes social and digital inclusion activities to help more people get connected. These include grants to communities to run their own projects, sessions that can be arranged for local groups, and training across the county in libraries and other venues.
For more information, visit: www.fastershire.com/internet-training
Better Broadband
The better broadband scheme is for homes and businesses where less than 2Mbps doesn't offer the bandwidth needed to do activities that are important for day to day life. The process involves the following (if no internet access email using mobile connection or free wifi/computer use in libraries):
1. Review the providers and their products - www.fastershire.com/about-fastershire/better-broadband-scheme
2. Start the process by registering
3. If you are eligible, you will be sent a unique order code
4. Using the order code, place an order with your chosen provider
5. Your chosen provider will arrange installation and will claim the installation cost from Fastershire.
Email: info@fastershire.com
or rather the lack of it!
We have collected and collated the views of the community relating to the very poor broadband speeds we obtain. Everyone who contributed reflected that not only is our service totally inadequate and slow it is frequently non existent.
The information has been sent to local councillors, MPs Bill Wiggin and Jesse Norman. It has also been sent to Openreach/Fastershire. We now await a response. We sent off a summary letter, a snapshot of speeds and the individual histories that we had been sent.
We attach the summary letter for you to see:
Dear Sir
Members of our local community are extremely frustrated by the intermittent and slow Broadband service which we receive.
Earlier this year residents from Barnfield Farm raised their concerns with the Parish Council. They were frustrated by the Parish Council's lack of interest and turned to the Pudleston Vilage Hall Committee who were happy to take up the issue. Since then the Chairman has returned to the Parish Council (September meeting) but was yet again met with a wall of disinterest. Members of this community have phone numbers 760…. (from Steensbridge) and 750…(from Leysters exchange).
The service we receive is poor at best and often is non-existent. Also we have received no information directly to each household. Information has been gleaned from a neighbouring parish and as the result of personal conversations with BT or Openreach engineers. All of which have resulted in misinformation, rumour and speculation.
We have undertaken a survey through the Friends of Pudleston email and this is a summary of the feedback:
· Most residents are operating well below 2mbs (cross section of details attached) when it works at all. Even those who in the snapshot are between 2 and 3 MBPS comment this is rare as often the service drops out all together.
· Rumour suggests we need to register an 'expression of interest' in Fast Broadband. How are we supposed to know this when there has been no official communication? Why is this necessary when those in towns and cities get it automatically. Who in the age of the Internet would not be interested in having Fast Broadband? Following on from this we have been advised to register in 3 different places - Fastershire, Openreach and BT. Where is the joined-up approach?
· Some 760…numbers have now got faster broadband but others have been told that there are insufficient 'ports' available so only those who register stand any chance of a connection and even then it may not happen.
· For those with 750… numbers rumour suggests that they that they are unlikely to receive any upgrade at all.
· There is a national ambition to reduce travel, encourage working from home and boosting rural businesses. Local respondents all state working and running a business from home is almost impossible. Downloading files, data and large documents is almost impossible, whilst uploading information is a nightmare. For example, tax and PAYE documents that are required by HMRC, often fail to send causing much stress and frustration particularly when deadlines are critical.
· Customers increasingly require swift response even out of hours and often contact with contractors and others need to be made from home not the office. All of which make running a business in this area extremely difficult if not impossible. In fact, some know that business has been lost permanently.
· Responses also indicate that at peak times or when the number of on-line users in a location increases the internet is even slower or fails completely.
· Several families with young children responded explaining that homework tasks are often a struggle to complete, and cause a huge amount of frustration for both the child and parent!
· Children from this area attend Kimbolton Primary School (also on the Leysters exchange). Staff report that they cannot meet the demands of the National Curriculum in the classroom. Simple tasks such as the use of BBC Bitesize are impossible as the internet is too slow for the children to even log on successfully.
· Downloading U-tube clips is very difficult and downloading films or watching Catch-up TV involves downloading overnight. Even then it may not work if the connection is lost. Facetime, Skype and video conferencing all suffer from frequent poor or broken connection.
· New technologies such as smart energy meters (should be available across the UK by 2020) cannot be installed. Likewise internet linked TV and audio does not work
· All respondents expressed anger that we pay the same as those with a superfast service and receive an appalling connection.
· Poor internet service is compounded by the lack of mobile phone signal.
· Some people have had major issues with the service provided by BT and their engineers. For example, consumers, have been told to buy a new hub or take on a new contract to improve the connection but this has made no difference at all, but has cost more money.
· Online security is a major concern as we try to use the internet for online shopping and banking. If the connection is lost before the transaction is completed and logged off fully, our details are extremely vulnerable.
· In parts of the UK consumers are complaining that they only receive 25-30Mbps which is considered inadequate and that government is considering increasing the speed in these areas makes us feel, yet again neglected.
In conclusion the rural community is struggling to complete everyday tasks which many living in towns and cities take for granted. Businesses are finding it almost impossible to operate successfully. As a community, we have received no information directly from BT or the Council.
Finally, we pay the same as everyone else but do not receive the same level of service. This is unacceptable in the 21st century - impact is felt by our children, business and every day in our homes. We have attached a sample of the responses we have received which will add detail to the points made and we look forward to a response shortly.
Yours faithfully
Pudleston Village Hall Committee on behalf of the residents of Pudleston.
We would like to thank everyone for their contributions and will keep people informed of any developments.
Pudleston Village Hall is hoping to secure the funding to install a defibrillator for our community. Currently a paramedic first responder could take 15minutes to arrive, even in good conditions and this is too long.
We will be organising professional training sessions in cardiac &respiratory resuscitation and how to use the defibrillator, sometime in the New Year. This is something that can affect anyone, any time and you could save a life. If you would want to receive the training please email; pudlestonvillagehall@gmail.com or call 01568 760606.
Many thanks to all those who supported this event and to those who organised it! We are very pleased to say Pudleston managed to raise £273.
20th-21ST August.
This weekend saw the third Pudleston flower festival of recent times. Led by Robin Wilson the members of the Flower Arrangers Guild produced amazing displays around the theme of The Chronicles of Narnia. As you entered through the wardrobe(created by Robin Clarke) you entered a world that was truly magical and extraordinary.
Pudleston Village Hall was very proud to be part of the Leominster Festival this year. We put on a Supper talk presented by Sarah Cowling of the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust. It was a fascinating illustrated talk about the River Lugg which provided an insight into the environmental management of the river and how this impacts and is impacted on by local farming, business and the community. This was followed by a two course supper which reflected the flavours of Herefordshire.
22nd April 2016
A wonderful evening was enjoyed by a large audience, including several new faces. Nicola, a journalist with the BBC, presented interesting stories and anecdotes around the people and places of the area, as they were affected by the first world war. People commented they could have gone on listening for much longer it was so interesting!
The talk was followed by a lovely supper of homemade chicken pie followed by fruit crumble. People stayed on to chat long after the meal was over ...............a great event at Pudleston!
For the first time Pudleston will be part of the Leominster Festival . We will be holding a Supper Talk given by Sophie Cowling from the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust on Friday 3rd June. Tickets will be £12 available from the committee or from the Tourist Information Office in Leominster. More details will follow on the events page
HATFIELD GROUP PARISH NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN STEERING GROUP invite the residents of DOCKLOW AND HAMPTON WAFRE to a meeting to share our progress so far and invite you to give, as the residents, your opinion on the plan and housing needs for the future. The committee will be available to answer your questions, discuss what the plan is and listen to your views. The meeting will be held on
TUESDAY 5TH APRIL 7pm at PUDLESTON VILLAGE HALL.
HATFIELD GROUP PARISH NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN STEERING GROUP invite the residents of HATFIELD AND NEWHAMPTON to a meeting to share our progress so far and invite you to give, as the residents, your opinion on the plan and housing needs for the future.The committee will be available to answer your questions, discuss what the plan is and listen to your views. The meeting will be held on
THURSDAY 7TH APRIL 7pm at PUDLESTON VILLAGE HALL.
PLEASE TRY TO ATTEND.
Pudleston Village Hall hosted a live music event at the beginning December.
It was an amazing evening of music provided by Remi Harris and his fellow musicians. The event sold out long before the date, which is a tribute to this amazing local talent.
It was brilliant to see the hall fall to capacity with people not wanting the evening to end!
For the first time Pudleston took part in the worlds largest coffee morning for Macmillan Cancer Support. The members of the community provided scrumptious cake, raffle prizes and generous donations. It was great to see many enjoying coffee and cake on Friday morning.
"Cake tastes better together"
Currently Macmillan provide 27 nurses and other professionals in Herefordshire who support those with cancer. Hopefully our fundraising will help with this much needed support.
We are delighted to announce that recent fund raising has allowed us to replace the floor of the village hall. The space now looks bigger and brighter and is safe for young children to play on. We have also been very busy decorating the hall, loby and corridors so the venue is now looking very smart indeed!
We would like to thank everyone for their continued support and urge you to visit and take a look for yourself! Maybe you would now like to book the hall for an event or celebration.
Check out this website or contact Frances 01568750543.
The weather was chilly but as teams were formed we were given a reminder of the principles of the game and the challenge began!
There was much laughter and a determination to win even though the mole hills made it an extra challenge!
Then came the BBQ lots of lovely burgers sausages and salads followed by strawberries and meringues.
it was a great evening!
The Chairmam took the opportunity to thank the hard working members of the committee who over the last year have worked tirelessly to improve the facilities at the hall and to put on events to enhance the local community. Particular thanks went to Zoe Short, who, resigned having given tireless support to the hall. We now have a vacancy on the committee for someone to represent Tan House Cottages. The treasurer presented the account for the year which showed a considerable improvement in funds over the year. This is due to the increased number of events and hard work on behalf of the committee. It was also noted that bar takings had increased!
Future development of the kitchen and improvement of the floor and outdoor space, were outlined and these will require lots of fund raising as well as grant application for the external environment.
The Elections of the new committee were concluded
The officers for 2015 will be
Chairman ~ Robin Clarke (robinwmclarke@me.com)
Treasurer ~ Keith Arrowsmith(goodlife@sarahandkeith.plus.com)
Secretary ~ Linda Fryer.(linfryer@hotmail.co.uk)
Hatfield and District Group Parish Council is made up of 6
members, Pudleston members are Councillor M Thomas, and Councillor C Price, Hatfield and Newhampton members are Councillor E Griffiths and Councillor TBrooke, Docklow and Hampton Wafre members are Councillor A Hill and CouncillorR Hanson, and the clerk is Anne Billinge.
The Parish Council can be contacted via email on hatfieldgpc@btinternet.com
2015 is an election year, and for anyone interested in becoming a Parish
Councillor, details are available from Herefordshire Council.
http://www.pudlestonvillagehall.com/parish council minutes november 2014.rtf
http://www.pudlestonvillagehall.com/Hatfield and District Group Parish Council feb 15.zip
Pudleston and Hatfield Parish Council Minutes May 2015
"Sherlock Holmes and the
Problem of Maria" by Robin Clarke
This year's pantomime was a complete sell out weeks before the event! It was great fun for all those involved and much appreciated by those in the audience yet again Robin's very clever writing and surprising twists had everyone capitvated. It was great to see our local stars return to the stage and to welcome some new comers too!This year also saw the support of some professional assistance with lighting and special effects provided by local residents.
Happily the event also raised £2000 for the village hall which we will be using to put more equipment into our kitchen.
So it is a huge thank you who took part and to everyone who supported us.
Hatfield and District Group Parish Council is made up of 6
members, Pudleston members are Councillor M Thomas, and Councillor C Price, Hatfield and Newhampton members are Councillor E Griffiths and Councillor TBrooke, Docklow and Hampton Wafre members are Councillor A Hill and CouncillorR Hanson, and the clerk is Anne Billinge.
The Parish Council can be contacted via email on hatfieldgpc@btinternet.com
2015 is an election year, and for anyone interested in becoming a Parish
Councillor, details are available from Herefordshire Council.
http://www.pudlestonvillagehall.com/parish council minutes november 2014.rtf
http://www.pudlestonvillagehall.com/Hatfield and District Group Parish Council feb 15.zip
An amazing end to the year in Pudleston! Firstly "Songs for Christmas" drew a full house to the village hall, in fact it was standing room only! Crowds flocked to listen to some great music and sing along with some favourite carols.
New Years Eve saw a first for the village! A fabulous evening was had as friends shared a four course meal, cocktails and music. The New Year was seen in with glasses of Fizz and the singing of Auld Lang Syne. Dancing went on to the early hours it was a wonderful way to begin 2015.
The December meeting was very well attended and the demonstration by Robin Wilson much enjoyed. yet again there were lots of new ideas and helpful suggestions throughout the demonstration.
We have been very busy this Autumn. Together with the Church we held the first ever Pudleston Festival (12/13th September). The community worked to transform the church with amazing floral arrangements around the theme "Songs that won the War" It was described as being "beautifully staged" "poignant""and the attention to detail remarkable" At the same time the Village Hall saw the Garden Show take place on the Saturday and a Local Producers Fayre on Sunday. Refreshments including cream teas and BBQ lunch were also available. This event certainly put Pudleston on the map and will be the first of many opportunities to bring the entire community together.
This website is now acting to support a range of activities which affect our community. You are now able to read the Minutes of Parish Council Meetings by clicking on the links below.
All the old units have been replaced, we have a commercial dishwasher and a wonderful range cooker and extractor. The hatch doors have been replaced with a modern roller blind.
We look forward to providing great food at our events and hope that hirers will appreciate the quality of the facility.
We are still fund raising to add more equipment to make it even better.
A huge thank you to all those who have supported, advised and worked on the project.
Lottery funding
We are delighted to report that we have been successful in gaining
Awards for All Lottery Funding
to support our planned development of the kitchen.
Work will begin 24th March and further fundraising will continue to ensure the space is fully equipped. If you wish to make a donation please contact robinclarke@me.com.
A huge thank you to all those who have supported us in this venture to date, in particular Awards For All Lottery Funding. The new kitchen will make the hall an excellent space that will be available for hire for private and community events.
As part of the celebrations planned for when we complete the new Village Hall Kitchen we will be launching our own Favourites of Pudleston Cookbook.
we would like to invite all our friends to contribute up to two of their favourite recipes. these will be collated and published in a book which will be available for sale.
Please contact Zoe (zoe.am.short@gmail.com)for more information and use the linked form to submit your recipes.
http://www.pudlestonvillagehall.com/recipe contributions for the pudleston cookbook..pdf
Deadline for contributions is Friday February 14th
A wonderful way to start Christmas!
Bandangle and friends played to a packed house, it was standing room only! It was great to welcome Dave and Jim to the stage and to enjoy their music too and then there was the amazing singing of the audience too!
The hall looked festive and bedecked with lights and everyone enjoyed mince pies and mulled wine.
The Kitchen Drawer Draw was eagerly awaited and we are delighted to report that all 1000 tickets were sold by the committee and friends. This is an amazing achievement and represents a great deal of hard work and the money raised will be used to equip the new Kitchen(when it arrives!)
Prizes were distributed near and far
1st prize won by Ryan Price from Brockmanton
2nd prize won by Barbara and Terry Walmsley from Hereford
3rd prize won by Greg Powell from Tonbridge, Kent.
A huge thank you to all who supported us.
Following consultation with the community we are drawing up plans to transform the kitchen. Our objective is to improve the facilities to make it more suitable for lettings and events. Currently we are consulting with a food safety officer to ensure it is fit for purpose.
We are also seeking quotes for all the work and then we hope to gain support from Awards For All.
However we will be undertaking some serious fund raising events
in the near future to ensure the kitchen is of the highest standard.
OUR KITCHEN NEEDS YOU!
We look forward to your support.
The village fun day took place on July 20th 2013, in conjunction with the Garden and Produce Show. The sun shone but happily the temperature was down on recent days.
All those who attended had a fun time playing games, taking part in competitions and enjoying the stalls. The BBQ and strawberries and cream were a great success
too.
The Pudleston Garden Club welcomed friends from Risbury, Ford and Hamnish to the demonstration given by Robin Wilson. He demonstrated a display using a range of garden foliage to best show off his selected flowers. Along with the demonstration came lots of useful tips for gardeners and those interested in floristry, everything from the ways to condition flowers to where to find bargain containers! A great evening to brighten a cold and gloomy day.
The Chairmam took the opportunity to thank the hard working members of the committee who over the last year have worked tirelessly to improve the facilities at the hall and to put on events to enhance the local community. Particular thanks went to Christine Oxley who as a founder member of the committee resigned after giving many years of service. She will be replaced as a representative member by Zoe Short. The treasurer presented the account for the year which showed a 25% increase in hall lettings. Income from the many events also increased by 25% as we saw more events being well supported by the community.
Future development of the kitchen and improvement of the floor were outlined and these will require lots of fund raising as well as grant application.
The Elections of the new committee included new member Alex Green from Lower Whyle. Welcome!
The officers for 2013 will be
Chairman ~ Robin Clarke (robinwmclarke@me.com)
Treasurer ~ Keith Arrowsmith(goodlife@sarahandkeith.plus.com)
Secretary ~ Linda Fryer.(linfryer@hotmail.co.uk)
We have:
Replaced the kitchen water heater
fixed hot water dispensers and heaters in toilets
and fitted roof insulation over kitchen/toilet
We are delighted to say that Herefordshire Council generously awarded us a Grant to upgrade water heaters in the kitchen and toilets. We worked hard to put an appropriate bid together and are very encouraged to be supported by the Council in this way. We are very grateful to them
We were full to capacity and the lively crowd got involved in the jollity and debate! However the fun and good order were maintained by the excellent quiz master, Andy Offer. Prizes of locally produced rape seed oil were presented to the winning team.
The range of curries was much appreciated and I am sure no one went home hungry! Yet again a great effort by the members of the management committee.
Profit from the door and the bar will be going towards the improvements planned for the kitchen but we still have a lot of fund raising to go, so your continued support is much appreciated
Now, in addition to the wonderful new windows, which were funded by a grant from "Severn Waste Environmental Fund", we managed to secure another grant from "Awards for All" which has enabled us to have the Hall dry lined and now it has been completely re-decorated, making it a perfect community venue.
Here are some photos taken during our "working party" day to complete the decoration.
Hopefully the hall will now be a little warmer and less draughty in the Winter!
Outdoors - we have also received a grant from "Community Pride" for a replacement noticeboard outside the Hall. Below are "Before", "During" and "After" photos!
Kidnap, corruption and extortion in North Herefordshire- youngsters rescued but man dead.
Yet another Robin Clarke blockbuster has just finished its run of 3 triumphant performances. Two evenings and a Saturday matinee were a complete sell-out of 75 tickets each, many making a return visit from as far a away as Stoke Prior and Dilwyn (where?),and many disappointed punters who booked too late.
(Keeping expenses to a minimum means the healthy profit will support Hall up-keep costs and future projects.)
The plot, too convoluted to relate here, owed more to Victorian melodrama than true pantomime. Bumbling aristos, a dissolute eldest son and young innocent twins became tangled in an insane web of Wild West pioneering settlers, a corrupt sheriff and a bandit, and a prospector complete with donkey- with guest appearance of The Fairy. Add a den of vice, the Deadwood Gand Hotel with resident cabaret artiste, Miss Havisham, and a band of Red Indians and you start to get the picture.( Charles Dickens and popular TV costume drama had some small influence here.)
But Chief Pickwick got it sorted out… sort of.
The cast- all local- rehearsed for about a month. Once lines were learned, the real fun of shaping the performance could start. It was marvellous to see village youngsters giving their all, and developing a feeling for simple stage-craft, along with other cast members- some old hands, some who had never trod the boards before.
Costumes were rustled up, stage sets built and painted, sound and lighting planned, and the magic element of live music added. A big commitment in time and energy from all, on-stage and off, but hugely enjoyed by all.
The next production may be in a couple of years if it gets written! Book now! If you want to contribute or join in you will be most welcome.
Roger Thompson, a local and completely unbiased villager.
A packed house, including several new faces, enjoyed a fabulous evening of song and carols on the last Sunday before Christmas. Our local musicians 'Bandangle' were in fine form and voice, hitting all cords and notes and entertained the assembled throng with their medley of foot tapping favourites. Their 45 minute set was enjoyed by all and set the audience up nicely for a mince pie and mulled wine. After the break, the Pudleston Singers took to the stage and backed by the band got everyone in the festive mood with 10 carols before the uplifting finale of Rolling Home by John Tams which had everyone up and clapping. Another really enjoyable evening in the Village Hall. Bring on 2012!
Hansel & Gretel 2009
