Chairman's Report December 2024

PARISH COUNCIL

Several changes this year as we lost Peter Groves and Mike Hassall who resigned in the spring after many years as invaluable members of the Council. Their seats were filled in September by Simon Jordan who lives in Bulkeley and Richard Latham who farms in Ridley. Jane Macrae also resigned in September, after several years of on the council during which she too made a considerable contribution to the parish. Her seat was filled in November by Ashley Wright. We had a very pleasant but chilly evening on 6th June on the playing field to mark the 80th Anniversary of the D Day landings by the Allies on the Normandy beaches in France. Rick and jane and helpers erected a tent in case of bad weather.

DEFIBRILLATOR

The Parish Council have for some time been seeking a suitable site for a defibrillator in Ridley, as well as the money to purchase and instal it. Skip Browns Garage on the A49 have agreed to a machine being placed on the wall of their premises facing the road and we are optimistic that we have obtained a grant for half the cost of the machine. The defibrillator in the phone box in Cholmondeley Lane in Bulkeley is still working but things like pads and batteries need to be replaced. However, as the machine is out of date and spare parts will soon be unobtainable, we are looking for funding to buy a new one.

PLAYING FIELD

We intend to replace the goal posts as a first step to installing play equipment. Over the years we have bought goal posts on several occasions, only to have them ruined by people swinging on them and generally misusing them. When the new ones are installed, please keep an eye on them and report vandals to the police. We would also ask parents to remind their children not to damage any equipment that is put on the field for the use and enjoyment of all residents.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Next Spring marks the 80th Anniversary of VE day when Great Britain and her allies celebrated the end of the 2nd World War in Europe. It would be wonderful to stage some event for the villages on that day. Perhaps an afternoon event with catering if possible and activities for children. If you have any ideas or could help with the organisation, the Parish Council would love to hear from you.

TRANSPORT

The only bus service for this area has now been withdrawn. The good news is that in April a direct bus service between Nantwich and Leighton Hospital should begin. This should ease the parking situation at the hospital. No timetable has been issued as yet.

OBITUARIES

Jan Clark died on 28th February. Born in Germany she was the daughter of an Army officer. The family then moved to Hong Kong and finally back to England when Jan was 12. She and her husband moved to Bickerton, where Jan became well known and respected in the community for her work with Bickerton Church as a member of the parochial council and was very prominent in all aspects of helping with events at Bickerton Village Hall where she was a committee member. Jan was a keen walker, played Bridge and enjoyed painting, Jan leaves a husband and two children.

Will Spence died in May . He and his late wife Liz lived in Bulkeley for many years. Will found work in Dubai managing a dairy and Liz and their daughter Morag made regular trips to be with him. In later years he moved to Nantwich after his wife's death but continued to visit friends in the village.

Wendy Spreyer died on 17th September. She had lived in Mill Lane for 40 years. As well as her interest in horses, she was very artistic and enjoyed creating ceramics before suffering from dementia. She was very helpful when we had Village Days at the beginning of the century and will be missed by family and all who knew her.

Bernard Holloway died recently after suffering from several illnesses. He had lived in Ridley for many years.

Idina Hastings