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Latest News
BIRMINGHAM DA WALKATHON (Sponsored Walk) in Stourport for the 'Help for Heroes' Charity
Saturday 31st July - 11 am start
Join the BDA committee on a family walk along the banks of the River Severn and help raise money for our charity for this year which is “Help for the hero’s”. The family walk is approximately 1 mile along the river to the Meadow amusements and family play centre in Stourport. At the end of the 1 mile walk we invite you to join us for a picnic. Bring your own food and we will be selling cakes and other goodies to help you recuperate. There is a lido and picnic area just before we reach the amusement park where we will spend some of the afternoon fundraising.
For those with longer legs and more energy, we will be continuing on our walk into Bewdley approximately 7.1/2 miles in total. We will have a refreshment stop in Bewdley (pub stop optional) or just take a few minutes to enjoy the lovely town.
A voluntary donation of £1 per adult would be appreciated to help start our fundraising and we will be collecting money from passing public along the way. You may also arrange your own sponsorship from your family and friends which can also be added to the daily total.
Dress to impress as your favourite war time hero or you can order “a help the heros” T shirt from our Regalia Officer Helen and perhaps a BDA cap as well?
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See the latest WFDC Arts Newsletter - click here - and find out about many local events and opportunities for local artists and musicians.
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Stourport-On-Severn 6th Vintage Steam Rally
10th and 11th of July
A fun day out for all the family at Coney Green Farm (off the B4194) with a variety of exhibits, vintage cars, steam engines, shire horses, tractors, and a rare breeds section. There is a two day dog show and punch and Judy fun fair. Trade stalls, car boot, catering vans, pig roast and a bar. There is live music Friday night with local bands, Izzy the Push and Jake from 8pm onwards and Saturday night ballroom glitz and Big Cats from 8pm onwards. The show is open 10 am till 5pm Saturday and Sunday, contact pat or steve on 01299 822032 or by email s-o-svintagesteamrally@hotmail.co.uk. For further information visit www.stourportvintagesteamrally.co.uk
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See the latest WFDC Arts Newsletter - click here - and find out about many local events and opportunities for local artists and musicians.
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HISTORIC ‘LADY HATHERTON, 1898’ CELEBRATES HER STOURPORT HERITAGE
Stourport’s newly completed canalside heritage rooms have attracted a special guest to visit Stourport Canal Basins in May when the historic waterway canal inspection boat ‘Lady Hatherton 1898’ returns to her original home base.
Launched in 1898 as the Committee Boat of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal Company, ‘Lady Hatherton’ is now in private ownership and will moor at Stourport Canal Basins as the show piece attraction of the Stourport Canal Basins Heritage Weekend on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 May (12 noon to 4 p.m.) giving its seal of approval to the recently opened Canal Basins’ Heritage Rooms, which explore the history of Stourport Canal Basins as a working canal port.
‘Lady Hatherton’ underwent extensive renovation in the 1960s at the hands of legendary boat craftsman Les Allen, based in Oldbury. Although much of the outer timberwork has been replaced over the years, there is still a substantial proportion of the original in place. However major work on Lady Hatherton is now required in order to keep this unique craft afloat. The current owners, Hal and Susie Bagot, are considering the formation of a new ownership structure in order to ensure the future of this historic boat, which has recently joined the National Register of Historic Vessels. Anyone who would like to be involved should contact owner, Hal Bagot (halbagot@levenshall.co.uk). During the weekend visitors will be able to learn about the Lady Hatherton directly from Hal Bagot and, if they wish, to discover how they can become involved in helping to secure her future.
British Waterways volunteers will also be on hand to show visitors around the tiny living quarters of the heritage work boat ‘Swift’, learning what it was like to live and work on a canal boat. Stourport Forward volunteers will be available at the newly refurbished Tontine Stable Heritage Room and to talk about the ‘Window on the Past’ at the Old Ticket Office Heritage Room which gives a tangible impression of how the basins may have appeared when Stourport was a busy working canal port.
The Heritage Rooms are staffed by volunteers from Stourport Forward and Stourport Civic Society, while educational visits are being developed by Stourport Forward working with Bewdley Museum and ‘Wild Over Waterways’ (WOW), a partnership of British Waterways, The Waterways Trust and The Inland Waterways Association.
For more information click here
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STOURPORT CANAL HUB UNVEILS “WINDOW ON THE PAST” AS KEY TO THE FUTURE
Stourport Canal Basins are firmly back on the map thanks to a major heritage initiative that is transforming the site into an interactive attraction for local people and visitors alike.
On Friday 19th March Stourport Forward and partners gave a preview of the latest developments at Stourport - on - Severn, as part of the plan to develop the town’s Historic Canal Basins as a major heritage tourism attraction.
Councillor John Holden, Mayor of Stourport, cut a ribbon to open the newly refurbished Tontine Stable Heritage Room and unveiled the “Window on the Past” at the Old Ticket Office which shows how the Basins may have appeared when Stourport was a busy working canal port. Representatives of the project partners were treated to a preview of the latest developments which will be fully open to the public for the first time on site from 12 noon to 4 p.m. on Easter Sunday.
The latest developments include the creation of The Old Ticket Office as a Heritage Room, providing information about the Basins and the growth of the town, and the refurnishing of The Tontine Stable Heritage Room which contains displays about the history of the Basins and some of the animals that worked there. The Heritage Rooms will gradually be staffed by volunteers from Stourport Forward and Stourport Civic Society and details of the opening times will soon be available on this website.
Educational visits to Stourport Canal Basins are currently being developed through a project with Bewdley Museum and British Waterways. The launch also celebrated the creation of materials for these visits namely a Stourport Basins Fact File and Trail and four education resource boxes.
The event culminated in the launch of the new events and activities programme for 2010, made possible by the small group of dedicated volunteers formed last year. The programme includes Easter at Stourport Canal Basins, a May Heritage Weekend, a Pirates Weekend in August, Heritage Open Days Weekend in September and a Halloween Weekend.
These developments have been funded through a substantial grant from Advantage West Midlands in addition to grants from Wyre Forest District Council, Worcestershire County Council and Stourport Civic Society. Considerable support from British Waterways, Stourport Town Council, Bewdley Museum, other partners and a committed core team of volunteers has assisted in developing and delivering the project. The design of the Heritage Rooms has been led by local firm “Ice House” working with “The Bank” with support from partners and volunteers.
Pauline Annis, Chair of Stourport Forward, said that the new Heritage Rooms, Education project and Events Programme will usher in a bright new future for the attraction which will be the jewel in the crown of the local waterway network.
“This is a preview of our brand new season, which gets underway with our Easter event on Sunday 4th and Monday 5th April, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. when the new Heritage Rooms will be opened to the public for the first time. The Easter event will also include a chance to go inside the living quarters of a British Waterways Heritage Working Boat, canal boat trips from Stourport Basins and a costumed guided walk on Easter Sunday and Monday.
From Easter Sunday the Tontine Stable Heritage Room will be accessible for customers of the Windlass Cafe/ Restaurant. Both Heritage Rooms will be open during most events and at other dates during the year. With the support of our dedicated team of volunteers we will gradually increase the opening times”, said Mrs Annis.
The latest developments build on the fantastic achievements of the award winning British Waterways “Restoration of Stourport Canal Basins project” and the opening, in 2009, of The Windlass Cafe/ Restaurant at Stourport Canal Basins.
“Watch out for the other exciting events that are part of our new programme, throughout the year”, said Programme Manager, Liz Sheerin, “our costumed volunteers are waiting to welcome new and regular visitors alike!”
For more information click here
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See the latest WFDC Arts Newsletter - click here - and find out about many local events and opportunities for local artists and musicians.
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Give Blood on 12th March 2010 - National Blood Service will be at the Civic Centre, Stourport. 13.00 to 3.30 and 4.30 to 7.00. If you are aged between 17 and 65 years of age, in general good health and weigh over 50kgs you can become a blood donor. Please call 0300 123 23 23 or see www.blood.co.uk for more information.
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New Art Gallery in Stourport
Stay Free Gallery opened on Stourport High Street on January 22nd and is an exciting Contemporary Art Gallery with work form Local Artists. The Gallery was opened by Miss Abigail Gibbins of Stay Free Tattoos and is managed by Miss Corina Harper.
As well as having an exciting range of affordable Art, the Gallery is now pleased to announce that we will be running Art workshops for children aged 6 plus on a Saturday Morning. The workshops are being hosted by Miss Sophia Burge who is a qualified primary teacher and holds a current CRB Check. The first workshop is entitled 'Animation Overload' and is this Saturday 13th March. The workshop should be a fantastic opportunity for children to be introduced to the world of anaimation and will have a storyboard and model to take home with them.
The Workshops run at a cost of £6 for a 2 hour session starting at 10.30am. Booking is essential and can be done through the Studio on 01299 824531 or emailing Corina on canvasaurus@ymail.com.
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STOURPORT ON SEVERN CIVIC SOCIETY BIENNIAL AWARD PROJECT 2010.
Stourport Civic Society has announced its biennial Civic Award for 2010. Sponsored by Thomas Vale Construction, the organisation’s Biennial Award is offered to encourage and recognise schemes which contribute to the quality and environment of Stourport. A sympathetic conversion or restoration, a well-designed new building, a shop front, appropriate landscaping or other improvement works can all be nominated, as well as small projects within the town’s boundaries.
The 2008 winners were Stourport Basins and Stourport Bridge. A Commendation was awarded to Orion Place, Sion Gardens.
The projects will be judged by a panel of assessors, with the successful entry receiving a commemorative plaque. There is also a commendation certificate and awards for the designer, builder and owner involved in the scheme. The award ceremony will take place at Stourport Civic Society’s AGM on Thursday May 13th 2010 and an exhibition featuring the entries will be on display in the town’s library.
Chair of the Civic Society, Pauline Annis said “We feel it is important to encourage developments and conversions which are sympathetic to the local environment and improve and enhance the appearance of the town. The people of Stourport need to have some way in which to give public recognition to good design”
The closing date for entries will be March 5th 2010.
Click here to download an Entry form. Further details can be obtained from David Millis on 01299 827625, also at Stouport Library or Stourport Civic Centre.
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See the latest WFDC Arts Newsletter - click here - and find out about many local events and opportunities for local artists and musicians.
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Give Blood on 11th January 2010 - National Blood Service will be at the Civic Centre, Stourport. 13.00 to 3.30 and 4.30 to 7.00. If you are aged between 17 and 65 years of age, in general good health and weigh over 50kgs you can become a blood donor. Please call 0300 123 23 23 or see www.blood.co.uk for more information.
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At Last - Father Christmas Comes To Stourport Canal Basins!!!
Father Christmas has agreed to visit Stourport Canal Basins on Sunday 13th and Sunday 20th December and is looking forward to meeting local children and their parents. However as he will only be available in the Heritage Room for a limited time parents will need to book an appointment to see him in advance.
The Windlass Café/Restaurant have agreed to book the appointments (tel: 01299 871742) and, together with volunteers from Stourport Forward, are busy preparing for Father Christmas’ arrival. Parents and children must book their ticket in advance and all children MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Tickets cost £6.90 for one adult and one child – this includes a hot drink and mince pie for the adult and a glass of squash and present for the child. Tickets for additional children cost £4.00 (which includes a glass of squash and a present) and all prices include VAT.
On arrival, at their agreed time, children (and parents) will be greeted by Stourport Forward volunteers and invited to listen to a short story with “The Storyteller” before going to see Father Christmas (in groups of up to 5 children) in The Old Stable Heritage Room, where they will spend around 5 to 10 minutes with Father Christmas.
Three local groups have kindly offered to sing some Christmas Carols during the event, however during the “Carol Singing Sessions” children will need to wait before they can visit “The Storyteller”. Some members of Great Witley Operatic Society will open the event with a short carol service on Sunday 13th December at 11.00 a.m. and some members of “Cantorus” will also sing some carols at 2.00 p.m. To close the event a small group of Carol Singers from The Parish Church of St Michael and Stourport High School will sing some carols on Sunday 20th December at 3.00 p.m.
Pauline Annis, Acting Chair, Stourport Forward, said “We are delighted that Father Christmas has agreed to visit Stourport Canal Basins this year. When we told our volunteers they were all very keen to help! We are very excited and will be preparing The Old Stable Heritage Room for Father Christmas, where he will be able to briefly meet the children and their parents, after they have enjoyed a drink and a short story at The Windlass. “
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Destination Stourport - is the name of the Mayor’s Charity. Monies raised for the Mayor's Charity will go to projects, in partnership with Stourport Forward, for the benefit of people and the community of Stourport
The Stourport Coat of Arms can only be used by the Mayor which makes the following clothing a Special Edition item. (choice of colours)
Ladies Classic Fitted Fleece - £22
Unisex Adults Premium Fleece - £22
Unisex Polo Shirts - £15
Bentley’s of Stourport (36 High St) have sample fleeces and polo shirts, and will take orders either at the shop or on their web site www.bentleysofstourport.co.uk
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There will be a Free Roadshow, provided by Business Link West Midlands "to help retailers work together to increase footfall and sales".
With reports continuing to show a decline in high street sales and a difficult trading period forecasted for the rest of the year, Business Link West Midlands is running a series of FREE roadshows to help retailers work together to increase footfall and sales.
Delivered by a leading retail expert, this session is tailored to your local area so that you and your fellow retailers can outline what issues are impacting your businesses and discuss the solutions available to help address these problems.
Whatever the issues - maybe your high street is losing sales to a new superstore or your area is becoming deserted as more retailers move on - joining forces with Business Link and other like-minded businesses can help you survive through these challenging times.
Each roadshow aims to:
- Provide you with the opportunity to network with retailers in your area
- Help you get an understanding of the problems you all face
- Demonstrate the benefits of collaborative working
- Help you find solutions that can make a difference and increase your profits.
Date and Venue:
Stourport Civic Hall
New Street
Stourport on Severn
Worcestershire
DY13 8UJ
Monday 30th November - 6pm- 8.45pm
Don't miss out, book on to your local roadshow today.
Call: 0845 113 1234
Email: events@businesslinkwm.co.uk
Visit: www.businesslinkwm.co.uk
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See the latest WFDC Arts Newsletter - click here - and find out about many local events and opportunities for local artists and musicians.
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Give Blood on 3rd November 2009 - National Blood Service will be at the Civic Centre, Stourport. 13.00 to 3.30 and 4.30 to 7.00. If you are aged between 17 and 65 years of age, in general good health and weigh over 50kgs you can become a blood donor. Please call 0300 123 23 23 or see www.blood.co.uk for more information.
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5th October 2009
Don't Miss - Stourport's Got Talent! at the Stourport Civic Centre.
There will be 3 heats and then a final (top 2 acts from each heat):
11am -5-11 year olds
2pm - 12-17 year olds
5pm - 18 year olds +
8pm - Final
There will be cash prizes for the top 3 acts in each heat and for the overall winner.
There will also be a tombola, a secret bottle store, refreshments and a licenced bar for the evening.
All proceeds will go to local charities.
Any people that want to enter need to get entry forms from Pete's Prints (Bridge St, Stourport) and the deadline for entry is 10th October.
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7th September 2009
Restoration of Stourport-on-Severn Canal Basins triumphs at The National Lottery Awards 2009
British Waterways, restoration project team for Stourport’s Canal Basins are celebrating after being voted the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded heritage project, beating hundreds of projects from across the UK.
The Restoration of Stourport-on-Severn Canal Basins, won the prestigious title of Best Heritage Project and a £2,000 cash prize to spend on the project, at this year’s star-studded National Lottery Awards, broadcast live on BBC 1 on Saturday 5 September.
Staff and volunteers from the project mingled with celebrity guests at the star-studded awards show, broadcast live on BBC 1 on Saturday 5 September. Famous names attending included hosts Myleene Klass and Nick Knowles, actress Fay Ripley, model and presenter Lisa Snowdon, fellow Strictly Come Dancing contestant and broadcaster John Sergeant, ‘King of the Jungle’ Christopher Biggins, singer David Gray, the Noisettes and 15-year old diving sensation Tom Daley.
The Restoration of Stourport-on-Severn Canal Basins received an incredible show of public support throughout all stages of the competition. Accepting the award, British Waterways, regeneration manager, Chris Bailey, says: “It is an absolute honour to have won this Award. Our Lottery funding has been vital to this extensive restoration project, which has truly made a huge difference to the local area and the community, giving Stourport a new lease of life. Being part of this year’s Awards has enabled our project to be recognised on a national platform.”
He continues: “We have received tremendous support throughout all stages of the competition and on behalf of everyone involved in the Restoration of Stourport-on-Severn Canal Basins, I would like to thank each and every one of the thousands of people who voted for us.”
John Sargeant who presented the project with their National Lottery Award, says: “It has been an honour to meet all the fantastic staff and volunteers who run this brilliant project and to have the chance to find out more about it. It really is a wonderful example of how Lottery funding has made a difference to the local community and beyond. I am so thrilled for them that they have received this much-deserved recognition tonight and I was delighted to have presented them with the Best Heritage Project award. I wish them all the best for the future in their good work, which is having such a positive impact on so many people.”
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27th August 2009
Don't miss Stourport on BBC1 - All National Lottery Awards finalists will appear on a special BBC1 Saturday night TV show on Saturday 5 September 2009 where the winners of each category will be announced.
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3rd August 2009
We did it! Stourport Canal Basins Restorations Project has reached the final of National Lottery Awards!
Thanks to your votes a few weeks ago we are delighted to announce that we have reached the final in the heritage category of The National Lottery Awards. The Awards are an annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects, and they aim to celebrate and recognise the difference that those projects have made to people, places and communities all across the UK.
The British Waterways led ‘Restoration of Stourport on Severn Canal Basins’ is now competing against two other projects for the prestigious title of Best Heritage Project. We could be in with the chance of winning this fantastic title and as one of our key supporters we need to once again ask you to kindly cast your vote to help us to win!
The project to restore Stourport’s Canal Basins back to their former glory consisted of the restoration of 29 listed buildings, including canal structures such as locks and buildings back to their original condition. The area around the five canal basins was landscaped with green areas, public pathways, interpretation boards, public artworks and spaces for public events such as markets and open-air theatres. The project also carried out work to improve access for people with disabilities.
Voting is open from 9:00am on Monday 3 August 2009 to midday on Friday 14 August 2009. Please note that calls cost 5p from a BT land-line. Calls from other networks may vary, calls from mobiles could cost considerably more.
Please take a minute to vote for the ‘Restoration of Stourport on Severn Canal Basins’ from 3 August. You can register your vote by visiting www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards. You can also cast a vote by telephone please call: 0844 686 3010 to register your vote. Every vote counts, so we really appreciate your support!
All the finalists will appear on a special BBC1 Saturday night TV show on Saturday 5 September 2009 where the winners of each category will be announced.
Thank you for your continued support!
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22nd July 2009
The results of the semi final round for the Best Heritage Project category of this years National Lottery Awards will be announced at 9am on 3rd August 2009 - you can find out if Stourport Canal Basins have made it into the National Final by visiting www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards
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23rd June 2009
Vote for Stourport Canal Basins
Restoration of Stourport’s Canal Basins is one of only 10 projects to make it through to the semi-finals in the Best Heritage Project category of the National Lottery Awards, an annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects. Chris Bailey, of British Waterways Restoration of Stourport’s Canal Basins, said: "We are thrilled to be in the semi-final of the National Lottery Awards. Our project has really benefited from Lottery funding, so it would be great for us to win an award and really showcase the difference the project has made to the area.
This year’s National Lottery Awards are supported by television and radio presenter, Jackie Brambles. She said: “Lottery players raise £25 million every week for good causes and this year marks 15 years since the lottery began. The National Lottery Awards recognise the amazing talent and hard work of the people involved in running Lottery-funded projects. Please get behind your local projects and vote so that they get the credit and thanks they deserve.”
Voting for the semi-finals started on 22nd June 2009 and ends at midday on Friday 10th July 2009.
To vote for Restoration of Stourport’s Canal Basins, call 0844 686 3010 or visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards to vote. The three projects in each category with the most number of votes will go through to the finals of the awards and another round of public voting later in August.
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8th June 2009
“Scorpio” Visits Stourport Basins This Sunday Afternoon
Visitors to Stourport Canal Basins will have an extra treat in store on Sunday (June 14th) afternoon from 12 noon – 3 p.m. The British Waterways Heritage Working Boat “Scorpio” will make a brief visit to Stourport Canal Basins between 1 .00p.m. and 3.00 p.m. and visitors will be able to view the boat and learn about what it would have been like to live and work on a working canal boat from the British Waterways Heritage Working Boat Volunteers, who will be available to talk to visitors between those times. There will also be a Costumed Guided Walk of the basins (led by The Monday Night Group) starting from the Heritage Room, next to The Windlass Cafe/Restaurant at 1.30 p.m. Visitors will also have an opportunity to view a temporary display in the Heritage Room (including exhibits loaned by Bewdley Museum). For further information telephone Liz Durnell, Stourport Forward – 01299 822827.
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1st June 2009
The new Stourport Photo Gallery has just been launched on this website - click here to find out more. If you have any photo's of the town simply e-mail them to us and we will include them in the Photo Gallery.
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19th May 2009
Summer is just around the corner and there are a host of exciting events in Stourport for you to enjoy!
14th June 2009 - Rock and Roll Event - Stourport Riverside
28th June 2009 - Marching Jazz Band - Stourport Riverside
2nd to 5th July 2009 - John Lawson Circus - Stourport Riverside
12th July 2009 - RSPCA Dog Show - Stourport Riverside
19th July 2009 - Graham Harvey - Stourport Riverside
26th July 2009 - Bands in the Park - Stourport Riverside - 2.30pm to 4.30pm
2nd August 2009 - Bands in the Park - Stourport Riverside - 2.30pm to 4.30pm
8th and 9th August 2009 - Stourport Regatta - Stourport Riverside
9th August 2009 - Bands in the Park - Stourport Riverside - 2.30pm to 4.30pm
16th August 2009 - Bands in the Park - Stourport Riverside - 2.30pm to 4.30pm
22nd and 23rd August 2009 - Country and Western Show - Stourport Riverside
30th and 31st August 2009 - Stourport Horticultural Show - Stourport Riverside
5th and 6th September 2009 - Stourport Carnival
12th and 13th September 2009 - Stourport Heritage Weekend - Stourport Canal Basins
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18th May 2009
The recent Stourport Heritage Weekend was a great success with hundreds of visitors, for full details and photographs of the event click here
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2nd May 2009
Stourport Forward are looking for volunteers to help out with the upcoming Heritage Weekend on 16th and 17th May in Stourport. There are a variety of roles available and you can give as much or as little time as you like - simply e-mail us for further information.
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7th April 2009
A brand new cafe / restaurant is opening in Stourport Canal Basins over the Easter weekend, with range of tasty food and refreshing drinks.
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6th April 2009
The Circus is coming to town! - The Big Kid Circus on the Riverside Meadows in Stourport - A dynamic and thrilling two-hour production with spectacle, excitement, fun and laughter from 15th to 19th April 2009. All presented in a massive well seated, and heated big-top - For booking and ticket information call 07766 552211 or visit www.bigkidcircus.com
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17th February 2009
You can now enjoy the new Stourport Canal Basins Discovery Trail as a PDF file on this website. The leaflet, called 'Brindley's Brainwaves' can be downloaded simply by clicking here so you can start discovering the hidden gems at the heart of Stourport-on-Severn.
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10th February 2009
As part of the recent re-design, there is now an entire section on the Stourport Civic Society on this website. Providing you with a wealth of fascinating information on the history of the town and the good work that the Civic Society do to promote and preserve it.
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27th January 2009
Work is underway on an ambitious project to transform an old workshop and stable building at the heart of Stourport’s historic canal basins into a stylish café-restaurant, office and heritage information centre.
The project is being funded with the help of a £500,000 grant from regional development agency Advantage West Midlands to the Stourport Forward Market Towns Initiative (MTI).
Conversion work, which is being carried out by Stourport-based company Thomas Vale Construction, will be completed by the Spring - and Stourport Forward is now starting the search for prospective tenants to lease the café-restaurant and kitchen from April 1, 2009.
The award-winning project will put the finishing touches to a £4.5 million programme of restoration and enhancement in Stourport funded by British Waterways, Advantage West Midlands through Stourport Forward MTI and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Other partners include Worcestershire County Council, Wyre Forest District Council, Stourport Town Council and Arts Council England.
Colin Hughes, chairman of Stourport Forward, said: “The Georgian splendour of Stourport Basins is the perfect setting for a café/restaurant and heritage room. While these are difficult times for the economy, this is a marvellous business opportunity. Stourport’s canal basins are enjoying a renaissance and are sure to attract new visitors in 2009 at a time when people are looking for more affordable leisure opportunities and quality places to eat closer to home.”
Tony Hyde, managing director at Thomas Vale Construction, said the company had a 140-year history of working in the area and had wide experience of restoring listed buildings using the latest heritage restoration techniques. He added: “We are extremely proud to be involved in this phase of the redevelopment of the Stourport Basins.”
Phil Roberts, partnerships director at Advantage West Midlands, said: “Developing and investing in our market towns is absolutely essential for the development of our region. Market towns are vital hubs and provide crucial services for the communities they serve – and Stourport is undoubtedly one of our success stories and shows how partners can work together to deliver regeneration.”
Prospective tenants for the café/restaurant should contact Liz Durnell, Stourport Forward programme manager on 0791 732 656 or Phipps and Pritchard on 01299 822060 for further information.
In addition to the heritage information room, which will be adjacent to the café-restaurant, there are also plans to develop events and activities to bring the basins to life by drawing on the history of the town as a canal port.
These include costume guided walks, developed by the Monday Night Group and Civic Society, and heritage weekends. Potential volunteers to assist with these new projects should also contact Stourport Forward’s programme manager.
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6th January 2009
Ghostly Happenings in Stourport
Stourport Forward are planning to organise some "Ghost Walks" in Stourport this year and are asking local people to let them know of any ghost stories associated with the town.They are hoping to use local ghost tales as background for the ghost walks. The ghostly happenings could be recent or historic. If you know of any suitable story please contact Pauline Annis by e-mailing us.
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9th December 2008
The Stourport Christmas page is now up and running on the website - click here to see what is happening in and around Stourport in the build up to Christmas, including events and church services.
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2nd December 2008
As Christmas rapidly approaches, we will be creating a Christmas page on the website again this year, listing all of the events and Church Services over the festive period in and around Stourport-on-Severn. If you have any events to promote or Church Services planned please e-mail the details to us, so we include them on the website.
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25th November 2008
We have just added the latest 'unlocking Stourport's past' leaflet created by the Stourport Civic Society for you to download from the website. The latest fascinating leaflet is on Stourport Canal Basins.
Click here to download the Stourport Civic Society's fascinating leaflets 'unlocking Stourport's past', and discover the hidden history of Stourport-on-Severn.
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18th November 2008
Artists invited to the Dragon’s Den
Xpressions and ‘Kidderminster Arts Festival (KAF) have joined forces to introduce an exciting new element to the Xpressions grant managed by Wyre Forest District Council. Local artists applying for the Xpressions Grant will be invited to present their ideas and portfolios to a Dragons Den style panel. Successful applicants will receive up to £1500 create a piece of new work to be included in the following years’ Kidderminster Arts Festival.
They will receive support from the Council’s Arts Development team throughout the
year to develop and promote their work.
Councillor Marcus Hart, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure
Services said “KAF’ and ‘Xpressions’ are particularly keen to support innovative and high quality
ideas from any art form.
KAF will provide a superb showcase for the artist’s work and give substantial publicity to any artist who takes part in the scheme. The first pilot of the scheme will be shown at KAF 09. “Artists must be able to demonstrate they have the skills to produce their idea and that they can come in on budget and in time for the festival. The grant is available to local artists so we encourage everyone with an artistic skill to get involved.” The deadline for applications is 12th of December panel meets on January 9th 2009. Please call Loz Samuels, Arts Development Officer at Wyre Forest District Council on 01562 732928 for further details.
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28th October 2008
We have just launched a brand new Stourport Three Kings Parade page on the website, promoting this years event to everyone who visits the site, click here to find out more.
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21st October 2008
If you are budding artist, Wyre Forest District Council are currently running arts workshops for more mature artists interested in Water Colour
techniques at Church House in Stourport-on-Severn. Sessions are run by Malcolm Brookes on
Wednesdays between 4 and 6pm. £4.00 per week or £3.00 concessions. If you are interested just
turn up at the venue and talk to Malcolm.
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14th October 2008
Don't forget that you can let the whole of Stourport know your news, simply by e-mailing it to us. This page has been designed to keep you up to date with the latest happenings in Stourport and the surrounding area, and to give you the opportunity to share your news with the town. E-mail in your news to us and we will add it to the website for you - births, marriages, events, celebrations, achievements, appeals, anything you like!
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7th October 2008
With the leaves on the trees beginning to turn we are appealing for all budding photographers to get out and about in Stourport to capture the many wonderful colours of Autumn. We would love to show off your pictures of Stourport and the surrounding area in our Picture of the Week feature on the website. Simply e-mail your pictures to us and we will do the rest! All contributions will be acknowledged on the website.
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30th September 2008
You can now find out about all of the live music on at the Stourport Boat Club by visiting the What's On page on this website. Nearly every week a different band plays at the Boat Club, covering a wide range of styles and influences, playing both covers and original music. Best of all admission is free!
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16th September 2008
Don't forget the new independent on-line forum for Stourport called StourportTalk, where you can talk about whatever you like - your comments, views, news, questions and opinions, or maybe even suggestions and ideas for the town. The forum has been designed to give the residents of Stourport a voice about anything related to the town, including this website. Click here to visit the forum.
There is also a nostalgia section on the forum so you can reminisce and share stories about the Stourport of times past.
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9th September 2008
This weekend (13th / 14th September 2008) is the Heritage Weekend in Stourport - A weekend of heritage activities in Stourport, including Costume guided walks, British Waterway's Heritage Working Boat, and open days at heritage venues, including Stourport Canal Basins, St. Bartholomew's Church and Church House, St. Michael's Church, Stourport Methodist Church and The Masonic Hall. For further information click here.
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2nd September 2008
Don't forget this weekend is the Stourport Carnival - the highlight of Stourport's year - click here to find out more.
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26th August 2008
There is a brand new independent on-line forum for Stourport called StourportTalk, where you can talk about whatever you like - your comments, views, news and opinions, or maybe even suggestions and ideas for the town. The forum has been designed to give the residents of Stourport a voice about anything related to the town, including this website. Click here to visit the forum.
There is also a nostalgia section on the forum so you can reminisce and share stories about the Stourport of times past.
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19th August 2008
There will be two guided costume walks in Stourport on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August 2008. A fascinating look into Stourport's past, the first walk will be at 11.00 (on both days) and will be a guided historical costume walk around Stourport, the second at 14.00 (on both days) will be a guided historical costume walk around the Canal Basins in Stourport. Both walks will last around 1 to 1 and half hours. Contact 0780 307 7121 to book a place - will be limited to a maximum of 20 persons per walk. Costs £3 adults, £2 concessions.
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18th August 2008
Has any body got any good photo's of the recent Country and Western Festival in Stouport? We would love to put some on the website! Simply e-mail them to us!
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12th August 2008
Just a quick reminder about one of Stourport's hidden gems - Moorhall Marsh Local Nature Reserve - a quiet oasis on Moorhall Lane in Stourport, just behind the Riverside Meadows. An area covering 1.4 hectares, with a boardwalk path leading to an interpretation point allowing visitors to discover the local fauna and flora. The wetland nature of this reserve originates from the River Severn flood plain marshland, once extensive but now very scarce.
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10th August 2008
We are currently looking for photos of the Stourport Sevensiders Jazz Band from the late 70's to early 80's - particularly the drum section. If you have any photos or know anybody who could help please contact us by e-mail.
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4th August 2008
A small film production company based
in Stourport are shooting a short film in Astley on the 28th
September 2008 and are recreating a village fete type atmosphere. They need a lot
of people to participate in the stalls and be in the background! It will be a great day and anyone interested would be
helping a local cause. If you are interested call Nellie McQuinn on
07919 687 236.
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28th July 2008
Now that the school holidays and summer have well and truly arrived, we thought you would like to know about all the big events happening in Stourport this summer.
3rd August 2008 - Band in the Park from 2.30pm to 4.30pm on the band stand on the Riverside Meadows - Stourport. Performing will be the Big Cats - Live pop and soft rock music.
9th and 10th August 2008 - Stourport Rowing Club will hold its annual regatta with crews from all over the country competing - a great day of top class rowing by the river in Stourport.
10th August 2008 - Band in the Park from 2.30pm to 4.30pm on the band stand on the Riverside Meadows - Stourport. Performing will be the Martineque Jazz Band.
16th and 17th August 2008 - Country and Western Music Festival on the Riverside Meadow in Stourport-on-Severn. 12 noon - 5.00 pm on Saturday & 10.00 am - 5.00 pm on the Sunday. Live music and demos, including line dancing.
24th and 25th August 2008 - The Annual Stourport Horticultural Show on the Riverside Meadow in Stourport-on-Severn
6th and 7th September 2008 - Stourport Carnival - includes a big parade with floats and marching bands, an evening river carnival, plus a host of activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy over two days. For further information click here.
13th and 14th September 2008 - Heritage Weekend in Stourport - A weekend of heritage activities in Stourport, including canal boat trips between and around Stourport and Kidderminster (fee charged), Costume guided walks (fee charged), British Waterway's Heritage Working Boat, and open days at heritage venues, including Stourport Canal Basins, St. Bartholomew's Church and Church House, St. Michael's Church, Stourport Methodist Church and The Masonic Hall. Click here for further information.
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22nd July 2008
English Heritage, has approved funding worth over £144,000 over the next three years for a conservation project in Stourport-on-Severn. The funding bid, led by Wyre Forest District Council sets out proposals to assist in the regeneration of Bridge Street by offering grants for the repair of historic buildings and reinstatement of historic architectural detailing.
Specific benefits of the new English Heritage funding will mean that many owners of properties within Bridge Street will be eligible for grants of up to 60% of the cost to help repair their historic properties to a high standard, and up to 80% of the cost to reinstate elements including traditional style shopfronts. Click here to find out more.
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20th July 2008
The Flow Festival was an exciting large scale weekend family event in Stourport to celebrate the completion of the current restoration and re-launch the newly restored Canal Basins in Stourport. The festival was packed full of fun and activity for all the family to enjoy, with a spectacular show ‘The Devils Tale’ as the finale. Click here to see the photo gallery of this memorable weekend.
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14th July 2008
The Triumph Stag Owners club is holding its National Day in Wyre Forest this coming weekend. Over 300 classic Triumph Stag cars are expected at the event which centres around Stourport and the West Midland Safari Park near Bewdley.
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10th July 2008
Preparations for the biggest show in Stourport this decade are nearly complete. The Flow Festival will start tomorrow in Stourport Canal Basins and promise to be a very memorable weekend for the town - click here to find out about all of the many exciting things taking place during the festival. Tickets for the Devil's Tale performance in the evening on 12th and 13th July will be available at the Information Tent on the day of performance.
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4th July 2008
£580,000 WINDFALL FOR STOURPORT CONTINUES TOWN'S SUCCESS
A Stourport Forward project to transform a former workshop and stable building in Stourport's canal basin into a café/restaurant, office and heritage information point has secured £585,000 funding, it was announced today (Friday).
Regional development agency Advantage West Midlands has made the investment as the latest stage of the ongoing transformation of Stourport since the formation of Stourport Forward through the Market Towns Initiative in 2004. Fundamental to this has been the restoration of the canal basin through a major project by British Waterways.
To celebrate the transformation of the basins, the free family-orientated 'Flow Festival' is taking place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July, which will showcase the revamped area in all its glory The festival will also include two evening performances of 'The Devil's Tale', a show set to be a visual extravaganza full of music, colour and excitement for the whole family to enjoy. T ickets for the performances are available from the box office on: 01562 743745.
Phillip Roberts, Advantage West Midlands Partnerships Director, said: "This project will effectively put the finishing touches to the canal basin redevelopment. It will provide a visitor facility and significantly increase the quality of Stourport's tourism offer. Stourport is undoubtedly one of the success stories to come from the Market Towns Initiative and shows how partners can work together to deliver regeneration."
Julie Conder, Acting Chair, Stourport Forward, said: "This is part of a wider project to provide facilities, events and activities to attract additional heritage visitors to the basins and town and to continue the work of Stourport Forward, with all our partners, to enhance and develop this picturesque historic Georgian Canal Town."
Tony Harvey, General Manager for British Waterways West Midlands said: "This funding will no doubt add to the regeneration of Stourport Canal Basins and their surroundings, and help to bring them back into full, vibrant, sustainable use."
Cllr John Campion, Leader of the Council, said: "This is great news. The Stourport Basin project is a fantastic example of partnership working at its very best."
Any interested tenants for the café/restaurant should contact Liz Durnell, Programme Manager by e-mail or telephone 01827 252233.
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1st July 2008
Date for your diary - 13th and 14th September 2008 - Heritage Weekend in Stourport - A weekend of heritage activities in Stourport, including canal boat trips between and around Stourport and Kidderminster, Costume guided walks, British Waterway's Heritage Working Boat, and open days at heritage venues, including Stourport Canal Basins, St. Bartholomew's Church and Church House, St. Michael's Church, Stourport Methodist Church and The Masonic Hall. Keep an eye on this website for further information very soon.
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23rd June 2008
Don't miss the Summer Fun Night at Stourport High School, on Monday 30th June 2008, from 6pm to 9pm. Including a football tournament, car boot sale, national dress and food tasting from around the world, bbq, pig roast, fun stalls, trade fair, bouncy castle, climbing wall, trampoline and more. All profits go towards the schools Tanzania Fund.
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18th June 2008
The box office for the Devil's Tale tickets opens today, simply call the box office on: 01562 743745 - 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday - to get your tickets for this unmissable performance in the Stourport Canal Basins as part of The Flow Festival on the 11th, 12th and 13th July 2008 - click here to find out more.
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9th June 2008
We have just added 'unlocking Stourport's past' leaflets created by the Stourport Civic Society for you to download from the website. They really are a fascintating insight into Stourport's history and uncover the hidden past of things you see every day around the town, shedding a new light on the places you work, shop, drink and walk around Stourport-on-Severn.
Click here to download the Stourport Civic Society's fascinating leaflets 'unlocking Stourport's past', and discover the hidden history of Stourport-on-Severn.
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2nd June 2008
Art Exhibition for the Stourport Canal Basins Restoration Arts Programme at Church House, Areley Kings, Stourport, DY13 0AR on 6th*, 7th & 8th June 2008 - 10am -5pm (*from 3pm - 5pm).
Exhibition of art works commissioned by British Waterways connected to the restoration of Stourport Canal Basins. Artists Include: Rob Colbourne ~ Nicky Dupays ~ Jaime Jackson ~ Liminal ~ Alison Palmer ~ Sally Payen
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20th May 2008
On 24th and 25th May the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal Society are holding their Summer Gathering in Stourport-on-Severn - in the lower basin of Stourport Canal Basins - with up to 21 narrow boats expected.
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13th May 2008
The Monday Night Group are giving away £18,750 to 106 local groups on Monday 19th May at 7.30pm in the Stourport Civic Centre. The Monday Night Group is a registered charity in the UK (#510879), and donates all of its profits to local causes in the Wyre Forest area. This year in January they performed Puss in Boots at the Civic Centre in Stourport-on-Severn, producing 12 action-packed shows, raising £18,750, and entertaining well over 4,000 people!
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12th May 2008
Two new stores are due to open this week in Stourport, firstly 'The Harvest Loaf' opens today on York Street, a new bakery with fresh crusty loaves and fancy cakes run and supplied by local people. M&Co are also due to open their doors this Saturday in Lombard Street, a new clothes shop offering customers a contemporary shopping environment with quality fashion focused products including Ladieswear, Kids Kylie for fashion conscious girls age 9 - 13, plus Accessories and Shoes.
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28th April 2008
The website team have just launched the Stourport-on-Severn Business Directory on www.stourporttown.co.uk. Our aim is to give local businesses the opportunity to reach thousands of local people and visitors to Stourport through the website and help them benefit from the growing success of www.stourporttown.co.uk. Simply click here to find out more about promoting your business or organisation through this website.
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18th April 2008
Local Businesses Support Outstanding Students - The first celebration evening to be held in the new Stourport High School & VIth Form Centre took place on Tuesday April 15th 2008. Over 150 students received awards for academic and personal success and the evening was attended by over 500 local parents, students, teachers, governors and members of the business community. The main awards went to:
Participation in Sport – sponsored by JJB Sports – Ryan Delo
Participation in the School Community – sponsored by Thomas Vale - Becky Delo
Participation in the Wider Community – sponsored by Mid Counties Co-op. - Lauren Maugham
Most Resilient Student – sponsored by HSBC - Jordan Pritchard
Most Improved Student – sponsored by Brintons - Hannah Keightly
Student of the Year – sponsored by The Federation of Small Businesses – Becky Davis
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15th April 2008
The Stourport-on-Severn photo gallery on this website has just been re-launched - Photo Gallery - and we would love for you to send in your photographs of Stourport (events, people, places, nature, landscapes - anything connected to Stourport) and we will add them to the new photo gallery for you. Simply e-mail pictures with your details and description of the photo to us and we will do the rest. All contributions will be acknowledged on the website.
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7th April 2008
Work has just started on Bridge Street in Stourport, the work will take 6 weeks and plans to rejuvenate this area of the town. There will be some inconvenience to the flow of traffic through Stourport while the work is carried out but all businesses on Bridge Street are open as usual.
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31st March 2008
A brand new leaflet to promote Stourport-on-Severn throughout the West Midlands region has just been printed and is ready to be distributed - get a sneak preview of the leaflet here
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12th March 2008
In the recent national Waterway Renaissance Awards held by BURA, Stourport-on-Severn won the outstanding achievement award, with Stourport Basins also winning the Historic Environment Award, and British Waterways and Stourport Forward a runner up in the Partnership award. To find out more click here.
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10th March 2008
www.stourportown.co.uk have just launched this latest news page to keep you up to date with the latest happenings in Stourport and the surrounding area, and to give you the opportunity to share your news with the town. E-mail in your news to us and we will add it to the website for you - births, marriages, events, celebrations, achievements, appeals, anything you like!