The children at the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints held their yearly Christmas Eve meeting and the children aged 8-12 dressed up to represent the nativity.
It was a wonderful addition to the Bishops annual Christmas message and also taught the childrn the Christmas story in detail.
One of the children were quoted as saying that: ' It was fun to dress up for the occasion.'
By Jon Cleaver of Binley Woods.
Jon blogs about our 'ancient forests' and how the government plans to sell them.
]]>Laws were included in the Magna Carta of 1215 and, but for a few word changes in 1971, have remained in force since.
Now the Government wants to sell-off their forests, as part of reducing the deficit.
The Daily Telegraph claims the forests and woodland would be replaced "by Centre Parcs-style holiday villages, commercial logging operations, adventure sites and many other activities, as the land is sold to private companies.
Some woodland areas could be given to communities or charities." A spokesman for Whitehall said some land would be transferred to other ownership between 2011 and 2015, the rest by 2020.
The proposals are not new.
In 1992 John Major attempting to save money in the recession, devised plans to privatise the Forestry Commission's estate, but had to abandon the plans after widespread public opposition.
Environment Secretary, Caroline Spelman, is expected to announce plans for the sale of half of the 1.85 million acres of woodland overseen by the Forestry Commission.
In May 2008 in a speech to the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the leader of the opposition David Cameron said: "The beauty of our landscape; the particular cultures and traditions that rural life sustains these are national treasures, to be cherished and protected for everyone's benefit.
It's not enough for politicians just to say that, we need leaders who really understand it and feel it in their bones. I do."
Adding: "Really believing that all of this is important not just for conservation, not just for tourism, but for our own sense of identity and well being that's why I'm such a supporter of CPR and the work you do."
In the mid 1980s The Forestry Commission facing a similar situation as now, wanted to sell forestry and woodland.
Brandon Wood ancient woodland on the eastern edge of Coventry came under threat of being sold to builders, developers, or for gravel extraction. In 1981 the Friends of Brandon Wood was formed.
Initially they were a group of volunteers who helped maintain the wood for the community. The price for the wood was £130.000 The Friends of Brandon Wood determined that it should remain, started a fund raising scheme.
Supported by active groups in the community and sponsorship donations from business, the money was raised and in 2000 the wood was purchased from the Forestry Commission and will remain in the hands of the community in perpetuity, managed by the Trustees.
Andrew Ireland who is Woodland Manager and a trustee said:"Brandon Wood is safe, maybe it's time for the formation of more community groups to raise funds and purchase threatened woodland."
Adding "whichever woodland is sold, our ancient woods and forests should be preserved."Â
The Friends of Brandon Wood have grants available guaranteed for the next three years. One issue is causing confusion; The Forestry Commission is giving grants of £8.300 per hectare at present for anyone who has a field to plant trees.
"The situation, said Andrew Ireland "is confusing at present, rather than give grants to plant saplings the money could be spent on preserving woodland that is more valuable." Â
In a statement for the Public Bodies Reform Bill, Forestry Minister Jim Paice said: "We are committed to shifting the balance of power from Big Government to Big Society by giving individuals, businesses, civil society organisations and local authorities a much bigger role in protecting and enhancing the natural environment and a much bigger say about our priorities for it."
Information is more readily available with the internet and e-mail, providing greater access to information. Andrew Ireland said: "People are better educated about our environment and its benefits."
He continued "should people feel their woodlands are under threat, they can mobilise themselves fairly quickly, I think this will happen, and there is a good body of responsible people watching the situation making representations."
Many questions about any sell-off need answers such as:
1/ Will charities and conservation groups be allowed to buy the woods by negotiation, or will it be auctioned?
2/ How will the government ensure that the forests are not simply asset stripped?
3/ Will the Forestry Commission decide which woods are to be sold. If not who will?
4/ How much revenue-earning potential will sales leave the commission?
]]>Saturday 4th December sees St James Church (Abbey Road,Whitley) hosting Santa and his Elf at their Christmas Bazaar.
There will be lots of stalls to browse around and you will have the opportunity to get gifts for Christmas including home bakes and jams, Christmas crafts, hand made cards and decorations, Traid Craft, raffle, Tombolas, hot refreshments, mulled wine and more .
There will be activities for the children when they have seen Santa.
All this for FREE ENTRANCE. So come along between 11a.m. and 2p.m. We'd love to see you.
]]>By Jon Cleaver of Binley Woods.
In this blog Jon writes about how a resident at Princethorpe Court in Princethorpe Way has won vouchers to spend at any high street store.
The charity has 18 close care schemes and 11 retirement villages, including the recently opened St Oswald's in Birmingham and a second at planning stage.
Other retirement villages have been opened in Warrington, Sheffield, Nottingham, Northampton, Stoke on Trent, Merseyside, Hereford, Lichfield, Gloucester and Milton Keynes.
Irene is delighted with her win, said: "I can't wait to go and spend."
Staff and residents said they would help her spend her winnings.
]]>By Jon Cleaver of Binley Woods.
In his latest blog Jon writes about a legend circulating Binley Woods.
]]>The bungalow has recently come on the market.
During the house clearance a cartoon of Churchill, drawn by HR Husbands, complete with fat cigar and homburg hat standing with the bungalow in the background came to light further igniting intrigue round the village.
Parish Council Chairman Paul Salisbury said: "It's folklore in the village that Winston Churchill stayed in Binley Woods."
George Hartshorn, grandson of former owner Mrs Davenport, from Elizabeth Davenport estate agents said: "During an election campaign while the Ashman's lived in the bungalow, Sir Winston Churchill spent the night at the house after a 'peasouper' fog prevented his return home."
George has presented the cartoon to Paul Salisbury Parish Council Chairman.
Records show that Winston Churchill visited the midlands twice as Prime Minister, once on September 28 1941 to Coventry Cathedral after the bombing and again on June 25 1945 for the Conservative election campaign.
Churchill's first set speech was made in Rugby. Arriving an hour late he apologised saying he had been held up on route.
He then visited Leamington before arriving in Coventry, where he was met with some booing in Trinity Street.
Churchill was into his speech when a man started to climb one of the speaker poles.
The crowd looked on in astonishment, Churchill stopped in mid sentence as the pole lurched bringing the speaker and climber crashing down.
Another man was hoisted shoulder high with fist outstretched, Churchill said: "That man is reaching out for what he can get."
Churchill then left for Solihull and Birmingham, arriving nearly two hours late.
On route to Birmingham, exhausted as much by the heat as his schedule, he stopped by the roadside at Meriden Hill, where according to a Times report, a couple from a cottage close by came out and offered him tea which he accepted, before continuing his journey.
Following the speech in Birmingham Town Hall he took the overnight sleeper to Crewe.
George Davenport claimed that before her death, his grandmother told him that May Ashman had said that Winston Churchill had stayed in the bungalow.
According to records the bungalow was not built until 1952.
By this time Churchill's health was causing concern. He had already suffered a stroke in 1949, and was not fit enough to involve himself in daily politics at the 1951 election campaign.
Wife of HR Husbands said: "The cartoon was drawn in the 1980s at the request of Gwen Davenport."
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By Roni Tillman of Finham.
In this blog Roni writes about the cadets attending the Battle of Britain Parade in Leamington Spa.
]]>The Battle of Britain parade honours and commemorates the members of the Air Force who fought and died during the battle and as well as recognizes all the men and woman who continue to serve in the Air Force today.
This year commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, which is considered to be the most important event in Royal Air Force history.
Historians have described the Battle, which involved almost 3,000 allied aircrew, as the turning point of the Second World War. The victory, described by Sir Winston Churchill as Britain's "finest hour" gave hope to a demoralized Britain and northern Europe. It was the first battle to be won purely by air power.
In all, the RAF lost 1,173 planes and 510 pilots and gunners killed in the Battle.
The Luftwaffe lost 1,733 planes and 3,368 airmen killed or captured.
If the Luftwaffe had succeeded, Britain would have been invaded and conquered. But the RAF held out, and Britain survived.
Every year the battle is commemorated around the county and during this platinum celebration year, the Cadets from 2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron Air Training Corps will be proudly displaying their banner amongst the array of colourful standards that will be on parade.
This event is being held on Sunday 12 September at the Leamington Spa War memorial and the event has been organised by 310 Branch RAFA.
The cadets from 2438 Squadron will join the Chairman of the District Council, the Mayor of Royal Leamington Spa Councillor Robert Cunliffe and other dignitaries.
As well as the parade, there will also be a fly past of a spitfire of the RAF historic flight during the ceremony.
Commanding Officer Flight Lieutenant Nathan Adams of 2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron Air Training Corps said ' This will be a good opportunity for the Cadets to say their thank you to 'The Few' who stood up to fight for this country and the free world against seemingly impossible odds'
]]>The Coventry Jets will begin their search for new players with weekly training sessions beginning on October the 24th.
2010 marked Coventry's most successful season for rookie recruitment since 2004 with a class that included Rookie of the Year Mark Wade.
As well as the young Rugby convert the Jets also uncovered defensive end Colm Jones and wide receiver Chris Shorey, with all three making an immediate contribution.
]]>Like last year's rookie recruitment, this year will also see the whole club looking for new players.
2010 marked the debut season for the Jets' youth programme and saw no fewer than 18 rookies taking the field for the young squad.
Whilst the youth team will be looking for 17-18 year olds the juniors will be focused on players aged 14-16.
In only their second season Coventry's talented junior squad made a marked improvement and qualified for the post-season playoffs for the first time.
With quarterback Tom Clancy and running back Denzel Harmitt-Alexander set to return alongside nine other members of the 2010 side, the Jets should mount a strong challenge for 2011 but will be looking for even greater numbers to help their quest for a first national title.
As for the seniors, Wade, Shorey and Jones were joined by Sat Dhaliwal, Kevin Flynn and Shaun Rice amongst many others as McManus' men enjoyed a bumper crop of rookies in 2010.
"We've set a good standard this year and know that we can improve on that" said McManus, continuing "we've looked at what we've done well this year and had plenty of feedback from everyone that took part. Taking that on board we're confident that we'll offer an even better experience to people new to the sport".
Pinley RFC will host the first of the rookie events on Sunday the 24th of October at 10:30. The sessions will continue weekly until the veteran playing staff return in January to prepare for EFAF Cup and BAFA Premier seasons.
For more details on the Coventry Jets and to find out how you can be part of their 2011 campaign, please visit their website www.covjets.com.
You can also follow the Jets on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CoventryJets.
By Jon Cleaver of Binley Woods.
Jon writes about Binley Woods and how an Arts and Crafts exhibition showcases local talent.
]]>Fourteen exhibitors from round the village displayed the many talents, from decoupage, painting, modelling and many other ideas.
Organiser Janet Outhwaite said: "There is a lot of talent in the village and they don't get much chance to show their work, so we decided to put on an exhibition for them."
One exhibitor Mary Brown (above) of Oakdale Road, who practices decoupage said: "I started when I was five years old by sowing, making dolls clothes. I have done most things on the creative level over the years including gardening.
Because I have arthritis in my hands I am some what restricted to what I can do, but I am determined to continue with my work, as it is inspirational and keeps the brain cells going."
]]>By Roni Tillman of Finham
In this blog four Cadets set off on a long journey to discover what life is like on an RAF Station.
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The Cadets were taken to Lands End, the furthest point south west in England, after which they spent the evening playing sports on the beach at Porth. They went Air Experience Flying (AEF) in the Grob Tutor 2 seater aircraft with a detachment from 3 AEF, who are based at RAF St Mawgan for the duration of the camp.
Many of the cadets completed their weapons handling tests, they went to Flambards Theme Park, laser quest, bowling and they experienced a session with an RAF PTI in the station gymnasium where they completed the RAF fitness test.
Being the home of the Survival, Escape, Resistance and Extraction Training Centre, the cadets got a chance to be shown the survival equipment, and they were also allowed to try on flying the equipment.
The Survival, Escape, Resistance and Extraction Training Centre is where all fixed and rotary wing aircrew have to come to learn various methods of training in terms of surviving in hostile territories.
A walk along South West Coastal Path was enjoyed with its stunning scenery. Cadet Flight Sergeant John Ormsby said "I have had a fantastic week at RAF St Mawgan. Summer camp is always a brilliant experience and it gives us a chance to meet other cadets from different squadrons.
The most memorable activity for me was visiting the Survival, Escape, Resistance and Extraction Training Centre. I would like to thank all staff for ensuring the week was enjoyable.
Cadet Corporal Jordan Chapman added "the highlight for me was visiting Flambards and inflating an A- A-4 Skyhawk life jacket at the Survival, Escape, Resistance and Extraction Training Centre.
All the camps organised by the Air Training Corps are extremely popular with the cadets, and places are limited. Camps are a place for cadets to experience something that is new and different and to primarily see what life is like on an RAF base.
2438 Squadron Commanding Officer Flight Lieutenant Nathan Adams said "The ATC runs numerous Annual camps each year, run on RAF Stations so that cadets may get a taste of service life, as well as the opportunity to meet new friends and undertake new activities such as those mentioned. All the Cadets from 2438 Squadron that attended this camp really enjoyed the week away and cannot wait to go again next year".
By Jon Cleaver of Binley Woods
Jon blogs about the garden which has been revamped at Binley Woods Village Hall.
It's a beautiful garden which has been created with love and lots of help from the local community.
]]>The ribbon was cut by outgoing chairman Pete Morris and incoming chairman Brian Reeves.
Pete Morris said: "We are pleased with the work carried out, it took only two weeks to complete at a cost of ã2.700."
The balk of the outlay was funded by Rugby Borough Council and Binley Woods Parish Council.
The remainder came from individuals and organised from round the village holding events in the Village Hall and donating some of the takings to the fund."
Parish Council Chairman Paul Salisbury donated wooden posts for the garden.
Original trustee of the Village Hall, Arthur Lomas, who died earlier this year, worked tirelessly for the village community, as Parish Councillor and with the over sixties for many years, will have a plaque in his honour erected at the Village Hall.
At his funeral his family asked for donations instead of flowers which were donated to the Village Hall renovation project.
The Village Hall recently had a new roof installed at a cost of ã50.000. Incoming Chairman Brian Reeves will be looking at continuing updating the Hall with work inside the building.
The next bog project for the consideration will see a re-laying of the car
]]>By Roni Tillman of Finham
In her latest blog Roni takes us back to the Donkey Derby and how the cadets helped out with fund raising for the much needed squadron bus.
]]>With more than 40 charity stalls, featuring fine food and drink, and traditional fun and games, like tombola, face painting, and hook a duck, the squadrons stall fitted in nicely and the occasion proved a big hit, despite the weather.
As well as the recruitment and charity stall the cadets together with staff, faced the downpours head on to litter pick at the event which was held in the War Memorial park.
There were seven donkey races throughout day, the first started by the Lord Mayor of Coventry, Cllr Brian Kelsey.
All the races were sponsored by local companies with the proceeds from the TOTE going to chosen charities.
The squadrons fundraising stall was part of many squadron activities taking place this year to help raise money to fund a much needed squadron mini bus.
The stall was even visited by the Lord Mayor and Mayoress of Coventry as they walked around the event.
After chatting to the cadets the Lord Mayor Cllr Brian Kelsey and his wife Lady Mayoress Brenda Kelsey had a go at the squadrons fundraising activity, open the jar.
Though the Lord Mayor didn't not manage to open the jar the Lady Mayoress commented "I never seen this activity before, it is a very good idea".
Even though the heavy downpours kept the crowds away the open the jar activity raised a little bit more towards the mini bus fund. Everyone who came along enjoyed themselves and the Donkey Derby was great fun for those who took part.
Civilian Instructor Roni Tillman of 2438 Squadron said: "Once again 2438 Squadron have shown their commitment to supporting local events, enabling the cadets to help put something back into the community as well as putting local youth in a positive light.
The cadets did an excellent job at keeping the grounds clear of litter and maintaining a presence within the park.
The money raised from the fundraiser adds a little bit more to help buy a much needed squadron mini bus, so thank you to those who took part and thanks to the Leofric Lions especially Kevin Birch for allowing us to be apart of the event."
]]>The Jets travel to Horsham on Saturday looking to avoid finishing the season with a losing record.
After starting the year with four straight loses Head Coach Gerry McManus has worked a minor miracle to turn the team into a title contender as they went on to win four of their following five matches.
Victory at the Sussex Thunder would see Coventry finish the regular season at 5 & 5, narrowly avoiding their first losing season since debuting as the Jaguars in 2004.
]]>Lorne Sam passed for 210 yards in that encounter and a repeat performance will see him top the 2000 yard mark for the season.
With 1830 yards to his name already, Sam has comfortably eclipsed Tim Spaull's 2007 Jets' record of 1534.
Whilst Coventry's passing game will be at full strength their passing defense is weakened by the continuing absence of Adam Biggs.
The Captain of the secondary is still away in Tanzania scaling Mount Kilimanjaro in support of the Myasthenia Gravis Association.
Rookie defensive back Shaun Rice will miss out once again with his ongoing neck problem so wide receiver Jeremy Simms will be called upon to play both ways.
Kofi Campbell will also have double duties playing at both running back and continuing his development as a serious pass rushing threat at defensive end.
GB Lions star David Saul is another player that's likely to pull a double shift for the Jets.
Second in tackles only to Vince Brown, Saul is also a threat at wide receiver as he proved in the European Championships, scoring Great Britain's only touchdown of the tournament.
McManus will once again be denied the services of giant defensive tackles Matt Barrett and Mick Mills, however, the pair have been ably deputised for by rookie duo Mark Wade and Colm Jones.
Fan favourite Anthony Nip will look to further his conversion to defensive end after looking impressive in his prior outing versus the Thunder.
For more details on the Coventry Jets please visit their website www.covjets.com or follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/CoventryJets.
]]>The Coventry Jets adult flag team travelled to Leicester for just one game on Sunday as the London Rebels were unable to attend.
Whilst Coventry were happy to postpone the event until a later date, it went ahead at the request of the Eagles.
The hosts may well be regretting that decision now as Head Coach Andrew Gambrill and his squad gave possibly their best performance of the season to pull off a surprise 19-2 victory.
Ironically the Eagles only had five fit players whilst the Jets had their best travelling numbers all season, kitting 12 players.
]]>Coleman started comfortably completing his first five passes but he couldn't lead the Jets into the endzone as the visitors came agonisingly close, driving down to the two before stalling.
Leicester also went close on their first couple of drives before Coleman found Offensive MVP Steve Timmins in the endzone for the first score of the game.
The Offence ticked along nicely all day as the jets played a very steady short passing game.
The real stars of the game were on the defensive front line in the shape of the Jets three female linebackers; Tendai Chieza, Gemma Eaton and Tikisha McCook. Chieza, who only began playing flag football a few months ago, secured the Defensive MVP for the game.
The linebackers, with the help of the Jets' defensive backs, kept the Eagles offence scoreless all day "The Eagles were very short of players today" said Gambrill, continuing "I had faith in my trio of linebackers that they could do a job and they exceeded my expectations".
First string quarterback Adam Grindrod also picked up his second rushing touchdown of the season since moving over to allow Coleman under centre.
Captain Grindrod was happy with the teams' effort too, adding "All of the guys did their part today and it's great to see Rob coming on under my guidance, I'll have to watch my back soon."
James Pimperton did get two points back for the Eagles late on as Gambrill went deep into his bench to give Lorne Sam his first opportunity as a flag quarterback.
The former Green Bay Packer's first pass was the point after conversion that Pimperton picked off and returned for the score, ending the game at 19-2.
The Jets travel again on the 5th of September to start the run in to the end of their season. A trip to Chichester will see the bottom placed club take on the hosting Sharks as well as the Basingstoke Zombie Horde, both teams are still hopeful of a playoff place and the Jets will look to spoilers once more.
For more details on the Coventry Jets please visit their website www.covjets.com or follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/CoventryJets.
]]>By Roni Tillman of Finham
In her second blog Roni writes about the successful promotion of Corporal Andrew Reed.
]]>Corporal Andrew Reed was given his stripes at final parade in front of the other cadets on parade that evening.
Corporal Andrew Reed
Corporal Reed has performed well over the past 12 months, and he was given a very good report following his attendance on the JNCO course at DCAE Cosford and on the recent greens camp at Sennybridge.
The new Corporal will be kept busy throughout the remainder of the year by joining the other NCO's on the squadron.
Flt Lt Nathan Adams, Commanding Officer of 2438 Sqn, commented "It's with great pleasure that we've promoted Cadet Reed to Corporal Reed. It is very pleasing to see his commitment to the Squadron.
I am sure he will grow from strength to strength and that he will also help 2438 squadron grow over the coming months and years. We are sure he will use his leadership skills to help our cadets old and new.
]]>Coventry Jets Juniors played their final league tournament of the season, secure in the knowledge that they had already qualified for the finals.
Tom Clancy (left) fakes a handoff to Tina Nguyen leaving Josh Keys open for the pass in the loss to Marlow Wolves
Head Coach Andrew Gambrill reflected this in his squad selection with rookies Terrell Burgess & Bethany Varney able to see plenty of game time.
AJ Mepstead was the hero against the London Blitz hauling in a Tom Clancy pass as time expired, his second touchdown of the game.
Leading up to that moment offensive coordinator, Tony Clancy carefully managed the clock in the tied game to ensure that the Jets' 4th down would be the final play of the game.
The strategy paid dividends as the younger Clancy's pinpoint pass saw the game end 26-20 in favour of the Jets. Josh Keys had a quiet day, by his standards, with a solitary extra point but continued his run of scoring in every tournament.
The second game against the Marlow Wolves was an equally tight affair.
AJ Mepstead completed a short pass to Hannah Russell-Yarde who scampered down the sideline for a 45 yard Touchdown to seemingly claim her second TD of the day; however the play was called back for a penalty on the Jets.
With Clancy claiming a pick 6 and Mepstead snagging the extra point the Jets felt they were home and dry only for the tables to be turned, this time Marlow got the late touchdown to clinch the game 18-13.
Despite the defeat Gambrill remained philosophical, "I'm not too concerned by the second result as we looked like we could've scored more had we really needed to.
The experience the rookies gained playing a major part in such a competitive match will stand them in good stead for finals day.
The Cadets continued their struggles this season losing both their games.
Marlow shut them out whilst posting 18 points, however a spirited performance against the London Warriors saw some spectacular scoring from the Jets, with Precious McCook firing in a laser strike to Marc Peters, who caught the ball in a crowd and then shake and baked his way into the endzone, earning a standing ovation from his opponents coaching staff and fans.
Kieran Eaton added to his team leading tally to give the game a respectable 20-12 scoreline.
Looking across at some disconsolate players, Gambrill said, "Yes, it's been difficult to keep the youngsters spirits up with so many losses this year, but I am confident this team could be one of the best this club has ever seen.
We have to remember that most of the players are at the very youngest end of the age range".
The Jets' next official encounter is at the Finals in Worcester on September 18th, though plans are at an advanced stage for a warm up game with cross town rivals, the Coventry Cougars.
For more details on the Coventry Jets please visit their website www.coventryjets.co.uk or follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/CoventryJets.
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