The recent planned cut backs to Warwickshire Fire Service, has caused widespread anger and outrage throughout the County.

The consultation document it is suggested the public fill in is too complicated to understand and biased in favour of the cuts.

I have written an open letter to Graeme Smith; the Chief Fire Officer printed here, objecting to cuts.

I would urge people who are concerned, not to bother about the document and write in to Graeme Smith at Warwickshire Fire Service at Leamington.

Ref: Fire Service Cuts

FAO Graeme Smith Chief Fire Officer

I have just interviewed a couple who are very concerned at the proposed cuts to the fire service that could result in fewer fire fighters on the ground. I also, am very concerned.

By Jon Cleaver

Binley Woods Women's Institute has recently celebrated its 25 Anniversary.

Formed in 1984, following the demise of the Towns Women's Guild, it has grown to become a pillar of the community.

When Winifred Wade and a group of local ladies first talked about starting the group, they could not have foreseen, 25 years on what a success their initiative has become.

President Jane Sells said: "In the early days Wyn had a pot into which WI money would be placed, anyone who had expense claims would be invited to retrieve from the pot."

Over the years, Binley Woods WI has been involved in supporting many worthy charities, including the upkeep of Brandon Wood, Binley Woods Village Hall and Myton Hospice at University Hospital.

In 1985 a drama group was formed within the WI, which eventually became the Binley Woods Board Walkers.

The Institute celebrated their 25th Anniversary at the Village Hall and were entertained by Stoneleigh Male Voice Choir.

As President Jane Sells cut the cake accompanied by five founding members, the Choir sang Happy Birthday.

Jane Sells has compiled a booklet on the history of Binley Woods Women's Institute which can be purchased from the Institute.

A Binley Woods Newsagent and independent retailer K&P News of Woodlands Road has been selected in the top 100 Independent Retailers, sponsored by the Independent Achievers Academy that recognises the best local retailers and staff.

The Academy was set up four years ago to promote retail excellence and support independent shops in the battle with supermarkets.

More than 50.000 independent retailers throughout the country are invited to participate each year.

A mystery shopper visits entrant's premises, on behalf of Field Sales Solutions assessing performance, shops layout, innovative ideas, customer reception and staff involvement, against 12 key criteria.

The range of ideas and initiatives displayed impressed the auditors. Since taking over the newsagents 18 months ago, the owners Kim and Paul Lucas, have been supporting their customers with initiatives ranging from fund raising events sponsoring local charities such as the pre-school nursery's in Binley Woods, offering a free tea and coffee day as way to thank customer's for their support, installing an old fashioned sweet counter which is a hit with the community, and installing the lottery machine.

Kim said: "We are so thrilled to have been selected in the top 100 in the country and the only one to be selected in Warwickshire too; it is beyond our wildest dreams."

Kim and Paul have been invited to a gala in London in November where the overall best retailer will be named.

Paul added: "We are both looking forward to attending; you never know what may happen." The couple were presented with a UK top 100 certificate and a sticker for the shop window.

Kim said: "We are now planning an event in the shop for Halloween."

By Jon Cleaver

Residents of Binley Woods and surrounding villages are up in arms at the threat to close Brinklow Fire Station, under radical restructuring plans by Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Services.

Kim and Paul Lucas of K&P News of Binley Woods have started a petition which has already amassed over 400 signatures.

At a meeting last Tuesday, with fire fighters at Brinklow, Kim expressed the concerns of Binley Woods residents.

She said: "The closure of Brinklow Fire Station would mean that fire appliances would have further to travel and could cost lives."

Brinklow has one of the fastest response times throughout Warwickshire, even as back up crew, they often find themselves on the scene first.

At a recent incident on junction 2 of the M6, the Brinklow crew were on the scene before Bedworth and Nuneaton.

An FBU spokesman said: "Once, Brinklow attended a house fire at Withybrook as back up, by the time the main fire appliance arrived, we were clearing up."

A Lutterworth man, who entered the Flora London Marathon for the second time in April, at the age of 48, he first ran it at 21, in 1982, has won the Silver Bond Trophy sponsored by the London Marathon, for raising the most money for charity, £23.800, beating any other official charity runner.

Chris Skelton the Financial Director at Coventry based ExtraCare Charitable Trust, was presented with the Trophy by the Chief Executive of the London Marathon Nick Bitel, at a ceremony held in London.

For charities to qualify for a place, Bonds are issued, a Silver Bond allows one place every five years, a Gold Bond allows five places every year.

ExtraCare, a charity caring for older people, is involved in a pioneering project, building secure villages nation wide, where residents live as a community, with all amenities provided.

The £23.800, will help pay for additional gym equipment for the villages, and to encourage residents to participate in activities and challenges, promoting fitness in later life.

Chris said: "I have been inspired by the resident's achievements."

Already Chris is looking to April 2010, when he enters his third London Marathon.

On Sunday October 25 Chris will be running the Coventry Half Marathon.

I couldn't help a wry smile upon reading Mark Whitehouse's letter "Get your TV licence or face a fine." 29/8/09.

He threatens the good people of Coventry with retribution for licence evasion.

TV Licensing writes threateningly to citizens as if it had the legal powers to do it. Its purpose is to collect money for the BBC. It cannot enter your property; it has no power to hire bailiffs to come visiting to collect the fee, as it is not considered in law as a debt.

More people are refusing to purchase a TV licence for a variety of reasons, including the charge that the BBC is often in breach its charter.

A former editor of the Daily Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph and Spectator, Charles Moore, has refused to pay £139.50 for a licence since July.

In an open letter to the BBC on receiving a demand for the fee, he said: "No you can't have my £139.50. Will I see you in court?" Moore's disgust at the way the obnoxious and obscene pair Jonathan Ross and cohort Russell Brand, abused 80 year old Andrew Sachs in his own, home led him to believe Ross should have been instantly sacked.

As this did not take place, Moore has stated that until this happens he will no longer pay for a TV licence and instead he has sent a cheque for £139.50 to Help The Aged. So far he has not appeared in court? Mr Whitehouse states 1,480 citizens were caught evading the licence fee.

It would be interesting to know how many of the 1,480 were dragged into court, how many were fined £1000 and refused to pay, and how many ended up in prison, so perhaps, Mr Whitehouse, you will tell us? Anyone wishing to find out more about Charles Moore's stand can visit Daily Telegraph.uk/charles moore.

By Jon Cleaver

Plans to build on land in Binley Woods, first submitted in 2008 by Court Warwickshire of Willoughby, have been re-submitted to Rugby Borough Council.

Residents were outraged last year when the company destroyed an ancient woodland overnight without consultation, which contained wildlife, including the protected bat species.

The planned development which will include five dwellings plus a carport for three vehicles is on a small plot of land behind homes in Oakdale Road.

Residents living by the site have been offered land by the company in order to reduce the size of the plot to 0.6 hectares, the maximum size permissible to obtain planning permission through deregulated powers which is responsible for overseeing smaller developments like conservatories, extensions and smaller buildings, where planning regulation is less stringent.

The Parish Council has raised several objections to the plan, including serious worries on safety.

By Jon Cleaver

Plans to build on land in Binley Woods, first submitted in 2008 by Court Warwickshire of Willoughby, have been re-submitted to Rugby Borough Council.

Residents were outraged last year when the company destroyed an ancient woodland overnight without consultation, which contained wildlife, including the protected bat species.

The planned development which will include five dwellings plus a carport for three vehicles is on a small plot of land behind homes in Oakdale Road.

The Parish Council has raised several objections to the plan, including serious aspects on safety.

Chairman Paul Salisbury said: "The plans submitted are the same as last year and contain inaccurate scale detail.

One major problem we have with the project is site access, and the dangers it would cause at traffic peak times.

Plans have been rejected in the past because of the acute danger caused by a very narrow private road, the only access to the site.

We would like a visit from the Planning Committee to the site so they can assess the impact on the local community by such a development."

Residents living nearby the site complain that it would be overbearing and detrimental.

One resident said: "The land is far too small for a development on this scale."

Letters of complaint have been sent to the Planning Committee.

In 2010 work is due to start on the Toll Bar Island on the A45 which is expected to last at least three years.

Residents in Binley Woods have already been warned to expect long delays at peak times.

A generous gift of Sikh books was made to University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire Faith Centre this month.

"K", a young Sikh woman, asked if she could donate the books after her mother used the faith centre during a visit to the hospital.

Peter writes about his next step in world domination. And it involves writing a book!

His family are all ears once the champagne starts flowing and Jeremy Clarkson's name is dropped into the conversation.

But really is the world ready for the Lazy Project Manager?

The chairman of an influential council committee branded the University Hospital in Coventry 'very impressive' after a tour of the facility.

Councillor Joe Clifford spoke in his capacity as Chair of Coventry City Council's Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, when he praised the £400 million state-of-the-art hospital.

In this blog Jon informs us of the appointment of a new Head Teacher at Binley Woods Primary School.

Karen Davidson took over after former Head Mike Grange retired at Easter time.

In this blog Jon writes a tribute to Alan Maddison MBE.

In his lifetime Alan was not only the local bobby.

He was also a kind and generous man who looked after the local community and honoured the men who fought and died in the war with a War Memorial Stone.

In this blog Peter tells us how he chose to become a public speaker, and how the idea might of come from the successful delivery of his wedding speech.

He also plans on world domination...that's if his family allows it!

In his latest blog Jon writes about the Friends of Brandon Wood holding informative sessions to children of Binley Woods Primary School.

The children got to learn about butterflies and the various woodland plants.