LOCAL TALK BACK

MELVYN SAUNDERS
Melvyn Saunders of Station House, Acton Turville passed away unexpectedly in Frenchay Hospital
on Sunday 24 th November. He was 87 years old.
Melvyn moved to the village from Corston near Malmesbury with his wife Elsie and their three
children in July 1967. Apart from a period of National Service during which he served with the
Duke of Cornwall Regiment in Cyprus and Palestine, he was a lifelong employee of British Rail
and was delighted to learn that his tender for the former Station Master’s house on Badminton Road
had been successful. He quietly enjoyed village life and spent many a happy hour in his garden
tending to his flowers or growing all manner of produce for the family table. He found great
companionship during his monthly trips to the Luncheon Club, particularly after his beloved wife
Elsie passed away in February 2010 after over 58 years of marriage.
David, Andrew, Alison and the Saunders family would like to extend their warmest thanks to all
friends and neighbours for the many expressions of sympathy and kindness received following
Dad’s passing. Thanks also to anyone who contributed to the collection at Dad’s funeral. In excess
of £400 was raised for Diabetes UK, Melvyn’s chosen charity.
With Thanks
Alison Hume
BADMINTON PARISH COUNCIL
A meeting of the Badminton Parish Council was held on Wednesday 22 nd January at the Estate Office at
6.30 pm. All Parish Councillors were present, together with District Councillor Sue Hope, and John Buckley
from Luckington Parish Council. The Chairman Simon Dring welcomed everyone, and the minutes of the
previous meeting were approved.
The matters arising from the meeting were:-
1) Councillor Sue Hope briefed Parish Councillor’s on various South Glos matters
2) John Buckley from Luckington Parish Council, kindly briefed Councillors regarding the current
situation of the condition of Luckington Lane, during the diversion caused by the replacement of
the B4040 railway bridge, and details with regard to completion dates of the works, and the
responsibilities involved in the re-instatement of the roads along the Luckington Lane.
3) Cricket Pavilion – A grant application is being considered to repair the cricket pavilion
4) Village defibrillator – Tim Nicholls reported that there had been some progress, and that a
defibrillator could be obtained, but there would be a cost involved for installation and electrical
work, and possible training. Issue for future consideration.
5) Broadband – Tim Nicholls reported that Badminton would receive super-fast broadband in 2015
6) The Precept for 2014/2015 was discussed in detail and finalised and unanimously approved by
Councillors.
7) Planning matters – None
8) Correspondence – The Chairman went through the current correspondence
9) Items to report – None
Everyone present was thanked for attending, and the meeting was closed at 8.10pm. The next meetings in
May will be the Annual Parish Meeting, when all villagers can attend, followed by the Annual General
Meeting. Details will be put on the village notice board