Woolaston News summer 2022 print

Summer
2022
SUPPORTING WOOLASTON MEMORIAL HALL
Woolaston News

we are kicking off the summer of 2022 with the celebration for the
Jubilee then carnival is back!!
some more dates for the diary that we can’t wait to party with You.
Love Rich And the team xx
My Tin Monkey
11th June at 7pm
2nd July at 8pm
adam Davis
Dave Reilly
3rd September at 8pm
8th October at 8pm
@thenethy
event
call to book your special
01594 529335

Woolaston News SUPPORTING WOOLASTON MEMORIAL HALL
Summer 2022
PAGE CONTENTS
Word from the Editor
2 Newspaper cutting from the Queen’s
Jubilee 1977.
3 Woolaston Jubilee Carnival photos
1935
4 WOOLASTON CARNIVAL &
PARADE
6 W.A.G.S.
7 1st Woolaston Guides
8 Wine talk- Think Pink....
10 Community Wellbeing Agent.
11 Platinum Jubilee Trifle.
12 Alvington & Woolaston Cricket Club
14 Simply bowled over by our postman
Andrew Liddington.
16 History Group.
19 Phonebox news.
22 FARMER’S MARKET
23 Memorial Hall Chair- News.
24-25 Memorial Hall-What’s on?
26 Woolaston Memorial Hall & Playing
Field Committee.
38 Wednesday Walkers.
41 How are you?
44 Woolaston Parish Council-
Chairman’s report.
45 JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS.
46 Woolaston Parish Council-
Report-Summer 2022
48 District Councillors.
48 Advertisment Index.
The Platinum Jubilee Year is a perfect
time to reflect on how our village has
changed – and how it has remained
unchanged over those 70 years. Of
course, there are many in the village who
remember the Queen coming onto the
throne, but I wonder if we could have
imagined in 1952 how the village would
be today. New houses, a car outside
almost every house, the telephone boxes
left redundant by a telephone in every
house, mobile phones and now a highspeed
internet connections weaving
around our village.
Looking around our fields and the
beautiful springtime countryside around
us it is hard to worry about the distant
wars rumbling in Eastern Europe and
in the Middle East, the threat of climate
change or the growing economic
crisis. But Woolaston is no longer the
isolated rural village it once was, the
opening of the Severn Bridge by the
Queen in 1966 and the building of
motorways have brought new people to
Woolaston from far away. Woolaston
is now a cosmopolitan village and its
residents enjoy a degree of travel and
communication which could only be
dreamed of when the Queen started
her reign. Woolaston is now home
to people who commute to Bristol,
Cardiff, Gloucester and London. The
huge change in communications since
1952 mean that many now work from
Page 1

home for organisations and companies
based all over the world. Many of us
in Woolaston keep in contact with
our families and children who live is
different parts of the world thanks to
the growing accessibility of air travel
and easy seamless video calls.
So, this Jubilee, it is worth us all
thinking how our village will be
different in another 70 years. What
new miracles of technology will
come? Whether those changes will
bring a benefit, or a threat is a matter
of opinion. So, what do we want to
preserve and what would we like to
see changed for the better? Our climate
and perhaps our landscape will change.
Batteries or will replace engines, we
will need to find a better way to heat
our houses in the chill of Winter,
hydrogen perhaps or more efficient
heat exchangers? New medicines will
come to keep us healthy and protect us
from new pandemics. New houses will
be built new people will be born and
Woolaston will prevail.
A Newspaper cutting
from the Queen’s Jubilee
1977
A Newspaper cutting from the the
Queen’s Jubilee - 1977 found by Mary
Atkins (Woolaston History Group)
This Jubilee is a time to raise a glass
to Her Majesty and to ourselves and
to our village to its long history and
to its future; to its school, and its
shop and its residents, its pubs and
its community hall, to the old and the
young, to the footballers, the gardeners,
the Zumbas, to the skateboarders to
everyone – to us!
Page 2

Jubilee Carnival Photos 1935- Woolaston
Page 3

WOOLASTON
Saturday 11th June
Parade 12 noon Field 1pm
Page 4

Jubilee Carnival Photos 1935- Woolaston
Page 5

WAGS
Woolaston Amateur Garden Society
Yes, WAGS is back! By
the time this issue is
circulated we will have
held at least two meetings
in our new venue.
Our first outing this year
was a walk through banks
of beautiful daffodils in
Cone Valley.
Our diary has something
for every month; already
booked up to April 2023
so far. Speakers talking
on a wide range of
topics, all horticultural.
Upcoming topics such
as perennials through the
year, Islamic Gardens etc
and some of our speakers
bring unusual plants for
sale.
There’s a trip booked
to the Bristol Botanic
Gardens. A small
number of gardens in the
village will be open to
members followed by a barbecue and
so on.
We are planning to host our usual plant
stall at the village celebrations in June.
Our meetings are normally on the first
Thursday of each month.
Posters will be displayed each month
in the village shop and noticeboards
and of course, on the Community Page.
Membership is £15 or £25 for a family
ticket and we always welcome visitors
at a nominal charge of £3 per meeting.
We look forward to getting back into
the swing of our regular meetings.
Chrissie Hugill - Secretary
April 2022
Page 6

1st Woolaston Guides
I am delighted to report that Woolaston
Guides is thriving, we now have 15
Guides, who are all enthusiastic and
happy to be meeting weekly again.
During the last year we have learnt
new skills including First Aid, knots,
fire lighting, curling and crafts. With
more girls we are able to play more
energetic games and they love being
able to go out on the field straight from
the memorial hall.
Last Summer 5 of our Guides attended
a residential event at Cowley our Guide
Headquarters. The holiday was based
on the theme of Harry Potter, they had
great fun making potions, dressing up,
playing games, eating a magical feast
and making some beautiful crafts.
The girls all worked on their Mixology
badge at home, then they completed it
with a big Mocktail party at the hall.
They designed their own mocktails,
made menus and posters, then made
them for everyone to try, it was a
delicious evening!
We attended the Remembrance service
at Ayleburton Church, the girls wore
their uniforms with pride as they
carried the flag into the service.
In February we attended a Division
campfire at Beaverlodge, with hotdogs,
cake, a big fire and lots of singing. By
the fireside 5 of our Guides made their
promise in an enrolment ceremony.
It was so good to gather in a larger
group after so long apart, there were
more than 80 Rainbows, Brownies and
Guides from all over the South side of
the Forest of Dean.
Although our numbers are steadily
growing we still have some spaces
in our unit, we would welcome any
new girls aged 10 to 14years, they
do not necessarily need to have been
a member of the Guide Movement
before, why not join as a group of
friends altogether.
We meet at Woolaston Memorial Hall
on Wednesday evenings 7.00pm to
8.30pm. Our Subs are approx £35
per term (3 times a year). As we are a
voluntary organisation, these subs only
cover rent, materials and insurance
which is excellent value compared to
some other clubs.
Page 7
(continued on page 8)

(continued from page 7)
In the past we have had camps and
indoor holidays, narrow boat weekends
and day trips to London, Legoland and
Harry Potter studios..
For more information contact:
Karen Bennett.
Home: 01989 568949
Mobile: 07846231699
Email: jasonbennett568@btinternet.com
Beanhill Farm B & B
Offers a warm and friendly
home from home welcome in
beautiful surroundings.
Comfortable rooms with tea
and coffee available.
Full breakfast menu to suit
all appetites
Contact Judy Taylor on
01594 528143
Page 8
Wine Talk -
Think Pink....
As I write this, we’ve just experienced
a delightful Easter – weather wise.
As you read this, I’m hoping the sun
is shining and temperatures have
increased somewhat. Sunshine in
spring has a habit of bringing out that
most ‘summer’ of wines – rose – and
I’ll hold my hands up to the fact that
the good weather over the holiday
period got me thinking all things pink
in anticipation of the months ahead.
Once thought of as a by-product of
the left-over red grape harvests, rose
is now drunk by a wide range of
consumers and entire brands have been
built on their rose offerings – rather
than being a product line associated
with a larger domain or chateau.
Production of rose has also been
influenced by a great many celebrities.
From the couple formerly known as
‘Brangelina’ to Graham Norton and
even Kylie Minogue, a great many
A-listers are dipping their toe in the
world of pink wine.
I’m pretty sure in this day and age I
don’t need to explain how rose is made
but just in case there are still some that
are in the dark, let’s just clear up the
fact that rose is not made by mixing
red wine with white wine! That’s not to
say one couldn’t do this if so desired,
but the likely outcome would not be
too palatable.
Rose in the main, comes from red
grapes and begins its journey towards
its destination in the same way as red
wine does. That is to say, the grape
juice is left to ferment with the skins
still in contact to extract the flavour.
Where things start to differ is that t

The skins are then removed at a much
earlier stage than in red wine making,
providing the various shades of pink
that we associate with the various
different styles.
From the pale salmon shades of
Provence to the deeper hues from
Spain & USA, there should be a style
out there to suit all – and I haven’t
even mentioned fizz!
Here is a small selection you can enjoy
this summer that can all be sourced
from M&S in Chepstow:
V de VINA Rosado – Spain 12.5%
Rosado is simply
Rosado is simply
the Spanish name
for Rose wine. It
typically presents
some of the darker &
deeper shades of pink
within the spectrum
and is a favourite of
mine. This example is typical of more
modern Rosado offerings in being
bone dry and quite similar in taste
to Beujolais Nouveau. Perfect with
summer salads.
Page 9
Myrtia Moschofilero
Assyrtiko Rose –
Greece 12.5%
Not one of the more
mainstream rose
producing regions,
the Peloponnese
area of Greece has
constructed, in this
instance, an aromatic
rose made in part from
the well known grape
of Greece – Assyrtiko.
This will immediately
take you away to a
restaurant overlooking
the Mediterranean
eating sardines or
red mullet as the
sun sets!
Love by Leoube
Cotes de Provence Rose – France
13%
This stunning vineyard in Provence
situated between Toulon & St Tropez
on the cote d’azur is owned by the
Bamford family of Daylesford Farm
in the Cotswolds. Made from a blend
of Grenache and Cinsault grapes, this
is a quintessential
Provençal rose. Pale
pink with clean
strawberry & white
peach flavours…pairs
beautifully with a
melon & goats cheese
salad.
Steve Kendall
Twitter: @TanglewoodWines
Instagram: @tanglewoodwines

Community Wellbeing
Agent’s Report
(Former Village Agent)
community café sessions on Tuesdays
and Thursdays, + the St Briavels
Healthwalk [ now officially Forest of
Dean Community Walks] setting off at
2.00 from there on a Tuesday.
MEMORY CAFES
As well as the new, and very successful
Musical Memory Café we have
Woolaston Memory Café, which meets
every Thursday at 2.00 - and is picking
up from the hard winter of Lockdown
etc., and always has interesting activities;
and Sedbury Memory Café, held in the
village hall, but run by Sedbury Space,
which is coming back with renewed
vigour.
ST. BRIAVEL’S MUSICAL
MEMORY CAFÉ
Today ( 16th Feb) I attended my 1st
Musical Memory Café at The Assembly
Rooms, St Briavels. (10.30 for 11.00).
I was bowled over by the sheer
enjoyment and enthusiasm. I was
expecting hopefully up to a dozen
people. There was a Welsh harpist, a
Welsh singer from Llanelly, and well
over 60 people –
People with Dementia, carers, friends,
neighbours, volunteers. We had lovely
Welsh songs and tunes, 2 Elvis (!),
Amazing Grace, and more, ending with
You’ll Never Walk Alone. The high
spirits and enjoyment were palpable.
Great credit is due to the organisers,
especially Alice and Joanna, for working
so hard to make it a success and working
so assiduously and thoughtfully on the
project. This was only the 2nd session
– they happen on the 3rd Wednesday
of the month- so to have such a turnout
and success at such an early stage is
remarkable.
The Assembly Rooms is now back
and running with its 2 afternoon
Page 10
SEDBURY SPACE
Goes from strength to strength – it now
runs and holds – Sedbury Memory Café
[monthly], Sedbury Commuity Café,
every Tuesday morning – regularly
getting turnout now of between30 and
40 attenders, with lots of fine work being
done supporting people, Craft group –
Fridays ,Exercise Classes, Guitar Group,
Homework clubs, Drug & Alcohol
Advice, Sedbury Walkers Thursday
mornings, Chaplaincy Chatroom, a base
for Emily the new youth worker for the
parish ,and Nicki the new, and already
very active, community chaplain, and
more.
TIDENHAM PARISH
COMMUNITY AWARDS
This Spring residents of the parish will
be invited to make nominations for
people who have put something into the
community – categories like: Lifelong
Contribution to the Community, Project
of the Year.
The Parish Council will be providing
more information on this.
HEALTHWALKS/COMMUNTY
WALKS
The renamed Community Walks – which
take place on Tuesday afternoon in St
Briavels – 2.00 from The Assembly
Rooms and Sedbury, Thursday
mornings, 10.00, Sheila’s Shop are now
thriving after the long winter of Covid
and lockdowns. Both end with a pleasant
café – St Briavels at The Assembly
Rooms, Sedbury at Sedbury Space.
The Sedbury walk is now reaching
the kind of turnout we were achieving

before the 1st Lockdown – 17 to 20; and
we are also having regular attendance
from locals with dementia and learning
difficulties, which is excellent.
There are also a lot more activities going
on in the area now – we are finally
getting back to the kind of activity we
had reached before the 1st Lockdown.
COMMUNTY WELLBEING TEAM
and COMMUNITY BUILDERS
TEAM
I am now in 2 teams of colleagues in the
Forest council - Community Wellbeing
Team and Community Builders Team.
I’ve mentioned the 1s of these in the
past – they mainly consist of my Social
Prescriber colleagues. The Community
Builder team includes 6 colleagues – 3
of whom – Charis, Chloe and Emma,
have already done some work in this
area. Charis is starting a community
newspaper for the area – and if anybody
has any positive, inspiring stories about
what’s going on, or even a poem, a piece
of writing, or some artwork, please let
me know, and I can pass it on, or give
you Charis’s details.
The Social Prescribing staff member
for the area is Erica Sheppard, who has
already done a lot of work in the area.
Platinum Jubilee Trifle
Celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of
Queen Elizabeth II with this impressive
trifle, winner of the Platinum Pudding
competition.
The Lemon Trifle beat over 5,000
desserts to be named the winner of the
Platinum Pudding competition.
The winner, Jemma Melvin from
Southport said that the dessert was
inspired by her grandparents and her
Majesty.
Could it become part of British royal
food history? The lemon Swiss roll and
amaretti trifle follows in the footsteps of
coronation chicken and Victoria sponge.
For the recipe go to:-
https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/
lemon_swiss_roll_and_42467
Or perhaps you could invent your own
Jubilee Triffle.
RICHARD SKINNER, COMMUNITY
WELLBEING AGENT
Tel. 07927 051328 or 01594 812447
Email: richard.skinner@fdean.gov.uk
Richard Skinner
Community Wellbeing Agent -
Forest of Dean Distrcit Council
Page 11

Alvington & Woolaston Cricket Club
These are exciting times for the
local Cricket Club, Alvington and
Woolaston. Founded in 1984, by
our President Alan Luke and others,
there have been both good and bad
times. From a single game in a year to
two teams playing frequently. More
recently in 2019 the team won Division
2 West in the local league and last year
finished 3rd in Division 1 West. Off the
field they have secured funding for new
equipment such as covers and mowers.
The Membership have also worked
hard to improve the Sports field
owned by the Parish Council which
they play on, including keeping it cut
whilst it was much in use as a place
of recreation and relaxation during the
periods of COVID restrictions.
In 2019 Planning permission was
obtained for a fantastic new Sports
Pavilion so at last amenities such as
toilets, showers and changing rooms
will be on site. Fundraising for this
is continuing towards what is needed
and it is hoped that building work can
commence this year.
Despite this progress the Club is
at heart a small local team for the
villages and needs the support of the
local Communities. We are family
friendly, everyone is welcome and we
play to enjoy the game in a sporting
manner. But we really do need your
continued support. We urgently need
more players for this season. Most of
the players do not play every week, so
we need a larger pool of players who
wish to play. So even if you last played
Page 12
a long time ago or just want to give it
a try in the nets and whether you want
to play once or twice or more often, we
really want to hear from you.
As well as for the Pavilion, money for
the day to day running of the Club,
such as for repairs and equipment,
even the bats and balls come from
our Members Subscription and local
fundraising. We know these are
difficult times with cost of living
increases, but hope you might be able
to help in a small way. We run a 100
Club giving out monthly prizes that
total half of the income we receive
from its members. The cost is only £5
for each month you wish to belong to
it. You can stop whenever you want to.
We notify prize winners and publish
the result of each draw. It would be a
massive help to the Club if you felt you
could assist us by joining.
If you can help with either or
both of these requests or wish to
discuss this further, please contact
the Chairman, Nick Powell on
07581 551852 or by email to –
nickpowell111@hotmail.com

Country
Lodge Cars
(AT WYVERN GARAGE)
Cars to suit all budgets and lifestyles
Vehicles sourced to order
Part exchange available
Come and view our stock or browse
Phone Richard
07380 848262
our website—
www.countrylodgecars.co.uk
Page 13

Simply bowled over by our
Woolaston Postman, Andrew Liddington
Many of you will know some of our
fabulous postmen in Woolaston village. A
familiar face around the village, Andrew
is one of the best. A man of many talents,
alongside his deliveries, Andrew has not
only hit the big time on the bowling scene
but is also a budding artist.
Andrew’s father comes from Lydney but
moved to Gloucester in the 1950’s for
work. Andrew was born in the late 1960’s.
He and his family lived in Hucclecote
where went to school. Andrew like his
father were both some of the youngest
bowlers in the county in their day. From
the tender age of 14 he learnt to play
bowls. Andrew’s father returned the
family to the area in 1985 and bought a
grocery shop in Coleford when he was 18.
Andrew joined the local bowling club the
following year. WG Grace, the England
cricketer, formed the first ever county
bowling association in Gloucestershire in
1905. Andrew followed in these footsteps
of greatness and went on to be captain of
Coleford Bowls club and to win county cup
in 2000, this being the oldest competition
in English bowling. He played bowls for a
total of 34 Years.
Like many, Andrew’s family sadly lost the
shop in 1992 struggling with increase in
poll tax, so Andrew found a job working
at Cinderford snooker and bowls centre,
as bowling and promotions manager.
Amongst his famous clients, Andrew
promoted for The Wurzels, EMF, Pop will
Eat itself… The list goes on, with some
big gigs, culminating in a job touring for 4
years, managing a local rock band, Krysis
who renamed themselves Mindcore. The
band toured around Britain, supporting
Feeder in Nottingham and onto Great
Yarmouth and London. They were due to
support The Killers at Bath festival but
sadly the county council cancelled the
festival.
County cup won in 2000.
It seems a big leap from pop promotion
to postman, but Andrew enjoyed the
entertainment world, helping the band
produce CDs. He loved being in the
Page 14

Andrew laughs, “I wouldn’t call us artists
as such.” Certainly, at school Andrew was
seen as “no good at art”. In 2015 though,
Andrew started his card business. As her
postman, a lady in Alvington who was
house bound asked him to fetch a birthday
card from the shop for her. Andrew thought
she would appreciate a bit of verse and
he brought two for her to choose from.
So, she selected, and he was left with a
card. She soon told her friends that they
(continued on page 16)
National Civil Service Fours Winners 2006 -
Perth Scotland.
recording studios, even though he can’t
play himself. “There’s a lot to appreciate,”
Andrew explains, “I so enjoy the process
of seeing music built up.”
As the years rolled by, Andrew took on
a management role for a newsagent in
Lydney, Henderson’s, where he lived
above shop until 2003. When he finally
left, it was the Royal Mail for Andrew and
as a Mail employee, he was now eligible
to join the bowling association for the civil
service. Cheltenham was his local area,
his team entered the regional competition
and won it, going onto the English final
at Lemington Spa where they won the
English title and then onwards to Perth
in Scotland to win the British isles Civil
Service fours in 2009.
More recently, Andrew started his greeting
card business and with a house move also
on his plate, the bowling commitments
became too much. It was time for a change.
His grandad had worked at a printers in
Gloucester and used to do sign writing,
the old way with paints and inks, for all
sorts of events including the Montreal
Olympics. Andrew remembers how skilled
his Grandfather was, even at home he
would paint lead soldiers creating scenes in
exhibitions as a hobby. Andrew’s dad was a
silk screen printer.
Page 15

(continued from page 15)
only need ask for their postman Andrew
if they needed similar help. This got
Andrew wondering, for housebound and
disabled people would a card service be
useful? So, he bought a pack of 50 cards on
Amazon and started reselling. To promote
the business Andrew attended craft fairs
in the Forest, including a vintage car
fair. He noticed there was no real choice
for the male market, so he found good
British suppliers of cards and local artists
and started to buy their art and produce
cards giving the artists commission. For
example, Darren Hoskins of the Forest of
Dean artist’s table.
Nowadays, Andrew does his own artwork
too, specialising in Vintage retro cars, you
know the one your dad had or you loved as
a kid, like a Morris Traveller, or a derelict
Jaguar, iconic cars of the past that were
family cars. Andrew thinks his artwork
isn’t the best but he loves doing it, and
can’t believe people think it’s so good. We
heartily disagree and absolutely adore it!
He also has coasters and a calendar of his
artwork, a 2023 Forest of Dean calendar
complied from competition winners ,
there is no stopping Andrew now. He has
completed four craft fairs in the village
and has more planned for the August bank
holiday Monday 29th and a Christmas gift
fair on 27th November .
You can find Andrew’s cards at www.
greetingstoyourhome.co.uk or on Facebook
at @greetingstoyourhome
Zina Pearce
Woolaston Village
History Group
This group was set up in 1999 to produce
articles of Woolaston News for a booklet to
celebrate the Millennium. Since then a lot
more articles have been produced for the
Woolaston News.
Now membership of Woolaston Village
History Group has dwindled because
members have passed away or left the
village. It is probably time now to wind up
the group, unless more people are willing
to carry it on.
If you would like to be a member and
are willing to contribute Village History
articles for the Woolaston News, please
contact Alan Luke on 529585.
Please continue to support
the Woolaston News with
your adverts and articles.
(Articles) Andy Morgan-Watts at -
andrew.morgan-watts@live.co.uk
Summer issue deadline end of April
Winter issue deadline end of October
(Adverts) John Anderson at -
john@japsplans.co.uk
For an online version of the
Woolaston News go to:
www.woolastonmh.org.uk
Page 16

GREETINGS TO YOUR HOME
Supplying a wide range of greetings cards for all occasions
including local artist and photography cards
Now with online shopping at
07948 031255 www.greetingstoyourhome.co.uk
*For FREE DELIVERY enter code : FREEGL15
Payroll, VAT and Book-keeping Services
Sole Trader and Personal Tax Returns
For a professional and approachable service
contact Lesa Cooksley FMAAT AATQB ACIPP
01594 844 443 lesa@accountingservicesfod.co.uk
www.accountingservicesfod.co.uk
Lesa Cooksley is Licensed by the Association of Accounting Technicians
to undertake services for the public in accordance with Licence No. 1723,
details of which are displayed at the office.
Page 17

01594 841555
UNIT 9 THE MARINA, HARBOUR ROAD,
LYDNEY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL15 5ET
Email info@ltaservices.co.uk
We offer a full range of motoring services and auto repair from MOT
testing, tyres, exhausts, brakes and batteries to full servicing. Talk to us
to arrange competitive bodywork repairs and quotes. Call us now for...
• Free Estimates
• Collection & Delivery
• Fast & reliable Service
• Competitive Rates
• Courtesy Cars Available
• All Work Guaranteed
Common Wood
Flowers
Locally Grown British Flowers
For all occasions.
www.commonwoodflowers.co.uk
commonwoodflowers@gmail.com
Tel: 07818 083690
Page 18

Phone Box News - Easter Decorations
(In case you missed them)
Morning Coffee, Light Lunches
& Afternoon Tea
Venue & catering available for special occasions.
Telephone 01594 528365
Email info@swanhousetearoom.com
www.swanhousetearoom.com
Page 19
Swan House Tea
Room
Cone Valley, Woolaston.
Takeaway menu available
during lock down.
Fully licensed

The Studio
WORKSHOPS @ ANNA FINE JEWELLERY
The Studio Jewellery School, now open at Taurus Crafts!
Make Your Own Wedding Rings • Make Your Own Engagement Ring
Jewellery Making Workshops • Private Tuition • Jewellers Bench Hire
www.studioworkshops.co.uk
Page 20

07801 740 516 or 01594 862 976
glennthechimneysweep@outlook.com
www.howatschimneysweeps.ltd
Professional Chimney Sweeps - Certificate issued with every sweep
Chimney Sweeping
We’ll ensure your chimney is
clean, safe and ready to use.
Stove Service & Repair
Qualified to carry out services.
Repairs to any appliance, e.g.
fireglass, brick and rope.
Accessories
Stove polish, glass cleaner, tar
treatment and much more.
Cowl Fitting
Stop draughts, leaks and
wildlife in their tracks with
our cowl fitting service.
A.R.H.
ELECTRICAL
Home and Business
Rewires, New Installations
Outdoor Buildings, Garages, Sheds and Lighting
Electric Vehicle Charging Points
Landlord Certificates
Small Job Specialist
Contact Alan -
01594 531493
07883 973363
Email arh_electrical@yahoo.co.uk
Customer Focused
Page 21

Small, friendly and bursting with
fantastic local produce
Woolaston
FARMERS’
MARKET
2022/2023
Saturday 10am to 1pm
17th September 2022
17th December 2022
18th March 2023
17th June 2023
16th September 2023
16th December 2023
Fruit, vegetables, bakery, confectionery
meat, eggs, pies, pastries, preserves,
sauces, dressings and refreshments.
There’s something for everyone!
Page 22

The Football Club clubhouse and improved
changing facilities for female referees in it to win it!!
Page 23
Memorial Hall
News from the Chair
www.woolastonmh.org.uk for information, hall events and online W oolaston News
In my last report (Oct 2021) I noted that
bookings for the hall were increasing after
the lockdowns. Well I am pleased to say
that this trend has continued. Some classes
have been lost but replaced by others
and parties are being booked on a regular
basis. To this end we have introduced an
online booking system which is proving to
be very useful and efficient. The booking
secretary’s job was becoming almost full
time so a system of booking and invoicing
(with receipts and reminders and an on line
diary) has been a worthwhile investment.
To access the system one has to go to our
new website and follow the appropriate
links. Our new website really shows off
what we can offer and we are now seeing
bookings from people further afield. I
would encourage you to take a look at
www.woolastonmh.org.uk
The scrubby bushes in front of the hall have
now been removed by TrunkArb and by a
voluntary digger and driver compliments of
Gareth Rose. It has been seeded and the new
grass is beginning to make an appearance.
A new beech hedge has also been planted
which will match our existing hedge.
The new storage extension has been a real
boon, now being fully used and storing
more than we could ever have done
previously.
We have invested £700 on new red, white
and blue bunting (including some union
flags) for the village jubilee and other events
including our carnival in a few weeks time.
and lines women is expected to receive
planning permission by end of May.
The Football Club and the Memorial
Hall committees have met and agreed
how the new building will be funded
and maintained. Fund raising can begin
in earnest once planning permission is
approved. Much of the work will be
undertaken using volunteer craftsmen and
labour from the Football Club so that costs
can be kept as low as possible. If you have
a trade that you feel would be of use in the
construction, please get in touch!
The skate park committee have been busy
during the past 12 months and a separate
update is elsewhere in the magazine.
One of our biggest expenditures is oil for
heating and we are all aware of the dire
situation in that sector. Prices have doubled
and whilst it would be easy for us to say
that the hire rates should be increased to
make up the difference, we are reluctant
to do so at the moment. The hall is for the
community and the community is being
hard hit financially. Our current hire rates
are reasonable and affordable, so we do not
want to add to peoples’ stretched budgets.
However, we will keep things under revue
and act if absolutely necessary.
The hall’s lottery is still contributing to
our income and the numbers participating
remain fairly steady. We would love to
get more people to join – there have been
a number of new families move into
Woolaston in the past 2 or 3 years, so there
is an opportunity to boost the figures. More
details on joining the lottery are elsewhere
in the magazine - come on! You have to be

Our fund raising carnival is to make a welcome return
on 11th June (which we are assured will be blessed with
sunshine as usual!). This will be an opportunity to use
our new very large marquee, kindly donated by John
Hayward and his family. It requires many hands to put up
– so stand by your phones and await the call!!
Also making a welcome return is the Farmers’ Market,
although quarterly rather than monthly.
Our finances remain healthy largely thanks to a number
of Covid related government grants. Whilst we have a
couple of important capital projects to fund, we are still
focused of improving the facilities. We are currently
looking at both acoustics and lighting. Better acoustics
will improve hearing at meetings and better lighting
would mean that some indoor games such as badminton
and volleyball might be possible.
As usual I would like to pay tribute to the hall committee
who continue to find ways to improve our facilities and
without whom this place would not be what it is today.
John Anderson Chairman
Woolaston Memorial Hall
g Bright Modern Hall
g
g
g
g
g
g
Seats 70 People
Fully Accessible
Quality Audio-Visual System
Great Kitchen Facilities
Outside Area Available
Gazebos for Hire
MON
Day
TUES
CLASSES & GROU
What’s On?
Rebound 9:1
Silver
Steps/Active 10
Balance
Yoga 7:3
Craft Group
Painting
Group
Women’s
Institute
1 st
1:3
Te
2p
M
Tu
7:3
WED Guides Te
7:0
THURS
FRI
Zumba 9:3
10
Woolaston
Memory 2:0
Group
Te
Brownies 6:0
Parish Council
Meetings
WAGS
Dru Yoga
M
Th
Sta
M
Th
Sta
10
Also available to hire -
Large Round Tables (seat 8)
Bistro/Cafe Tables
Junior Size Tables and Chairs
(suitable for kids parties)
6ft and 4ft light weight, folding tables
Page 24
SAT
Woolaston
Football Club
Sa
aft
th
se
Want to set up a
Want to set up
Contact Sue Ander
Contact Sue And

PS FOR YOU AT WOOLASTON MEMORIAL HALL
When? About Contact details
5 – 10:15
Get fit using Kangoo Jumps
(those funny bouncy boots)!
:45 – 12:15 Gentle exercise class for
seniors.
0pm – 9:00pm
& 3 rd Monday
0pm – 3:30pm
Time for your own wellbeing,
Yoga can help.
White Lotus:
Michelle Gardiner 07790 025743
Michelle Gardiner 07790 025743
Sian on 0787257 1934
sianrule@gmail.com for a free
introductory class.
A social craft group. Bring your
own crafts. Gaynor Cooke 01594 529521
rm Time
m – 4pm A sociable painting group Di Wakefield 01594 529542
wakefielddi@hotmail.co.uk
onthly on 3 rd
esday
0pm – 9:30pm
Providing women with
educational opportunities and
friendship.
Mary Greenslade 01594 529617
rm time
0pm – 8:30pm
0am –
:30am
0pm – 4:00pm
rm Time
0pm – 7:30 pm
onthly on 2 nd
ursday
rts at 8:00 pm.
onthly on 1 st
ursday
rts at 8pm
:00 – 11:15
Always keen to welcome new
girls.
Get yourself fit with this Latin
inspired dance workout.
A social group for people with
dementia and their Carers.
Brownies will welcome girls of
the appropriate age to join
Serving the Community
Woolaston Amateur Garden
Society – Enjoy talks about all
things gardening.
Please bring Mat, Blankets,
Cushions and any other
support.
Karen Bennett via email
jasonbennett568@btinternet.com
White Lotus Martial Arts and
Zumba:
Michelle: 07790 025743
Des and Liz Pearce at
despearce@live.co.uk
Anita Mott on 01594 529469
Parish.Clerk@woolaston.org.uk
Chrissie Hugill
chrissiehugill@gmail.com
Bonnie Jones 07775721602
turday
ernoons during
e football
ason.
New Players Welcome!
Martin Rose;
07789 934452
Regular Group? We offer reduced rates for regular groups.
a Regular Group? We offer reduced rates for regular groups.
son bookings@woolastonmh.org.uk 01594529523
erson bookings@woolastonmh.org.uk 01594 529523
Page 25

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please join
The Memorial Hall’s
Fund Raising
Win £25,000
and many other
prizes every week
for as little as £1
per week!!
Lottery
IT’S SO EASY — just go to
www.unitylottery.co.uk
Or call 0370 050 9240
(Remember to choose
Woolaston Memorial Hall!!)
Or call John Anderson
01594 529523
50% of all your stake money goes directly to the hall ‘s funds!
Woolaston Memorial Hall & Playing Field Committee
Officers
Chairman:
John Anderson
(55 Birchwood Rd GL15 6PE - 529523)
Hon. Treasurer:
Mark Lightbound
(64 Severn View Rd GL15 6NP - 529046)
Secretary & Hall Bookings Sec
Sue Anderson
bookings@woolastonmh.org.uk
(55 Birchwood Rd GL15 6PE - 529523)
Members
John Hayward (07971 660559)
Rachel Salway (07515 639160)
Lauren George (07402 952646)
Andrew Morgan-Watts (07921842407)
Richard Dunstan (07901138236)
Shirley Lightbound (529046)
Mr M. Rose (Woolaston
AFC & Parish Council) (07789934452)
Mary Greenslade
(WI & Parish Council) (529617)
Page 26

✓ BRIGHT MODERN HALL
✓ SEATS 70 + PEOPLE
✓ FULLY ACCESSIBLE
✓ QUALITY AUDIO-VISUAL SYSTEM
✓ WIFI
✓ GREAT KITCHEN FACILITES
✓ OUTSIDE AREA AVAILABLE
✓ GAZEBOS AVAILABLE FOR HIRE
BOOK ONLINE
IT’S EASY!
GO TO
WOOLASTON MEMORIAL HALL
WEBSITE
www.woolastonmh.org.uk
Page 27

Professional aborcultural contractors
• Private and local
authority estate
and parkland
management
• Local authority
clearance and
maintenance
• Highways safety
clearance
• Milling and stump
grinding
Fully insured and qualified experts
01594 529893
07843 688229
enquiries@trunkarb.co.uk • www.trunkarb.co.uk
Page 28

QUALITY TOPSOIL
STRAIGHT FROM THE
FIELD
SMALL OR LARGE
QUANTITIES
AVAILABLE
01594 528224
office@reecer.co.uk
AVAILABLE FOR
DELIVERY AND
COLLECTION
SITE
CLEARANCE
COMPETITIVE
RATES
TIPPING
FACILITIES
AVAILABLE
QUICK AND
KNOWLEDGEABLE
SERVICE
REECER GROUP, STROAT, CHEPSTOW, MONMOUTHSHIRE, NP16 7LS
Page 29

WYVERN GARAGE
Brookend, Woolaston, GL15 6PW
01594 529298
phil@wyverngarage.co.uk
MOTs - Car Servicing and Repairs -
Air Conditioning - Tyres
Citroen & Peugeot Specialists
For All Your Car Requirements -
- All Makes And Models Welcome
WE’LL KEEP YOU SMILING ON THE ROAD!
J.A.P.S.
Website: japsplans.co.uk
Email: john@japsplans.co.uk
Tel 01594 529523 Mobile: 07768 936553
Page 30

Health &
Complimentary
Therapies
Massage
Reflexology
Aromatherapy
Indian Head
Massage
Hopi Ear Candles
Hot Stone
Therapy
OAK BARN
THERAPIES
BEAUTY & BALANCE
PROPRIETOR
Bonnie Jones
I.I.H.H.T., I.F.R. Dip
A Member of The
International Federation
of Reflexologists
Tel: 01594 529717
Mob: 07775 721602
Beauty
Treatments
Facials
Waxing
Luxury Jessica
Manicure
Luxury Jessica
Pedicure
Hopi Ear Candles
Jessica Geleration
Manicure
tropicskincare.co.uk/shop/bonniejones
Bonnie at Tropic
Roads Carparks Driveways
BLOCK PAVING - RE-SURFACING
KERBING - GROUNDWORKS ETC
EMAIL: ian@deanparkcontractors.co.uk
Website: www.deanparkcontractors.co.uk
Phone 01594 834032
Plot 14B FoD Business Estate Stepbridge Rd Coleford GL16 8PJ
Page 31

Foot Health Professional
Regular Foot Care
Nail Cutting and Thinning
Corn and Callus Removal
Dry and Cracked Heels
Diabetic Foot Care
Reflexology
The Bowen Technique
Emmett Technique
Mobile Visits Available
Ceri Crossland MCFHP MAFHP MAR
01291 627157 or 0774 832 4416
Ceri.crossland@btinternet.com
QUALITY WORK
Comes As
Standard
We are proud to offer over 30 years experience in Heating and
Plumbing including oil boiler and oil tank replacements.
Shower Rooms — Bathrooms — Kitchens
www.baileyheatingplumbing.co.uk
Phone: 01594 842777 or 07770 571886
Email paul@baileyheatingplumbing.co.uk
Unit 10 Aylburton Business Park Stockwell Lane GL15 6ST
Page 32

7 5 1 6 8 7 5 7 5 5
0
E B E C C A @ T R U M A R K E T I N G . C O . U K
R
T R U M A R K E T I N G S E R V I C E S
@
W W . T R U M A R K E T I N G . C O . U K
W
M A K E N O I S E A B O U T Y O U R B U S I N E S S
S O C I A L / W E B S I T E / B R A N D I N G / M E D I A
C A M P A I G N P L A N N I N G & M O R E
F O R A N O O B L I G A T I O N C H A T , G E T I N T O U C H V I A :
Page 33

The Old School, Viney Hill, Lydney, Glos. GL15 4ND
Physiotherapy, Pilates,
Massage,
Acupuncture and Counselling.
For all your aches and pains, sports injuries, arthritis, back
pain, whiplash, joint or muscle pain, etc
01594 516810
www.vineyhallphysio.co.uk
A warm and friendly welcome awaits you at our
GURKHA
RESTAURANT & BAR
We offer a full range of motoring services and auto repair from MOT
Open 7 days a week.
testing, tyres, exhausts, brakes and batteries to full servicing. Talk to us
Lunch 12.00—2pm, Dinner 5—10.30pm
to arrange competitive bodywork repairs and quotes. Call us now for...
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
• Free 01594 Estimates
529222
Bed and Breakfast,
Email—info@woolastoninn.co.uk
• Collection & Delivery
Birthdays and Family Parties
Website • www.woolastoninn.co.uk
Fast & reliable Service
Takeaways—10% Discount!!
Indulge in Authentic and Freshly Prepared Nepalese Cuisine
Page 34
WOOLASTON INN
COME AS A GUEST - LEAVE AS A FRIEND

blatchly Mathern Magazine advert v2.qxp_420 15/04/2019 12:29 Page 1
FUNERAL SERVICE
24 HOUR SERVICE
PRE-PAID FUNERAL PLANS
CHAPELS OF REST
& Son Ltd
M.B.I.E., M.N.A.F.D., M.B.I.F.D., Dip FD., B.R.A.M.M
Serving The Local Community for Over 50 Years
WOOLASTON (01594) 529345
Highcroft House, Woolaston, Lydney
CHEPSTOW (01291) 624939
5 Station Road, Chepstow
• • • •
MONUMENTAL MASONS
• Monumental Showrooms
• Large Stocks Available
• Vases & House Names
www.philipblatchly.co.uk
• • • •
LYDNEY (01594) 842877
Regents Court, Regent Street, Lydney
• • • •
Private Service Chapel
• • • •
INDEPENDENT FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Philip Blatchly
Philip R. Blatchly
CALDICOT (01291) 430468
London House, 14 Chepstow Road, Caldicot
Page 35

J & H DAVIES
Building and Landscaping Services
Over 30 years experience. Based in St Briavels
Block Paving - Wooden and Composite Decking - Patios
Stonework - Brickwork - Hedge and Grass Cutting
Fencing - Extensions and Alterations
Property Maintenance
For a free quotation call or email
01594 531408
billandben01@gmail.com
TUDOR ROSE CARPENTRY
All Aspects of Carpentry and Joinery
Box Sash Repairs and Replacements
Doors, Windows and Kitchens
Wooden Flooring
Bespoke Bedroom Furniture and Wardrobes
For Free Advice and Quotations, contact
R Barnfield
barney.trc@gmail.com
01594 837718 07919 436935
25 The Paddocks, Coleford, GL16 7PX
Page 36

S C GEORGE & SON
Friendly and Reliable.
Brakes,
Tyres,
MOTs,
Welding,
Exhausts
etc.
Diagnostic,
Servicing
Unit 13
Aylburton Business Centre
GL15 6ST
Motor Mechanics:
Shaun and Adam
01594 842366
07902 716000
Page 37

Wednesday Walkers
CHRIS’S FRUIT
& VEG
DELIVERED FRESH TO YOUR
DOOR!
HOME BOX DELIVERIES TOO
TIDENHAM CHASE NP16 7EE
07474 288256 01291 620145
cfveg@msn.com
Perfect Hand Made Christmas Gifts
Find us online at
www.montysgarden.co.uk
Use the code Wooly15 for 15% off and free local
delivery.
Page 38

November
Thirteen of us took to the local
footpaths with sheep grazing, clear
skies and only a few broken footpath
signs.
The following week we went towards
the river which resulted in a very
muddy walk.
At the end of the month, we had a
journey out of the village to the iron
works in Tintern. A very interesting
walk ending with an enjoyable lunch in
The Rose & Crown.
December
The weather was mostly kind to us,
although a bit chilly at times. During
one of our walks we uncovered a very
overgrown path at Woodside.
A Christmas lunch was booked at The
Rising Sun, but once again increasing
cases of Covid prevented the booking
going ahead. However, a Christmas
lunch was still enjoyed by the group,
plus partners, at Tim & Miriam’s
garden room. The Rising Sun provided
us with a fabulous takeaway, which did
us proud.
December ended with a very wet walk
to Clanna.
January
This month started with a very steep
uphill walk towards Woodside. It was
clear, cold, but thankfully dry.
Our ‘Outwalk’ at the end of the month
was to Cinderford Linear Park where
Highland cattle roamed. A park well
worth a visit.
February
First signs of Spring were spotted in
many places around our village.
We enjoyed a very interesting visit
to Slade Brook. The water at Tufa
Dams contains chemicals that make
limestone dams.
March
Plenty of rain at the beginning of this
month.
We visited the daffodil woods at Priors
Mense plus walks around our beautiful
village.
April
Slightly rainy, but luckily when it
poured down, we were safely enjoying
drinks & chips in The Rising Sun.
Even though we manage to have
sweetie stop on the walks, chips are
still ordered.
Anyone interested in joining us? Dogs
welcome, as long as dogs and owners
behave.
We meet on a Wednesday @ 10am
start at The Rising Sun. Just turn up!
Amy BB
Page 39

Seasoned Barn Stored Firewood For Sale
Free Local Delivery
Call:
Daniel Haines 07930 893680 or
Mathew Haines 07930 893678
Love Your Home
Professional
Decorating &
Painting Service
since 1984
Phone Neil
529710
07907 404423
Artisan
Excellent Quality at a Fair Price
Page 40

How are you? That much used phrase,
when we utter these words are we asking
a question, do we really want to know or
is it just a greeting. I sometimes feel like
saying “ How long have you got? or do
you really want to know how I am?”
Looking at our lives today, living
with Covid, the War in Ukraine and
the increasing cost of living crisis we
should all be asking each other How
Are You? with a sense of genuine care
and concern. There are folk in our
village who are not in the best place at
the moment, affected by today’s issues
possible for the first time, the potential
for distress and concern can be found in
almost every household.
Those of us who are neighbourly and
community minded should try to help
by signposting to the agencies that are
available to help. Remember that a cuppa
and a chat is excellent First Aid and
could be more helpful than advice or a
donation.
If you feel that you need support and
have not found help, please contact any
of the following organisations:
Mental Health Crisis
If you or someone you know needs help
in a mental health crisis, you can contact
the Gloucestershire Crisis Teams or call
0800 169 0398. If there is an immediate
danger to life, please dial 999 or go to
your nearest Accident and Emergency
Department.
Samaritans: Call free on 116 123
ChildLine: Call free on 0800 11 11
Gloucestershire Self Harm Helpline: Call
0808 801 0606 or Text 07537 410 022
How are you?
Page 41
Gloucestershire Helpers in the
Community
A really helpful website with lists of lots
of places to find help.
https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/
health-and-social-care/public-health/
gloucestershire-suicide-preventionpartnership/list-of-help/
Gloucestershire Welfare Support Scheme
The fund provides practical support to
eligible adults and families for food, gas/
electricity top ups and household items
such as furniture including white goods/
appliances and furniture.
Call: 0330 123 5550
Email: office@gloucsWRO.co.uk
Age Concern Gloucestershire
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/
gloucestershire
My Black Dog
Founded on the motto “talk to someone
who gets it”. Connecting people who
share lived experiences to provide an
empathetic, non-judgemental space
where everybody understands how
it feels to experience mental health
struggles. www.myblackdog.co
Crossroads Gloucestershire
Rural Isolation is a challenge that
impacts the lives of many people
living in Gloucestershire. Crossroads
are working tirelessly to overcome the
barriers that can create social isolation.
We are running a range of services that
can relieve isolation
https://www.crossroadsglos.org.uk/
training-and-development/socialisolation/
Andrew Morgan-Watts

Across the four companies situated between our two Lydney shops, we offer a bespoke
service and shopping experience for men, women, children, lifestyles and events.
A one stop shop for the entire family, home or special occasion.
AT 19 NEWERNE STREET • LYDNEY • GL15 5RA & ALSO
THE ARCHWAY • NEWERNE STREET • LYDNEY • GL15 5RF
OPEN EVERY DAY (EXCEPT SUNDAY) 9AM - 5PM
The
Dressing
Room
Ladies
Clothes
Boutique
01594 842623
MENSWEAR | WOMENSWEAR
KIDSWEAR | HOMEWARE
01594 844409 07818 083690 07818 083690
Page 42

SECURE SELF STORAGE
DIRECT VEHICILE
ACCESS
7 DAYS A WEEK
ACCESS
24 HOUR CCTV
MONITORING
INSULATED UNITS
AVAILABLE
01594 528224
office@reecer.co.uk
VERMIN TIGHT
VENTILATED
WATER TIGHT
SAFE AND SECURE
REECER GROUP, STROAT, CHEPSTOW, MONMOUTHSHIRE, NP16 7LS
Page 43

WOOLASTON PARISH COUNCIL
Chairman’s Report 2021/2022
Whilst the impact of the Covid pandemic
is much lessened compared to the previous
two years things in Woolaston are still
not completely back to what was normal
although it is good to see that Memorial
Hall use is steady and that local societies
are returning to something of their old
vigour.
Even in these different times some things
are sadly constant; litter in and around the
Parish and an increase in the amount of
dog waste that is not picked up. Both of
these are lamentable and it grieves me that
we have anti-social people in the village
who have no feelings for others. Sadly,
the dog waste bins which are provided
at considerable expense by the Council
are ignored by many irresponsible dog
walkers.
Our excellent litter picker Steve Hamblyn
does a great job and I would like to thank
him for his efforts.
Of great concern of late has been the
rising cost of the services which we
provide. Such things as grass cutting
and the maintenance of the Cemetery
and Churchyard are extremely costly.
The Cemetery and Churchyard are a
considerable burden on the Parishes
finances; in the last two financial years the
Cemetery and Churchyard cost over £7,000
to maintain and to keep safe. These costs
are mostly accrued through tree works in
the Churchyard which we have a statutory
obligation to maintain. It is feared that
the Council will have to make a sizeable
increase in the cemetery fees to partly stem
these considerable outgoings. Collection
of dog waste is another expensive item
running to over £1,500 a year and grass
cutting at over £8,000 per year.
Page 44
We have received our fair share of
planning applications this year although
nothing particularly contentious
compared to previous years. It is sad to
see that the Methodist Chapel has closed
and it will, I am sure, be the subject of
planning applications in the future.
The Council pays for the maintenance
of the Community Orchard as we feel
that it is a valuable community resource
much enjoyed by Parishioners. I am
pleased to say that the Arbourday Trust,
which set up the Orchard, has given just
over £300 for replacement trees and
other works and I thank them for that.
In my report last year I alluded to the
disruption caused by the installation
of internet fibre in the village. This
disruption has mostly ended but, sadly,
some of the outlying parts of the Parish
still have this disruption to come.
We look forward to the Queen’s
Platinum Jubilee and have already
planted a Pink Cherry tree in the
entrance to the village. It will ultimately
be joined by a planter with associated
plaque.
Our Clerk, Gillian, has only been with
us for a few months coming as she did
from a Somerset parish. She came with
excellent references which have proved
spot on as she has certainly kept us on
our toes. I would like to thank her for
her hard work for the Council.
Finally I would like to thank all of the
Councillors for their support and for
their constant efforts to make Woolaston
the great village that it is.
Mick F April 2022

Parish Council - The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
The Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
2 – 5 June 2022
Thu 2 Jun
Woolaston Women’s Institute
and 1 st Woolaston Brownies
“The Great Jubilee CakeBake”
Sat 4 Jun
Time tbc
Unveiling of “Welcome to the
Parish of Woolaston” sign
(All welcome)
Sun 5 Jun
1200 onwards
The Big Woolaston Jubilee Lunch
(Bring your own picnic)
(Picnic stations located at Severn View
Road, Birchwood Rd play area, corner of
Birchwood Rd & Woolaston Common,
outside Netherend Stores, Ash Way Green
and Reddings Close.
For more details: see the parish council website – www.woolaston.org.uk
Page 45

WOOLASTON PARISH COUNCIL
Report Summer 2022
Councillor Mick Fairless has stood
down as Parish Council Chairman after
8 years in the role. Councillor Terina
Riches was elected as the new Chairman
and immediately thanked Mick for his
many achievements and ongoing service
to the Parish. . Mick will be remaining
as a Woolaston parish councillor.
Councillor Mary Greenslade was elected
as Vice Chairman. Full details of parish
councillor roles and contact details are at
the end of this article.
The parish council are dedicated to
continuing to work with the community,
and provide a “Woolaston that everyone
is proud of”, where residents, visitors,
and businesses have a real pride in the
area, and look upon Woolaston as a
“great place to live”. Councillors want
to know what residents want from their
parish council and want you be involved
throughout the year.
At the last Annual Parish Meeting in
April, there were no members of the
public present. The parish council
would like to work towards developing
next year’s Annual Parish Meeting into
an event for sharing community news,
engaging the public and creating closer
ties with the community. It would
also like residents to have a greater
understanding of what the parish council
does, and for residents to feel that they
are served well by the council .
Woolaston Parish Council is keen to hear
YOUR views.
We would like to know what you as
residents, would like your parish council
to achieve.
Community Orchard
Norman Taplin and Robin Larkham,
Trustees of the Arbourday Trust has very
generously donated the sum of £300 to the
parish council be spent on the Community
Orchard. They have asked that the local
school be involved and councillors have
already been in touch with the school and
arrangements are in place.
INDUSTRIAL AND D.I.Y. POWER TOOLS
HIRE - SALES - SERVICE
AEG
STIL
KANGO
BOSCH
LYTE
RELIAGEN
AEG
STIL
BOSCH
KANGO
Tel: 01594 843375
Fax: 01594 844610
EQUIPMENT HIRE SERVICES 15 HIGH STREET LYDNEY GL15 5DP
Page 46

A special thanks is given to Phil
Summers who, in the early days, worked
tirelessly during the early drought
conditions in keeping the orchard alive
– without this, there may not be an
orchard.
The trustees have also expressed their
thanks to both the Memorial Hall
committee and the parish council for
looking after the orchard since its
creation.
Parish Council Budget 2022/2023
Councillors are often asked what the
parish council spends its money on. Most
of the Parish Council’s income comes
from the Council Tax that parishioners
pay. This is referred to as the Parish
Precept.
The remainder of the Council’s income
comes from Burial fees, refund of VAT
paid the previous year and a Litter
Agency Income. The Parish Council
has set a budget of £24,048 for 2022-
2023 with a precept demand of £19,535
from Forest of Dean District Council..
The Parish council share of the precept
is spent on matters relating to Woolaston
and includes:
• maintenance of the cemetery
and closed churchyard
• emptying dog bins
• litter picking within the parish,
keeping roads and pavements clear
• grass cutting and maintenance of
the playing fields, playground,
parklands, and some verges.
• the inspection and management
of all the trees on parish council land
• Office administration (clerk
salary, insurance, office
equipment, audit, Memorial Hall
broadband)
Page 47
WOOLASTON PARISH COUNCIL
CONTACT Woolaston DETAILS Parish Council
www.woolaston.org.uk Contact Details
www.woolaston.org.uk
Chairman – Terina Riches
Cartref, The Common, Woolaston
01594 529815
Vice Chairman – Mary Greenslade
66 Severn View Road, Woolaston
01594 529617
Chair of Planning & Development
Control Committee – Andy Lord
The Covert, Woolaston Woodside
01594 529680
Vice Chair of Planning & Development
Control Committee – Hannah
Greenslade
Smallbrook Cottage, Spout Hill
01594 529016
Parish Clerk – Gillian Orchard Preece
Cone Brook Mill, Cone Valley
Parish.clerk@woolaston.org.uk
01594 529053
Members
David Harris
Rosemont, Woolaston Common
01594 529238
Martin Rose
8 Swainsfield, Woolaston
07789 934452
Mick Fairless
The Reddings, Severn View Road
01594 529309
The parish council meets every 2nd
Thursday of the month, except for
January and August, in the Woolaston
Memorial Hall at 8pm. All members of
the public are welcome to attend.

Forest of Dean District Council
Council Offices Coleford
Tel 810000
DISTRICT COUNCILLORS
Chris McFarling
Lorien Cottage,
St Briavels Common,
GL15 6SE
Phone: 01594 531225
Chris.McFarling@fdean.gov.uk
~~~~~~~~~~~
Maria Edwards
Severndale Farm,
Tidenham Chepstow,
NP167LL
Mobile - 07807 06868
maria.edwards@fdean.gov.uk
~~~~~~~~~~~
Nick Evans
Kinsale,
Gloucester Road,
Tutshill, NP16 7DH
Mobile - 07740 575369
nick.evans@fdean.gov.uk
~~~~~~~~~~~
Helen Molyneaux
Bluff House,
Stoulgrove Lane,
Woodcroft,
Chepstow
NP16 7QE
Phone - 01291 625013
helen.molyneaux@fdean.gov.uk
Page
Advertisment Index
Advertiser
17 Accounting Services
21 A.R.H. Electrical
40 Artisan-painting & decorating
32 Bailey Installations L.t.d
8 Beanhill B&B
48 Ceri Crossland Therapies
18 Common Wood Flowers
38 Chris’s Fruit & Veg
back cover - Ian Watts & Son
Funeral Directors
31 Dean Park- Contractors
46 Equipment Hire Services
35 Funeral Director -Philip Blatchly
13 Country Lodge Cars
28 Gazebo Hire.
17 Greetings to your Home
21 Howats Chimney sweep Ltd
30 J.A.P.S. -John Anderson
plans/design
36 J&H Davies-building & landscape
Services
28 Lottery advert
18 Lydney Tyres
38 Monty’s Garden
inside front cover - The Netherend Inn
31 Oak Barn Therapies - B. Jones
29 ReeceR Topsoil
43 ReeceR Self storage
20 Right on time- watch/clock repair
37 S.C. George & Son
40 Seasoned Fire Wood
19 Swan House Tea Rooms
inside back cover - S.W.M. Insulation &
building supplies
33 TruMarketing
42 The Dressing Room
20 The Studio
28 Trunk Arb - Tree surgery
36 Tudor Rose - Carpentry
34 Viney Hall - Physiotherapy
34 Woolaston Inn Gurkha
30 Wyevern Garage
Thank you to all of our contributors for this edition of the Wooly News.
It has been put together by John Anderson,
Andy Morgan-Watts and Yvonne Thompson
It has been delivered to your door by Andrew and Steve our local posties
Page 48

BUILDING
SUPPLIES
IN LYDNEY
BUILDERS MERCHANT
TOWN STATION • HILL STREET
LYDNEY • GLOS • GL15 5HL
01594 842 428
sales@swminsulations.co.uk
www.swminsulations.co.uk
Lydney
Space
Station
CONTAINER HIRE FOR
YOUR STORAGE SOLUTIONS
01594 842428
space@swminsulations.co.uk

Ian Watts & Son Ltd
Independent Funeral Directors
Est 1968
• 24 Hour Personalised Service
• Free home visits • No unnecessary costs
• Free friendly advice and assistance with a wide
range of funeral grants • Helping Families in all
areas • Male & Female Funeral Directors
• Huge range of memorials • Funeral Plans
“Respect & Dignity are at the
heart of everything we do”
01291 420972 • 07947 847277
07977 092935
joannehume@icloud.com
www.ianwattsandson.com