The Atherstone Ball game is an ancient Shrove Tuesday tradition in which the people of this normally sleepy rural North Warickshire Town awaken and literally brawl over a large ball up and down the towns small ancient streets.

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Peter Playdon of Throckmortons bookshop in The Market Square made his comments to The Reporter after a recent Chamber of Trade meeting. He said,

“After the initial chaos and departure of James Hanna coupled with the recent closure of the “Sit a While” book store the concept of Atherstone as a Book Town is dead. However individual book sellers continue to trade and make a living.”

Following on from a visit to Scotland’s only Booktown, Wigtown in South West Scotland, a party from Atherstone were invited to a conference in Bécherel, near Renne in Brittany. For six months the two book towns of Wigtown and Bécherel have been conducting an investigation into all aspects of being a ‘Booktown’. The investigation was funded by European money and the conference on October 20 th was the final presentation of the results. It was felt that as Atherstone’s Booktown is in its infancy it would be useful to hear of the problems and triumphs during Bécherel’s 20 years and Wigtown’s 10 years selling second-hand books.

Atherstone was represented at the French conference by Gwyneth and Martin Short, booksellers, their son, David, Councillor Anne Forwood, Councillor Lorna Dirveiks and her husband, Neil. The Atherstone group were made to feel very much part of the event with the French Mayor, M. Bernard Leroy, accepting a book and greetings from Atherstone Booktown and in return presenting the two councillors with a Bécherel ‘goody bag’ and gallic kisses on both cheeks!

The serious part of the day was to present the findings of the investigation and this was done in both languages and in printed form so it can be passed on to those interested in moving the book town forward. More informal views were passed on at lunch in a local hotel and at dinner on a moonlit Mount St. Michel.

At the heart of the initiative is the desire to give every child the chance to experience the power of music, thereby creating more opportunities for them to enjoy music either as a life-long pleasure, as a performer, or perhaps even to develop a career for themselves in the music industry.

Dave said,

“Music has always had the power to enrich and inspire and at Clive’s Pop Music Schools we are particularly keen to support one of the central tenets of the Music Manifesto which is that music can promote the development of imagination, discipline, teamwork and determination in children, qualities that we have - as a business - always focussed on, alongside the teaching of instruments”.

Dave is also creating considerable excitement within the area’s community of musicians, with the unique offer of unusual and rewarding part-time jobs for locally talented people who want to train to become tutors at his local pop music schools;

“We are particularly interested in recruiting vocal tutors but also guitar, keyboard and drum tutors. Anyone interested should either visit clivesmusic.com or call me on 01455 845479. I’m looking forward to giving local musicians the unique chance to supplement their incomes doing something that they will really enjoy!” he said.

Adrian Edgington, Mayor of North Warwickshire for 2006/7 raised a record breaking £12,272 during his Mayoral year. The Mayor’s two charities, which were Childline and Young Carers, have already received their allocations of £3,865 and £4,200. North Warwickshire charities in need of a cash boost can now apply for a share of the remaining £4,207.

Applications should be submitted by 18th January 2008 and forms are available from Angela Camps, Secretary to the Director of Resources, North Warwickshire Borough Council, The Council House, South Street, Atherstone CV9 1BD or email: angelacamps@northwarks.gov.uk

Grendon library in Little Brum, Grendon, a handrail was damaged and the slabs beneath also damaged Bedworth Heath library in Heath Road, Bedworth, was closed after seven large double windows were damaged on the Smarts Road side of the building and two further windows were broken at the front. The estimated cost of repairs to the library is £3,000.

At Keresley Newland library, in Bennetts Road, Keresley End, eight double-glazed windows were broken. All three incidents took place on the same night.

Police say youths have been seen gathering under the library canopies and they would like to hear from any of them who may have information to help the inquiry.

Detective Sergeant Mick Reardon said:

“It’s important to prevent this problem escalating. To help us do this, I would ask that the public are vigilant and keep a look out for potential problems. Parents should also make sure they know where their children are and what they are doing during the evenings.”

He added:

“Investigations into all three incidents are ongoing and extra patrols are being carried out by safer neighbourhood team officers to prevent further damage in the area.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone the crime desk at Bedworth police station on 02476 643 111, extension 3432.

Mr Treadwell, aged 64, who lives in Whitehall Close, Hartshill, near Nuneaton, has designed one of a series of stone markers for the picturesque 25-mile route. His design will be on one of 18 stones which will adorn the new North Arden Heritage Trail.

It is a design symbolising Hartshill - a hart or stag straddling a hillside.

He joined 23 people from Hartshill, Baddesley and Atherstone who took part in a stone-carving event at St Nicholas Church Hall in Baddesley. Each of the team first sketched a picture depicting their own thoughts of North Warwickshire’s heritage - and Mr Treadwell’s idea proved a hit.

Under the guidance of artist Michael Disley, the images were then carved into the stones. The 18 stones feature carvings ranging from hats to clock towers. The trail is being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and aims to establish a 25-mile walking route.

The start date is subject to delivery of brand new rail stock (shown right) known as Desiro and manufactured in Germany.

New 100mph Super Lightweights

The Desiros can travel at 100mph and offer air conditioning, wider seats, advanced passenger information systems, CCTV, plus facilities for disabled passengers. They are part of a new generation of light, modular trains which have become widespread in many European countries; sometimes referred to as “light train”. These trains are relatively cheap to build and operate. Fast acceleration makes them suitable for train services with a short station distance. However, they are sometimes criticized for their lack of passenger comfort.

They are already used for some Birmingham to Coventry, Rugby and Northampton trains - and will be extended to more West Coast Main Line services.

The changes will also mean more trains - cut back in recent years for engineering work - on Trent Valley local services serving Stafford, Rugeley, Lichfield, Tamworth, Atherstone and Nuneaton.

The service is expected to be on a hourly basis with a journey time to London of 90 minutes

Opens up opportunities says Councillor Freer.

Commenting on the news, town councillor Lorraine Freer said,

“We need to be planning now for this new service. Extra car parking land is available near to the station and and as a council we have an obligation to make sure that the site is ready on time. This is good news for Atherstone and opens up opportunities for the traders in the town, together with the prospect of general economic growth within the area.”

St Clement is the patron saint of hat-makers and, in the old days, workers used to decorate the factory workrooms and hold a tea party with dancing. The tradition was revived four years ago with the church party.

The Rev Pauline Warner, who hosted the party, said:

“This event is not only an opportunity for former colleagues to meet again but a celebration of a very important aspect of the history of Atherstone.”

Successful and experienced voice tutors from the Warwickshire County Council’s Music Service, which sponsored the event, tutored the boys. Garry Jones, Director of the County Music Service, said:

“The day was a huge success. Over 80 boys came and spent a day working very hard. The quality of their singing and standard of music performed was very high. All present agreed that this day marked the beginning of a new and exciting singing group in the area, and one which will attract a great deal of interest both locally and nationally.”He added: “CMS choirs reach very high standards - our top choir performed at the National Festival this year and all our other groups are in great demand. We are delighted that at last we have a boys’ choir to add to our singing successes.”

Sheila Russell, Head of Voice and Choral with the County Music Service, said: “We have been amazed by the huge response and believe we are on the way to establishing one of the top county boys choirs in the country.”

The future of the choir is looking promising and a ‘launch’ concert is in the pipeline to mark the official beginning of the Warwickshire County Boys Choir. Top quality singers and directors, who are all highlyexperienced in developing young people’s voices, rehearse with all county singing groups.

Details of any group can be obtained by contacting the County Music Service on 01926742630

County councillors representing North Warwickshire will be meeting on Wednesday to decide whether to instal the traffic calming measures in Church Road, Hartshill.

Two areas of bollards on the footpath are also being proposed to keep the path clear for parents and children

Professional receiver David Campbell, 42, of Red Lane, Burton Green, Kenilworth, was jailed for three years in May after he admitted conspiring to handle stolen property. But a hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act was adjourned for an investigation into his financial affairs. A hearing last month, when it was claimed Campbell had benefited to the tune of £840,000, was adjourned for discussions between the prosecution and defence.

Recorder John Aucott made a confiscation order for £8,903, with the cash to be paid within 14 days and the balance by the end of November next year, with Campbell facing a further six months in jail in default.

During the original hearing the court was told Campbell was ‘a well-organised receiver of stolen goods which he would sell for a profit.’ His business was based at a unit at Tib Hall Farm near Hurley in North Warwickshire.

The appeal, by David Wilson Homes, relates to 73 South Street.

It is against the council’s decision to refuse planning consent for the scheme.

The government’s Planning Inspectorate, based in Bristol, has confirmed that it will be appointing an inspector to consider the appeal at a public inquiry.

New Mills AFC 1
Atherstone Town 3
Attendance: 234

Atherstone made the trip to North Derbyshire hoping to maintain their own unbeaten start to the season and book a place in the next round and ended up doing so thanks to a Roy Dunkley hat trick.

On a fantastic pitch in a ground set in the Peak district with a view to match, the Adders kicked off and signalled their intentions from the start. As in the first minute Nathan Jones hit the outside of the post after some good hold up play from Roy Dunkley.

Just minutes later again the Adders who were dominating proceedings went close with the tenacious Luke Barlone flashing a cross/shot across the face of goal.

The Adders travelling faithful however didn’t have to wait long to see their hero’s take the lead. With 8 minutes on the clock Nathan Jones broke down the left and sent over an awkward cross which the home keeper could only half clear and Roy DUNKLEY tapped the ball home from 6 yards out.

With the North Warwickshire boys controlling the game with the commanding Leigh Everitt orchestrating things from the back, Ginnellys reds seemed certain to double their lead. But on 16 minutes a rear break from the hosts which was quickly stopped and resulted with Danny Haynes picking up his first booking of the campaign.

Shortly before the interval Atherstone again went close after great play down the right by Ezekiel Tomlinson gave Chris Tullin the opportunity to send over a good cross, which wasn’t converted.

The start of the second stanza saw the hosts up their work rate in a bid to try and compete with the adders. On 51 minutes however the visitors again went close to doubling their lead when Luke Barlone went agonisingly close after a Haynes up and under caused problems for the home defence.

In the 54th minute it was disaster time for the visitors as Stuart McGILL seized a half chance to head the ball home past Richard Williams in the Adders goal.

With hosts buoyed by the equaliser they began to enjoy a short spell of dominating the possession, but the Adders battling spirit was their for all to see.

With just 20 minutes remaining it was the visitors celebrating! A hopeful through ball was played into the penalty area, which should have been easily cleared wasn’t – and Roy DUNKLEY was on it in an instant and slotted the ball past the oncoming keeper into the net, and came and celebrated in front of the Atherstone travelling supporters congregated behind the goal at the clubhouse end of the ground.

In the 81st minute the game was made safe as the current Midland Alliance league leaders added a third. Roy Dunkley chased a through ball and despite being clattered in the process, DUNKLEY fired home his and the Adders third of the day as his shinned shot evaded the grasp of the home keeper and found the back of the net.

The final whistle saw scenes over celebration from the Atherstone players and supporters a like. With Jimmy Ginnellys unbeaten Adders boys leaving the field to rapturous applause from the 60+ travelling fans who had given New Mills their biggest attendance of season.

The delighted Adders secretary Steve Clark said,

This was a massive win for the club today. New Mills were unbeaten this season and would have really fancied their chances of turning us over. Jimmy and Craig have now put together a great side and they have a fantastic team spirit and that went along way today. It’s not only nice because of the prize money but it’s also great for the people of Atherstone, who have followed the club through the good times and the bad

Report by Steve Clark at Church Lane

Atherstone Team: R Williams, Tullin, Reece, Haynes, Everitt (Capt), Wells, Tomlinson, Jones, Barlone, Dunkley, Civzelis. SUBS: Beale, Wood, Long, G Williams, Francis

With a menu offering 2 or 3 course meals, with vegetarian options, the evening offers a chance to browse their books and socialise Atherstone’s booksellers. Sandra Willis, manager of the Booktown Bistro, said:

“We hope that this will become a regular event in our calendar. It’s a great opportunity for a mid-week treat, combining book-browsing with good food and good company. Plus people interested in the Booktown project can take the opportunity to chat to the booksellers in an informal setting.”

Guests are welcome to bring their own wine (corkage will be charged), but space is limited so booking is essential.

2 courses: £7.50
3 courses: £10.00

Opening times: 6.30pm – 9.00pm
For enquiries and reservations please call 01827 718356

The Booktown Bistro is located in Atherstone College on Ratcliffe Road, Atherstone

Town councillors were told that ther was no estimate on the number of licensed premises holding the required license for drinking outside premises on the pavement.

Cllr. Geoff Taylor siad,

We must be careful not to be seen to be picking on pubs in this matter.

Cllr Ray Jarvis however said,

Public houses are taking over the pavements.

His work for the Town Council included the achievement of Quality Status for the Council, and successful bids for over £166,000 in grant funding for local services and facilities. He stalwartly managed the cemetery, play areas and allotments and overall carried out the administration of the Council to a very high standard.

Atherstone Town Mayor, Councillor Amanda Macchi, presented Chris with a personal gift of garden furniture on behalf the town’s 15 councillors, and said

“It has been a great pleasure for us all working with Chris. He has achieved a great deal for the Council and will be a hard act to follow. We all wish him the very best for a long and fruitful retirement”.

Sandra Cawthra, previously the Trainee Town Clerk, has achieved the qualification in Local Council Administration and has been appointed as the new Town Clerk.

A 28 year old Atherstone woman who assaulted a 77 year old pensioner and stole her purse was sentenced to a 3 1/2 years prison term at Coventry Crown Court on Wednesday 25th July.

Macala Bannister approached the victim as she walked into Atherstone Town on 19th May, asking her for change. When the victim took out her purse Bannister callously pushed her over, grabbed the purse and ran off. Officers from the local Safer Neighbourhood Team immediately responded, containing and searching the area. Despite her attempts to evade them, Bannister was located near to the A5 and arrested. In court Bannister admitted stealing the purse but denied assaulting the victim. However, after hearing the victim’s account, the Court dismissed Bannister’s attempt to minimise the violence used by her.

Detective Inspector Richard Denny said,

“Fortunately street robberies such as this are rare in North Warwickshire. However, it is particularly odious that a woman should attack a vulnerable pensioner in this way under the guise of asking for help. Bannister’s arrest is testimony to the effectiveness of the local Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team. Her lengthy sentence will protect the community from harm by her for a considerable period and hopefully deter others from acting similarly”.

Police Sergeant Roger Fildes, manager of the local Safer Neighbourhood Team added

“I am particularly happy with the contribution of local Safer Neighbourhood Officers PC John Finney and PC Chris Smith in this matter. Committed to protecting their communities from harm, one of their primary functions, they were acutely aware of the impact this offence had on the victim. They used their considerable local knowledge to anticipate where the offender may go and acted quickly. Their instincts were correct, they located a person matching the description given and detained her. Their actions were fundamental in bringing this matter to a successful conclusion. This is a good example of Safer Neighbourhood teams responding to the needs of the community and working effectively in their response. “

District Commander Chief Inspector Mike Naughton summed up the thoughts of his staff

“Taking advantage and assaulting vulnerable members of our Communities is despicable and will not be tolerated. The sentence passed by the Court reflects the very serious nature of this offence and I trust will provide reassurance that working together we can better Protect our Communities”.

The overnight torrential rain and further predicted downpours led to the cancellation on safety issues.

However unbowed and undefeated the carnival committee have vowed to stage the event “later in the year” and are already involved in organising a suitable date.

The whole exercise is in memory of Dave’s late wife Mary who passed away with cancer aged 60 .The three cyclists (with a combined age 0f 200 years) will fly to California on June 12th and will leave San Francisco on the 14th. They expect to cover nearly 4000 miles , travel- ing through desert, plains and mountain ranges. They will climb to a maximum altitude of 11312 ft and expect tempera- tures to soar to 49 degrees C on certain parts of the journey.

Coventry men, Brian Vickers (72) and Roger Shelborn (63) will accompany Dave on the charity ride. All three of them have ridden together before in Tus- cany and Austria and all three have com- pleted the Land’s End to John O’ Groats journey.

Dave was keen to point out that all sponsorship money raised will go to Breast Cancer causes.

All three of us are paying our own expenses., including flights and accommodation, although we expect to spend most nights under canvas .Our journey will take us from San Francisco across nine states to Yorktown near Washington DC. We expect to be in the saddle for 72 days covering an average of 53 miles a day, this will give us a grand total of 3782 miles cycled before we return to the UK on September the 9th.

After the official opening by the Borough Mayoress assisted by the deputy chairman of the Town Council, Atherstone Marching Band started proceedings with their usual polished performance.

The event was centred on the Market Square, where various charity stalls vied for the public’s attention. Everything from animal welfare organisations to local interest groups.Prizes were awarded for the best stalls. Also in attendance were exhibits from Ferret welfare groups and Owls.

The local amateur dramatic group gave an enjoyable live show with a music hall theme and an hilarious skit on the TV show “Last of the summer wine”.

Nuneaton Dog Obedience group bought along some of their canine stars who also put on a superb display.

Dancers from The Wendy Moreton Academy of Dance took to the centre of the square and gave an energetic, colourful and professional routine.

Dr. Who and his friend K9 patroled the area, K9 decided to enter the dog show later and won a prize. St Mary’s church hosted several interesting displays, including an antique valuation panel provided by Winterton’s of Lichfield.

This year’s Carnival Queen and Princess escorts were chosen by a top hat draw, carried out by former holders of the title going back to as far as 1969.

MP, Mike O’Brien ably assisted by his daughter Caroline judged the Atherstone Crufts allcomer dog show. When asked by Recorder Editor, Geoff Wilding if choosing a winner for the dog show was any more difficult than choosing the Deputy Leader of The Labour Party, he replied with tongue in cheek,

“Well at least the candidates do not need to have a glossy coat, a wagging tail or attractive eyes. But they all of course are best in their class”.

Download Mike O’Brien Audio Clip - .wav file 640kb