Infected Horse Chestnut Trees
The four horse chestnut trees in the churchyard and the
tree next to the bus shelter are infected with the
larvae of Cameraria ohridella, or horse chestnut
leaf miner, a moth that is spreading across the southern
half of England. The larvae mine within the leaves,
which eventually shrivel and drop off as early as the
middle of August.
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The Forestry Commission
states: Far from being dead, though, the trees are
probably still healthy. Infested trees do not look
pretty, but they are well able to withstand the
damage, and will re-flush normally next year. |
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Horse chestnut trees
are also under threat from another disease,
bleeding canker, which causes lesions that
ooze liquid from the trunk. One of the trees in
the churchyard clearly show signs of disease but
it may not be this particular fatal disease.
24/07/08
Click images for an enlarged view. |
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Felmersham Wedding |
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On
Saturday 28th June 2008 the marriage of Miss Emma Louise
Gee and Mr Simon Roger Clark at St Mary's Church,
Felmersham. |
Autumn Show Schedule
Maggie Spoor has published the entry schedule for the 10th
Autumn Show to be held in Pinchmill Hall on Sunday 14
September 2008. There are 46 Adult classes and 14 children's
classes ranging in age from the under fours to 16 years
old, so there really is something for everybody. So why not
join in the fun and help make the 10th Autumn Show a success.
Download the Show
Schedule (PDF format)
26/06/08
Additional Bus
From last Monday 9 June, we have an extra evening bus home
from Bedford. This runs as route 136 at 19.35 (bus station bay
10), calls at the railway station at 19.38 and then takes the
scenic route via Bromham, Stevington, Harrold and Sharnbrook
before reaching Felmersham at approximately 20.22 and then
Radwell.
Wildflower Walk -
Blossoming Knowledge
The Felmersham and Radwell P3 group would like to say a very big
thank you to Laurie Jones, lifelong botanist and Felmersham
resident, for guiding an enthusiastic group of around a dozen
villagers around the botanical wonders of Harrold Odell Country
Park on Saturday 14th June 2008.
For a report of the walk plus photos, See
Blossoming Knowledge.
26/6/08
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Joyce Franklin
After a short illness Joyce Franklin passed away on Sunday
20 July. Joyce was 81 years old.
An Obituary.
| Successful
Open Gardens |
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Radwell Open
Gardens for the British Red Cross on Sunday 13 July was a huge
success with over 200 visitors and £1,251.48 being raised. 8
contrasting gardens were open for 3½ hours with favourable
weather. A BBQ followed, hosted by another
Radwell resident, to end a very busy day.
Report: Paul Keeble.
Photo: Margaret Jones 15 July
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Parish
Council Notes - July Meeting
Matters arising at the meeting of Felmersham and Radwell
Parish Council on 1st July included a report that the litter
bins attached and adjacent to the various bus shelters in the
parish are still not being emptied. The Clerk will contact DSD
once again.
Highways.
Peter Hartop and Marjorie Pipe reported on their meeting with
four representatives of Bedfordshire Highways. The Parish
Council had a number of points to raise including poor
maintenance of roadside grips which led to localised flooding,
pot holes, damaged road edges, overgrown verges, overhanging
vegetation, speeding traffic and the unsatisfactory
resurfacing of the road between Radwell and Milton Ernest.
County Council Highways promised to address these issues.
Other highway
matters reported - Radwell Road often now flooded, possibly
due to a collapsed culvert. Councillors were unhappy with the
poor finish applied to the recently resurfaced Marriotts
Close. There will be road closures affecting Harrold bridge,
Carlton Road and Odell High Street through August and into
September. Residents are advised to look out for signs. Roads
will be closed from 9.30am to 15.00.
The proposed
speed activated sign in Felmersham would need to be solar
powered as there is no electricity supply. The ‘give way’
white lines at Radwell bridge are to be re-painted.
Planning.
The Parish Council had received thanks from the Borough
for its contribution to the consultation process of the Local
Development and Rural Issues Plan. Peter Hartop reported that
the proposed travellers caravan site at Bletsoe had been
rejected by the planning committee after a two hour meeting.
Radwell.
Mrs Keeble was very pleased with the new seat on Radwell
Green. It was explained that the tiled surface could not be
repaired – problems with adhesion. The old County Council
notice board is to be removed. Street light globes are dirty
and need cleaning. The willow tree at the approach to Radwell
bridge was causing some motorists problems. Mrs Keeble
reported that there was a notice in the ‘phone box to say it
was to be removed. She also asked why there were no “No cold
calling” signs in Radwell – answer: this was a Borough Council
initiative. The Clerk will try to get signs for Radwell.
Finance.
Following his letter to the Rural Affairs committee, Peter
Hartop is to have a site meeting with Councillor Clifton and
Mr Simpkins regarding the play equipment grant.
Notes written by
Cllr Maggie Spoor 12/7/08
Date of next meeting – 2nd September, 7.30 pm in
Pinchmill Committee Room |
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