Forshaw Heath & Earlswood BoD in Warwickshire

Enough about worrying about other peoples ICT Technology Strategy. I think I will get back to concentrating on my own ICT Strategy. Always check who you are sending emails to before you hit the send button. I failed miserably today at work and sent the right email to the wrong person. Just a gentle reminder to all that sometimes when your in a rush things can go pear shaped. I decided to have a clear out of my Twitter account yesterday as I felt I may just be following the wrong people and left those that I am genuinely interested in and those that have something interesting to say about their Local Communities and Business. I have also had updated About my blog as I don't feel some of it is relevant any more. Broadband appears to be being addressed by County Council as does the Warwickshire Police presence on Social Media. So all I am left with is what I started off with in the first place. My own pondering s and rambling Our own Local Community Oh and a few good ...

http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/Web/corporate/pages.nsf/Links/0B0606330470230F8025713B003DF212/$file/ICTStrategy2007-2012.pdf Anyone passing by might just be interested.  Blimey its like finding a needle in a haystack, Phew at long last. Perhaps after reading it I may understand a little bit more.

OMG I am so slow off the mark which is more than can be said about my next topic of conversation. I was only to pleased to hear that Warwickshire Police had delivered a crushing blow to the Street Racers in the Hams Hall area. I picked it up on Twitter and then went and read the report provided and look at the video provided. It scared me just watching the video then I got even more scared when I looked at the list and how far some of these videos dated back and to be honest I was horrified. Some of these videos go back as far as 2000/2001! I have a question? Why has it taken 10/11 years for authorities to deliver a crushing blow to such anti social driving behaviour in this area? I would hardly call it a crushing blow after so many years. http://onlinenews.warwickshire.police.uk/wpnews_pressrelease/warwickshire-police-deliver-a-crushing-blow-to-hams-hall-car-cruisers/13478

Well I tried doing a whats on Calendar on my Blog but must admit the responsibility of administrating it was a bit off putting as specially if things were cancelled or postponed In anycase why reinvent the wheel it was already  available Warwickshire County Council had provided such a tool for event organisers. Some of you may find the below useful for publising events in Warwickshire. http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/events

Please be advised this is as close as it gets to Forshaw Heath and Earlswood Henley and Studley Community Forum Published on behalf of Stratford District Council By Warwickshire Police http://onlinenews.warwickshire.police.uk/wpnews_pressrelease/rss/13483 The next Henley and Studley Community Forum takes place on on Thursday 7 July at 7pm at The Dorothea Mitchell Hall, Station Road, Claverdon, CV35 8PH. There is also a local surgery that takes place between 6.30pm to 7pm prior to the forum, where you can speak to your local policing Safer Neighbourhoods Team. Items on the agenda include: ·Parking in High Street, Henley-in-Arden – a multi-partner approach to the continuing problem’ and ·a Public Sector budget update including the Library Service Review and the Transformation of the Youth Service. Come along, have your say, take part in the debate and find out what is happening to local services in your area. The Community Forum of Henley and Studley includes the par...

http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/superfastbroadband The link now works

I just have to share this with you all.

I decided to pop up links to surrounding Parish Councils as Earlswood & Forshaw Heath is on the outskirts of Stratford Up On Avon and is part of the Tanworth In Arden Ward.  It borders on Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and Bromsgrove District Council. In fact they are all so close I could walk to any one of them and to all intents and purposes what ever they do on the outskirts of their Parishes  could well affect what happens on the edge of our Parish. I must admit I am impressed with the quality of the websites clean easy to navigate, professional,informative and mostly up to date.

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http://revjayne.blogspot.com I have a soft spot for Earlswood Methodist Church.

This little fellow or fellowess crossed my path and really didn't take much notice of me. I am not sure if s/he had a brief encounter with the cat.  S/He wasn't marked in any way I didn't really know what to do with it. I couldn't leave it where it was as it was easy cat fodder My decision was to pick it up and tuck out the cat's way in the undergrowth where it appeared to be heading. Fingers crossed I hope s/he catches its breath and finds its way home. 

Well here I am almost back to normal and scribbling away quite happily. It's wedding season and the noise has started again.  Which p**** gave a B&B permission to have an entertainment licence in the middle of no where.  Last Saturday the noise slowly got louder and louder and by 11 ish I was once again hearing the awful racket and the bloke on his microphone I obviously don't begrudge people getting married and having their evening celebrations, I don't begrudge a local business trying to make a living.  What I do begrudge is the noise and wonder why permission was granted for a local business to make money to the detrimental affect of the quality of life to those living close by. I am expecting the same tonight, LOL It worse than the Women grunting at Wimbledon they have a noise machine to measure their grunts

Sometimes you just have to share something with someone.  I work for a small organisation that appears to have accumulated  a fair amount of redundant IT equipment. It all works it just never got disposed of when upgrades etc happened .  Circumstances dictate that we are moving and we didn't want to take all those things we had saved over the past few years with us.  We have not got the right Bins at work to just throw the stuff in a Bin.  I was left wondering how much it would cost for the removal of our redundant IT equipment.  A quick Google search provided me with the solution to my problem. Let me introduce you to a Free Of Charge Green Disposal Service. GREEN IT DISPOSAL  - Click Here For Info They did exactly what they said they were going to do.  What's more in our case they did it within 24hrs no hassle, great customer service from the initial phone call to the collection of our homeless IT. I think we may have been lucky a...

I don't quite know what to write in this post although I know I want to write something.  I haven't been on Twitter very long anyone reading back through my blog will find I had real issues with using it or even finding a use for it in the beginning.  I am willing to back track and say I find Twitter really useful in delivering short messages and raising awareness.  I am willing to say I think it has it's uses.  I have also as of Sunday learn't that tweeting on a mobile could be be useful Obviously it's not a discussion forum but it is a platform for raising awareness what ever your interest may be. Local Community Local Business Socialising Events Just Fun News I feel and I may be wrong Twitter is for spreading a message quickly and raising awareness and connecting like minded people. What they do with a connection is up to them. But what is really good is just for once knowing there are like minded people out there that have similar issues and co...

Now this little gem was introduced to me quite a while ago it is totally free and I have used it for several years.  Once again mainly for training on software systems for my small team and reporting back to the IT department on any blips. I love Jing. This little tool allows me to take screen shots, write on screen shots, it allows me to build quick how to examples and it all lives in a little tool that lives at the to of my screen. I can commentate whilst trying to show someone how to do something on a computer. There is a small download to your PC but after 4 years of using it I have never encountered any problems. So if you just want to build an interactive manual for users or record errors for an IT department instead of a long winded email. If you want to give IT lessons this tool is fantastic. I love it and have had Jing at work and at home. Great piece of free reliable software  http://www.techsmith.com/jing/

By Dan Essex Of Shilton Click Here For Blog The poor broadband line speeds that are being experienced by too many people in the county (including in Shilton and Barnacle) mean that we are increasingly being left behind as more and more public services, as well as social/leisure services, are being delivered on websites that need highspeed broadband availability to make full the use of. Questionnaires need to be completed by 30 June. Click here to complete the questionnaire if you a a business, or here if you're completing it as a local resident. I would urge everyone to do this, as it all helps in getting the evidence needed to securing funding to improve line speeds. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/cwsSuperfastBP

Police Message Posted with Permission We have had 3 incidents reported in the past week in the Forshaw Heath area of Earlswood. Incidents were; A shed being entered on 2 nights but nothing was taken. A garage door forced and a Petrol Mower and Chainsaw taken as well as a power drill. Insecure car entered and bag removed from boot. Bag and contents were recovered with exception of wallet and its contents. All offences are believed to have happened late on Monday or early Tuesday last week. Similar offences have been reported in surrounding areas also. It may be worthwhile to check sheds and garages to ensure they have not been entered and items removed. It has been reported that sheds have been entered but nothing taken, this also needs reporting as a crime. On a positive note, following a burglary in Forshaw Heath at the end of May, a male has been arrested on suspicion of burglary, and investigations are continuing. There is to be a trial run of mobile Police surgeries over the sum...

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Please note this is the Report Of The Meeting as provided via email  and are not the minutes- I am not quite sure of the difference! The Parish Council met on Thursday 19th May 2011 at 19.30 hours in Tanworth Village Hall. One member of the public was present, together with County Councillor Perry. County Councillor Perry gave the following report: Councillor Perry confirmed that Simon Prescott had contacted Clerk White regarding the proposed improvements to the crossroads at the junction of Valley Road and Shutt Lane. Clerk White confirmed his attendance at the next meeting on June 2nd to present the proposed improvements. Councillor Perry suggested holding a public meeting following on from the meeting on June 2nd, Councillor Willmott confirmed that this could be arranged and made a suggestion that the information regarding the plans be displayed in Earlswood Village Hall for a time and to have Parish Councillors, Councillor Perry and tree officials on hand to answer any queries...

I really can't make my mind up how many posts to have on a page! should I do 1 post per page or should I do one days posts as there may be more than one post per day, what a conundrum. Or do I just let them run on to infinity  there are so many choices and I really do not know which one to make.  I Must admit I'm pleased today I have at long last got one of my photos to be the background to my blog that's a bonus. The photo of the daisies was taken at Earlswood Station on the mobile. I have also managed to add a contact me button for email which I am quite pleased about. One day I may just be happy with my blog and stop tinkering with it. I have said it before and I often mutter to myself when my favourite websites change their layout. Here I am doing exactly the same. I am now debating whether to have the comments box open. I am not sure if anyone would really want to comment on my ramblings. I suppose I could give it a go. I am also still p...

Tweeting not Twitching – Neighbourhood Watch unveil plans for a new future | Neighbourhood Watch and Home Watch Network | The only official national Neighbourhood Watch and Home Watch website I just love this Blogger button now all I need is our NHW to participate I am not to sure if they will like the idea. It can't hurt to mention it to them

Blogger Buzz: Blog This! Just trying out the blogger button for Chrome. I have decided I like the blogger button and am going to keep it. A useful little tool read about it in the link above

Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting was held at Earlswood Village Hall on Monday 16 th  May. Chairman Ron Hill reported on the workshops (mammals / butterflies and moths / wildflower), walks (dawn chorus / autumn / bluebell) and the activity nights (moths and bats) which have taken place since the last AGM and which were well attended    - 23 at the last bat night which was enjoyed by all! He also reported on the progress made with the tern raft project and the installation of 70+ bat boxes. A presentation was given by Chris Redstall of Keep Britain Tidy (Waterside Care Project Officer) who spoke about the urgent need to clean up the lake feeder streams and remove the invasive Himalayan Balsam. If you would be prepared to help in this project please let us know and working parties can then be arranged in conjunction with Chris and the Residents Association. Moth Traps As you may know EWP have 5 Moth Traps and identification books, supplied from the funding s...

First of all I have to admit I thought I had met our Local Policeman, he is a very nice person and well liked within our community.  I went to a Police surgery to find out why Warwickshire Police appeared not to be participating or engaging in Social Media like many of our neighbouring Police Forces.  Poor guy must of thought I was a member of the public from hell.  What I didn't realise was our Local Policeman was a PCSO. I have absolutely nothing against that, he is visible, approachable, informative and helpful.  In fact I didn't realise he was a PCSO until having read our Parish Council Minutes. I am also guilty and I hold my hands up of not knowing what the responsibilities of a PCSO were. Call it ignorance and I am sorry to all PCSOs. I suppose my question is this person is doing exactly what is required of him, but who supports him? Can anyone answer the question? What is the difference between a Special Constable and a ...

Sourced By wiK please click link for full story whatsinKenilworth: Teenager Missing in Warwick - POLICE APPEAL to PUB... : "Missing for 5 days Concern for missing teenager in Warwick Incident 124, June 9 Police are concerned for the welfare of a Warwick teen..."

The first two follow on from the bluebells and then the Buttercups now I have Daisies in abundance The second two taken this morning 5am taking the Dog a walk if you look hard you may be able to see him I just love the last photo and it gave me a stark reminder of the web and how it works As always photos taken by me please feel free to use if required

I am not quite sure what the difference between a report and Minutes are but this is a Report. The Parish Council met on Thursday 19th May 2011 at 19.30 hours in Tanworth Village Hall. One member of the public was present, together with County Councillor Perry. County Councillor Perry gave the following report: Councillor Perry confirmed that Simon Prescott had contacted Clerk White regarding the proposed improvements to the crossroads at the junction of Valley Road and Shutt Lane. Clerk White confirmed his attendance at the next meeting on June 2nd to present the proposed improvements. Councillor Perry suggested holding a public meeting following on from the meeting on June 2nd, Councillor Willmott confirmed that this could be arranged and made a suggestion that the information regarding the plans be displayed in Earlswood Village Hall for a time and to have Parish Councillors, Councillor Perry and tree officials on hand to answer any queries (as the proposal would include the fe...

People like this look after us! I for one am very proud and very thankful. https://picasaweb.google.com/mdownes21/TwoCastlesRun2011PhotosByWiKAlbum02?fgl=true&pli=1#5617325916681371442

Update from Twitter Natasha found and on her way home

Dear All I picked this up on Twitter This morning. If you are out and about please can you keep your eyes peeled and call the Police on 0345 113 500  should you see Natasha. Click Screen Shot to enlarge

I often wonder if I should reinvent myself on the web. I am finding it increasingly more difficult to comment on those things that really hack me off!  Political Correctness is stiffling me. I actually feel like I can't write anything that is a Personal Opinion as you can guarentee someone somewhere will get the hump. Sometimes it is that bad in real life as well as. Then when you try to be PC you are often classed as patronising once again not just on line but in real life. Personal Opinion Only I went to a Parish Assembly the other day the turn out was very good which is great news. The Bad news was I would imadgine I was one of the youngest there and I am not young. It was like Ground Hog day and all the things being discussed were being discussed a few years back when I could class myself as youngish. I got really annoyed when the CEO of SDC announced he was concerned that the local people had written to their MP with reference to the possible sale of site and land ident...

I am all for making the best of resources that are freely available on the web as long as they do what they say they do and don't bombard me with junk mail.I have pinched WiK catch phrase Find Of The Day .  I did try something similar way back when on this blog. It seems to me so many people are paying so much money to communicate when in fact it can mostly all be done Free Of Charge with equally as effective results. Here is my Find of the day please be aware this is a default survey however you can design your own collect and analyse results. It's called survey Monkey www.surveymonkey.com Here is an example  Community Survey So why would I use Survey Monkey? I use it at work for feedback on projects and events. It's uncomplicated and so easy to create a survey then anyalse results. How Could It Be Used By Hyper Local? The list and ideas are endless  Survey Monkey has a thumbs up from me. Uncomplicated Free Easy to Sign Up ...

This week I have had two strange things happen to me. I obviously knew Rain stopped and started somewhere but the other day one side of my home was bright sunshine and the other side it was tipping down with rain.  The other half brought a box of large eggs every single one of them had a double yolk. I saw another Chinook fly over Earlswood Woods. Well I suppose they have to fly somewhere! The extended car park at Whitlocks end station is well on the way - Another field gone. The pot hole in Rumbush Lane is getting worse and worse. My little car may well disappear down it. Silent protest - I have decided I will go no faster than 40mph down Forshaw Heath lane and Road a self imposed speed limit. BT Broadband is worse at work than it is at home our organisation is being given the run around by BT Open Reach and the land line department.