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The newsletter of Drews Park Village Association spring 2015 Issue 33 View from Clock Tower Arch
The newsletter of Drews Park Village Association spring 2015 Issue 33
View from Clock Tower Arch
DEAR RESIDENTS OF DREWS PARK
After a pretty sunny winter, spring is sprung with
snowdrops very evident in the woods around our
lovely parkland setting. Here are some updates since
the last Drews News last autumn:
The Association now has an updated website and you
can see the details on page 5. On behalf of our
committee members I would like to thank our new
webmaster, Mat Bevan who put the new site together, and also express our
sincere appreciation to Ralph Meyer for his contribution as webmaster over 14
years – see page 4. If you have any thoughts on adding to its content under
recommended tradesmen please contact Mat (see back page for address).
Updates on the Orchard and sports field can be found on pages 6-7.
Picking up from where our autumn edition left off, we are in constant dialogue
with Aster Communities on a wide variety of items and the Committee met them
most recently in Drews Park on Jan. 15th. Items on the agenda of interest to
all owners related to service charges, repair expenditure, our sinking fund and
the Pets Charter – see page 9. Discussions on planned maintenance included
better road signs and markings, the TV aerial system, lawn and garden care,
bike racks, drainage to car parks, subsidence and more cost-effective gutter
cleaning. We are waiting to hear the exact programme for all these items, and
have been advised that the brushing of stonework to remove loose material will
also be continued this year.
Concerns have been expressed by some residents about the proper use of car
parks with parking in designated areas, their use by children playing, and
compliance with the one-way system and speeding restrictions along Thomas
Wyatt road – see page 10. Options for reducing speeding and improved sign
directions to help optimise traffic flow along it have also been discussed with
Aster. Please read the section on bin
stores and rubbish on page 8 to save all
residents increased service charges.
Best regards,
Peter Benns, Chair DPVA.
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Simon Evans has been looking
Many of us living in Drews
time it was the largest mental
patients. There were many
land. It is by no means the
they no longer need it. Up
institutions. Many have been
some are currently abandoned,
ruinous.
An example is Severalls Hospital
Anne style, could house 2000
been as fortunate as Drews
Drews Park it was closed in
1990s. The Edwardian buildings
not survived in the same way.
have been built on much of
while the hospital itself has
into ruin. After years of delay
hoped that the Grade II listed
tower, administration buildings
some of the main wards will
Another example is Shrewsbury’s
CHANGE OF USE… looking at other re-developed mental hospitals…
Drews Park know that it was once Roundway
mental hospital in the country, housing several
many more buildings than we see today, set
the only such hospital to be given up by the
Up and down the country there are scores
been turned into houses, flats or other accommodation,
abandoned, looking for a new lease of life and
Hospital near Colchester. Severalls, built
2000 patients and had 300 acres of land.
Drews Park. Like
in the
buildings have
way. Houses
of the land,
has fallen
delay it is
listed water
buildings and
will be saved for conversion, but there is
Shrewsbury’s former mental health hospital,
its doors in 2012. It is
develop the former Grade
building into 156 apartments
houses. But nothing has
and the buildings are slowly
deteriorating. These are
examples, the list goes
We have much to be th
Drews Park, where an
gem has been saved from
and we can enjoy living
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hospitals…
Hospital. At one
several thousand
set in 100 acres of
the NHS because
scores of such
accommodation,
and becoming
built in the Queen
land. It has not
is still doubt.
hospital, which closed
planned to
Grade II listed
apartments and
has happened yet
slowly
are just two
goes on
thankful for at
architectural
from demolition
living here.
Drews Park Webmaster Ralph keeps an eye on us all the way from Australia…
I was born in Germany in January 1933,
moving with my parents to Melbourne
when I was five. I attended Melbourne
High School and Melbourne University,
where I graduated in medicine in 1956.
After an internship at the Alfred and
Hamilton Hospitals I spent the next 28
years in the Royal Australian Army
Medical Corps, gaining post-graduate
qualifications at the University of
Sydney in tropical medicine, public health, occupational medicine and medical
administration, rising to the rank of Colonel and serving in Malaya and South
Vietnam. I was foolish enough to complete army parachute training in 1963.
In 1974 I was appointed Honorary Surgeon to the Governor-General of
Australia, which position I held for the next three years. After retiring from
the army as Director of Army Medical Services NSW and ACT in 1982 I joined
the Commonwealth Bank as Chief Medical Officer, heading up the Occupational
Health Division until final retirement in 1995.
Brenda and I have been married for the past 59 years and have two children,
five grand-children and two great grand-children. In 1999 Brenda and I bought
a small property in Drews Park at a time when development had just started. We
enjoyed life in Drews Park for five years before returning to Sydney where we
still live.
I became a committee member of Drews Park Village Association soon after its
formation, and in 2001 agreed to set up The Drews Park website, which I have
maintained for the last 14 years.
I enjoy reading and eating, hate sport, and spend a lot of time on my computer
which until my retirement from the position I used in my role of webmaster. I
have enjoyed the role, but now at the ripe old age of 82 I feel that it is time
for someone else to give the website the new, modern look which it deserves. I’ll
still be keeping a close eye on it though!
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The website is now up and
Thanks to Ralph and our new
webmaster Mat Bevan. The
is the same as before and
of the content is the same
you will probably agree there
new look and we intend to
it as time goes by.
We would be glad to have
interesting photographs both
Drews Park as it is during
various
seasons or even memories
hospital in times past. Under
Information > History section
will find a very interesting
description
of the old hospital with some
There is also a section with
and What’s On informs you
Readers Group and contact
It would be helpful if you
have done a good job for you
residents often ask us if we
out of date but we will try
Owners are responsible for
for exterior peeling paint
UPDATED WEBSITE
and running again….
new
The URL
and much
same but
there is a
add to
any
both of
the
memories of the
Under the
section you
interesting
some fascinating pictures from Devizes
with back issues of Drews News dating from
you about productions at the Wharf Theatre,
contact details for the Devizes Palace Cinema.,
could let us have the names of any tradesmen
you with their contact information as existing
we can help. Some of the names on the
try and keep them updated in the future.
* * * * *
for replacing their windows – make sure
paint so Aster can remedy it in time.
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Heritage.
from 2001
Theatre,
Cinema., etc
tradesmen who
existing and new
old site were
future.
sure to check
TREE PRUNING
Drews Park’s residents and
February to learn the art
You may recall that some
and cricket field along with
in Devizes.
Neil Pullen of Wiltshire Wildlife
have a trusted band of volunteers
such sterling work over the
February 15th was rather
pruning pupils worked from
and a snack. WWT run these
enjoyable as we could see
they have learned will provide
environment in tip- top condition.
PRUNING AT DREWSPARK ORCHARD
and other interested parties got together
of winter pruning, led by local expert Richard
residents contributed to the purchase
with generous donations from townspeople
Wildlife Trust organized this course and
volunteers to add to the current group who
the years in helping to keep the woods in
a grey day, but not too cold for a change
from 10am to 1.30pm with a short break for
these courses annually. They are free and
from the application of the people involved
provide a good bank of people to help keep
condition.
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ORCHARD
together on 15th
Richard Cripps.
purchase of the orchard
townspeople and companies
and we may soon
who have done
in good condition.
change and the tree
for hot drinks
and very
involved and what
keep our
ANOTHER
Here’s another event. You
http://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/sarsen
725670 ext 225 or on his
to be a helper you have to
to register for walks at Avebury,
day, as with the cycle ride.Our fantastic Sarsen Trail
You can choose to run,Stonehenge
Book here and
Run
generously
.
The Residents’ Association
hundreds of daffodil and
years ago. It was very hard
but it is wonderful to see
year, brightening our lives
ANOTHER EVENT FROM WWT
You can go online and enter at
http://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/sarsen-trail or contact Derek Gard
his mobile:07872117388. If you want to volunteer
to contact Derek well before the event.
Avebury, Redhorn and Stonehenge you can
ride. However, the run needs you to register and Neolithic Marathon is on May 3 this
run, walk or bike across Salisbury Plain fromStonehenge with varying distances available.
and make the most of our early bird discount
Run IT, Walk IT, Bike IT, Enjoy IT
generously supported by Mini Plant Swindon
* * * * *
SPRING FLOWERS
Association funded and planted
crocus bulbs some
hard work at the time
them bloom year after
lives in March and April.
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Gard on 01380
volunteer
But if you want
can do it on the
register beforehand. this year.
from Avebury to
discount.
RUBBISH, YET AGAIN!
Both the DPVA and Aster have had more
complaints from residents about the treatment
of rubbish. One of the main problems comes
from people who put whole boxes in the
cardboard bin without squashing them down.
This means that the bin fills up and there is no
room for more plastic and cardboard. It only
takes a second to stand on a cardboard box to
flatten it down.
One of the most worrying finds was a box of ‘sharps’ (hypodermic needles) in
one bin store. Possibly illegal and certainly dangerous. Here is the info from
the NHS - http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2421.aspx
Disposing of your full sharps bin
Arrangements for disposing of full sharps bins vary from area to area.
When your sharps bin is full, you may be able to return it to your GP surgery or
local pharmacy. Some GP surgeries and pharmacies run free collection services.
If you have a medical condition such as diabetes, you can ask your local council
to collect your sharps bin. Local councils can charge for this service.Do not use
other bins
You should not put used needles or other sharps:
in your household waste bin or any other general refuse bin
in a container that's no longer needed, such as a drinks can or bottle
Needles can cause injury to you or other people because they're sharp. Used
needles carry blood-borne viruses that may be passed on to other people.
Other infringements of our community were found in the flowerbeds in
Thurnham Court – two car tyres. If you have a car you have the means to take
the old tyres to the Hopton Recyling Centre site rather than incurring extra
costs for the Drews Park charge-payers. We have also seen, during the last
months, bins so full they were gaping open when the bin next to it was almost
empty. This is an attraction to rodents and the DPVA would very much
appreciate it if the few residents doing this would be more considerate.
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CONTACT DETAILS FOR ASTER
Hannah Enderby(1st point of contact)
Monday to Wednesday inclusive 9.15 to 5.15pm.
Thursday and Friday 9am to 2.45pm.
Leanna Weller is now on maternity leave
Francis May (2nd point of contact) 01380 829016
If both are unavailable - call 0333 400 8222
Main Aster number 01380 726001
BOOK CLUB NEWS
If you would like to join us call Norma on 724950 to check availability.
Otherwise perhaps you will enjoy some of the books we are reading.
April Bird without Wings by Louis de Bernieres
May Return to the Marshes by Gavin Young
June Le Grand Meaulnes by Alain-Fournier
July The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong-Kingston
August The New Finnish Grammar by Diego Marani
Sept The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan
Oct The American Lover by Rose Tremain
AMENDMENT TO THE PETS’ CHARTER
We understand that Aster and their solicitors are looking at the wording of the Charter to the
effect that if you are given permission to have a dog it must not only be on a lead within the
site boundaries but should not be walked across the
grassed areas. This is, of course, to protect small
children from diseases carried by animal droppings but
also to discourage the many dog walkers who don’t even
live here. We will inform you if changes are made.
* * * * *
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ONE WAY SYSTEM
ANDRESIDENTS’
Please note that the area
pink on the plan is one way
clockwise from the bin-store
Court to the road signs at
The reason is that this portion
narrower than the rest and
cannot pass. Cars have been
the wrong way round which
danger to walkers, cyclists
Speeding has also been a bit
killed on Thomas Wyatt Road
the speed bump in Marshall
Park and Heritage Park roads.
A number of people have also
parking spaces have tended
DPVA
Editor’s Note: There seem
unfortunate. But it is a newsletter
there have been quite a few.
courtyard fashion, close to
However, on balance the grounds
after, and with spring well
We would like to thank Aster
wouldn’t be able to do it
SYSTEM
’ PARKING
of road marked
way only –
store at Wyatt
at Speer Court.
portion of road is
and two cars
been seen going
which is a possible
cyclists and children.
bit of a problem recently – a resident’s
Road in February. The maximum limit with
Marshall Road is 20mph and this applies throughout
roads.
also mentioned to us that designated and
tended to be breached recently.
seem to be lots of do’s and don’ts in this issue
newsletter and the DPVA reacts to complaints
few. We are a community of 146 houses
to our neighbours, so a little consideration
grounds and our beautiful surroundings
well on the way things are looking good!
* * * * *
Aster for printing our Newsletter. We
it without their generous help.
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resident’s pet cat was
with effect from
throughout Drews
and numbered
issue which is
complaints of which
houses grouped in
consideration is helpful.
surroundings deserve looking
We certainly
NOTICE BOARD Each Court has a representative. It’s not particularly onerous; just look out for
new residents and put a Welcome Pack through their door. Phone any
committee member to sign on!
(May also lead to 10% contents insurance reduction)
Adrian Wood is our Neighbourhood Watch coordinator
COURT NO REPRESENTATIVE __ PHONE
Bowes 18 Peter Benns 739419
Burnham 6 Sue Chick 724774
Chapel 4 Kate Rodie 739704
Clock Tower Representative required for Clock Tower
Cooke 4 Mathew Bevan 08456219463
Elliot 11 Edward Lockwood 730709
Speer 3 `Simon Evans 730615
Thurnham (1-22) 17 Dick Powney 739153
Thurnham (23-41) 17 Dick Powney “
Wyatt 6 Lisa Penington 739588
COURSE FOR TEACHERS Following the successful course on Reading problems and vision, at Devizes
Town Hall in October last year, Wiltshire Colour for Reading will be running
another course, this time on Thursday 11th June 2015. Christine Fitzmaurice -
a resident at Drews Park and parliamentary link for the Institute of Colorimetry
and senior Wiltshire Education Special Needs associate, Ian Abbott, are both
keen to continue to raise awareness at a local level of vision problems in
reading.
The keynote speaker at the Wilton event will be Professor Arnold Wilkins, of
the Department of Psychology, the University of Essex, who has been
responsible in the UK for the majority of the published research in this area
over the past twenty years. He will be joined by speakers from research on
Autism and by vision specialists who deal with children who struggle to read.
The course will be held at The Diocesan Education Centre, The Avenue, Wilton,
Salisbury, SP2 0FG (Next to the Wilton Park and Ride). For full details go to
www.drewspark.co.uk/whatson/
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Theatre News March 27th: The Opera Dudes,
Tickets £12, on sale from 9th
February.May 1st – 9th: Abigail’s
Party Written by Mike Leigh,
directed by Chris Palmer, Tickets
£8 & £9, on sale from 16th March.
May 13th and 14th: The Beaux’
Stratagem , Written by George Farquhar. Presented by the Bristol Old Vic
Theatre School, Tickets £12, on sale from 16th March. June 10th – 13th. In
the manner of Marilyn, Devised and directed by Freddie Underwood, Tickets
£9, on sale from May 11th.
July 15th – 18th: Seussical, Presented by The Wharf Youth Theatre ,Music
by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, directed by Liz Schorah and Allison
Moore, Tickets £8, on sale from June 15th
Members Contact details
Peter Benns Chair 18 Bowes Court
739419 [email protected]
Simon Evans Vice-Chair 3 Speer Court
730615 [email protected]
Lisa Penington Secretary 6 Wyatt Court
739588 [email protected]
Norma Humphreys Treasurer 12 Wyatt Court
724950 [email protected]
Adrian Wood Member 12 Clock Tower
01308 897087 [email protected]
Mathew Bevan Member 4 Cooke Court
727370 [email protected]
Dick Powney Member 17 Thurnham Court
739153 [email protected]
Nicky Wilson Member 11 Wyatt Court
07789 914456 [email protected]
Co-opted members
Christine Fitzmaurice [email protected]
Ralph Meyer [email protected]
