Doesn’t the time just seem to rush by? Here we are in April, and plans for the summer break are in hand. Talking of breaks and trips, I have been utilising the Worcestershire On Demand bus, which runs in my division of Croome. With day trips to Malvern and Tewkesbury under my belt, I can seriously recommend you give it a go. Lunch in Malvern with a glass of something nice and no car to worry about has been lovely.

Upton school trips boost
Talking of day trips, I am delighted to have given funding to help Upton’s school children have special days out. I was lucky enough to be invited by the headteacher, Mrs Wills, to meet some of the children from the reception class, who were now going to benefit from a school trip. Mrs Wills kindly said: “Upton upon Severn Primary and pre-school wanted to say thank you to Councillor Allen for the generous donation that he has recently given to us. This is for support with travel costs associated with trips and has enabled us to plan trips and keep the costs down. The reception class were the first to benefit recently when they had a trip to a local farm, and we have plans for other trips during the next term.”
I still remember my school trips when I was at school.

They stay with you forever and I fully understand and appreciate their importance in a child’s development. I know this will make a difference and I hope to be able to offer more support in the next financial year.

New Upton Youth Club
There is a brand-new Youth Club in Upton, which has been running for a few weeks now. It runs every Monday during term time only, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at Upton Rugby Club. It is aimed at 11–16-year-olds and I wish it every success.

Upton Library Trust needs new blood
Our local library is run by a Charitable Trust and headed by the dedicated Chris Mair.

Like any charity it needs enough people to sit on the board to ensure that it can function. I know that Chris is keen to find new volunteers to ensure the charity can continue. If you feel you could give a little time, could I ask that you contact Chris to offer your valuable assistance? You don’t need to live in Upton to volunteer. He can be contacted via email chrisjmair@hotmail.co.uk

The dreaded council tax increase has arrived
As we know, each year everything goes up and, unfortunately, our Council Tax has increased. Worcestershire County Council are increasing their Council Tax by £73.14 for a band D property, which is the highest increase at 4.99%. MHDC is raising its part of the Council Tax by £5.00 for a band D property (2.82%). Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority increase is £2.82 (2.99%).

West Mercia Police Authority increase is £13.00 (4.91%).

D-Day is coming to Severn Stoke & Kempsey
During the Second World War, the sounds “Dit, Dit, Dit, Dah”, which is Morse code for V for Victory, was played on the radio. As a submariner in the Royal Navy, I was lucky enough to learn Morse code. Sometimes even today I find myself converting words into dots and dashes – which brings me to a very important event. Jointly, Severn Stoke and Kempsey are holding a very special D-Day celebration on the 6th of June, commencing at 7:00pm on Kempsey Common.

I felt it was so important that we remember this special time that I provided just over £1,000 from my Divisional Funds to support the endeavour. I want to personally pay tribute to all those people who have given up their time for free to ensure that Severn Stoke and Kempsey remembers. It’s free, so please save the date and come along and support it.

We are almost at your local annual parish or town meetings, which come round each year. Could I please urge you to come along and hear what your parish council have been doing on your behalf? They have been working hard for you. I will be there, and it will be great to see you.

Enjoy the sun, dodge the rain and have a lovely month.
Warmest regards Martin Allen