I hope many of you enjoyed the odd foot shuffle – or a full-blown jig – during the Folk Festival. It’s a lovely time of the year. As you may know, this festival marks the start of the music season in Upton. I know that not everyone is keen on the festivals, but hopefully you’ll all agree that without the festivals Upton would literally be poorer in both cultural and financial terms.
Narnia comes to Upton …
I’m pleased to report that the four heritage lights have now been installed, two at each end of Upton’s bridge. Also, the existing bridge lighting has been updated to LED; this is to improve reliability as well as reducing running costs. It has taken a long time to find the funding. I had to apply to a County Council Heart project fund to find a way forward, and fortunately I was successful. It was interesting to hear that some residents could see a Narnia element to the lights. They certainly now mark the entrance to Upton, plus a gateway to the Malvern Hills, which is an area of outstanding natural beauty. It may well be that the Upton Traders Association will consider a Narnia theme for their Christmas window displays. The new lights were carefully selected to ensure that they matched as closely as possible the nearest existing heritage light adjacent to the Plough Pub. Now, I just need to find a way to get the bridge painted!
Severn Stoke gets a tidy up …
Parts of Severn Stoke have been long overdue a spruce up. It was good news when, following my request, WCC sided out some of the pavements, and I provided Severn Stoke Parish Council with funding from my divisional fund to get the bench by the Memorial refreshed and painted. I have always thought that these little jobs can make such a huge difference. Personally, I do wonder if the bench should be facing the Malvern Hills: maybe Severn Stoke’s council could consider a change in vista, or install another bench.
Enough is Enough …
The horror of yet more new homes being built in Kempsey has incensed many local residents. For years, Kempsey has suffered the blight of more, and yet even more new dwellings being constructed, all without new amenities or infrastructure being provided. With yet another planning application for around 140 new houses, residents have had enough. A short time ago, I organised a protest and I was amazed at the number of people who turned up to show their opposition to the application.
And Finally …
You may be pleased to hear that the moles have left – they have packed their bags and gone. The battlefield that was my garden is now at rest, mounds of earth sunken, peace and order returned. A little part of me will miss the drama of awaking in the hazy dawn of daybreak to find a fresh mound had appeared.
I have an overgrown wild patch at the back of the garden where butterflies, insects and a rather large number of frogs seem to exist. My granddaughter’s favourite is a frog or toad that has lived in a small water feature for years – well at least the last 7. Its name is Trevor, although, as you might guess, there have been several Trevors over the years. When she grows up, I wonder if she will ever realise? Oh, to be young again!
As ever, I’m here if you need me.
Martin Allen
