Reg Moon of The Torquil Pottery

Reg Moon founder of Torquil Pottery and The Gallery Upstairs Henley-in-Arden passed away on Tuesday 6th January.

He was born at Formby and after school went to Southport School of Art. From there he went to Salford Art College leaving there with diplomas specialising in ceramics, and mosaic. His former tutor at Southport was now in charge of a pottery set up by the Leicester family in Norfolk where he spent a few happy years before being head hunted by John Bew to work with him at a pottery on the banks of the Thames at Cookham (this was funded by the John Lewis Partnership in the grounds of their staff club at Odney). At this time he lived on a boat called Torquil, and mingled with local characters and was introduced by a friend to Mag, who later became his wife. Soon they were running Mag’s coffee bar on one side of the High Street with Reg’s pottery in the downstairs of their cottage, opposite. The cafe was frequented by many interesting characters including actors John Pertwee and Diana Dors and the painter, Stanley Spencer. Stanley Spencer would come in wearing pyjamas under his trousers, parking his pram outside, which he crammed with easel, canvases and paints.

Another friend of Mag and Reg, at this time was the – later to be infamous - friend of Lord Astor, Stephen Ward. Dr Stephen Ward, a London osteopath and friend of Christine Keeler, had the use of a cottage on the nearby Cliveden estate, as well as a motor launch. He liked to come to the cafe, because of the pretty local girls that Mag employed as waitresses! The drawing right is a treasured family memento of those days.

Reg and Mag came to Henley-in-Arden in 1960 and named the pottery Torquil in memory of the Cookham days. Reg made his own pottery and sold gift wares of Scandinavian design, glass, tableware and other gifts. His Shakespeare ashtrays won a Design Centre award appearing on stands for the 1964 quattro centenary.

Later in the 70s, decorated tiles were the thing and in the ‘80s the ‘Squashed Bottle’ ashtray which was made from a Squire’s Gin bottle melted in the kiln. More recently, Reg specialised in delicate porcelain and agate ware. He also made stoneware vessels such as jugs and goblets and dishes. The glaze was made from ash created by burning hedge-cuttings from the garden.

As well as a potter, Reg was mentor and teacher for many people. He had many ‘apprentices’ over the years, at least two of whom have gone on to start their own successful pottery workshops.

In 1985, Reg opened the Gallery Upstairs by converting an unused playroom above the studio. The first exhibition was paintings and pots by family and friends. Since then, there have been many exhibitions and many artists have Reg to thank for promoting their careers and helping them develop their work. The Gallery Upstairs has developed a reputation for promoting contemporary art in the Midlands. It remains an ongoing tribute to him and a celebration of his life and work. Our picture right shows the June 2007 exhibition.

Reg is survived by his wife Mag, daughter, Carey and son, Paul.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s Cabinet agreed to recommend a budget for consultation that includes an increase of 4.9% in Stratford District Council’s portion of the Council Tax for 2009/2010. Like most of the national and local economy, the District Council is facing some tough decisions as it prepares next year’s budget.

“In order to balance the books, we have to find savings of over £2million. The current economic landscape has radically changed and the public sector is not immune to the current economic problems – with investment income down, rental income down, parking and planning income has reduced and the level of Government grant less than inflation. All of these reductions place extra financial burden on the District Council,” says Councillor Les Topham, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council.

“The proposals the Cabinet are making, we believe to be prudent given the scale of the issue, and are not what we would be suggesting in normal circumstances, but these are not normal times.

“Our District element of the Council Tax is currently the lowest in Warwickshire and well below the national average with only 21 other Councils lower than us. This proposed Council Tax increase equates to 60p a month on an average Band D property,”

“These are tough times with even tougher decisions to be made and I trust the public understand the gravity of the situation.”

This proposed budget is now out for public consultation and a questionnaire will be available to the public on the District Council’s website from next Monday 19 January until Monday 1 February. A final decision on the level of Council Tax for 2009/10 will be made by the Council on 23 February 2009.

Beaudesert and Henley-in-Arden Joint Parish Council is still to announce the Parish Precept for 2009/10, which is collected by the District Council.

Henley High School Seeks Trust Status

Henley High School is in the process of becoming a Trust School which will allow the school to work with a number of external partners to support the students at Henley High and four of our main feeder Primary Schools; Claverdon, Henley-in-Arden, Lapworth and Wootton Wawen.

We intend to forge strong links with Warwick Arts to enhance the delivery of our Arts programme and Warwick Hospital to support the health and emotional needs of our students.

We intend to work with Stratford College and Coventry University in order for our students to gain a greater awareness of Post-16 learning opportunities.

The running of the school will remain the same. We will, as a Charitable Trust, be able to access a variety of funding streams to develop facilities at the school and at our Primary partner schools. The proposal is set out in detail on the school website (www.henleyhigh.com) and copies are available at the school.

As part of the process to gain Trust Status, we are required to consult our key stakeholders. This consultation period began in December and continues to Friday 6 February 2009 with consultation meetings planned as follows:-

We cordially invite any members of the community who wish to hear about our plans to an open meeting at the school on Monday 26th January 2009 at 6.30 p.m.

Any comments about the proposal must be received by Friday 6th February 2009.

Consultation findings will be published in March, when the Governing Body will decide if the review suggests that it should proceed to the next stage of publishing Statutory Proposals, when further representations can be made.

I look forward to hearing your comments and hope that you will be able to attend the Community Meeting on 26th January 2009. Please do not hesitate to contact me at the school if you require any additional information.

P E Wright
Headteacher

Xmas turkey acts as rear gunner in derelict coach !

Henley and Beaudesert Society members plus a few visitors were treated, last Thursday evening, to a delightfully entertaining slide show and talk by John Johnson, Director of Johnson’s Coaches. The talk proved very popular; extra seats had to be put out to satisfy a last minute rush and judging by the buzz in the room after the talk, it was clear that John’s presentation had stimulated many happy memories.

The occasion for the talk was the celebration of 100 Years of Johnson’s Coaches, the company founded by John’s grandfather in 1909 when a horse and cart was the mainstay of the business. Their premises then were at 71 High St and the business was mainly goods carriage. After the first world war, they obtained a petrol engined vehicle which carried goods or passengers or both and John recollected the remark of a passenger of those days who had been ‘nice and comfortable with a sack of potatoes’. In the 1920’s the business moved to 32 High St where it remained until growth lead to the move to its present site at Liveridge Hill in 1999. Coaches were refueled on the High St by means of a hand pump delivering up to 100 gallons a time; many of the staff developed very large arm muscles…..including John!

Coaches had to exit the narrow arch at 32 high St with about 2 inches clearance either side and not all coaches remained unscathed by this tight fit. The manoeuvring in and out acted as a speed control for traffic in the High Street! John said that it seemed that the drivers believed that if you bashed the arch enough with the coach it would get bigger, but this didn’t work and eventually narrowness of the arch forced them to move! They started the new yard in 1987 and eventually built new offices there, finally leaving the High St in 1999.

The family nature of the firm came through the talk many times and John’s recollections of how various family members had pulled together or not, depending on circumstances and their individual personalities, gave a homely feel to the talk. Tales of never throwing anything away so the family garden became a collecting place for retired coaches. And hard times, so that one such coach housed a turkey being fattened up for Christmas, which the Johnson children pretended was ‘the rear gunner of the coach’.

The move to Liveridge Hill paved the way for expansion of the company, but not without a few bomb scares. The site had formerly been a tip. The discovery of a 500 lb bomb during construction of the new offices brought out the bomb disposal squad, but it was found to have been disarmed already. The next day another smaller bomb was found, leading to another visit from the bomb disposal squad. It was suggested that perhaps they should stay around, but they declined. The next day a large number of small bombs were found, leading to a third visit. John had one of these ex RAF practice bombs to show.

The company now employs 200 people, is an Investors in People company and has won various awards in recent years. As well as coach holidays to places as far away as Egypt, they provide bus services for Park & Ride and for various organisations and will soon provide the X20 service that runs through Henley. All their drivers have passed the Institute of Advanced Motorists test as well as the normal PSV test.

John stressed that it was the hard work of the employees over the years that created the success that the company enjoyed and that providing a good and friendly service to customers made the difference. Hence the company line ‘Travel with Johnsons, Travel with friends’ During the tea and coffee which followed, John was in demand in the numerous friendly conversations around the room.

Next meeting is on 19th Feb at the Baptist Church Hall at 8pm. Alan Winterburn will be telling us about ‘Little Known Warwickshire’.

John Stott reporting

Henley-in-Arden War Memorial Trust AGM

The Annual General Meeting of the Trust will be held in the Memorial Hall in Station Road on Wednesday 11th February at 8 o’clock in the evening. The meeting is convened by the Town Improvement Committee and is a chance for residents of the town to attend and elect representatives to the committee.

The committee is responsible for the running and upkeep of the Memorial Hall and the Playing Fields used by the sports clubs.

If you have any views or items that you would like the committee to discuss this meeting will be an opportunity to bring them to the committee’s attention.

All residents of the town are welcome to attend and to hear what is being done to preserve and develop these important amenities in the town.

The agenda for the meeting can be downloaded here.

Pat Kench - Hon Sec

Henley in Arden Tennis Club were delighted to hear that of the 3 nominations submitted to the Warwickshire Lawn Tennis Association for their annual awards dinner, all 3 have been short listed for the night.

The relevant categories are:

• Coach of the Year - Sarah Baker Henley Tennis Club's Head Coach

• Club of the Year - Henley Tennis Club

• Volunteer of the Year - Judy Wilde Chairman of the Henley Tennis Club

Sarah Baker has been Head Coach at Henley for over 10 years and much of their success is down the the hard work she has put into the club. At their recent AGM Sarah was saying how gratified she was that of 4 coaches at Henley 2 of them she had coached since they were 7 years old and had developed such a love for the game that they had gone on to do their DCA.

Neil Supperstone who is Development Coach at Henley, also bases his successful company 'Coolsportz' at the Club.

The Award Ceremony is to be held next Friday, 23 January at the Botanical Gardens and Henley NEWS On-line will report the results in its next edition.

Recent Property Sales

• 2, The White House, Henley-in-arden, B95 5GA - Sold for £162,500 on 21-11-2008
• 9, Tudor Court, Henley-in-arden, B95 5AP - Sold for £218,000 on 05-11-2008
• 1, High Hurst, Stratford Road, Henley-in-arden, B95 6AB - Sold for £337,500 on 24-10-2008

You can view all previous sales information by visiting OurProperty.co.uk.

Antonio’s at The White Swan

At the end of October last year, we went into the White Swan for a Friday night meal as we had done many times since moving to Henley some three years ago. On this occasion we were met at the door by the new manager Keith, who informed us that they were now only serving Tapas prepared by the new Spanish Chef Antonio. This news caused us to stop and consider whether we should stay as we associated Tapas with hot sunny holidays in Spain and not cold wet October evenings in Henley.

We were persuaded to stay by Keith who offered to help us understand the menu. This turned out to be a very good move as we had a superb meal and have enjoyed many more great Tapas meals since that first evening.

The menu has many great dishes but our two favourites are Antonio’s Great Mejillones al horno, (Grilled mussels stuffed with fresh herbs and melted cheese) and his Albondigas a la jardineras, (Spanish meatballs in a vegetable and tomato sauce) but there are many more great Spanish dishes to try.

So we would recommend that you should not be deterred by the thought of something different, but give it a try and like us I hope you will become regulars and look forward to seeing you all in the White Swan’s great new restaurant.

Norman Kench reporting

Are You The Grumpy Old Woman?

Many times recently I have been asked this question to which I reply "No I am not"  My title is Senior Correspondent because I have reached the age when everyone is younger!

However, I can get very grumpy!  My latest 'grump' is some jobsworth saying postmen/women should up their walking speed from 2 miles to 4 miles an hour.  Are we talking of human beings or robots that need oiling, screws tightening and generally maintained? No, we are talking of humans, who do their job despite brickbats from all quarters, threats of job losses and "changes".  This item is typical of the debate that is raging about the Royal Mail.  Earnest noises emanate from Lord Mandleson - he of the Millennium Dome; although he did stop the European market being flooded with knickers from China. That is where I cease to be grumpy and let out a very unladylike laugh.  They talk about efficiency, this Government who is responsible for sensitive data being lost, tax credit fiasco, NHS and armed forces over payment of pensions and tragically the CSA payments by Fathers for their separated children.  Of course no-one hears of Fathers who don't pay, they just victimise those who do.

Private postal deliveries can be only as good as the addressee and delivery man.  I witnessed a private driver ascertaining where a certain address might be located in Henley.  As it happened it was a Wootton Wawen address.  My second experience was when I chased a delivery lorry up the High Street. He had only tried to deliver to 2 The Croft instead of 2 Becks Croft.  The third experience was when a parcel was addressed to my usual address on the High Street when it was being restored.  Had it been sent via Royal Mail it would have been re-directed.  The parcel was returned to sender, so that was that.

During my exile after being flooded out the re-direction service worked perfectly.  Now I am back in my own home, that is also being delivered perfectly.  Let us not allow Royal Mail to be fragmented.  Royal Mail in spite of the odd hiccup are experienced and knowledgeable about their districts.  A private firm would not offer the same degree of service.  Would they leave a friendly card saying where and when we could pick up our parcel.  If they did how far away would the pick-up point be?  This is not about our needs being suited it is about our political lords and masters not caring about selling yet another valuable asset.

Irene Robinson - Senior Correspondent

In Case of Emergency

County Councillor George Atkinson reports on an extremely useful idea.

We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory. If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) Campaign.

The concept of 'ICE' is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As mobile phones are carried by the
majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name 'ICE' ( In Case Of Emergency).. The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents there were always mobile phones with patients but they didn't know which number to call.

He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognised name for this purpose.

In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply
dialling the number you have stored as 'ICE'. Please forward this. It won't take too many 'forwards' before everybody will know about
this. It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest.

For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc

PLEASE PASS THIS AROUND AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE AS THIS CAN HELP IN AN EMERGENCY

The Bluebell held two charity fundraising events over Christmas and New Year and raised a total of £3,600 for two local charities. Over 130 people attended the New Year’s Eve ‘Dinner Jackets and Diamonds’ ball in aid of HeartStart and Nightstop in a fabulous marquee in the grounds of the award winning pub

Leigh Taylor owner of the award-winning dining pub, pictured right with husband Duncan, worked tirelessly to secure some fantastic auction prizes from the likes of Michael Parkinson, Brian Turner, Chris Tarrant and Jasper Carrott.

Andy Gray, Sky television pundit donated two tickets with full hospitality to the forthcoming Champions League game between Manchester United and Inter Milan adding “this is such a great prize, if I wasn’t already working at the game I would have bid myself!”

Tanya Aspinwall, Press Officer Shakespeare Country, suggests how to celebrate half term and Valentines in Shakespeare Country.

Celebrate spring half term from 14 – 22 February in Shakespeare Country with a range of fun inspired activities for all the family. From campfires and treasure hunts to exhilarating jump-racing and muddy battle walks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With Valentine’s Day taking place at the beginning of half term, Shakespeare Country offers plenty of ideas to romance your loved one. Enjoy hot air balloon flights, romantic ghost tours and magical performances by the world famous Royal Shakespeare Company.

Take part in the ‘Great Battle Walk’ at Warwick Castle from 14 – 22 February. Wannabe warriors can step into the shoes of a mediaeval battalion for a hands-on, feet first adventure trail around the Castle grounds. Along the way get a taste of army rations, army training and army health and hygiene.

See a magical performance of The Tempest presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company from 14 February - 14 March. Featuring RSC Associate Artist, Antony Sher as Prospero and John Kani as Caliban, this new production, in association with South Africa’s Baxter Theatre Centre, will draw inspiration from African ritual, magic and music.

Explore Kenilworth Castle on Valentine’s Day and be transported back to a golden age of romance and chivalry. Marvel at the newly recreated Elizabethan Garden; a replica of the garden Robert Dudley created for his Queen and love, Elizabeth I. Theirs was an intense romance in which Elizabeth kept a letter from Dudley by her bedside until she died in 1603.

Blenheim Palace opens on Valentine’s Day with a special exhibition about the filming of the forthcoming feature film ‘The Young Victoria’. Wander around the exhibition which takes place in the Long Library where scenes were filmed. Champagne afternoon teas will be available to book for a perfect Valentine’s Day gift idea.

Visit the Stratford Tourist Information Centre on 14 February from 10.00am – 2.00pm for a special book signing from James Kerr, a local photographer. 'Shakespeare's Scenery' takes you on a journey through Warwickshire and the Cotswolds and makes a lovely Valentine’s Day gift.

Watch loved-up tropical birds at the Stratford Butterfly Farm. New in residence to the Farm is a pair of Indian Ringneck Parakeets, two pairs of Cockatiels from Australia and a pair of Rosella birds also from Australia. Joining them is a beautiful Amazon parrot, who, already in the mood for romance, has taken quite a shine to one of the Ringneck birds. The Butterfly Farm will also be holding “Meet the Minibeasts” talks and handling sessions each day during half term at 11am and 2pm. Choose from a stunning selection of jewellery from the gift shop, perfect for that special Valentines gift.

Join a romantic ghost hunt on Valentine’s night at The Falstaff’s Experience, Stratford’s most haunted building. Phil Whyman of ‘Dead Haunted Nights’ and who appeared on ‘Most Haunted’, will host a special ghost hunt and personally present guests with a complimentary scented rose.

Craft activities for children with a Valentines theme are available at the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford during half term from 9:00am - 3.40pm. For adults, why not take a romantic hot air balloon flight over Shakespeare Country with High Road Balloons which is offering Two Anytime Flight Vouchers at a special discounted rate for Valentines.

Ragley Hall will open for Half Term for the first time in its 50 year history. Enjoy a variety of outdoor adventure activities including a treasure hunt and toasting marshmallows around a campfire. The Woodland Walk reopens with new interpretation boards which will give information about the native plants and wildlife and an insight into the workings of the Estate.

Visit Sulgrave Manor for Presidents Day on 16 February to remember the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Children can dress as mini-Tudors and find out how the eleven Washington children lived and played at the Manor. Take part in quizzes and trails as well as the President’s Challenge. From 17 – 20 February the Manor opens at 2pm for children’s tours, trails, challenges and brass rubbing with free admission for children.

Join Stratford Town Walk from 16 – 22 February and discover Shakespeare's Stratford on foot. Alternatively venture out on a Ghost Walk on 16, 19 and 20 February at 7:30pm and discover gruesome tales of ghosts, witches, murder and mayhem.

From 14 - 15 February visit Hill Close Gardens in Warwick for its ‘Snowdrop Show’. See different species of snowdrops inside the visitor centre as well as snowdrops in the garden. Visitors can buy a range of winter plants and enjoy light refreshments.

Spend an afternoon of exhilarating jump racing at Warwick Racecourse on Friday 20 February. The first race is scheduled at 1.50pm, with the last at 5.10pm. Accompanied youngsters aged 16 and under are admitted free of charge.

Visit the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Museum on Thursday 19 February for 'Badges Galore’ where children can learn about regiment badges and create their own. Enjoy a host of exciting craft activities at Coventry Transport Museum where children can make bookmarks or calendars, enjoy fabric painting and take part in the Alphabet Challenge.

For theatre and attraction tickets, accommodation, brochures, special offers and more information visit the official website: www.shakespeare-country.co.uk or call Shakespeare Country on 0870 160 7930. Contact the Stratford-upon-Avon and Leamington Spa Tourist Information Centres for discounted tickets for Warwick Castle, Alton Towers, Madame Tussauds and Blenheim Palace.

A large number of tourist websites can be found on the Henley Gateway Website

About five years ago, my colleague and I began school speaking to children in years 5/6 in any school that would have us and together with the aid of a few notes, a triple clothes airier on which to hang posters and a few other comical accoutrements, we tell them that natural habitat and the animals that depend upon it are having a hard time to survive on this fragile planet of ours and how we might make a better fist of caring for them, because it's their world too.
 
A natural progression, we thought, might be to build somewhere where city children among others could be encouraged to visit for a few brief hours; a place where flora and fauna live together in harmony and where they could do a workshop and in May it all began to happen. We had been struggling with what to do and where to do it up until then and at last the builders arrived. I won't bore you with details of delivery lorries, cement mixers, monumental cranes or the wonderful insulation afforded by modern building methods but the mess doesn't get any easier to deal with and we thank our lucky stars that we chose GIC Construction of Dorridge otherwise things could have been very different indeed; as builders they are neigh-on perfect and such nice guys too!
 
That time of year is magic, the kind of magic that only mother nature can do and things were looking good but soon after that it all went pear-shaped with the appearance of an Enforcement Officer from the Council. 'The building is over the boundary line' he said, and from his expression it was obvious that he meant it! Accompanying us to the site, we stood together on the very solid foundations it had taken two weeks to achieve; tons of soil out and tons of sand and cement in, plus a crane to lower reinforced concrete beams to make up the floor, not to mention the manpower to carry and fit the concrete blocks between. A week went by and most of what was done had to be undone and done again. Concrete beams lifted back on the grass and blocks on to wooden pallets by the same monumental crane which put them there in the first place and which returned a week later to lift them back again; bricks knocked down, cleaned up and reused; two unnecessarily wide trenches dug, and another string of concrete lorries with which to fill them, plus a second mountain of soil to re-site, not to mention how wonderful the builders were and expense involved!
 
Recorded on camcorder, these comings and goings were interspersed with a very happy event; the arrival of fourteen little ducklings to a pair of ducks that proved to be the epitome of good parenting although it could be said that the drake knew which side his bread was buttered because, as well as a constant supply of seed and water, the little family spent the day on a conveniently placed pond which proved to be a better option than the rumble seat ride over mountainous pebbles round which the little ones had to 'leg it'. I shall keep you posted.
 
Molly Corfield - Trustee.

Coach and bus operator Johnsons has taken over the responsibility of running both the coach hire operation and the garage repair facilities of Welcombe Garages who are based in Timothy’s Bridge Road, Stratford-upon-Avon.

Pete Johnson, Operations Director of Johnsons Coach & Bus said “we have taken over complete responsibility for all of Welcombe’s coach hire contracts, and offered their drivers alternative employment. The new arrangements mean that we now have a base in Stratford-on-Avon, and in a key location, which will help us enhance the efficiency of both our bus and coach operations. We are currently contacting all of Welcome’s coach hire customers to inform them of these developments and to assure them that we intend to build on the relationship they have established with Welcombe. We have also committed to honour all existing quotations and bookings up to 1st June this year”.

Karl McMillan of Welcombe Garages said “In these challenging times we felt that the time was right to cease our coach operations in order that the family could concentrate on the garage and the private taxi hire section of our business. We approached Johnsons because we know that our coach hire customers will be very well looked after with them”

The Welcombe Garage car repair facilities will continue to provide a quality service under the supervision of the existing director Karl McMillan.

The private hire taxi business which operated from the same site is no longer part of Welcombe Garages and will continue to be run by owners Andy & Patsy Byrne, from a different location, under the name of Welcombe cars.

St Mary's Primary

Headline

St Mary's Catholic Primary School would like to say a BIG thank you to the following Henley retailers who very kindly donated prizes for their Christmas Raffle.

The Spa at Henley
Mills The Butchers
Henley Chemist
Matricardi's
Pamela of Henley
Pure White
Henley Ice Cream
Henley Golf & Country Club
Henley Fish Bar
Sue Dalby's Sandwich Bar
Johnsons Coaches

The raffle raised over £400 which will go towards role play toys for Class 1, CD ROMs to encourage improvement in handwriting and the Abacus maths scheme.

The children enjoyed many activities in the run up to Christmas, including a visit to the school from Dick Whittington and his cat, a Christmas Lunch followed by party games and a very special visit from Father Christmas.

Michelle Rafferty reporting

Make Henley Greener
Save Money - Help Save the Planet

Beat the bills.

You get the biggest hit on energy costs by wearing an extra jumper, etc and turning down the thermostat a degree or two. Every degree down saves about 10% on your heating bills and the same amount on your home heating carbon dioxide emissions. Normally, rooms at 19 degrees C are OK to sit in if you’re under sixty. If over sixty or infirm, 21 degrees C is recommended. In hallways and rooms that are not being used, turn radiators to a low setting. Babies and young children should not have bedrooms above 19 degrees C. Bedrooms generally need no more than 18 degrees. To check the temperature, various types of thermometer are available. Look out for cardboard ones in which the numbers glow to indicate temperature. These are good because they don’t break when you drop them. They are especially useful in rooms with thermostatic radiator valves since the valves don’t normally have temperature numbers on them.

Loft insulation and cavity wall insulation are usually grant supported so only cost low hundreds of pounds. Free for over 70s. They really work in reducing bills and will pay for themselves in reduced fuel bills in a couple of years. Phone the Warwickshire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 01789 842898 or go to :  www.weeac.org/advice.asp?page=homeadvice

John Stott

Stratford District Council

Planning Applications - Search on-line Stratford on Avon District Council Website

Laurence Marshall

Stephen Thirlwell