This fungal disease  is now widespread and most young ash trees in the woodland on Stinchcombe Hill are already infected. Ash is also a significant tree in hedgerows, fields and open spaces and we have many fine examples in our parish.  Although isolated ash trees have a better chance of survival, some will inevitably be lost.

The Parish Council is asking everyone to look closely at any mature ash trees on their walks or bike rides.  Please let us know the location of any that appear to be infected, with a photo if possible. Summer is the ideal time to do this because the signs are easier to spot.  The Tree Council has produced a handy illustrated guide to the symptoms (attached pdf).

We are making this request for two reasons:

1. Safety – the disease progressively weakens the tree’s structure leading to a much increased risk of falling branches, clearly a concern with large trees alongside public rights of way.
2. Replacing important trees in our landscape – we can apply for funding to plant suitable replacement trees in public open spaces, on road verges and even on private land where the trees are visible to the public.   CPRE Gloucestershire is taking applications now and projects must be completed by the end of this year.   

• From your Parish Council
• Ash die-back
• Look Out for Ash Dieback
• Tree Protection in Conservation Areas
• The Stinchcombe Wassail

I wrote a piece about face masks back on 6th April, remember it? If not it’s here
At the time advice from The British Government was a NO, which now seems to have become YES, but only if you want to!! At the time I did comment about the lack of availability to buy and how to make them.

I recently had an email from New Zealand.. (Well SOMEONE reads the website!)

My name is Jen and I’m an Editor at Jen Reviews. I was doing research on DIY face masks and just finished reading your wonderful piece:
In that article, I noticed that you cited a solid post that I’ve read in the past:
We just published an updated, comprehensive guide on how to make five types of DIY face masks at home on our sister site, Happy DIY Home. It is completely free and you can find it here: https://happydiyhome.com/diy-face-mask/
If you like the piece we’d be humbled if you cited us in your article. Of course, we will also share your article with our 100k newsletter subscribers and followers across our social platforms.
Either way, keep up the great work!
Warmly,
Jen

So, I’m happy to share the link to Jen’s website in New Zealand, with this small caveat,

The current Government advice of YES, but only if you want to!! Like a lot of the advice from the Government seems to miss the point of wearing the face mask completely. The purpose of anyone wearing a non surgical N95 type mask is to protect others from you coughing when you are contagious. Wearing a mask will not protect you if no-one else does….It’s an everyone or no-one case..

Maybe these people in the SAGE group should see the WHO website!…or even the BBC!

Defibrillator at the Old School House

Did you know that there’s a new defibrillator in the village? It has been very kindly donated by Simon Packer and is situated on the garage of the Old School House (see picture) to serve the lower village. It’s not registered with SWAST  (ambulance service) as yet but is fully functional. 

For those who don’t know, there is currently a defibrillator at the Rugby club and plans are well in hand to install one at the Village Hall in the near future.

Although this year’s Parish Assembly and AGM have been cancelled, the Council is still meeting remotely and the next meeting is on Wednesday 27th May at 7.30. Meetings are open to all residents and if you would like to attend, please email clerk@stinchcombepc.co.uk and ask to be included on the Zoom invitation.

There is currently a vacancy for a Parish Councillor and this could be an excellent opportunity for anyone who is interested to find out what’s involved.

Pyke Quarry (Horsley) Household Recycling Centre

Pyke Quarry HRC (Horsley) is open for pre-booked visits only from Tuesday 26^th May 2020. For more information see here.

From Tuesday 26 May, the HRC at Pyke Quarry, Horsley will re-open ALL HRC VISITS MUST BE BOOKED ONLINE

Visitors to all Household Recycling Centres are required to prebook their visit in order to gain access to these sites. Social distancing is required on site, and in order to minimise queues and waiting times the number of booking slots available is limited. For more information click here.

What can I take to the centre?

Visit What can you recycle at our centres?to find out.

Plan your visit using the Pyke Quarry site map (PDF, 94.5 KB) .

What should I do if I want to bring a van, pick up or large trailer to the centre?

You need to book an appointment online using:

Please note:

• Proof of residency will be required when you visit
• Residents bringing small trailers with a load space of up to 6ft x 4ft do not need to book
• You cannot make an appointment by phoning the county or local councils

NOTICE OF VACANCY
IN OFFICE OF COUNCILLOR

PARISH OF Stinchcombe

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

Pursuant to Section 87(2) of the Local Government Act 1972, following a resignation from the above named Parish/Town Council, a vacancy now exists in the office of Councillor for the Stinchcombe Council .

If within 14 days after the date of this notice (i.e. no later than 12^th June 2020), a request for an election to fill the vacancy is received by the Returning Officer, either by email, elections@stroud.gov.uk, or by post, to Returning Officer, Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Ebley Wharf, Stroud, GL5 4UB by TEN electors for the said Parish, an election will be held to fill the vacancy, otherwise the vacancy will be filled by co-option.

If an election is called, a poll will take place on the 6 May 2021 as a result of the Local Government and Police and Crime Commissioner (Coronavirus) (Postponement of Elections and Referendums) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 and the Coronavirus Act 2020.

The Government has indicated that the situation will be kept under review, and if safe to do so, further legislation will be laid that will permit casual vacancy elections and referendums sooner than the 6 May 2021.  If this is the case, we will publish a revised notice

Dated 22^nd May 2020

Signed N. Bradley

Clerk to the Parish Council of  Stinchcombe

Ready, set, snap!

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s annual wildlife photography competition is now open for entries, with new categories and bigger and better prizes.

GWT would love to see your images showcasing the stunning scenery and spectacular wildlife here in Gloucestershire. We appreciate that movement is currently restricted due to lockdown but we think the ‘on your doorstep’ category provides the perfect opportunity for capturing snaps of wildlife and wild places close to your home – either in your garden or whilst out enjoying your daily exercise.

In addition to the adult categories, there is also a juniors category for those aged 17 or under – a great excuse for a family photography session, and a fun activity for children to take part in.

“We’re looking forward to seeing your entries, whether it’s a photograph that’s been taken on a smartphone, compact camera or SLR.”

• To find out more about the categories and how to enter, head to www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/photocomp Entries close at midnight on 31 July 2020

• Coronavirus
• Great Migration of Stinchcombe