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The Kings Head

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Kay Elston
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Local News & Information

7th October 3pm It looks as if the river level is dropping. I was told that the two outer sections of barriers could be removed tomorrow. The agenda for tonight's Planning and Hall, Finance & General Purposes meetings is available from the above link. A small rise overnight - looking at the level indicator, about 1 mark. The Old Bridge Abutment is now covered, but the water is shallow. 6th October 4pm The river is still rising, slowly. The Old Bridge Abutment has some water on it. However, the river is still well below its banks and people are wondering why the barriers are all in place, with the middle section having the membrane on it. The rates for advertisements in the 2009 Upton upon Severn Folk Festival can be seen from the above link. Information on several callouts handled by Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue have been added to their website - a link from the Links menu. 7.30am The river has risen overnight, although still a long way from overflowing along the riverside. A lot of debris is coming down. The barriers are up between the Kings Head & the Plough, although not yet covered with membrane. 5th October 5pm More barriers have gone up in Dunns Lane. The waterproof membrane is being put onto the barriers between the Swan & Bridge House. The barriers are going to be erected from the Kings Head to the Plough. Apparently there is flood water coming from other rivers. The level indicator on Hanley Road isn't registering yet as the river is too low. 8am The barrier supports have been put up from The Swan to Bridge House, without the covering membrane. The river doesn't appear to have risen much overnight. The weather forecast for the West Midlands says 'Be prepared' - from the 'Local weather' link above. A picture of the riverfront at 8am from the above link. 4th October 4.30pm Preparations are under way to prepare Lower High Street for the arrival of the barriers, which are on the way from the depot. The EA are ringing around to say the barriers will be deployed within the next 12 hours. 3rd October A link to the MHDC Annual Report can be seen from the above link. More documents are available from the front page of malvernhills.gov.uk The latest MHDC 'What's on in the area' is available from the link below Forthcoming Events. 2nd October The latest minutes from Committee and Full Council meetings have been added to the Town Council menu. Upton in Bloom are planting pansies in the bed on the Old Churchyard tomorrow afternoon at about 2pm and would welcome volunteers to help! 1st October The Environment Agency have issued their first 'Upton Flood News' newsletter. A link above. 28th September A large tree trunk and a lot of other debris was removed from around the pontoon yesterday. British Waterways had to bring a crane to move the tree. 26th September The latest MHDC 'What's on in the area' is available from the link below Forthcoming Events. 25th September Upton upon Severn were awarded a Silver Gilt Award in the Large Village Category. Well done to everyone who took part! 24th September Members of the Upton in Bloom Committee, together with the Town Mayor, Cllr Tim Perry, are travelling to Chester today for the RHS Britain in Bloom Awards Ceremony. 'Spade & sponge' working parties - at 2pm on Monday 29th. Upton in Bloom will be digging around the floral boat on the 'Pepperpot' in preparation for Winter pansies, and washing down the seats, railings & litter bins on the riverfront. The latter were left in a mess following the clean up after the flood earlier this month. Anybody who would like to help with either job will be very welcome. We will meet near the Kings Head. 23rd September Zac Purchase has been appointed to a Vice-Presidency of Upton Rowing Club. More details from the above link. 21st September In view of Upton in Bloom's outstanding achievement in the Heart of England in Bloom, the Three Counties Agricultural Society have very kindly offered them a stand at the Malvern Autumn Show next weekend. If you're at the Show, come and see us on stand 396. 19th September The latest MHDC 'What's on in the area' is available from the link below Forthcoming Events. 18th September The Heritage Centre has had to close earlier than normal this year. It usually stays open until the end of September, but a recurring problem of water coming up through the floor has meant it has been closed. 13th September 8.00. New Street lane is open. MHDC have cleaned the road. WCC Highways are busy cleaning the riverfront from the Kings Head towards and beyond the bridge. The EA are dismantling the barriers from Bridge House to Fishermans Alley. 12th September I've replaced the picture of the Awards on the Heart of England results page with one of the Tourist Information Centre's window. The water in New Street is nearly back to the car park entrance. However, the road is thick with mud! The barriers are down from the Kings Head to the Plough. The rest will probably come down tomorrow. Upton in Bloom would like to announce that the Heart of England in Bloom Autumn Seminar will be held in the Memorial Hall, courtesy of Upton Town Council, with catering by the White Lion Hotel, on 16th October. Delegates will attend from all over the Heart of England. Another chance for Upton upon Severn to showcase itself! 11th September The water in New Street has retreated as far as the 30mph signs. Upton upon Severn was awarded a Gold Award in the Large Village category of the Heart of England in Bloom campaign. Upton also won the Large Village Category. It was also Overall Winner in the Heart of England. Well done to Upton in Bloom and everyone involved in whatever way! The trophies and awards will be on show in the Tourist Information Centre. 6.45am Hanley Road is clear - the barriers have gone from the flooded part, but the Road Closed sign is still by the roundabout. I'm not going to be able to update until late afternoon but I suspect the signs will be removed shortly. 10th September The agenda for the next Open Spaces and Cemetery Committee is available from the above link. 12.30pm The water is creeping along Hanley Road again. I've just watched a BBC Midlands Today item about flood defences in Hereford. They look, to me, much like the ones proposed for Upton. I've put a link to the item above. 7.00am. Hanley Road is still closed, and I think the river has risen slightly overnight. 9th September At about 10.30 this morning, I came out of the Co-op and noticed a County Building Supplies lorry at The Cross. It stopped briefly, then came down Old Street causing oncoming cars & a large van to use the pavement along by the bakers and other shops. I crossed the road and was walking towards The Cross when a bus came into Old Street, straight onto the pavement until oncoming cars had cleared. If you notice any similar selfishness & stupidity, please let me know. 7.30pm Hanley road is still closed. There will be a meeting on Thursday 11th September 2008 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chamber to meet the new Environment Agency Project Officer for Upton upon Severn and hopefully find out some more information on flood defences for Upton. 1.00pm Hanley Road is still closed, although the barriers have been moved back to the cottages. 7.00am Hanley Road is still closed. The pavement is clear of water so hopefully it will be open later today. 8th September 11.00am The level is still dropping very slowly. I have a lot of visitors coming to the site during floods, many of them looking for information on the roads and, in particular, Hanley Road. However, all the information I supply is purely from my own observations - ie I go out to look and come back and report. So Hanley Road could have been open for a couple of hours before I see it is open. Who makes the decision to close & then open the roads? Somebody must instruct someone to do this. I have made a couple of enquiries to the Police & WCC, but as yet have had no reply. Does anyone know? 7.00am. A very slight drop according to the the gauge on Hanley Road. There is a tide mark in New Street showing the water has receded slightly. 7th September The river rose quite a lot overnight, but seems to have slowed during today. The barriers are holding back over 3' of water opposite the Swan, and more or less in various places along the riverfront. 7.30am. Hanley Road is closed. 6th September 8am: The barriers are up from The Swan to Bridge House. Lower High Street & the riverfront are closed and there is some water on the road. New Street lane is flooded - the footpath & road entrances to the back of the car park are flooded. 5th September "22:44: A Flood Warning has been issued for the River Severn between Worcester and Tewkesbury. Flooding of homes and businesses is expected. Act now! The River Severn is expected to flood low-lying property at Upton and Kempsey, together with Malvern Road (B4211). River levels are expected to be between 4.5 and 5.0 metres at the Saxons Lode river gauge" - from the EA by email. Still nothing on the website though. The flood barriers are being erected along Waterside from the Swan to Bridge House. There has been talk all day about them going to be brought to Upton, yet the Environment Agency hasn't mentioned the Severn all day - this afternoon Shrewsbury appeared as 'Flood Watch'. When I went out at about 7.30pm there was no change; now the site says 'River Severn in Worcestershire, Status: Flood Watch, Received at: 19:58'. Upton in Bloom's thanks to the guys from the EA who moved the barrier baskets to safety from the Old Bridge Abutment. The latest MHDC 'What's on in the area' is available from the link below Forthcoming Events. 2nd September At 12 noon on Saturday 6th September Zac Purchase, Olympic Gold Medal winner, will be in Upton to raise the new Olympic Flag at the disabled area, Lower High Street. 30th August Would you be interested in a local radio station for Upton? Have a look at the Blog about it. 29th August The latest MHDC 'What's on in the area' is available from the link below Forthcoming Events. A document 'Heritage Open Days' can also be found there. 28th August The agenda for the next Council Hall and Finance Committee meeting is available from the above link. Upton Arts Music Group Programme of Events is available from the Things to Do menu Brenda's cat finally came home a couple of days ago! 27th August I've added a link to The Kings Head website from the Links menu option. 26th August If you would like to fill in the Upton upon Severn Water Festival Survey, visit www.morethansport.com/waterfestival 25th August The Olympic Flag Handover Ceremony yesterday was a great success. A lot of people came and watched, enjoyed, and took part. However, someone stole the flag overnight. The Police have been informed. 24th August I added some more pictures today. The fireworks were brilliant! Well done to Pepperpot Pyrotechnics yet again. There were thousands of people watching the fireworks, yet the number of people leaving afterwards who studiously ignored the bucket collectors is astounding. 23rd August Water Festival is going well. I've added some pictures from the link above. 22nd August The 'Sing Upton' choir met on the river front this evening to practice their songs which will be sung on Sunday afternoon at about 2.30pm, in concert with other choirs around the nation in 'Sing Nation'. This follows the Olympic Flag handover. Details of the Water Festival and Olympic Handover from the above link, or buy a programme which is on sale all over the town. More details on 'Sing the Nation' can be seen at http://www.singlondon.org/singthenation/events_Upton.html A cat has gone missing in New Street. Tommy is a big ginger & white Manx cat. He has been missing since late Monday evening. If anyone has seen Tommy, please ring Brenda on 01684 592208. Local residents could check sheds and garages to see if Tommy has been shut in by mistake. The latest MHDC 'What's on in the area' is available from the link below Forthcoming Events. 21st August Minutes from the Full Council & Planning meetings of 29th July can be seen from the Town Council menu option. Photos of Town, District & County Councillors, and the Council staff can be seen from the above link. A picture of the barge 'Perch' carrying spoil from the new basin at the Marina to Hylton Road in Worcester can be seen from the above link. I've been advised that the leaflet about the Upton Hub has been corrected, although I haven't seen it yet. 20th August A picture of Zac Purchase, Olympic Gold Medal winner, with Upton Rowing Club where he first started rowing (as he states in his blog), can be seen from the above link. He later rowed at Kings School and then Marlow (Sir Steve Redgrave's Club). Zac is on the left of the picture. 17th August Some information for parents of Upton Primary School pupils regarding the parade of lanterns at Water Festival can be seen from the above link. 15th August The agenda for the next Town Council meeting, which covers Full Council, Planning, Open Spaces & Hall and Finance Committees is available from the above link. The portfolio produced by Upton in Bloom to give to the Heart of England and Britain in Bloom judges can be seen from the Upton in Bloom links above. Some fundraising diary dates have also been added. The latest MHDC 'What's on in the area' is available from the link below Forthcoming Events. 14th August Dates for several fundraising events have been added to the Upton in Bloom diary. 8th August The latest MHDC 'What's on in the area' is available from the link below Forthcoming Events. 4th August I've put the link to Chris Lusty's website under Forthcoming Events. Apologies for taking it off! Britain in Bloom judging day! If you can join us on the grounds of the 'Pepperpot' from about 3pm, we'd love to see you. 1st August Some friends sharing the birth sign of Leo get together once a year, buy clothes from charity shops and spend the day in town! A link above. The latest MHDC 'What's on in the area' is available from the link below Forthcoming Events. The first newsletter regarding the new Malvern Community Hospital is available from the above link. 31st July The minutes from the last Town Council and Committee meetings can be seen from the Town Council menu. 30th July Peppercorns Youth Group have decided to put on one last show in September after which the group will fold unless they can find a new committee that wishes to take the group over. They are presenting 'Bugsy Malone' and the poster can be seen under Forthcoming Events. It will be a great shame if the group has to fold as the members are really professional and put on some very good productions. 28th July The agenda for tommorrow's full Council & Planning Committee meetings is available from the above link. 25th July The latest MHDC 'What's on in the area' is available from the link below Forthcoming Events. The Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue Association has been updated with information on recent callouts. A link from Links/Sites hosted at upton.uk.net It sounds as if this year's Water Festival is going to be better than ever! Information on what is planned can be seen from the above link. 23rd July The judging went extremely well. The judges were very impressed with all they were shown and commented on the general cleanliness of the town. Pictures and comment from the above link. Upton is being judged this morning in the Heart of England in Bloom campaign. The floral displays are all looking good, so we hope that all the other criteria that the judges assess will be to their satisfaction! The judging will finish on the Pepperpot, so if you can make it, please join us at 11-15am. 19th July 'Sing the Nation' - Upton upon Severn accepted the invitation to be part of the Olympic Handover and this involves a National Choir Link on the Sunday afternoon of the Water Festival. If you would like to join in, the dates of choir practices can be seen from the links under Forthcoming Events. More information can be found on the 'Sing the Nation' website from the link at the top of the page. 18th July Lower High Street and the riverfront from The Swan to the roundabout, are closed for the duration of the Blues Festival. Part of the Severn Way, along the edge of the Marina, is subject to a temporary closure whilst spoil is removed from the Marina. A copy of the notice, and a map, are available from the links above. The latest MHDC 'What's on in the area' is available from the link below Forthcoming Events. 17th July If you are interested in Genealogy, you may be interested in signing a petition asking the government to release the 1911, 1921 and 1931 Censuses earlier than the 100 year rule now in force. A link above. A press release regarding collaborative working between MHDC & Worcester City Council can be seen from the above link. Yesterday I added correspondence from the Environment Agency regarding a flood protection scheme for Upton. 14th July Mike Hankin has been a professional artist and photographer since 1975. His work can be seen in Frames & Blinds in Old Street. A link to Mike's site is available from the link above. 11th July The agenda for next week's Open Spaces and Cemetery Committee is available from the above link. The latest MHDC 'What's on in the area' is available from the link below Forthcoming Events. 7th July 18 year old Chris Lusty is cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats starting on 21st July and, through sponsorship, raising money for Air Ambulance. A link to Chris's website under Forthcoming Events - 21st July. A conference is being held in Worcester on 12th July entitled 'Water, Water …… Everywhere?'. More details from the press release under Forthcoming Events. 6th July Judging took place yesterday in the 'Local in Bloom' competition for residents and businesses. Pictures of some of the entries can be seen from the Upton in Bloom link to their diary above. A route has been prepared and is available from the same link. 4th July The latest MHDC 'What's on in the area' is available from the link below Forthcoming Events. 1st July Only a few days left to enter the 'Local in Bloom' competition. A copy of the entry form is available above. We have entries from Earls Croome, Baughton and Ryall as well as from Upton. 28th June The 24 hour car push ended at 6pm. I've added a couple of pictures to the ones from yesterday. I'm hoping to get some statistics tomorrow and will add them to the page. The people involved did a great job. A really large picture of the Jazz Festival site on Fishmeadow available from the above link. Over 100 laps of the field had been achieved by the car pushers at just after 7am this morning. Some pictures of shop windows in Upton that have been decorated for the Jazz Festival. Pepperpot Flowers was judged the best, and the Map Shop was second. A link to pictures above. 27th June The 24 Hour Car Push in aid of St Richards Hospice is under way. If you can, please go along and support the pushers, or volunteer to push! Some pictures from the link above. The latest MHDC 'What's on in the area' is available from the link below Forthcoming Events. 26th June The agenda for the next Planning and Hall & Finance meetings is available from the above link. I've added another link, with even more information, to the page about the 24 hour Car Push. A 24 hour Car Push in aid of St Richards Hospice is taking place on the Sports Field, starting at 6pm tomorrow. More details, and a link to donate online from the link above. 25th June Art students from Hanley Castle High School painted a mural on one of the bridge supports today. Much better than the graffiti that was there before. A link above. I've added a link above to the Pitt Report 'Learning lessons from the 2007 floods' which has been released today. Minutes from the last Town Council and Committee meetings are available from the Town Council menu. Not much time left for buying tickets for the Jazz Festival at advance prices, which are valid until the ticket office closes at about 9.30 on Thursday evening. 23rd June A message from the Practice Manager at the Surgery: 'Dear Friends, Thank you so much to you and your volunteers for the wonderful banner entry to the town for the Royal visit - as ever they looked spectacular and I am so grateful for the loaned ones at the surgery. Prince Charles did comment on the bridge display. With best wishes, Philippa'. The Jazz Festival still have spaces available for stalls other than catering, jewellery or clothes. Contact the Festival Office on 01684 593254. The agenda for the next full Town Council & Planning meetings is available from the above link. 22nd June If you haven't signed the petition 'We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to ask HMRC to raise the rate at which they permit charities to reimburse volunteer drivers from 40p per mile to 50p per mile for their fuel costs', please consider doing so. Community Care in Upton relies on its volunteers to take vulnerable people to hospital and the surgery. But it isn't just an Upton problem, it must be nationwide. A link to the petition above. 20th June The latest MHDC 'What's on in the area' is available from the link below Forthcoming Events. 19th June Update: Nick and Sue Hannah have taken over the management of Ardath House. Nick Hannah stated 'Ardath House is under new management and will continue to be an asset to Upton upon Severn. The staff, who will be staying on, have saved the shop'. On behalf of everyone who cares, thank you Nick. I've been told that a local businessman has bought Ardath House, and the business will be continuing. It will close officially tomorrow tonight, and reopen at 4am Saturday morning. I'll confirm as soon as I can. 18th June The list of Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue callouts has been updated on their website. A link from Links / Sites hosted... 16th June The Worcestershire Life Food and Drinks Awards brought an unexpected win for an Upton retailer. A link above. 13th June The Environment Agency asked the Town Council to respond to their proposals by the 16th June - the accompanying letter was dated 6th June! The Town Council has requested that the date be put back so that discussions and answers can be debated at the next Town Council meeting on 24th June. I wonder why the EA expected a response on such an important matter in such a short time? The latest MHDC 'What's on in the area' is available from the link below Forthcoming Events. Simon Wilkinson sent me an advertisement from the Upton News 1910 for Paradise Sweet Peas, which I've added to the document above. Thanks Simon! 12th June A very interesting article by Simon Wilkinson & Judith Taylor regarding the breeding of Sweet Peas in the area during the early years of the 20th Century, can be seen from the Upton in Bloom link above. The agenda for the next Open Spaces & Cemetery Committee meeting is available from the above link. The Blues Festival website has been updated with details of this year's event. A link from the Events menu. 11th June I've heard that Ardath House newsagents is to be closed on 20th June, which will be a huge loss to the town. The solicitors who are closing it are Pinkerton Leeke & Co, Cheltenham if you want to write or ring them to ask if they could reconsider their decision and at least give the shop time to be sold as a going concern. 10th June I've added some pictures of the Royal Visit taken by Tim Dance - thanks Tim! There is a link to them from the page I added earlier. Upton Primary School Summer Proms will be held on 5th July, 3.00-7.00pm. More details can be seen from the poster in Forthcoming Events. The Royal Visit to Upton Surgery went very well. Their Royal Highnesses were extremely interested in all the aspects of the Surgery, and met local dignitaries, staff (some of whom had been flooded last year) & patients. More from the link above. The community flags were put up on the bridge last night, in honour of HRH Prince Charles and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. Some moron cut some of them down overnight. Thanks to Peter & Rosemary Webb for recovering most of them. 9th June The Heritage Centre needs some volunteers desperately. If you could spare some time, please call in at Tourist Information. Proposals for flood defences from the Environment Agency are in the Committee Room at the Memorial Hall. Barrier baskets have been installed around the riverfront this morning. Planted up by Earls Croome Garden Centre, they look superb! A link from the Upton in Bloom link. The 'visitors' to the Sports Field left this morning. Upton Rowing Club's Pubs, Clubs & Firms Regatta yesterday proved very successful. Six teams took part and were encouraged by a large crowd of spectators. Some pictures from the above links. 8th June Gypsies have forced entry onto the Sports Field and are camping there without permission. The Police know about it and are hopefully going to move them. 7th June The Youth Band Championships went very well and all the bands are to be congratulated on their displays and turnout. Upton Youth Band did extremely well, winning 8 categories. Some pictures from the link above. The Community Flags will be going up on the bridge on Monday evening for the Royal visit on Tuesday. If you can help, please meet at the Memorial Hall at 6pm. 6th June The latest MHDC 'What's on in the area' is available from the link below Forthcoming Events. 5th June An Electronic Press Release by Chris Walker with his choice of music by the Antique Six Jazzband can be heard from the above link, or from the Jazz website. Many elderly and vulnerable people rely on local charities with volunteer drivers to take them to hospital appointments. At the moment, charities can reimburse volunteers up to 40p per mile. With fuel prices rising almost daily it can cost the drivers more than 40p per mile. You can sign a petition asking the government to increase this to 50p from the above link. 3rd June Sean Jackson, owner of Ardath House newsagents, was very sadly killed in a car crash on Saturday. My condolences to his family. 2nd June The date for the Heart of England in Bloom judging is 23rd July at 10am. The RHS Britain in Bloom judging is on 4th August, but as yet no time is available. Reports from Community Care, Citizens Advice & PC Mark Taylor's last report are available from the above links. Good luck Mark! I've added a few events to Forthcoming Events below. An updated agenda for the Planning meeting tomorrow evening is available from the link above. 1st June Concerts organised by the Friends of Upton Jazz have been added to Forthcoming Events. Details are available on the Jazz website, under the 'Friends' menu option.

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