Parish Council NEWS - December 2007
Parish Council NEWS - October 2007
Parish Council NEWS - August 2007
Parish Council NEWS - June 2007
Parish Council NEWS -  December 2006
Parish, District and County Council Members as at December 2006
Parish Council NEWS - February 2006
Parish Council NEWS - June 2005
Parish Council NEWS - April 2005
Chair's Report to the Annual Parish Meeting March 2005
Parish Council NEWS - February 2005
Parish Council NEWS - December 2004
Parish Council NEWS - (October 2004)
Parish Council News (June 2004)
Parish Council News (April 2004)
Parish Council NEWS Volume 6 (December 2003)
Parish Council News (October 2003)
 Parish Council News (August 2003)
Parish Council News (June 2003)
 Parish Council News (April 2003)
Parish Council News (February 2003)
Parish Council News (December 2002)
The above links will take you to a pdf file that requires Adobe Acrobat Reader 
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Summer Gardening Competitions 2005
The annual Competitions Evening was held on 15 September 2005 at the Haling Dene Centre.  The evening was a great success and below are listed the winners in each category.

Best Window Box/Hanging Basket and Best Front Garden Winners - click here for winners and pictures.
Best Allotment Winners - Francis Green Lane - 1st Mr R Talbot.
                                     Wolgarston Way - 1st Mr D J Bromfield  2nd Mr M G Brown
               Overall Winner - Mr D J Bromfield

Photographic Competition - 1st Mr Reg Webb, 2nd Mr Bryan Fleetwood  3rd Mr Reg Webb.

Childrens Activities:
Posters:  Overall Winner - Ben Dwight
Marshbrook First School - Best in School - Felicity Ford
Princefield First School - Best in School - Ben Dwight
St. Michael's First School - Best in School - Milly Robinson
Penkridge Middle School - Best in School - Kyle Molloy
Swimming Awards - Autumn 2004 Jason Ball,  Spring 2005 Reece Perry, Summer 2005 Katie Briscoe
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On 22 June 2005, South West Staffordshire PCT PPI Health Forum issued a Press Release about their Report into the Re-location of Penkridge Health Centre.  

Click here to see the Press Release (pdf file)
Click here to see a copy of the Report they produced (pdf file)

"In order to allow the people in Penkridge to express their views on this report and the proposals for the surgery, the PPI Forum will be holding its next meeting at the Haling Dene Centre, Penkridge, on 7th July 2005, starting at 6pm.     All members of the public are welcome to attend."

Calling all Ex-servicemen and women from the Second World War 1939 to 1945 in the Penkridge, Acton Trussell, Bednall, Dunston, Gailey and Stretton area! 
To celebrate the end of hostilities in EUROPE and the FAR EAST, The Royal British Legion Penkridge Branch are organising a free afternoon of entertainment with Buffet Lunch on 3^rd September 2005 in Haling Dene from 1330hrs to 1730hrs. Join us -  contact the telephone numbers below by Saturday 23^rd July. Transport can be arranged.  Contact Peter Jones 01785 713243 or George Elsmore  01785 713428

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The APPEAL to the refusal of the Pinfold Lane application will be heard at a Public Inquiry at 10am on 9th March 2005, at Codsall Council Offices.   It was adjourned and will be concluded at a further hearing at HALING DENE, PENKRIDGE, at 9am on the 15 March 2005.  The hearing was concluded on the 15th March 2005.   A decision will be announced in mid April.

In the meantime, another application (the third) has been lodged for a Health Centre in Penkridge.   This time it has been lodged by First City on behalf of the owner of the land and is on a site between Boscomoor Lane, the Canal, and Wolgarston Way (at present a tenanted field).  It is a large site and the entrance will be from Boscomoor Lane.   It will be discussed by the Parish and District Council in the near future.   County Highways have indicated that they are happy with the access which is proposed.    It is on a bus route and is near to a large percentage of Penkridge residents.   The Parish Council considered this application at a recent Planning Meeting and unanimously agreed to support this application.   They considered the proposed site to be far better than the Pinfold Lane site, being much nearer to the majority of the people of Penkridge and a much safer site to access, whether by car, on foot or cycle. 
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PENKRIDGE PARISH COUNCIL - Press Release - 9 July 2004

MEDICAL CENTRE

Notice has been given that Brackley Investments Ltd have appealed against the refusal of South Staffordshire District Council to grant planning permission for a replacement Medical Centre with associated car parking and access at Farmers Market Car Park, Pinfold Lane, Penkridge.

Penkridge urgently needs a new Medical Centre and the Parish Council fully endorses the need for it but has serious safety concerns regarding access to the site. The development is also on green belt land and the Council considers there are other more suitable sites available.

Therefore the Parish Council is going to make a submission to the inquiry which fully supports the decision of South Staffordshire District Council to refuse the planning permission.

If you are concerned and want your views to be heard please either attend the hearing or write to the Planning Inspectorate, 3/07 Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN by no later than the 16th July 2004. Please send 3 copies of your observations quoting reference APP/C3430/A04/1150688. Comments received after this date will not be taken into account.

The hearing will be held locally, at a date yet to be set. The Parish Council will attend the hearing on behalf of the community and would welcome residents involvement.

Watch the Notice Boards for further information.

2nd Penkridge Girl Guides receive Challenge Award
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CIVIC AWARD FOR 2002
Malcolm Wray, the winner of this year’s Civic Award, was born in Leeds and lived there for many years.  He married a lady called Mary, from Wolverhampton, who he met on holiday in the South West of England and subsequently moved and obtained a job to be with her.  This was in the 1960’s. He then took up employment with Dixons the Paint manufacturers, where he stayed until his retirement 2 or 3 years ago.

He was a member of the Boys Brigade at Leeds and because of that he became a member of the local Methodist Church.  So it followed naturally that he joined the Methodist Church when he moved to Penkridge in the early 1960’s.  When the leader of the Youth Club left, a Mr Brian Tutton, he took over. In 1982 the Local Minister started the Boys Brigade Group and this gentleman became one of the officers.   He was also a Sunday School Teacher and became involved in many Church activities.

Since his retirement he has became a volunteer in a government funded Housing Group, based in Cannock, who assist the unemployed to get accommodation and he  is also a volunteer for Age Concern.  Until he developed eye problems he was also a driver with our local Voluntary Car Scheme. 

Over the years he will be remembered for all these things and more, but he will also be remembered fondly by worshipers of the Penkridge Methodist Church, whom he greeted every Sunday morning, on the doorstep, with a ready smile.

BEST KEPT VILLAGE
Crown Bridge Island on Tuesday 10 September at 6.30pm was a special place to be when our village was officially presented with the Express and Star Trophy for being the Best Kept Large Village in the South Staffordshire District.  We were informed by Mrs Gwyneth Nicholls, Chairman of the BKV Working Group at the Community Council of Staffordshire, that records show 40 years have passed since we were awarded 1st in this annual competition.  The presentation was watched by dozens of local people who then enjoyed a light buffet at the Haling Dene Centre hosted by your Chairman.  The judges' comments have now been received and show that there were many areas in which our village excelled - but it was agreed by all judges that the whole village gave an air of a close community who made a real effort to make Penkridge special.  We all knew that our village was a grand place to live - but now we have installed on Crown Bridge Island a "trophy" for everyone passing by to see that it is official!

Summer Gardening Competitions
Winning gardens can be seen by clicking on http://www.penkridge.org.uk/gardens  
Winners this year were:
Best Front Garden - 1st Mr & Mrs Lynall  2nd Val & Bill Gibbons  3rd Joint - Ms Christine Barker & Mrs Diane Davies.

Best Window Box/Hanging Basket - 1st Mr Keith Flannagan  2nd Joint Mr G & Mrs C Taylor & Mrs Margaret Howard.
School Poster Competitions - 40 children received Certificates and a "Lucky Bag" each.  The Best in School winners also received an engraved salva, that looked VERY POSH.  These were:

Marshbrook First School - Tom Haviland
Princefield Firsgt School - Kayleigh MacDougall
St. Michael's First School - Liam Went
Penkridge Middle School - Lucy Crotty
BEST OVERALL WINNER - LIAM WENT
A Jubilee Tankard with a suitable inscription was presented from your Council to everyone attending.

Allotment Holders and Keen Photographers were able to enter NEW competitions and this made the Jubilee year presentations extra special.  When presenting the Allotment winner with his trophy Cllr. Stan Wright made the time old statement "He knows his onions".
A new shield was donated for this competition by Stan to sit alongside the shield/trophy already in his name for the Best Front Garden and Hanging Basket competitons.  The deserved allotment winners were:-
Wolgarston Way - Mr A Rawlings    Francis Green Lane - Mr M Walker
Overall Winner - Mr M Walker

Everyone has a favourite place in Penkridge.  This was the theme for the Great Penkridge Photo Competition.  Cllr. Kemp was the instigator of this competition - he took great pleasure in presenting the prizes on the evening.  The Winners of the cut glass engraved trophies were:
Under 16s - Miss Sarah Banks
Over 16s -  Mrs P Hughes

Village Schools Praised
Children were allowed to litter pick alongside members of the Civic Society througout the summer.  In thanks fof this Mr David Calcroft, Chairman of the Society presented cheques to each Head Teacher.  Your Council made a financial contribution towards these just rewards.

Penkridge Goodies - Donations July 2002
Princefield First School            £350           Marshbrook First School                    £350
Vision Aid                             £100           St. John Ambulance - Badgers            £250
Hearingdogs for Deaf People    £300           PUMAS Junior Football Club                £300
Penkridge Methodist Church    £350            Penkridge Medical Practice (Equip.)     £370
International Aid                     £400            HOPE (orphanage)                            £400
Staff (Kidney Transplants Games) £500       British Wildlife Rescue Centre - Amerton £500
Penkridge Youth Theatre        £500            Penkridge Senior Citizens Welfare Party  £600
Penkridge Scouts                  £600            Penkridge Parish Council (Seat)            £600
Lapley Bell Appeal                 £800            Macmillan Nurses (4 Bath Hoists)        £1000
Aberystwyth Lifeboat Station £1000           County Air Ambulance                      £2000

The Parish Council joins all the above organisations in saying a big thank you!

Skateboard Park - Monckton Recreation Centre
Equipment has been ordered and should be in place for the October half term.  Liaison continues with local young guys on what layout is best - they know your Council is anxious to see this project completed - news from the Lottery application is still awaited in October.

Horsefair Play Area
We continue to juggle the balls in the air!  We strive to keep the RoSPA Inspector and our Insurers happy!  The train is in the sidings - but things are "hotting up" nicely and hopefully it will be steaming into the play area very soon.  Safety remains our first priority.

Travel Token Scheme
Once again the Haling Dene Centre will be the venue used by the SSC for the issuing of tokens.  Dates for your diary:  Tuesday 1 October 10am to 3.30pm.   Monday 7 October 10am to 1pm.

Wolgarston Swimming Pool
The pool at Wolgarston High School is now managed by Penkridge Leisure Centre and they offer the following public sessions:
   Tuesday         5 to 7pm    Public Session            7 to 9pm Adult only
     Thursday      5 to 7pm     Public Session            7 to 9pm Adult only     
     Friday           5 to 7pm    Public Session        
     Saturday      2 to 4pm     Public Session
     Sunday        9am to 12noon     Public Session
In addition, Early Bird Sessions are offered on a Monday, Wednesday & Friday 7.15 to 8.15am.   For full details call in or telephone 714152

Penkridge 1930 - 1970:  The Day Before Yesterday
A fourth book on the History of Penkridge (the second by local historian Bob Maddocks) is to be published soon.   Some of you will have been interviewed by Robert, giving him first hand information on what life in Penkridge was like before, during and since the last war.   This promises to be a "best seller".  More news soon, hopefully including a pre-publication offer that you can't refuse.  NOW PUBLISHED - AVAILABLE FROM HALING DENE CENTRE - PRICE £6 COLLECTED.

Penkridge Rotary Club AWARD - Community Spirit Award 2001-2002
The Rotary Club of Penkridge has awarded for the first time a ‘community spirit’ award to two former Wolgarston pupils, for their contributions to the community.  Danielle Jarocki and Christopher Seale received certificates and book vouchers, with Jane Cooper at a recent club night. Both Danielle and Christopher have used their own talents, time and expertise, in and outside school in various ways that show a care, commitment and spirit to the local community

Crime Report (11 December 2001) from PC 4370 Parry-Sargent
Penkridge Community Police Officer
No house burglaries have been reported.  Two commercial premises have been broken into.  Two motor vehicles have been stolen.   One vehicle has been reported as being broken into.  Five reports of nuisance youths even in this cold weather.  Watling LPU are taking strong measures at present with youg people's names being taken and Inspector Walker contacting their parents.   If names are taken a second time a stronger letter goes out and if a third occasion crops up a visit to a Police Station will be carried out with a view to the youth and parent signing a good behaviour contract.  Criminal damage is still being committed in the area with a total of sixteen reports.  To date there have been two arrests with both offenders being charged and bailed to court for their crimes.  Three new Special Constables have recently joined Watling LPU.

Bus CHANGES FROM ARRIVA MIDLANDS NORTH
Penkridge – Cannock (Mon-Fri)
The morning journey will be re-timed to depart at 0800 running 5 minutes earlier; the arrival time in Cannock will remain unaltered at 0820. The route will be amended to operate via Shoal Hill. These alterations are with effect from 3 December.

No Waiting Order for A449 near New Road
In the interests of safety, and following requests received from Penkridge Parish Council and local residents, the Highways Agency is proposing to change the existing limited waiting restriction on the A449, in the vicinity of New Road, Penkridge, to no waiting at any time.    Vehicles parked on the A449 close to the New Road junction restrict visibility for drivers attempting to turn onto the A449 from New Road and cause a safety hazard.  The order will remove this hazard by preventing vehicles from parking close to the junction.

30 mph on A449 - maybe next year!  What about Wolgarston Way?
There are plans to de-trunk the A449 in 2002.  So we perhaps look forward to seeing the speed limit reduced to 30 mph through Penkridge.  In the meantime, we have a 40 mph restriction on Wolgarston Way.  As a result of public complaints of safety, the Parish Council have tried to get the Highways Dept. to reduce it to 30 mph.  In a letter to the Council, however, they have said their investigations have not shown any evidence of a link between speed and accidents on that stretch of road.     THE ROAD IS NOW DE-TRUNKED.

On-Street Parking in Penkridge
Complaints are widespread throughout Penkridge housing estates at residents parking their vehicles "on the street".  This causes access problems and is in fact very dangerous in some on some of our narrow streets.  Please park them off the streets.  It is also unlawful to park a vehicle on the pavements as many do.  Pavements are for people - not vehicles.  If there is a problem in your area and pavements are being obstructed, inform the Police.

Fireworks being sold to Young People
The Community Police Report to the Parish Council on the 8 November said that fireworks are easily available to young people in Penkridge.  This is very worrying and it is hoped that traders and shopkeepers in Penkridge will take a much more responsible attitude.

Crime Report for Penkridge (8 November 2001)
There have been 9 thefts from motor vehicles - you must remove items from view.  Also 4 thefts of motor vehicles, 2 of them when their drivers left the keys in when popping into shops.

A warning to the youths who cause problems in Penkridge - the Police will deal with any person found committing an offence.

7 further volunteers for the Community Police Post have come forward and are being trained so by the New Year the office should be open for the advertised  hours.

Parish Council NOTICEBOARD at the Co-op
A new Parish Council Noticeboard is to be sited at the Co-op Superstore in Market Street.  It will be placed on the wall near the Post Office.

New Youth & Community Area Manager
On the 1 December a new Area Manager for the County Council Youth & Community Service will start work in this area - her name is Diane Weaver.  A full-time Youth Worker is also being appointed for Penkridge and will begin work in January 2002.

Register of Electors - Revised arrangements
As a result of new legislation earlier this year, the final register will be published on 1 December 2001 which will be in force for 12 months from this date.   This register will now be subject to monthly updates from January 2002.    There will be a rolling registration system in operation in the future so anyone who moves in to a new property in our area should contact Electoral Services (p.hardy@sstaffs.gov.uk) to register at their new address.  New electors are then written to by the District Council confirming their registration.  They can only delete people via notification from other Councils that the people have re-registered somewhere else.  Other deletions are from the Registrar of Births and Daths fro registered electors who have died. 

Relief School Crossing Patrol Urgently needed
The School Crossing Patrol Service of Staffordshire County Council URGENTLY need a Relief School Crossing Patrol to cover absence of Regular Patrols in the Penkridge area.  Retainer fee + good rate of pay when required to work.  Can you help?  Telephone 01785 278855 or 278856 for further details.

Summer Gardening Competition Winners - Winners IN 2001 were:
Best Window Box/Hanging Basket
1st:  Mr G Holloway.  2nd: Mrs Margaret Howard.  3rd: Mr. & Mrs G Taylor.  Highly Commended: Mrs. J Brindley and Silverdene.
Best Front Garden Winners were:
1st: Mrs Patricia Hickman.  2nd: Michael & Gillian John.  2rd: Mr & Mrs S Lynatt.  Highly Commended: Mr J Bowyer.

Penkridge Vacancies
Relief Crossing Patrol Staff required in Penkridge.  Contact Jane Benton at 01785 278854 at Staffordshire Country Council.

Japanese Delegation visit Penkridge
A small Japanese delegation of academics visited Haling Dene Centre on the 12 September to look at how a typical Parish Council was established and how it works.  They were met by the Chairman, Parish Administrator, and Councillors who gave them a tour of Haling Dene and answered questions.   They were also greeted by the Town Crier. The visitors were:  Ms Akiko Takeoka, researcher of the Japanese Institute for Urban Policy and Mr Yoshihiko Nawata, Professor of Faculty of Law at Tokyo Metropolitan University.

Garages for Rent
South Staffordshire Housing Association have garages available in Penkridge for vehicles or storage which provide:
Secure parking
Clean, dry storage
A dry place to work on your car
A possible reduction in motor insurance costs
All this for £5.03 per week.
They currently have vacancies in Penkridge and other areas.
Visit:- http://www.ssha.co.uk/housing_available/garages.htm or contact abromfield@ssha.co.uk for details.
South Staffordshire Housing Association Tel. 01785 312000

CCTV cameras to be sited in Penkridge
South Staffordshire District Council have been successful in obtaining a Government Grant to install CCTV Cameras in Penkridge.  THEY ARE NOW INSTALLED - BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU! 

Best Kept Village
Congratulations to everyone in Penkridge who keeps our village tidy.  We are pleased to announce that we were awarded a Highly Commended Certificate at the Presentation Awards recently by the Community Council of Staffordshire who organise the competition in this county.  Our particular thanks must go to Penkridge Civic Society who co-ordinated our entry this year.

Festival Gardens re-opened
A new seat and "hasn't it made a difference?"  The Gardens were re-opened by last year's Civic Award Winner, Sheila Wellsbury and the Parish Council Chairman, watched by members of the local gardening and bowling clubs, Councillors and children from Penkridge Middle School. 

Provision for Young People in Penkridge
Local youngsters have lobbied your Council to provide a safe area on which to use their Skate-Boards.  Last year a decision was made to budget for the installation of a Multi-Purpose Surface at the Monckton Recreation Centre and its Committee have agreed to this being placed there.   The Tender has been awarded and work will begin soon.  

The surface has now been layed and will be opened shortly.  Just a few small things need to be tackled first before use.  There are suggestions that a Monckton Skateboard Club is formed! (posted 1 October 2001)

Village Park receives Planning Approval
South Staffordshire District Council have just given approval to an application by Penkridge Parish Council for a Village (or is it now Town?) Park on the meadow land between Bull Bridge and the Roller Mill.

Civic Service and Civic Award 2001
After the Civic Service at St. Michael's Church conducted by the Rev. Preb. Staton, on the 15 July, a Reception was held at the Haling Dene Centre.  This year's Civic Award was presented to Mrs. Ivy Stone (aged 82), a member of the League of Little Kindnesses.  Over 100 specially invited guests from local organisations and dignitaries, including the wife and Chairman of the South Staffordshire District Council and Cllr. Miss I Moseley, Vice Chairman of Staffordshire county Council, were welcomed by our Chairman Cllr. Kath Hoare.     The Award is a perpetual trophy - an inscribed Stuart Chrystal punch bowl - and was awarded for her tireless work for local charities.  Ivy was presented with an inscribed glass momento.  The citation and her name is recorded in a beautiful printed book kept at Haling Dene.  She told the assembly that she was a member of the League of Little Kindnesses.

A special presentation was also made to Councillor Stan Wright (father of the Council), in recognition of his 30 years service to the Council and particularly his involvement over the 25 years since Haling Dene was acquired.  A specially made oak pew (carfried to him by four of his colleagues) with an inscription in his honour was produced which will be placed in the foyer of Haling Dene for the public to use.  It was obvious to all that this had come as a great (but very pleasant) surprise to him when he responded from the heart with a speech outlining the history of the buying of the Dene for £76,000.

Anti-social behaviour of young people in Penkridge
The problems of anti-social behaviour in Penkridge, particularly on a Friday night, is causing the Parish Council, the Police and local residents a great deal of concern.   At a recent Police Consultative meeting, attended by a few members of the general public, Local Police Unit Commander W McKinley reported that the Police were looking closely at the recently enacted Government legislation, to see whether they could use this (as they have in Walsall) to punish young offenders.  So there is a clear message here to parents of all young people in our Parish that if these young people continue to cause problems then they could well face prosecution under this new legislation.  See below and ask yourself "Where is my youngster tonight?".

Horsefair Open Space - Refurbishment
The Working Party set up to consider where to site a new Play Area in Penkridge made its recommendations and The Horsefair site was eventually agreed by the Parish Council.  The Working Party were successful in obtaining a substantial grant from Onyx and you will see that the equipment is being installed now and should be completed very shortly.  As well as new Play Equipment for the young children, an assault course has also been built and a five-a-side football area kept.  Seats have been installed around the area and a covered bandstand-type seating area also erected.  We appeal to all parents of children using the site, to make sure their children are supervised and use the equipment correctly.  It will be checked regularly but if anyone notices damaged or faulty equipment, it should be reported immediately to the Parish Administrator at the Haling Dene Centre.   Remember, dogs are not allowed on any Council play areas in the village.

HALING DENE 25 YR CELEBRATIONS - SATURDAY 9^TH & SUNDAY 10^TH JUNE 2001
Penkridge Parish Council organised a two day celebration of its attaining the Haling Dene Centre 25 years ago. Events planned were to encompass the whole age range and tastes of villagers.

Post Office moved into Co-op
Excellent News - The Post Office has now moved into the Co-op in Market Street.. 
Advantages:  Safer, more central, free car parking, more space, level access, automatic doors, and toilets. 


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WHERE AND WHAT IS  MY YOUNGSTER DOING TONIGHT?

If you are the parent of a teenager please read on, but first can you answer the following questions?

1. Do you know where your children are tonight?
2. Do you know what they are doing?
3. Do you care what they are doing?
4. Do you know who they are with?
5. Do you ask what they do when they go out at night?

Dear Parent

Penkridge Parish Council is aware and concerned about the continuing rise in reports regarding unsociable behaviour by SOME young people in our community.  Your Council has always attempted to try and tackle this problem head on, and over the last three years it has helped finance the Friday night drop-in for young people, made money available in this year's budget for a multi-purpose surface at the Monckton Centre and will again make money available for a Summer Scheme.  This is where we need your help - as parents - before your youngsgter goes out tonight.    Please ask yourselves again.

Where and what is my youngster doing tonight?
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A SNIPPET OF INFORMATION - TREES
A specimen Silver Birch donated by our local Gardening Club will soon be planted in the Festival Gardens and this will be surrounded by a lovely cast iron and hardwood octagonal bench.  Did you know that our Parish of Penkridge was the only one in Staffordshire to enter into a Millennium project which involved the planting of a Millennium Yew at Pillaton Old Hall and a Millennium Dawn Redwood tree in the grounds of the Haling Dene Centre.  For this recoginition we have to thank Malcolm Walker, our Local Tree Warden, who continually finds new and exciting initiatives for us to enter.
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©2001-2005 Bevan Craddock- Legal Notice