An Open Letter from Ralph Warburton

AudlemOnline is pleased to publish this Open Letter from Ralph Warburton. If anyone has a contribution to make on this important subject and decision for the village which they would like publishing, please send it to editor@audlem.org

Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting
30th October at 7.30pm in Audlem Methodist Hall

Those who can access this website – the prize winning web site – will have noted the piece advising all of the planned meeting as above.

I wonder at this stage what has been done to alert those who do not access the website of this very, very important meeting regarding the future wellbeing of the village. Perhaps the Councillors can enlighten us all in this matter.

Basically the powers that be – the Cheshire East Council – headquartered way over in Sandbach, are to offer the whole complex of the Tennis Courts, The Children's Play area, the Playing Field and the Car Park to the village at no cost – other perhaps that a token £1 or a peppercorn.

It is a wonderful opportunity to gain possession of all this vital heart of the community that is Audlem. And by so doing , ensure the future is safe for all time, thereby stopping any sell off of such an amenity for housing, as has been done to playing fields throughout the length and breadth of the country by councils, seeing the chance to swell their coffers.

Those who surely care for the community – this prize-winning community – that we all enjoy here in south Cheshire, must surely wish to take up this offer. Anyone voting against this golden opportunity is surely very negative and I do seriously question their commitment to helping all that is good about Audlem.

Many groups of volunteers give of their time, their skills and talents and personal costs such as petrol etc so freely – and with such great heart.

Groups such as ASET with their wonderful Music on the Park, the so very famous Festival of Transport and the best Bonfire and Firework display around. All by just half a dozen or so caring folks!

The dedication of ADAS as a body of caring men and women which, over these past 45 years, have worked unstintingly in making the village a kaleidoscope of wonderful blooms and the very best Christmas displays in all of Cheshire.

The now very famous Music & Arts 5-day Festival – all done by just a tiny band who give so many hours and personal costs to make this event so marvellous.

The tremendous work of ADCA for the elderly in our community, providing transport to surgeries, opticians and hospitals as far afield as Liverpool and Manchester. Again volunteers giving up their time – and I am pleased to be a part of that team. And providing a bi-weekly chance for such elders to have a social life and luncheon.

And then APHax – a team working so hard over the recent years to get a tremendous annexe to the Public Hall. With the grant application of close to £600,000 submitted, it's a facility that will benefit hugely the young, the elderly , the sports groups and the wonderful pantomime players.

And not to forget the Carnival, so important to many charities for income; an event that began way back in 1812! And again run by a very tiny team of men and women.

Plus all the many many other volunteer group within the village that make Audlem the envy of all.

• If we were not to secure the Playing field / car park complex, much of this work would be harmed.
• And perhaps die!
• We do so need to be positive in securing the chance to be owners of our own major community facility.

We must surely act positively and ensure that the jewelled crown that is Audlem continues to shine brightest for many, many years to come.

Do please come to the meeting and show that you care.

Ralph Warburton

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