 | From the Kenilworth Weekly News - 14th January 2005 Cash Comes In To Transform Village HallCommunity groups are celebrating after Burton Green village hall was given funding for a makeover. The Hodgetts Lane site has been awarded £25,000 for a reburbishment which will include improved access, particularly for wheelchair users. Village hall chair Diane Swindells said: "This is just one source of funding and we hope to secure more in the coming year to transform our facilities." Kenilworth MP Andy King said: "This will make a real difference to local residents and I do hope to see work on the refurbishment commence in the near future." The grant has come from Sita Environmental Trust through the landfill tax credit scheme, as the hall lies within ten miles of a landfill site. Pictured leading the celebrations are Betty Woodward, Pat Stuthridge, Chris Langton, Diane Swindells, David Line and Jill Line. |
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From the Kenilworth Weekly News - 11th February 2005 Church-goers Are Flocking To Service At Burton GreenGrowing numbers at a church service in Burton Green village hall are bucking the trend for dwindling congragations. Villagers themselves organise the monthly service to have a local expression of the Christian faith in a village which is spread over three parishes. More than 40 people reguarly attend out of Burton Green's 800-strong population and there are in excess of 100 at special services such as Christmas and the Harvest festival. Jerry Marshall, one of the congregation leaders, said: "Although this is a prosperous area, many people have deep personal needs and value friendship, support and prayer. The church offers Jesus' love, acceptance and forgiveness so people can gain a new sense of perspective and purpose. Although the service has Anglican roots, we aim to be inclusive and appropriate for the whole village. Cafe-style seating for the January service was especially well received because it allowed greater interaction and a chance for members to get to know each other better." Other activities connected with the congregation include Bible study groups, an Alpha course and an annual sailing weekend. Some members are also involved in a job creation scheme in Bethlehem to combat the 76% unemployment rate. Villager Tom Walters said: "It is quite a big parish and population, and it was through the church that my wife and I made friends when we moved to Burton Green. It is a brilliant chance to get involved rather than being isolated." Services take place on the first Sunday of the month at 11am. Further information is available at Westwood Church. |
Mornings are an Oasis of Cummunity SpiritBurton Green's community spirit gained through church events is perhaps epitomised by its monthly coffee morning. Barbara and John Gardner host Oasis where hundreds of speakers have shared their Christian experiences in the 17 years it has been running. Mrs Gardiner said: "We have almost had a different speaker every month for all those years, and on the few occasions we have had the same person it has been to tell us about a new experience they have had. To hear what God has done in their lives encourages us all." The sessions are also an important social event for many pensioners in and around Burton Green. Mrs Gardiner added: "Some people have got lots of hobbies and long to get into them when they retire but it can get to the point when they can no longer do them. It's also more difficult to get out, as a lot of older people don't drive and you can become quite lonely. So something like this is simple, easy and relaxed and they get to see friends they perhaps wouldn't meet with otherwise." Last week's guest speaker, Phil Richardson, talked to the group about his involvement at the University of Warwick with Friends International, a voluntary organisation for overseas students. Phil, 22, said: "When international people arrive in the West, they will want to find out as much of our culture as possible and Christianity is a big part of that. We help them adapt to life in England with social events and get-togethers, and it is also an opportunity to hear the Gospel." Meetings take place on the first Wednesday of each month. Newcomers are welcome. | |
 From the Kenilworth Weekly News - 23rd January: Burton Green Moves to Curb SpeedersVillagers in Burton Green have taken action to prevent speeding. Members of the residents' association borrowed a Speed Indicator Device from Warwickshire County Council to keep an eye on traffic in different areas of the village - particularly Red Lane. The device measures vehicle speeds and flashed a light telling drivers whether they are above or below the limit. Association chairman Chris Langton said: "The two issues are the volume of traffic at rush hour and speeds at other times of day. We are in discussion with the council and the police". There have been nine personal injury accidents in the village the the last three years and eight of those were in Red Lane - including one fatality. Villagers are also concerned a bridge over the railway line at Tile Hill will encourage more commuters. They want permanent calming measures and have asked for money to be set aside by the county next year. |