Parish Council Election 2nd May 2019 – Ian Dring

Being a Parish Councillor is as much about working together as about the individual. Each councillor contributes their experience and skills. Having been in business all my life until retirement I have a reasonable understanding of financial matters, a dislike of red tape and box ticking, and a willingness to challenge issues if I believe them to be against the interests of the Parish. With others I have attended many meetings with NWLDC and the County Council to argue the case for Packington. Planning has presented its challenges; you win some and you lose some.

Over the years I have particularly supported community activities via the Parish Council and personally, E.g. the Annual Bonfire event, Party in the Park, Carnivals and Royal Celebrations. Involvement with other charities has helped being a trustee of the Recreation Ground and Huntingdon charities.

Looking to the future I would like to see a link to Hicks Wood for cyclists which avoids Measham Road, and a footpath to Normandy Wood which could be used by all including wheelchairs.

Packington is a great village. It has given a lot to me and my family. Together we can keep it that way.

This publication is published and promoted by me, Ian Dring, of 19 Babelake Street, Packington, LE65 1WD

Parish Council Election 2nd May 2019 – Keith Goodwin

My name is Keith Goodwin and I have lived in the village for nearly 45 years since moving into Nethercroft Drive in 1974. I am married to Sandy and together we run a small stud of ponies on Spring Lane. Some village residents will be concerned that my reasons for becoming a Councillor are self-seeking in relation to planning permission on my land. I can assure you that this is not the case.
The one thing that experience has taught me is that it is the people you meet in life that are important. It is the people within this parish that matter to me and I will do my best to represent their interests if elected to our Parish Council. I am passionate about Packington and even though we have moved houses three times, we have always stayed within the village.
Regarding what policies I will bring to the post of Parish Councillor, I can best quote those core values that I undertake in my employment as a Chartered Surveyor within the Civil Service.

integrity’ is putting the obligations of public service above your own personal interests
honesty’ is being truthful and open
objectivity’ is basing your advice and decisions on rigorous analysis of the evidence
impartiality’ is acting solely according to the merits of the situation

This publication is promoted by me Keith Goodwin of The Coach House, Spring Lane, Packington LE65 1WU and published by Packington Post electronically on my behalf.

Parish Council Election 2nd May 2019 – Jackie Bridgen

Vote for Jacqueline Bridgen as Parish Councillor

I have lived in this area for over twenty years and moved into Packington with my two boys four years ago. Packington is a wonderful village, however like all villages there is always room for improvement.
As a Special Needs Teacher and as a parent, I understand the needs of children and families within our village. Having previously worked for many years as a childminder, a care worker for the disabled and the elderly, and as a District Councillor, I have built up a wealth of experience in supporting a diverse range of families with various needs and local issues.
Throughout my current role as your Parish Councillor I have:
• Personally championed the new equipment at the Recreation Ground, despite opposition from some residents and the District Council.
• Openly engaged with villagers to voice your views and opinions at committee meetings.
• Challenged inappropriate housing developments.
• Supported the village CCTV scheme.
• Provided a younger, more diverse approach to our Parish council.
Alongside being one of your Parish councillors, I am delighted to be an active hands-on member of our village. I am a member of the Party In The Park committee and work hard to help provide our annual event each year, and I am the founder and member of the Packington Ladies group. I am proud to be a part of our community, and recently took part in the Packington litter pick to actively engage with other villagers to clean up our streets and verges.
I participate in many village events and volunteer my time and support when possible. I enjoy meeting residents to discuss local issues whilst building new friendships and supporting our village.
With your support I will continue to work hard for you!

Promoted by Jacqueline Bridgen, 21 Spring Lane, Packington Displayed electronically on behalf of Jacqueline Bridgen by Packington Post

Parish Council Election 2nd May 2019 – Clare Beynon

I have lived in Packington for a number of years, with my husband and 2 daughters. As a family we have fully integrated into the village community, involved in various clubs and social activities. I’m a Talent Development Manager for a global brand. This role requires dynamic leadership and upmost Integrity.

I’m passionate about our village and believe I would continue to bring huge value as a voice of the community with a fresh perspective.
INCLUSIVE – More events for young families and other demographic groups. Reaching out via traditional channels and social media
SAFE– I’m passionate we do as much as possible to keep our community safe, ensure transparency with communication of village activity and ensure we identify all effective deterrents.
COMMUNITY VOICE—I’m here to represent YOU. I easily network and connect with many members of the village and will ensure your opinions are heard, from building development, planning applications, use of the recreation ground and, of course, HS2 plans.

Village Open Evening at our Memorial Hall – Friday 26th April 7pm – FREE glass of Prosecco or hot drink..

Friday 26th April 2019 – 7 pm – Major Event:

Village Open Evening at our Memorial Hall

FREE hot drink or glass of Prosecco.. Pop in for 5 minutes, or stay for longer.


Information on Village Groups, Clubs, Societies, events, and activities will be on display at Memorial Hall Venue 175 starting at 7pm on Friday.  Plus you can MEET PEOPLE!

We haven’t staged an event of this size since 2009, when the new Hall had just been opened; back then the evening was a major success, with many village people commenting on how they “..just didn’t know..” about all the different activities and societies that take place in Packington.

Ten years on, there are many thriving village Groups that YOU might enjoy being part of, and which would welcome YOU to come and see what they are and what they do. This is YOUR chance to look around with zero commitment needed. 

Also ten years on from 2009, we estimate one-third of the village population were not here in 2009.  New to Packington? So were we, once. Please come along and say hello, or just observe. We’d LOVE to see you, and offer you that FREE drink!

Organised by Packington Memorial Hall Venues Management Committee in conjunction with our village Groups and Societies..

Aldi Ashby 20 – Sunday 24th March 2019 – Roads Closed

The Aldi “Ashby 20” is a 20-mile road running race through Packington on Sunday 24th March 2019, starting at 10am.  About 1,500 runners will take part, and there are road closures for safety, for a likely maximum period from about 8am to about 3pm. Full details can be found here on the Ashby 20 website

Mill Street will be CLOSED from 9:05 to 10:15 am

Runners come from Ashby, go down Packington’s Mill Street, then do two anti-clockwise laps of the roughly-circular course shown on the map below.  The anti-clockwise left side of all roads of the circle are CLOSED during the race. Roads are open only in the opposite clockwise direction.  In Heather village, traffic may flow alternately in both directions using Stop / Go boards:

At the Bull & Lion on their second lap runners turn up High Street, Packington and on up Ashby Road to their finish at Ashby. There is a full schedule of Road Closure details in this table from the website, below:

Local MP Surgeries Spring 2019 in Swannington – Whitwick

ANDREW BRIDGEN MP

Upcoming Surgeries – Please note – You must book an appointment

 Swannington
Friday 5th April 2019 1.00pm-3.00pm
Swannington Village Hall, Main Street, Swannington, Leics LE67 8QL

Whitwick
Friday 10th May 2019 1.00pm-3.00pm
Whitwick Park Hall, off North Street, Whitwick, Leics LE67 5HB

TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT:
Call: 01530 417736
Email: andrew.bridgen.mp@parliament.uk
Snail Mail: House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA

Going East? Road closures to Heather 27 Feb to 1 Mar and 4 Mar to 6 Mar 2019

A Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) for Heather Lane, Normanton Le Heath; and Normanton Lane, Heather (see plan below) will allow Leicestershire County Council to patch the road West of Normanton. Expect temporary road closures; not anticipated to exceed four days starting Wednesday 27th February 2019.

Next, a second TTRO for Ashby Road, Normanton Le Heath (see plan below) will allow LCC to patch the road East of Normanton. Expect temporary road closures & parking restrictions. This is not anticipated to exceed two days starting on Monday 4th March 2019.

Many of your fellow Packington villagers might think a different diversion route to be preferable to the one LCC has shown – from our village going East, you can take Coleorton Lane and Old Leicester Road to Ravenstone, turning right for Heather.

Big Charity Breakfast – Major Village Event – Saturday 2nd March 2019

This is THE village event, where we all have the chance to be part of something REALLY SPECIAL – just come along and eat a top-level Packington Breakfast, AND / OR help by joining the team of villagers for just one hour.

Quality produce supplied by: Taylors Butcher of Ashby de la Zouch; and our own Daybreak Services of Packington

Not from Packington? We welcome you as honorary villagers while you enjoy a full Packington Breakfast. Just turn up! All proceeds to charity!

Full English Breakfast £7
Children’s Portion £3.50

  • Sausages x 2
  • Bacon x 2
  • Black Pudding
  • Fried Egg
  • Tomato
  • Beans
  • Mushrooms
  • Toast, Butter, Marmalade,
  • Orange Juice
  • Tea or Coffee

Vegetarian Full Breakfast £7

  • Omelette
  • Tomato
  • Mushroom
  • Beans

Breakfast Bap £3.50

  • Sausage or Bacon
  • Orange Juice
  • Tea or Coffee

Join us? You can take orders, lay tables, make tea, make toast, cook, warm plates, serve meals, serve hot drinks, serve orange juice, clear plates, wipe tables and re-lay, use the commercial high-speed dishwasher, use the low-speed glass washer, smile at all the happy eaters – call Mike on 560430 to book your chance to star for an hour in this amazing event where we all get to say hello to other village residents, and where volunteering camaraderie can make a major boost to YOUR seratonin level!

Job Vacancy – Parish Council Clerk – please apply by 1st March

Packington Parish Council

Has a vacancy for Parish Clerk / Responsible Financial Officer

9 hours per week (days/times flexible when required)
Salary : NJC Salary Point 11 - £21,166 (from April 2019) pro rata
Actual Pay - £5,148 p.a equivalent to £11 per hour (from April 2019)

We are a friendly enthusiastic Council, keen to make a positive difference to our Parish. We have lots of ideas and are looking for a Parish Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer to support in the efficient running of the Parish Council.

We are looking for someone who is friendly, enthusiastic, well-organised and calm, and who:

  • has excellent people skills, including the ability to work with Councillors, members of the public and third party organisations
  • is proficient with the use of email, Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint
  • is an accurate record keeper, well-organised and able to meet deadlines
  • will, with appropriate training, be able to deal with the day to day management of the Parish Council, including updating the website at https://www.packingtonpc.org.uk/
  • can identify funding opportunities and help prepare bids for grants funding
  • with training and support, ensure the smooth running of the Parish Council, and suggest new ideas or working practices
  • will undertake any other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time, and which may involve additional evening or daytime meetings

The job is carried out from home and the successful candidate may be expected to start working towards obtaining CiLCA (Certificate in Local Council Administration) if it is felt to be necessary in the future and once they have completed the initial 6 month training period.

Please contact Karen Edwards, via phone or email (see below) if you would like to know more about Packington Parish Council, the job, or would like an application pack.

The closing date for return of applications is Friday 1st March 2019. Interviews to be held in the evening of Tuesday 12th March 2019.

Please send applications to:

Karen Edwards, Clerk to Packington Parish Council, 
23 Brittany Avenue, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 2QY
Tel: 07936 359949 or email to clerk@packingtonpc.org.uk

New Management at our Bull and Lion

Debbie’s cheerful smile awaits you at Packington’s Bull and Lion Pub

There have been some recent changes at the Packington Bull and Lion – but villagers can now hope for a period of friendly stability at the pub, with the help of new manager Debbie Robinson.

No stranger to the Bull and Lion, Debbie has already been a regular customer for six years, even though living twenty minutes away in Gresley. Appointed to manage by lease-holders Phil and Emma as from 4th February 2019, Debbie has her heart set on fully maintaining the happy atmosphere she has previously enjoyed here:

  • YES! Family- and dog- friendly
  • YES! Same enthusiastic village staff
  • YES! Quiz nights on Tuesdays, starting at 9 pm, £1 per person
  • YES! Classic Cars on the first Monday each month – April through September – starting at 6 pm
  • YES! O’Regan’s Pop-up Pizza nights on those Mondays, too!
  • YES! Egg throwing event!

A new chef is still needed to restore the food service, and Debbie is then keen to move on from the present temporarily-restricted opening hours:

  • Mondays 4pm – 10 pm
  • Tuesdays – Thursdays 4 pm to 11 pm
  • Fridays – 3 pm to midnight
  • Saturdays – noon to midnight
  • Sundays – noon to 11 pm
February 2019 – opening hours temporarily restricted – Sorry!