News - May 2007

May 2007

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NEW MAYOR FOR CALDICOT
Caldicot’s new mayor is Councillor David Ashwin of Plaid Cwmru. Born in Caldioct in 1946, Councillor Ashwin spent 10 years serving as an engineering officer in the navy. For the last 27 years he has worked at Magor brewery. The new deputy mayor is Councillor Debbie Jones.

RED CLOUD OVER CALDICOT
An art installation called “Red Cloud” has been selected by Landmark Wales as its choice for a bid to the Lottery Board. If the bid is successful the installation would be erected near the Second Severn Crossing.

CARNIVAL REPLACED BY FESTIVAL
Caldicot Town Council announced that the annual carnival, which has run for over 40 years, would not take place this year, largely due to increased insurance costs and new stewarding regulations. However, Caldicot Chamber of Commerce stepped in to organise a festival in the castle grounds on Bank Holiday Monday (28 May). The festival featured local bands, a fun fair and stalls from local organisations.

CASTLE TO STAY OPEN IN OCTOBER
Plans to close the castle for the winter from the end of September have been shelved following an agreement between Caldicot Town Council and Monmouthshire County Council. Castle opening hours were originally cut by MCC in order to cut costs, but the town council has agreed to pay up to £4500 to keep it open during October on a trial basis.

AMBULANCE SERVICE CALLS FOR HELP
The Welsh Ambulance Service is calling on Caldicot people to volunteer for a “First Responder” group. The role of First Responders would be to rush to local emergencies and, if necessary, administer emergency first aid until an ambulance arrives. Volunteers will be trained in first aid and life support. They should be aged 18-70, physically fit and hold a clean driving licence. Further information is available from Mr Toni Rossetti on 029 2093 2917.

SCHOOL LEAVING TRADITION LEADS TO ARRESTS
The tradition of Caldicot Year 11 school-leavers meeting in the castle grounds to celebrate leavers-day led to six arrests following incidents of anti-social behaviour and drunkenness. 50 litres of alcohol were confiscated by police.

CALDICOT STAYS LABOUR
Caldicot, as part of the Newport East Constituency, will continue to be represented by Labour in the Welsh Assembly. John Griffiths held the seat but his majority was down from 3,484 in 2003 to 875. Caldicot’s James Harris, standing as an independent, polled 1,354 votes.

TRAIN SERVICE RETURNS
A late train service from Bristol to Severn Tunnel Junction, which was cut in December, has been restored by First Great Western. The train leaves Bristol Temple Meads at 10.54. The move was welcomed by members of the Severn Tunnel Action Group, which has been campaigning for improved services and better parking facilities at the station.

PROMOTION FOR CALDICOT TOWN
Caldicot Town Football Club have been promoted to Division One of the Welsh League.

FARMERS MARKET
The first in a series of farmers’ markets will be held on Wednesday 6 June at Caldicot Rugby Club from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. It is planned to hold markets on the first Wednesday of every month.