Dear Reader,
Welcome to my latest article. Thank you to those of you who have given me feedback on my previous efforts.
Continuing with my theme of introducing you to your Parish Councillors, in this edition I highlight two of our most experienced members, Barry Bond MBE and Mikes Davies. I suspect these two seasoned campaigners are known to most of you already, but nonetheless I feel it is right and proper that I bring their long careers of public service to your attention.
Barry was elected to our Parish Council in 2007 and has served continuously since that date. He has served on all our committees and has been Chairman of the council. He is also a District Councillor, again serving on most of the committees. He is one of the most well-known people in Wombourn, having been actively involved in many community events and projects over many years.
He is a retired business management consultant, a volunteer mentor for the Prince’s Trust and Vice Chair of the board of governors at Westfield School. He also serves on the board of governors at Green Park Special School in Bilston.
He has lived in Wombourne since 1979, most recently on the Poolhouse Estate. Unfortunately, he has been diagnosed with a serious illness and currently resides in the beautiful Bridge Manor Care Home. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, sir.
Mike was elected to our Parish Council in 1999 and is one of our longest serving councillors. He lives on the Poolhouse Estate with his wife, Cheryl, and has lived in Wombourne for over 40 years. He has served on all our committees and he has been Chairman of the Parish Council.
His quiet authoritative manner and his experience are invaluable to the smooth running of the village. He is a District Councillor and is currently Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel. He is also Wombourne’s County Councillor. He is a well-known figure in the village, particularly on South Ward, where he is out and about most days delivering leaflets, newsletters or walking his dog. I am always impressed by how smartly dressed he is!
I now place on record my thanks to you both for your combined over 50 years selfless service and devotion to our village. Wombourne salutes you.
Since the last edition of the Grapevine, we have held our Annual Parish Meeting. This is the subject of a separate article in this publication. Please take time to read it and be struck with awe at the volunteers and groups that contribute so much to our village. We also hosted a visit from a group of Wombourne cub scouts. What an experience that was! Not a mobile phone in sight and nobody mentioned Facebook or TikTok. The future of Wombourne is in good hands.
This is my last article as Chairman. What an honour it has been. So many wonderful experiences. I have two beautiful and emotional moments to share with you.
Firstly, delivering the Bible reading and placing a wreath at St. Benedict’s Church on Remembrance Sunday. Secondly, Baljit from High Flyers making an impromptu speech at Full Council, thanking us for selecting him and Megan to turn the Christmas lights on. There was not a dry eye in the chamber.
Thanks for the memories! Look after yourselves.
Kind regards,
Councillor Mark Evans
Chairman – Wombourne Parish Council 2023 – 2024
meveans@wombourneparishcouncil.gov.uk
07944 888 700
Wombourne Carnival is on Sunday 7th July! This is always a very popular event with a wonderful atmosphere! To add to the day, this year we are hosting a Craft Fair from 12pm till 4pm in the Council Chamber, so please make sure you pay our talented stallholders a visit. This is the large building on the left, just as you enter the car park. The bar will be open in the main Civic Centre too, with access through the rear doors. Entry is FREE, so get spreading the word! 😃
We have a couple of Craft Fair stalls left for Wombourne Carnival, so if you are talented with homemade crafts or know somebody who is, please call 01902 896300! This is always a very busy event, attracting thousands of people! The Craft Fair will run from midday to 4pm with set up time from 10am on Sunday 7th July. It will take place in our Council Chamber and stalls are £30 each (£25 + VAT). We look forward to your call! 🌞
Did you know there is a traditional Sankukai Karate Club in Wombourne? It takes place in the Civic Centre’s Wodehouse Suite. Monday night’s class is a relaxed session for open mat or advanced learning, whilst Wednesday night’s class is split into 3 classes of Juniors to Seniors. For more information, please contact Simon Tromans on 07738 247067 or find them on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/BSKAWombourne 🥋
