It’s almost two years since the residents on Herdwick Gate and Herdwick Fold agreed we should form a Residents Association.  We are about to hold our second Annual General Meeting and we would like to invite you to join us.  We need a quorum for the AGM to go ahead so we would very much appreciate your attendance if at all possible.

It will be held on Thursday 17th September, starting at 6.30pm at The Hub, off Pittway Avenue.  It’s a short walk away or an even shorter car ride.  The bar will be open, serving refreshments!  

Please contact us in advance if you have mobility issues so that we can provide help accessing the first floor meeting room.

At the AGM your Committee will report on a busy year and will set out our thoughts for the year ahead.  Importantly we want to hear from you and understand what your priorities are.

Come and join us on the Committee

We will be electing Committee members for the coming year.  If you are community spirited and would like to put your name forward please drop us a line.  We are a friendly bunch and being on the committee doesn’t take up too much time.  You can find details of Committee roles on our website.

If you are not already on our email list for news updates you can add your name via the website - click on the Contact Us button at the top of the page.

An agenda for the AGM is available here: Click here for agenda.

I look forward to seeing you at the AGM.

Best wishes.

John Fedorowycz

Chairman

HGHF-RA Committee

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One year ago we told you about our plans to get an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), with bleed-kit, installed at The Herdwicks.  Click here to read the article, which explains the benefits of having one.  It could literally save your life, or that of a partner or neighbour.

At the time we didn’t have the money required so we have been busy looking for grants.  The good news is that we have managed to secure funding that covers 85% of the cost.  (Happily, over the last 12 months the cost of the unit has come down a bit). 

We are grateful to the following organisations who have contributed, and thank them for their generosity:

• League of Friends of Shipston Hospitals
• Shipston Rotary Club
• Stour Valley Lions

UPDATE MONDAY 27TH JULY: WE NOW HAVE THE FUNDS WE NEED AND ALSO A PROPERTY TO HOST THE UNIT.  NO FURTHER DONATIONS REQUIRED THANK YOU.  MORE DETAILS ON INSTALLATION IN DUE COURSE.

 Now we need to find the remaining balance of £175.  So we are inviting residents to help us get over the line by making a contribution.  This is a really worthwhile thing to have - potentially life saving.  If you would like to help please make a donation.

The easiest way is to transfer money to our bank account:

Account name: HGHF Residents Association - Shipston on Stour

Sort code: 30-99-50

Account number: 63096163

In the reference field please show the first line of your address.  We will let you know when we reach our goal (WE HAVE!).  If we are fortunate enough to get more than the £175 needed any surplus donations will go in to our general funds.

Locating the defibrillator

We want the unit to be centrally located so that it is easily accessible.  Shipston First Responders would need to be happy with any proposed location and they would deal with all aspects of the installation.  They deal with maintenance too and reset the unit if activated.

These devices must be fixed to the outside wall of a domestic property - a house or bungalow.  Would you consider hosting it? 

It needs to be connected to an electric supply (all included in the installation cost) and the running cost is the equivalent to charging a smartphone - so negligible.  In the event that a property owner subsequently wants the device removed this can be done quickly and at no cost. 

Please contact us if you would consider having it installed on your property. It would be a great thing to do for your community.

Training

Whilst the device does talk to you once activated and gives step by step instructions, we will be arranging a free training session for residents.  More on that later. 

First of all let’s find the money and confirm a suitable location.  We hope you will consider supporting this initiative.  If you have any questions please get in touch: Contact Us

Thank you.

HGHF-RA Committee

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Taylor Wimpey has advised that planned works are due to be carried out to the rear boundaries of properties numbered 31–61 Webb Road, on Herdwick Gate.

The works involve the replacement of approximately 140 metres of fencing located to the rear of these properties.

The footpath between Webb Road to Bailey Road will also be closed for safety reasons. 

The works are anticipated to remain ongoing for approximately 16–18 weeks, (although the sign says 20 weeks), starting on Monday 18th May, subject to site conditions and operational requirements.

A letter (shown below) has been issued to the directly affected residents, and the relevant Housing Association has also been informed to ensure that tenants are made aware of the proposed works.

Taylor Wimpey Letter #1

Dated 8th May 2026

Upcoming Essential Maintenance Works – Parking Request 

Dear Resident,

We are writing to inform you of upcoming essential maintenance works scheduled to take place within the development.

These works will require access for large vehicles and lorries, which need sufficient space to safely enter, manoeuvre, and carry out the required activities. The works are currently planned to take place on the following road: Webb Road

Works will commence week commencing 18^th May 2026

To help ensure the works can proceed safely and without delay, we kindly request that, where possible, residents and visitors refrain from parking on these roads during the above times. Vehicles parked on the roadway may restrict access for the lorries and could result in delays or the temporary suspension of works.

We appreciate that this may cause some inconvenience and thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding while these essential works are carried out.

Please note that access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.

If you have any questions or require further information, please contact Customer Services via email.

End of Taylor Wimpey Letter #1

In addition, a separate letter (shown below) is being hand delivered to residents of Webb Road requesting their co-operation in relation to parking arrangements during the works, as access will be required for delivery vehicles and contractors.

Taylor Wimpey Letter #2

Undated

Dear Resident,

We are writing to update you on the essential maintenance works that is to be completed to your rear garden fence/boundary. 

The works are required to address an issue relating to ground movement (rotational slip) affecting a section of the boundary and will involve the replacement of approximately 140 metres of fencing.

Works are scheduled to commence on: Week Commencing 18^th May 2026 and are expected to continue for approximately 16-18 weeks.

For reasons of safety and security, the Works Area will have to be temporarily fenced off this will mean that the gravel footpath from Webb Road to Bailey Road will be out of use of use for the duration of the works. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and assure you that the path will be re-opened as soon as is safely practicable.

You will given notice prior to the day the works are to commence at your specific property.

It is anticipated that the entire extent of the works will take approximately 16 to 18 weeks to complete with the works commencing 

The Works will commence at number 31 Webb Road (plot 81) and working along the line of the fence, to finish on number 55 Webb Road (plot 68), with no more than 4 properties affected at any one time.

The first stage of the works will involve the removal of any plants, shrubs, sheds and any other items from the line of your rear fence, back to a line approximately three metres from the fence.

All items currently in this ‘three-metre zone’ have been photographed during the survey works that have already taken place. However, for the sake of completeness, our contractor will take further photographs immediately prior to any works commencing in your property. The plants and shrubs will be replaced with new, once the works are complete. All other items will be carefully removed and placed in an area of your remaining garden to be agreed with you.

Upon completion of the works, the photographs will be referred to, in order to restore your garden to its current condition.   

Following the removal of all items in the ‘three-metre zone’, a temporary ‘Heras-style’ metal fence will then be erected along the three-metre line. This will be for safety and security reasons whilst the works are carried out.

The existing rear fence will then be removed, and an area of ground, extending approximately one metre back from the fence line, will also be temporarily excavated to allow for the construction of a new retaining wall.

The removed soil will then be reinstated against the new retaining wall and a new close-board fence erected on top of the retaining wall.

Your side boundary fences will then be re-secured to the new rear fence.

The temporary security fence will then be removed and your garden restored as closely as possible to how it is now.

The works to your individual property should take no more than 2 weeks.

Please rest assured that your garden will be kept secure for the duration of the works and we will try to keep the level of disruption to a minimum.

The works are being carried out for Taylor Wimpey by Shines Environmental Company Ltd.

Any questions or concerns regarding the works should be directed in the first instance to Taylor Wimpey Customer Care.

Due to the nature of the works, there will also be increased activity in the immediate area, including the use of heavy goods vehicles to deliver materials. 

As access is limited, we kindly request that, where possible, you avoid parking on the roadway in the vicinity of the works during this period to allow safe access for vehicles and operatives.

While every effort will be made to minimise disruption, you may experience some noise and general disturbance during working hours. We will endeavour to complete the works as efficiently as possible.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation while these essential works are carried out.

End of Taylor Wimpey Letter #2

HGHF-RA Committee

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Platform Housing are organising a wildflower seed-sowing walk this week and everyone is invited to take part.

The walk will begin at 11.00 on Friday 15th May, from the Public Open Space at the end of Webb Road, on the Herdwick Gate development.

Platform, who manage a number of properties on the development are providing the seeds, so you just need to turn up.

The walk is expected to take in a couple of other developments - Herdwick Fold and Foxgloves (the old Norgren site).

Platform describe this as “a gentle, wellbeing walk around the estate, sowing seeds to help pollinators”.

If you’re free why not go along, meet your neighbours and help to bring some colour to our green spaces.

HGHF-RA Committee

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Shipston is a great place to live.  It’s certainly not a crime hotspot.  But that doesn’t mean we should be complacent.

At the Residents Association General Meeting of 18th March 2026 we were joined by two Stratford District Council Rural Crime Advisors.  They brought with them a number of crime prevention items in their “Crime Prevention Toolbox”.

The Residents Association now has this toolbox.  We set out below the things that we have.  All are available to residents free of charge - just ask us.

Things you can borrow and return

• Dremel Engraver - enables you to engrave your postcode, or other details on your possessions - for example bikes and garden equipment.
• UV Marker Pen - write your postcode or other identifying marks on your possessions.

Below: The Dremel Engraver that you can borrow.

Things you can have and keep

• Timer plug - make a lamp come on in your home when you’re away.
• TV Simulator - illuminates a room with flickering light, simulating a TV being on.
• Fake drinks cans - security cans for hiding valuable things.
• Faraday pouch - for storing car key fobs to prevent criminals scanning to get access your vehicle.
• PIR Motion Detector Alarm - can be used in garages and sheds.
• Shock/Contact Alarm - for doors.
• Vibration Alert Alarm - for use on windows - e.g. shed windows
• Key fob torch and panic alarm.
• Bells - to alert you if keys, purse or bag are being stolen.
• Mirror - to fix by door chain so you can see who is there.
• Number Plate Security Kit.
• UV Marker Pen - write your postcode or other identifying marks on your possessions.  (You can borrow one or keep one if you have lots of things to mark).

Below: Things you can have and keep.

We also have a supply of leaflets, booklets and notices.

Leaflets:

• Home Security
• Shed Security
• Cycle Security
• CCTV
• Caravan Theft
• Door signs

Booklets

• Crime Prevention
• Think Scams
• Fire Safety

“Shed Alarmed” Notices

We have a limited stock so it’s first come first served.  If interested please Contact Us.

Security Cameras

A quick word on home security cameras.

There was a recent act of vandalism close to our development which resulted in trees being damaged.  We managed to discover door camera footage that showed the person and after sharing this on social media we were given a name.  We passed on the video and the name to the Police who interviewed the man.  He admitted to this and the Police will now deal with him accordingly.

We tell you this to highlight how useful security cameras can be.  If you have them please make sure they are well positioned and working.  In the event of a crime or anti-social behaviour video footage can really help to track down offenders. 

Nobody wants to live under surveillance but there is a legitimate reason to have these if it helps the Police to keep us safe. 

If we do have incidents where security camera footage is available please be a good neighbour and share what you have.

HGHF-RA Committee

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On Tuesday 31st March 2026 at around 10pm a young man attempted to destroy trees along Campden Road as he walked home.

Video camera footage captured him carrying out this senseless attack.  He succeeded in completely breaking one tree near the Shepherd’s Gate development, and he loosened a couple of other trees, before casually walking off.

After the video was shared on social media a name was suggested, with a number of people recognising the man.  The video and the name have been passed on to the Police for investigation.  We await developments.

The shared video attracted a number of online comments from people who were shocked by this disgraceful behaviour.  We also got a direct message from someone who wanted to put things right.

Lenny Lomas is the 20 year old owner of Lomas Tree Care and he’s passionate about arboriculture.  So he couldn’t stand by and do nothing.  Lenny contacted us and offered to replace the broken tree - a Field Maple.

And that’s exactly what he did on Friday 10th April, assisted by his co-worker Sam.  We think they did a brilliant job.

Below: Lenny and Sam remove the root of the broken tree.

Below: Lenny (left) and Sam (right) after planting the new Field Maple tree.

Whilst it is depressing to see someone in our community behaving in such an anti-social way, we think that Lenny Lomax represents the best of our community.  We thank him for being so public-spirited and for replacing the tree so promptly.

HGHF-RA Committee

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