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Advisory Notice : (September 2006)
"What You CAN'T (yet) do via this Web-Site " ! !
Brightlingsea Town Council's website, established within the essexinfo.net service, remains essentially "non-interactive" since its establishment in the Autumn of 2006. It provides 'read-only', updated information about the Membership and Activities of the Council, and a resume of its current facilities and services.
Both existing and potential Future Users of Town Council Premises, Allotments, Beach Hut sites, Meeting Room and Equipment Hire, Boat-Park Lots, and Crews of Vessels wishing to visit the Town Hard and Town Jetty/Hammerhead (re. dockings and departures) are advised to contact the Council Office direct, in good time, in order to find out about Current Fees and Charges and the availability of access at required times - especially as vessel movements arrangements often have to be agreed in-advance in liaison with the Harbour Office (Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners, T. 01206 - 302200).
A Summary Schedule of Fees & Charges in-place for Town Council run facilities for the 2006-07 Season (and shortly for the 2007-08 Season), appears elsewhere on this website & is also available from the office.
Unfortunately, payments on-line to the Town Council cannot be made at the present time - although we will be working towards having this option available in the future.
News Update on Local Government Links, Access to Information and Payments for Services : -
As part of the development of its Community Information Service, Brightlingsea Town Council's Office recently hosted a dedicated, free-of-charge, Internet Link to Tendring District Council, which enabled local residents to get details about District Council Tax and other Billing, Services, Facilties, 'What's On', links to Environmental Services, Housing Advice, etc. This facility concluded in the summer, but the Parish Hall still retains much District-related information and a dedicated P C / internet link to District Council facilities and services.
The local Public Library in New Street, Brightlingsea can also be used for such purposes. For further information, see the article on page two of "Tendring Matters", Issue No. 31, Spring 2006.
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Advance Notice : Brightlingsea Town Council -
Next Town Council Meeting : -
It has been confirmed that the next meeting of Council will take place on Thursday, 15th March 2007, at 7.30 pm in the Parish Hall, Victoria Place, Brightlingsea.
All members of the Community are invited to participate. The Mayor, Town, District and County Councillors will be in attendance. Reports will be presented on the Council's activities.
In accordance with established practice, questions may be asked about Town matters on the night. However, more informative answers may be provided if such questions are received, preferably in writing, in advance of the meeting. If you have any questions or would like to raise any issues with your local Councillor(s), please come along and have your say. Thank you.
The subsequent Town Council meeting of the New Year will be Thursday, 19th April 2007, again at 7.30 pm.
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Your Chance to Comment :-
Comments are invited from the general public about playgrounds and equipment in Brightlingsea. Councillor Phil Shirley (Member with Special Responsibility for Local Youth Affairs) has produced a Discussion Document which he awaits comments and views from interested people. All comments can be e-mailed to the Town Council via bseatc@btconnect.com or in writing to the Parish Hall. A new leaflet on Youth Development and Local Opportunities is also in-preparation and will be appearing shortly.
Volunteers are always required for Youth Organisations in the Town. Cricket Coaches are needed this Season, as are Scout volunteers. Please either contact the organisation directly, or the Town Council by e-mail or post. Thank you. 11th January 2007.
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The 2007 Brightlingsea Town Guide was published on Monday, 19th February, in time for the Town Council's attendance at this year's Tourism and Leisure Show, at the Brentwood Centre, 22nd February. Free copies are available, on request, at the Parish Hall and, very shortly, from a number of alternative outlets around the town. This publication contains details about a number of ...
Forthcoming Events 2007 : - Confirmation
Following the success of 2006, it has been confirmed that the second Brightlingsea Boat Show will take place over the week-end of 23rd and 24th June 2007. Once again, a wide range of leisure vessels, together with related marine equipment, information and advice will be available around the Shipyard Estate and entry will be free-of-charge. The event will assist to raise funds for the RNLI. Further information is available from Keith Raymond or Annee Raymond-Matthews at Brightlingsea International Boat Centre (BIBC) on 01206 - 307777 or www.brightlingseaboatshow.com or via www.aboatcentre.com
The Brightlingsea Free Music Festival will take place on the Western Prommenade over the week-end of 27th to 29th July 2007. More details will be posted in the near future. Event Committee contact is John Barrett, on 01206 - 302287 or www.brightlingseamusicfest.co.uk
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"Stop Press" - Towards a "Cleaner, Safer, Greener" Local Environment.
Following the provisions of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, and related staff training, Brightlingsea Town Council announces its new Penalty Scheme for offences which degrade the quality of the local environment.
'Going live' on Monday, 27th November '06, the key objectives of the deterrent/penalty measures are to prevent or reduce the incidence of litter, flyposting, graffiti and offences connected with Dog Control Orders (which includes dog fouling in public places). Observed offenders will be required to complete a 'Notice of Opportunity to Pay a Fixed Penalty Fine' and make a payment to the Town Council within 14 days (or within 10 days for a reduced charge). Court proceedings could follow in cases where settlement of a Penalty Fine is not forthcoming. An 'Offence Summary' appears below : -
Offence Legislation Fixed Penalty Discounted
Littering Envt. Prot'n Act. £75.00 £50.00
Flyposting Town & Country £75.00 £50.00
Planning Act.
Graffiti Anti-Soc Behav'r £75.00 £50.00
Act 2003.
Dog Conrol C N & Env't Act; £75.00 £50.00
Dog Control Orders
(2006).
(The details of offences shown above are abbreviated interpretations and are intended for guidance only. If more information is required the legislation should be examined or legal advice obtained).
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"Walk your Way into a Healthier Future"
Try walking in 2007 ! Walking is the most natural and simple form of movement and an excellent all-round mode of exercise. Yet, as a nation, we are walking less and less. Walking can help you to :
* Improve your general health
* Get fit and stay fit
* Control your weight
* Live longer !
Walking helps protect the body from many illnesses and conditions: heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, obesity, depression, some types of diabetes and colon cancer. Health experts agree that thirty minutes' brisk walking on most days of the week is sufficient to improve fitness. That might seem a lot at first, but walking can be incorporated into your everyday life more easily than any other activity. You don't need any special gear and you can do it wherever you are. It raises your energy levels, works-off calories and doesn't cost a bean!
Where to start ?? (Apart from where you happen to be standing at the time ...!) try looking at www.walkinginessex.co.uk - this website gives you all the information you need to know to start walking. It lists guided walks taking place, leaflets and books of walks and contact details for dozens of walk groups. Go on - check the site now - you know you will enjoy a good walk! Our thanks to John Harris for his helpful article.
The Town Council offices have a small range of self-guided walks leaflets for use in the local area. Have you tried Alf Wakeling's "Historical Town Walk" (1.25 miles) for example, or possibly the "Brightlingsea Circular Nature Trail Guide" - a walk from Bateman's Tower between estuary and grazing marsh, filled with birds, butterflies and rare marsh plants.
The Brightlingsea Society (Programme Secretary Judy Lawrence on 304663, and Essex County Council (www.essexcountycouncil Public Rights of Way Team Helpline, on 01245 - 437103/437112) also have further information about local walks and rights of way such as footpaths and bridleways.
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"Towards Safer, more Responsible Commuities" -
The Neighbourhoold Action Panel for that part of the Tendring District being policed from Brightlingsea and Weeley Police Stations held its first Public Meeting at the District Council Offices, Thorpe Road, Weeley at 7 pm on Thursday, 11th January 2007.
This was an opportunity for members of the public to come along and put forward community issues for consideration by the Action Panel. These constitute local issues where the Panel can work together with the resident community and other organisations to seek ways of preventing problems from arising or reoccurring in the future. For example, the Panel is currently working on ways to reduce damage and nuisance calls to local recreation areas at Little Clacton, Thorpe-le-Soken, Brightlingsea and Alresford.
For further information about the Panel or this meeting, please contact SOA Linda Hyams via Brightlingsea Police Station, Station Road, Brightlingsea. T. 01206 - 302515 or Town Councillor Phil Shirley.
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NEW COUNCIL HOUSING ADVICE SURGERY SET UP FOR BRIGHTLINGSEA RESIDENTS : -
Tendring District Council is providing a new 'Local Surgery' service for Council Housing Residents in Brightlingsea. It will be run by Mr. Philip Mills, TDC's Estates Officer for the town, and will give an opportunity for all tenants living in the Brightlingsea Area to discuss any Housing issues or queries they may have. The facility will also give an opportunity to discuss the possibilities for teants to participate in the services that Housing provides.
The Surgery will be held from 10.15 am to 11.45 am in the Parish Hall, Brightlingsea Town Council's offices, Victoria Place, on the following Tuesdays :-
20th February, 20th March, 17th April, 15th May and 19th June 2007.
If you would like to visit the TDC Surgery, you can just drop-in on any of the above dates, or you can book an appointment in advance, if preferred, by telephoning TDC's Estates Management Section on 01255 - 686488.
[Details posted, pm Wed. 13th December 2006]
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PUBLIC NOTICE - POSTED TUESDAY, 25TH APRIL 2006 : Re : Licensing Act 2003
"TAKE NOTICE that Brightlingsea Town Council has applied to Tendring District Council as the Licensing Authority for the Tendring District for the grant of a Premises Licence in respect of Western Promenade - Public Open Space, Brightlingsea, situate at / off Promenade Way, Brightlingsea, Essex, CO7, to permit the licensable activites to take place on the occasions and times as set out below :-
Activity : Plays, Concerts, Recorded Music, possible Dance Events in the Open Air (temporary decking) and also possbly under temporarily-erected Marquee(s) on-site, for Special Events.
Timings : Monday to Sunday, from 0900 hours to 2330 hours, for various Events throughout the year.
Any person wishing to lodge a representation concerning this application may send this, in writing, to Tendring District Council, P O Box 7998, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO15 6QF, or deliver this personally to the District Council Offices at 'Westleigh House', Carnarvon Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, where the Public Register is available and may be viewed during normal office hours. Any such representation must be received by the Licensing Authority no later than Wednesday, 24th May 2006.
* Please note that it is an offence knowingly or recklessley to make a false statement in connection with an appilcation and there is a maximum fine of £5,000 for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence.
A copy of this Notice also features on the Town Council's Public Noticeboard, at the abovementioned site off Promenade Way, Brightlingsea, in the Public Library in New Street, and in the May Issue (Number 10)of the "Brightlingsea and Thorrington Look" Local Advertising Periodical (see further item below, on Media Links). Thank you.
This Application was duly approved by Tendring District Council during late May 2006 with the Licence now ongoing for the W. Promenade area.
End of Public Notice
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Current Representations : NE Essex Primary Care Trust and Funding Cuts to the Voluntary and Community Sector; Cuts to the local Voluntary and Community Sector in prospect due to needs to fund Olympic Games 2012.
By virtue of its affiliation to Tendring Community Voluntary Services (TCVS) the Town Council has been made aware of significant potential funding losses to the local Voluntary and Community Sector from both the NE Essex Primary Care Trust (PCT) and the National Lottery Fund.
Readers may be members or staff of various Voluntary and Community Sector bodies, or, indeed have been or are, beneficiaries of the varied and valuable work that they do. Some of you may have first-hand experience of the ways in which Lottery Fund Grants and/or financial support via the agency of the PCT have helped an organisation.
Cuts to funding from the PCT and a material reduction of resources available from the National Lottery, by dint of the commitment to the Olympic Games, are now on the cards. TCVS and many other organisations are lobbying hard to 'hold the line' and promote funding security for the Voluntary and Community Sector. If you would like to assist these efforts, please act now.
For concerns over future funding levels and insecurities re the NE Essex PCT, please make your representations in writing to -
Dr. Mike Gogarty, Director of Public Health, North East Essex Primary Care Trust, 'Kennedy House', Kennedy Way, Clacton on Sea, Essex CO15.
For concerns over future reductions (or cessations) of grant-support to VCS organisations from the National Lottery Fund (all branches, including 'Big Lottery' and 'Heritage Lottery Fund'), please send representations to -Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, HM Treasury, 1, Horse Guards Road, London SW1A 2HQ, emphasising that Government should fund 2012 without depriving the National Lottery distributor bodies of the funds needed to continue to support local VCS activities, which permit so much valuable work to be done at 'grass roots' level. Copy correspondence may be sent to - Rt. Hon. Tessa Jowell MP, Secretary of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2 - 4, Cockspur Street, London SW1Y 5DH; Rt. Hon. Ed Milliband MP, Minister for the Third Sector, Cabinet Office, 70, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AS and Rt. Hon. Dawn Primarolo MP, Paymaster General, H M Treasury, 1, Horse Guards Road, London SW1A 2HQ.
In both or either instances, letters to Bob Russell MP, Douglas Carswell MP and Bernard Jenkin MP, indicating the action taken and why, would also be helpful to reiterate the widespread concern. Thank you.
Notice posted pm. Fri. 26th January 2007.
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Notice of Staff Vacancies : None Current (as @ 26/1/07)
New Receptionist / Administrative Assistant at Council :
Lisa Mallison joined the office staff team during October and is settling-in well. Her's is likely to be the first voice you hear if calling the Town Council.
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Update on the Ferry Service, 2006 : (2007 Season information expected ca. Easter-time).
The Town Council has copies of the explanatory leaflet on the Brightlingsea - St. Osyth Stone - East Mersea Ferry Operation for the 2006 Season. Available at Reception, free of charge, as well as at various places throughout the town, such as the Library, 'Spirals' stationery shop. The ferry gives access to 'a great day out' - particularly during the Summer Season. Hop across to East Mersea, saving the long car drive up to Colchester and then down via Langenhoe and The Strood. There's an interesting Country Park at Cudmore Grove (more information from Essex County Council on 01206 - 383868) and local pubs to enjoy. Alternatively, from Brightlingsea's new floating Town Jetty, travellers can go on the shorter route over to St. Osyth Stone - Point Clear, and link to a regular bus service into Clacton-on-Sea, or just walk into the historic village, with its famous mediaeval Priory.
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Town Council Website Development :
On 30th June, Town Council representatives held a meeting with Mr. Chris Brown, Head of Information Technology at the Colne Community School, Churst Road, Brightlingsea. This has lead-on to an October meeting to further a joint-project (of both a local photographic and IT-based nature) with the School, involving some students, which will result in a much-enhanced website. Refreshed formatting and a more 'user-friendly' presentational style, to include illustrations of local scenes and facilities for the first time. The Town Council expresses its thanks to the school personnel for their interest in this project, which will be of long-term value to the local community and website users generally. Progress anticipated via November/December meetings.
John Kingsbury, Town Clerk, November 2006.
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Opportunities for Young Children in Brightlingsea :
The Brightlingsea Playcentre welcomes all local children, from 2yrs 9 months of age to 5 years old to their activities. The Centre is located in The Pavilion, Bayard Recreation Ground, off Regent Road, Brightlingsea, and is open Mon - Fri mornings from 9.15 to 11.45 am, and Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Friday pm, from 1.00 to 3.30 pm. Further information from the Manager, Mrs. Carolyn Rix, on (01206) 306 243. Thank you.
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Media News : Local Newspaper & Brightlingsea, Wivenhoe and District Free Periodical - "Look"
In addition to the monthly local newspaper "The Brightlingsea and Wivenhoe Chronicle", [editorial offices at Unit 15, Wivenhoe Business Centre, Brook Street,Wivenhoe, Essex CO7 9DP, on (01206) 822592, Fax. 01206 826359 ], readers may also be interested in the free monthly 'Advertiser and News' Periodical called "Look", edited by Simon Eaton. The July '06 Issue saw the introduction of an improved format, including full colour front page and augmented local information such as key organisations and telephone numbers, tide times, forthcoming events, etc. The August '06 Issue will see the introduction of page-space devoted to news and services from the various Parish and Town Councils within the Circulation Area of "Look", and will include news items submitted by Brightlingsea Town Council. The publication is delivered to all local households, as well as libraries, shops and other businesses. Contact "Look" direct on (01255) 820067 or via 'Flag Cottage', Flag Hill, Gt. Bentley, Essex CO7 8RE for Advertising Rates, News Items etc.
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Relocation of the Local Hearing Aid Battery and Tubing Replacement Service.
July 2006 saw a move of the Battery Replacement and Recycling Scheme from Brightlingsea Community Centre to Reception at the Parish Hall. Residents wishing to replace and recycle spent hearing aid batteries and/or tubing can do so, without charge, from 9.30 am to 12.45 pm each week-day morning. The scheme is ongoing, and run jointly by the Town Council with the Audiology Department of Essex County Hospital.
Futher information from Lisa Mallison on (01206) 303535.
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Car Parking in Brightlingsea : An Update for the 2006 / 07 Season
"Pay-and-Display" Car Parking is being introduced at two Town Council - owned sites in August. Oyster Tank Road Car Park (off Colne Road - one of the principal routes down to the Waterfront) and the Greensward (off Promenade Way, nr. the Community Centre) will have charging terms in-line with the Tendring District Council - operated car parks available elsewhere in Brightlingsea - such as at the end of Promenade Way and at Tower Street, near the Shipyard Estate area. These charges are Seasonal, applying from May to September inclusive, each year, for an initial three year term.
* Special Note : As from Sunday, 1st October '06, both Parking Areas will revert to their former, free-of-charge status until 1st May 2007. Further Scheme information including Scale of Charges and Parking Permits available for 2007 will be provided shortly.
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Be A Responsible Dog-Walker - Help us to keep Brightlingsea clear of Dog-Fouling.
Residents and Visitors alike are advised that there are no less than twelve well-positioned Dog Waste Bins around the town. Please make our Public Open Spaces clean and pleasant for children and all other users. Take your dog's droppings to these bins ... and encourage others to do so, too ! Thank you. [ "Worthybags" (or similar) to assist with the correct disposal of dog waste are always available at the Parish Hall, the local Veterinary Practices and at various other local outlets, such as shops, throughout Brightlingsea].
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LOCAL WATER USERS : Notice of Public Consultation -
Staff and Committee Members from the Consumer Council for Water - Eastern Region are holding a conference on Thursday, 12th October '06, 7pm until 8.30 pm at the Tendring Community Voluntary Services (TCVS) Offices, 'Imperial House', Rosemary Road, Clacton on Sea, Essex. Refreshments available. CC Water Eastern represents the interests of customers of Tendring Hundred Water Services Ltd, Essex and Suffolk Water pla and others. If you have views on Water, Sewerage aspects, please attend and make them known. Further information is available via : Tel. 08457 - 959 - 369.
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The Tendring Home Improvement Agency: An Introduction
Part of the Guiness Trust, this is a registered charity active in the local area which helps many residents with advice, support and practical help, enabling them to continue to live safely and securely in their own homes. There's a particular focus on the elderly, disabled and vulnerable people who are owner-occupiers or private sector tenants.
The Agency offers confidential advice, support and assistance, benefits checks and assistance with the submission of benefits claims, referral to other organisations and home visits to effect practical adaptations to and repairs within the home environment. The Agency's 'Handyman' Service is available to qualifying residents with charges restricted to costs of materials used, plus a £10 per small job 'donation'.
To find out more about Tendring Home Improvement Agency, contact the local office at 61, Frinton Road, Holland on Sea, Essex CO15 5UH. Tel. 01255 - 814410 Fax. 01255 - 818091 or via e-mail : thia@guiness.org.uk
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"BRIGHTLINGSEA MAJOR EVENTS, 2007" (see also new Town Guide)
Advance Notice, 'hot off the press' -
April 4th Evening Lecture on Dummy Boards at All Saints Church. Contact Janet Russell 01206 - 305552
April 7th - First official Day-of-Opening, Brightlingsea Museum, 2007
May 13th Classic Car and Craft Show, Colne Community School. Contact Jeanette Morgan 01206 - 303511
May 19th Colne Yacht Club Open Day. Contact Jean Robinson 01206 - 302594
May 26th Plant and Garden Sale, Parish Hall Car Park (Victoria Place). Contact Val Gilders 01206 - 302563
June 14th-15th Visit of MTB 102 (military boat) to Harbour, t b c. Contact Alan Dines 01206 - 303368
June 16th Brightlingsea Carnival. Contact Jayne Chapman 01206 - 303012
June 23rd-24th Brightlingsea Open Gardens and Scarecrow Festival. Contact Ann Hopkins 01206 - 303157
June 23rd-24th The Second Brightlingsea Boat Show Contact Keith Raymond at BIBC, Shipyard Estate on 01206 - 307777 or see details as they unfold via event website on www.brightlingseaboatshow.com
July 8th Rotary Club Annual Sponsored Cycle Ride; details to come
July 9th-15th The Bert Stocks Annual Fun-Fair visit; usual venue, Western Promenade
July 27th, 28th & 29th Brightlingsea Free Music Festival. Contact John Barrett 01206 - 302287
August 4th 'The Brightlingsea Experience - Maritime History' Further details from Bob Shotton on rjshotton@yahoo.co.uk or Councillor Penny Exell, MSR for Tourism 01206 - 304963
August 11th All Saints Church Summer Fair. Contact Janet Russell 01206 - 305552
August 12th - 17th Pyefleet Week; Contact Brightlingsea Sailing Club, 01206 - 303275
August 27th Town Show (Horticultural, Craft and Dog Show). Contact Sue Last 01206 - 303338
September 1st Smack and Barge Race (starts 7 am) Contact Brian Webb 01255 - 431907
September 15th Town Regatta. Contact Jean Robinson 01206 - 302594
December 7th Brightlingsea Town 'Late Night Shopping' Contact Des Rowson, Chairman of Brightlingsea Business Association, on 01206 - 303049
December 8th-9th Annual Christmas Tree Festival, All Saints Church
[Confirmed dates for many other events to be held during 2007 will be posted soon].
JK. 16.01.07.
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The Brightlingsea Museum, 1 Duke Street : Programme for 2007
Margaret Stone, Hon. Curator, has just announced the following details for residents and visitors interested in taking advantage of the Local Museum's diverse displays and resources :-
The Museum will be open every Saturday from 10 am until 4 pm, and on Sundays and Mondays, from 2.00 pm until 5.00 pm, from 7th April through to the 30th September 2007. (Contact : 01206 - 303286).
Currenly Scheduled Special Events include -
* Sat. 31st March - '2007 Season Preview' Coffee Morning 10 am - 12 noon * Sat. 7th April - First Day of Opening * Sat. 19th May - Childrens' Activities-Pirates and Smugglers 10 am - noon * Sat. 14th July - Childrens' Activities-Let there be Music 10 am - noon * Sat. 22nd Sept - Childrens' Activities- Christmas starts Here 10 - noon
New for 2007 ! - The History of the town through its Street Names; World War II Aircraft Diorama; Model of the Town Station during the last days of steam, mid-1960's. Admission is free; (donations always welcome !).
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* Site Updated Tuesday, 20th. February 2007.
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