Winter Newsletter 2025: Tribute to Ian Barton and new Parish Councillors

Season’s greetings from everyone at the Parish Council. Our Winter 2025 quarterly newsletter is now available to read and download below.

Tribute to Ian Barton (1955 to 2025)

We were very saddened by the recent and sudden death of our Parish Council Chairman, Ian Barton of Manor Farm, Wilkesley. Originally from Winsford, Ian studied Microbiology at Sheffield University and gained a Doctorate in Virology. He moved to the area in 1998 and soon became involved in the community at many levels. He held the position of Chairman for many years and cared deeply about the issues affecting the local community.

Ian will be remembered for his kindness, humour and generosity of spirit, and for his willingness to help in any way he could. Our thoughts are with his wife Anne, his children John, Ella and Hannah, and a very sad cat, Ted.

New Parish Councillors

Sarah Callander Beckett has taken on the role of Acting Chair. We also paid tribute to John Tomlinson, a parish stalwart who died after a long illness. Clive Pownall and Tony Nakhimoff have moved away, and we thank them for their contribution, including the Safer Roads campaign and the expansion of superfast broadband in the parish.

We are pleased to welcome two new Parish Councillors. Kay Willard was born in the parish and is proud to represent and support her local community. Clive Small moved into the parish this year, and brings many years of experience in finance as a Chartered Accountant.

Community Speedwatch volunteers

Community Speedwatch is a national initiative where volunteers work with the support of the local police to record details of speeding vehicles. On 11th July 2025, Burleydam Speedwatch took part in a National Speedwatch day of action, running two one-hour sessions. A total of 36 vehicles were recorded in excess of 36mph in the 30mph zone through Burleydam, and letters were sent to their registered keepers.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Parish Clerk. Full training will be provided, and you will join a WhatsApp group to coordinate the three volunteers needed to run a session.

Christmas services and events

• Monday 15th December, 7pm: Carol Service at Burleydam Church.
• Sunday 21st December, 7pm: Carol Service at Lightwood Green Chapel.
• New Year’s Eve: celebrations at the Combermere Arms, with a house DJ from 9pm.

Next Parish Council meeting

The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Monday 12th January at 7pm at Burleydam Church. Residents are very welcome to attend.

You can download the full Winter 2025 newsletter below.