Madeley Matters

Contact your local councillor

August 2008

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My wife Anne and I arrived in October 1980, to a young and partly developed Telford. However, it soon became apparent to both of us that a great deal of community spirit was being engendered by individual volunteers, who weaved a harmonious spirit within the communities, promoting and operating a variety of projects/hobbies for the public at large.

Anne and I have benefited greatly, largely due to our participation in some of the facilities available. Our horizons have been expanded, new friends found, and our skills increased.

We would dearly wish to see the existing community spirit not only maintained, but enlarged, particularly in expanding opportunities for the youth of Madeley Parish, with the aid of both existing and new volunteers. At the same time we would wish to encourage our growing elderly populace to participate in larger numbers, to increase growth in both awareness and activity.

Remember, your local community centres, bus shelters, library and Parish Office have notice boards full of information that could be of value to you. You could benefit as we have.

Councillor Max Shaw for the Cuckoo Oak Ward

Sorely Missed

Dennis Edwards 1927 – 2006

Telford MP David Wright planted a tree in the eco garden at Sir Alexander Fleming School in memory of Dennis Edwards who was headteacher at the school from 1968 to 1982.

Dennis died in 2006. He and his family came from Essex to the Sutton Hill estate, the first estate built for the new town In the photograph are representatives from his family, some of the staff at the school during his headship and SAAFA. Dennis’ life was one of steadfast commitment to both the school and community. He was a member of the Telford Pensioners’ Action Group and he started the Tadpole Swimming Club at Madeley Court Centre and taught more than 500 children to swim. Having lived most of his life in England, he was a proud Welshman who was born in Aberdare in 1927.

Anne Shaw (Chair of Governors for Sir Alexander Fleming Primary School)

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David Sales 1935 – 2008

It is with sadness we announce the passing of Dave Sales, one of the real Madeley characters.

Dave could be seen most days sitting on his green plastic chair in Meadowlea. He was a giver of his time and energy at a whole host of community events. He was a former volunteer for the luncheon club that met at Jubilee House and in more recent times was the bingo caller for the folks of Hall Barn where he also helped to organise functions. His last one was a Christmas Dinner where he dressed up as Santa. He didn’t need a false beard and rouged face for he had them naturally. He was a founder member of Central Madeley Residents Group and could be seen regularly at Partnership and Community Together meetings.

He tried in his own way to make Madeley a better place to live and endeavoured to generate community cohesion. He would help anyone especially the aged, the infirm and the vulnerable. If he had a couple of pounds in his pocket he would give one away, he was that type of guy. Madeley shall miss the good ’ol boy and will be poorer for it.

Paul Mower (a friend)

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