Charlecote Park - Free Passes 2010

Charlecote Park Resident's passes 2010-2011

The scheme whereby the National Trust allows Wellesbourne residents free access to the grounds of Charlecote Park is now in its fourth year.  The Parish Council provides funds to print the passes.  The scheme is administered on behalf of the Parish Council and the National Trust by Shiela Freeman helped by Geoff Freeman, myself and occasionally other Parish Councillors. 

Last year (March 2009-10) over 990 passes were distributed.  The bulk was given out at four two-hourly sessions at the library during the spring of 2009.  Residents need to provide proof that they live in Wellesbourne and in the vast majority of cases (but not completely!) people are very honest in where they live.  Following these four distributions, residents are able to leave a stamped addressed envelope with the parish council office and then Shiela posts the passes to residents.  This happens for most of the year.

Residents are extremely appreciative of the scheme. This was evident from the comments received at the library distribution sessions and other comments received during the rest of the year. Just last month Shiela heard positive  views from   a mother who regularly takes her children to Charlecote and new village resident who thought it was a real bonus.  It feels that both the National Trust and the Parish Council are providing a valuable service for the local community of Wellesbourne.  It is unique in that the National Trust does not operate the scheme elsewhere and it is due to the support of both the previous and current manager of Charlecote Park that the scheme is allowed to happen.  Next year the winter arrangements will be extended from the current week days to the full week. 

Distribution Days

It is proposed to distribute the passes to residents at Wellesbourne Library, Kineton road.

When

If you miss the distribution , residents are able to leave a stamped addressed envelope with the parish council office and passes will be forwarded to you.

  This timetable will be announced by using posters on Parish Council notice boards and in an article put together by Shiela in the March edition of the Wellesbourne and Walton News.  Saturday distributions will be between 10am-12pm; Wednesday distributions will be between 4pm-6pm

The pass will state that it is valid for entry to the park and gardens on Wednesdays and Thursdays until the end of October 2010 and daily (excluding 24/25 December) from the 1 November to 26 February 2011.  Shiela, Geoff and I are available on the Saturdays to distribute the passes but councillor assistance is needed for the Wednesdays.  I would be grateful if councillors could let me know if they are available to help on Wednesday, 17 February and Wednesday, 17 March.

David Close

24 January 2010