Happy New Year to all and I hope you all had a good Christmas. Parish Council meetings held in December and January were quiet and much shorter than usual (what a relief!) so I’m afraid there is not much to report in this edition of the Bugle.
PRECEPT 2009/10
At the Parish Council meeting in December, the Precept for the forthcoming year was agreed. Bearing in mind the economic climate the Parish Council has endeavoured to keep the increase at lower as possible and the amount of money requested from Babergh District Council is £39, 577.00, which is an increase of 4.8%. The rise in annual precept for the previous two years has been 10.28 % and 7.48 %.
WATER SUPPLY AT SCOUT AND GUIDE HUT:
At the time of writing this article I am unable to report any progress with regards to the installation of mains water supply at the Scout and Guide Hut. A quote for the work required has been received and the Parish Council is working alongside the Scouting Troop and Babergh District Council to look at ways of funding the project. I hope that I will be able to give you some good news next time.
COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Each year, the Parish Council is requested to nominate suitable candidates for one of Babergh District Council’s Community Achievement Awards. Unfortunately, in previous years the nominations put forward have been unsuccessful. However, I am delighted to inform you that this year, we have had not only one but two successful candidates.
At the Parish Council in October it was unanimously agreed that Judith Duncan and Odette Nobbs should be nominated in recognition of their 14 years service to the Rainbow, Brownie and Guide Section. Both these ladies were asked to help run the 1st Brownie Pack in 1995 when the current leader left. Although they both work and have families to care for they have continued in this joint role and have also between them taken leadership of the Rainbow, Guide and Senior Section. I’ m sure that many of you know these two ladies and would like to congratulate them on their achievement. They will be presented with their awards on 4th March at an awards ceremony held at Stoke By Nayland Golf Club.
Although this year, it was Judith and Odette’s names who were put forward, I would like to stress that the Parish Council appreciates the work done by all the Scout and Guide Leaders and indeed all those of it committee. These people donate their time each week (with not much support) to run fun and interesting meetings to which all children in the village are welcome to attend. The troop has certainly increased in size and the village should be proud of its all round success.
GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEME:
The Parish Council is currently considering running a Good Neighbour Scheme as devised by Suffolk ACRE. However, before it spends time on this issue it needs to know if there anyone out there who is willing to offer their time and services. The type of services we are looking at offering include: befriending the elderly and the lonely; giving lifts especially to doctors' surgeries and hospital appointments; minor domestic repairs especially checking smoke alarms and changing light bulbs; help with filling forms and advocacy; help with pets especially during a resident's stay in hospital, and possibly a one-off tidy up of a garden that had become an embarrassment to its owner.
If you think you are able to help then please give the Clerk a ring on 01206 393652.
FUNDING AND DEVELOPMENT SURGERY:
If you are looking for new sources of funding or need advice about developing your community or voluntary group, Babergh Communities Together will be holding surgeries at Brantham Leisure Centre, New Village on Tuesday 10th February and Wednesday 11th March between 10-1pm. There is also an open coffee morning on Tuesday 10th March between 10.03am and 12.30pm.
For more information call Marian Sewell on 0845 370 6340 or 0790228 2573. The email contact is marian.sewell@bctsuffolk.org.uk
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETINGS:
The Planning Committee meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month to discuss any planning applications that have been received during the month. Plans are available for inspection in the Village Hall from 7pm, so if you are aware of any proposed building works which may affect you then please come along. Future planning meetings will be on Wednesday 25th February and Wednesday 25th March 2009 at Brantham Village Hall.
PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS:
The next Parish Council meetings will be held on Wednesday 4th February 2009 and please note a change of date for March’s meeting, which will be held on Tuesday 3rd March 2009. Meetings are held at Brantham Village Hall, New Village starting at 7.30pm. Members of the public are more than welcome to attend.
Regards
Liz Evans
Parish Clerk
