Parish Annual meeting: Snow wardens report is highlight!

Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish Annual meeting at the Village Hall 24th May 2007 at 7.30pm to 11.00pm - it is a pity there were only 30 something people as the evening was very interesting indeed - see agenda below with some quick comments - the Parish will soon have their minutes on their website...and when I say the Snow Warden was the highlight that was not tongue-in-cheek - infact pretty well all the presentations were v interesting.

Photo: Bella and Gerri (our Snow Warden) showing photos of February's snow

Agenda

Chairman’s Report - John Rogers gave us a taste of Parish work over the last year - the changes to the Clerk, accounts and more.
Playing Field – Rebecca Charley - an update on play ground equipment replacement since the accident (see blog on 19th April 2006), news that only one of 25 trees in the new orchard has died - plans are afoot for a board to identify which each tree is.
Ruscombe Valley Action Group – Rebecca Charley - an appeal to keep vigilant and join the group - our next meeting is in Village Hall on 4th June (see my blog for 9th June 2006 for background info).
Report from our County Councillor - Cllr Len Tomlins shared news of his meeting today at County to discuss waste in the County.
Report from our District Councillor - that was me! I gave a summary of some of the local and wider issues I've been involved with since being elected last May - some of the successes and frustrations - the various key committees, consultations and more.
Address by Robert Kempner – Head teacher Whiteshill Primary School - this was an inspiring talk about the successes of our local school - health and arts awards, the setting up of a Forest School to start after half term (see my blog on 14th July 2006 for further info), next years plans to concentrate on green issues, 'Walk to School' week (this week!), planned international links with Crete and Poland, a Breakfast Club starting 8.00am and links with Callowell for after school - and news at last of the temporary buildings going - sadly they are only to be replaced with more temporary buildings but at least these wont let in rain and snow.
Address by Pam Thorne – Village Agent - see more on my blog for 25th October for info re this role - other blog items tell of her various activities to engage older people - like 3rd May re Tai Chi classes locally - her latest project is to look more at energy efficiency.
Churches report - we heard about threat to possible loss of up to three Churches in the region due to underuse - also about a tightening f regulations re burial - only a headstone - some graves had breached guidelines and had small gardens - this had made maintenance v difficult and reduced use - 14 deaths last year but already 30 funerals since Christmas.
Address by Councillor Philip Booth – Ruscombe Brook Action Group - I was able to show a number of photos and more and tell of progress - see my blog for 5th January for summary of last 2 years - latest news is we are starting work on assessment on what is needed,
Report from our Snow Warden – Gerri Kimber - this for me was the highlight with Gerri and her daughter Bella talking about our two days of snow in February with photos - plus the suggested emergency pack for dealing with snow which was apparently sent by the District Council - she took us through the contents which included a windup kit for a mobile, an analogue phone with 2 screws to attach it to a wall, a hand warmer and more!! Gerri had us all smiling and chuckling but also raised the point that the 3foot high snowman her daughter built was the largest she had been able to in the last 10 years - this compared unfavourably with her childhood where there was much more snow....
Parish Newsletter – Dilys Warren - the second edition has gone out and an appeal was made for comments and suggestions.
Address by Councillor Sarah Lunnon – Shared Spaces - Sarah gave an excellent summary of Shared Spaces - with photos of successful examples elsewhere and of Whiteshill and possible ways forward.
Improvements to the Village Green, Traffic Management, Village Gateways and planting of verges - Chair John Rogers - update on various factors.
Bus Shelters - do we want them in Ruscombe or Whiteshill anywhere? 2 or 3 comments were in favour.
Open Forum - discussion and questions about ways forward re traffic and more.

All this was followed with nibbles, cheese and wine and much talk - great to meet some more people locally - this is a good community to live in!! Do use the search facility to find out more about all these items - or call me on 01453 755451