PARISH COUNCIL NEWS
Notes from the Parish Chairman
Electoral Review of Wiltshire: Final Recommendations:Here follows the un-edited version of my recent letter to the Gazette and Herald concerning the recommendations of the Boundary Committee:-
“I must, on behalf of the people of Easterton, express my huge disappointment at the final recommendations of the Boundary Committee with regard to this parish. From the outset of the so called consultation, the parish council has sought the views of constituents and then robustly presented the evidence to the Boundary Committee. The Boundary Committee has been consistent only in its inability to understand our evidence.
In our first submission we noted that I had attended the boundary review presentation on 15th February. We said that we considered the proposed methodology for the review to be sound but that we were concerned that the data to be applied to the methodology did not take into account the 20% increase of dwellings when the former Jam Factory site is developed. We were ignored.
We went on to say that we were against the proposed perpetuation of the misplacement of Easterton with Urchfont and Stert and now Etchilhampton and The Cannings as well. Easterton has always been geographically, historically and culturally a part of The Lavingtons. The spiritual link with The Lavingtons and The Cheverells has recently been strengthened by the latters’ inclusion in the Lavington Benefice. Commercially Easterton shares local services and shops with The Lavingtons, particularly Market Lavington, a very close neighbour. Easterton has no natural historical or geographical ties to Urchfont or Stert, and even less with Etchilhampton and The Cannings. The Boundary Committee chose to misrepresent this strong evidence, summarising it incorrectly as “shared transport links”.
In the second consultation (on the draft recommendations) we pointed out this misrepresentation. We also noted that we agreed with the Boundary Committee’s strap line of “Democracy Matters”. We said that we thought an important tenet of democracy was representation and that we thought that our representative must be able to speak on behalf of a community rather than an arbitrary and disparate grouping of villages. In short we will be, at least to some extent, disenfranchised.
Although I have personally discussed my concerns with the Leader of Wiltshire County Council and with the Chief Executive on at least two occasions each, I am not aware of any support from either for our point of view. I am afraid that my opinion of local government is now so diminished that I will take no further part in local government affairs from the day that the unpopular and unwanted newUnitary Council for Wiltshire is invested.”
Parish Steward Visit: The next visit from the Parish Steward will be on Wednesday, 3rdDecember, 2008. If anyone feels there are small jobs that need undertaking throughout the Village please contact Chris Saunders on 812317.
Skips: The next Village skips for cardboard and plastic have been scheduled for Friday, 30th January, 2009 atthe Jam Factory.
Next Parish Council Meeting: This will be on Monday, 5th January, 2009at 7.30pm in St. Barnabas Church rooms.
Seasonal Greetings: The Parish Council would like to send best wishes for Christmas and the New Year to all residents of Easterton. Please note that unless there is some urgent business there will be no December Echoes.
VILLAGE HALL NEWS
The Ninth Easterton Candlelight Cabaret: Saturday, 6th December, 2008, at Easterton Village Hall. 7.00pm for 7.30pm. Tickets £10.00 including a glass of wine and cheese supper. To reserve your ticket to this very popular event please call Chris on 812317 or Moira on 818094. If anyone would like to take part, be it in a big or small way, on stage, back stage, front of house or on the catering side please call Moira. We are in need of volunteers!
Dancing Classes: Looking good all you dancers! Following feedback from the Village survey, dance classes now occur in the Hall most Monday evenings at 7.30pm. These will continue until 22nd December, recommencing after Christmas. Beginners are still welcome. If you fancy trying Ballroom and Latin American dance, just turn up with a partner, or ring 01249 811928 for details.
Rural Arts: Also new! We are delighted to announce our first Rural Arts Wiltshire funded event - we have secured the brilliant Mervyn Stutter for an evening of comedy on 7th February, 2009. Info from Imogen on 818640, or check out Merv’s website on . Tickets from 818640.
Easterton Christmas Disco: Get ready to party at the popular Easterton Christmas Disco, which will be held on Saturday, 13th December, 2008 from 7.30pm to midnight in Easterton Village Hall. It will be similar to last year; mixers/soft drinks and nibbles provided, but bring your own alcohol. Tickets are a credit crunching £5 each and available from Steve and Gerry Hamilton at 10 High Street or Jane Rutty, 8 High Street. All proceeds are ploughed back into the Village Hall Fund.
REFUSE & RECYCLING COLLECTIONS
This year Kennet’s refuse and recycling collection crews will be working as normal on Boxing Day. Collections on Wednesday, 24th December, 2008 and Wednesday, 31st December, 2008 will be completed as usual. Collections following 25th December, 2008 and 1st January, 2009 will be undertaken one day later than usual. Normal day collections will resume on the week commencing 5th January, 2009.Further details can be found on the Council’s website or by ringing the Council on 01380 724911.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH UPDATE - Keith Jenssen
As many may be aware there were some incidents in Haywards Place on Sunday, 23rd and Monday, 24th November. The Police are investigating and would welcome any information on either 0800555111 or 08454087000. They consider the matter localized and that other parts of the Village are safe.
PLAINWATCH UPDATE
Fly Tipping: The MOD Police have received in excess of l00 reports from the public which have resulted in a number of successful prosecutions and generated numerous intelligence reports that have been passed on to their Force Intelligence Bureau. Four recent court cases for fly tipping resulted in the offenders being fined £2000, £550, £550 and £350. All could have been avoided but for their laziness in not going to their local recycling centres.
Off-roaders: There are many public rights of way on the plain, however, a number of 4x4 fans insist on driving off the rights of way. To date more than eighty fixed penalty notices have been issued to people who break the law in this way and a drastic reduction in this type of offence has been noticed. The owner of one particular vehicle went to court and was given a hefty fine and costs.
You can support Plainwatch by reporting crime, security matters and suspicious incidents by all users of the plain by contacting the 24hr telephone number 01980 674700.
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY LUNCH, 2008 IN EASTERTON VILLAGE HALL - A.A.P. Doyle
An idea from the Village Forum came to fruition on 9th November, 2008. The transition from an idea to a very successful event was due to the enthusiasm of not only the Village Forum Committee but all those who helped with the organization - chefs, washeruppers, servers, cleaneruppers, speakers, piano player - all gelled and deserve a HUGE THANK YOU.
Fantastic curries, sailors’ fish pie, country cottage pie and scrumptious puddings followed by tasty cheese. Who needs Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsey when we have talented Villagers who can produce such fayre?
The meal was followed by a couple of remembrance talks and a presentation of a memento to our Guest of Honour - Commander John Sayer, R.N. Then came a sing along based on war tune songs, “Close your eyes and Vera Lynn appeared.”
In between a raffle was held and our fundraising efforts were aimed at Help for Heroes and a grand total of £500 is on its way to a very worthy cause. Photographs were also laid out in the Village Hall - “memories”.
Thank-you letters hae gone out from the Village Forum Committee, but just once more
THANK YOU ALL for making 9th November a delicate and memorable event.
Hope to see you all fit and well at the 2009 event when, again, we can honour both the past and present who lay down their arms for our country.
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION POPPY APPEAL 2008 - Sue Somerville, Local Organiser
Easterton House to House Collection: Despite the recent dark and dismal weather - and the seemingly incessant rain - collectors for the RBL Poppy Appeal were out and about in Easterton and Eastcott and raised a magnificent £738.87 which included £22l.68 from the Remembrance Service at St. Barnabas Church.
Thank you all for your generosity but in particular special thanks to our collectors - Mrs. Cooper, Ian Gilbert, David Green, Joe Sheppard, Pat Stacpool, Jennie Thompson and The Royal Oak.
EASTERTON, MARKET LAVINGTON AND URCHFONT LINK SCHEME
Do you need a helping hand with something? Telephone 01380 812623. Monday - Friday l0am - 3pm.
Since we started up in January this year, enthusiastic volunteers have helped people with more than 400 tasks. After a good start, we want to do more to help. Link Good Neighbour Volunteers are available to help locally with:
- Shopping, collecting prescriptions and library books etc.
- Help with small tasks around the home or garden, a game of cards or just a friendly chat.
- Transport for appointments to the hairdressers, optician, doctor or hospital.
Please give at least 2 working days notice before an appointment.
The above are just a few examples of tasks we can do. The Link Scheme will respond to any reasonable request for help. There is no charge for the service but the Link Scheme appreciates donations to help cover expenses.
WE NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS! IF YOU HAVE EVEN A LITTLE TIME TO SPAREplease ring Sandra Stokes on 01380 738368.
ABACUS COMPUTER SOLUTIONS
Professional on-site computer repair service for home and business users.
- All problems fixed
- Fast, reliable on-site service
- Friendly advice freely given
- No fix, no fee
- Free callout
- 20% discount on labour charges to all customers living in Easterton Village
Hardware and software; upgrades, updates, sales, installation and tuition. Internet, wireless and network solutions. Virus removal and security protection; data and recovery.
Contact: Tel. 01380816980.
WHO DOES THIS CAT BELONG TO?
Ray and Sheenagh Bruce from 18 Kings Road seem to have acquired a pretty grey male cat. He is quite nervous but comes through the cat flap and eats their cat’s food and often stays the night. He was quite thin but has now filled out! If you have lost a grey cat please call us on 01380 813869 or 07813 192557.
CHRISTMAS WREATHS
We will be making Christmas wreaths again this year. They will be £12 like last year and I will deliver around 15th December. They will be red and green or cream and green and can be for a grave or door. Please telephone 812109 to order.
Sally and Philip Bullock wish to send all their friends and acquaintances in the Village Season’s greetings; very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
LAVINGTON AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY PRESENT THE STORY OF “SNOW WHITE”
Not long ago, in the land of just around the corner we find a dithery king, beautiful princess, an over-the-top dame, seven dwarfs and an evil queen who will stop at nothing to remain the fairest in the land. What will happen to the princess? Will she find her true love? Who will overact the most?
Find out at West Lavington Village Hall on Friday, 3lst January and Saturday, lst February, 2009, at 7.30pm (licensed bar from 7pm). Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Children optional. Come along, be vocal and join the fun. Ticket Hot Line - Mary Diccox on 01380 813319.
WHITE HORSE OPERA’S PRODUCTION OF MOZART’S MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
Last performance on 31st January. 2009, 7.30pm at Holt United Reform Church.
REMEMBER… That it is your input which keeps the Echoes going so if you have any contributions such as small private ads or announcements for this newssheet please hand them into Sue Allen 57 High Street, by 23rd January, 2009.
Susan Deegan
Parish Clerk
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