The MINSTEAD MAIL
Issue 01 January 2001
A Newsletter Published quarterly by the Minstead Parish Council to inform & consult parishioners
The PARISH COUNCIL
Responsive and easy for you to deal with directly we are at the heart of local democracy, being involved among other things in the provision of local facilities, representing your views and needs, and influencing Planning Application and strategic planning decisions.
We are all available for you to talk to or to enquire of, we are delighted to hear from you and we will look into complaints and suggestions you may make. Please do feel free to telephone, write or email any of us.
A short period of time is set aside at each Council meeting for public involvement so if you would like to address the meeting please do come. Meeting venues are posted at the Parish Council Notice Board near the Village Shop.
NEW FACES
Liz GREEN
I first arrived in Minstead in November 1978 working part time in the Village Post Office. After 3 years I moved on to keeping accounts for 16 years at a small electronic distributor in Lyndhurst before retiring.
Elected first President of the new evening W.I. following suspension of afternoon meetings, I am still an active member. I have been local fundraising organiser for the Cancer Research Campaign since 1979 and for nine years Chairman of the Arthritis Care group in Lyndhurst. Involved with the Minstead Players for longer than I care to remember I have taken to the boards but really prefer to work backstage.
Attempting to keep the little grey cells working I agreed to become Clerk to the Minstead Parish Council in April 2000.
Bill ANDREWS
I was born in Medstead, educated in Alton and learnt to fly at Hamble to become an Airline Pilot for British European Airways. I subsequently flew for Cyprus Airways living in the Mediterranean and for Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong from whom I took early retirement in 1999. I am married to Diane, we have two children (Blake & Nichola) in secondary education and we keep an Old English Sheepdog. We came to Minstead in 1996.
I enjoy IT, Walking and Photography in and around the New Forest, Good Food and Wines, and hope to start flying my own Hot Air Balloon again very soon. I keep Koi and am trying to learn about gardening. I am developing an interest in genealogy and the history of Minstead itself.
MILLENNIUM MUGS
To celebrate the passage from the second to the third millennium the Parish Council and All Saints Church arranged to distribute to each child of the village a specially commissioned commemorative mug. The Reverend Peter Murphy presented many mugs individually at the Art Show in the Village Hall on 3rd June.
There are just a few of these desirable mugs left and they are available for purchase from the Village Shop. Mention this Newsletter and Rae will give you a special discount on the list price.
ALL SAINTS YEW TREE
In recognition of the All Saints Patronal Festival on October 28/29th and to commemorate the arrival of the second millennium the Parish Council presented the Church with a yew tree. The tree was planted in November by Cllr Steve Cattell and was accepted and blessed by the Reverend Peter Murphy.
A commemorative Plaque will be placed at the tree.
VILLAGE GREEN IMPROVEMENTS
The Parish Council will erect a Village Notice Board close to the Village Green. It will include a map with information on sights, items of interest and businesses such as B&Bs. Space for advertising, which will be laminated and kept to a standard size, layout, and format, is now available for rent at £25 for the first year. Contact Janet McCarraher.
The Streetlight illuminating the Green area may be replaced and new posts around the Green itself will be installed soon. It is also hoped that the gravelled area outside the Village Shop will be resurfaced.
NEW FOREST NATIONAL PARK?
You'll have heard of the Deputy Prime Minister's statement that the New Forest will become a National Park, what do you think? Let us know and we can present your views to the appropriate authority. Did you see the Draft Boundary maps at the Village Hall? Did you comment? Comment forms are at the Village Shop.
You'll be only too well aware of the opposition to the Forest being made into a Standard National Park by the Commoner's Defence Association, by The New Forest Pony Breeding & Cattle Society, by The Commoning Animals Protection Society and by the Minstead Manor Commoners. Do you know why they are opposed to it? Do you agree?
Do you know the Government's side of the discussion? Why do they want this? For who's benefit?
HELP?
Know anyone who needs help, or who is willing to give a little time to help those less fortunate or able? Call us.
SPEED LIMITS
It has been proposed that the overall speed limit in the New Forest be reduced to 30mph with further reduction to 20mph in some villages, what do you think? Is 40 OK on some open roads? Will it take even longer to get to Fordingbridge, Beaulieu or Sway?
A survey by CPRE claims that that the vast majority of those questioned, of whom 90% were motorists, were in favour of lower speed limits for country lanes. They propose that all non-fenced non-commuting roads within the New Forest should be designated Country Lanes and be limited to 20mph. What do you say?
SITUATIONS VACANT
The Parish Council wishes to appoint a Lengthsman to monitor the condition of the village Footpaths, Bridleways, Drains and Ditches. He will keep an eye on Trees, Cattle Grids, Streams and Lampposts. He would be expected to work only a few part time hours each month and should be splendidly rewarded for his heroic efforts. Funds come from your Council Tax.
TRANSPORT IN THE LYNDHURST AREA
A new "Getting About" Guide for the New Forest has been published by the Hampshire County Council providing information on both public and voluntary transport services. Though aimed mainly at the older or disabled members of the community some parts of it may also be of interest to others. Just for example Lyndhurst Neighbourcare (023 8028 2991) will carry anyone in need from Minstead to medical appointments if you give them 2 days' notice.
The guide has further helpful information such as the location and accessibility of motorway service areas, availability of help with travel costs and advice on organisations that may be able to advise and assist you. A copy of this guide is at the Village Shop and this Council can order personal copies if you'd like one.
There is also a special pre-book Minibus Service linking Minstead with Lyndhurst & Salisbury (and points between) on Tuesdays, and for 15-19 (ish) year olds Minstead with Southampton on alternate Saturday evenings. Call 01425 482773 to enquire or book.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Supervised by Mrs Sue COLE (023 8081 3391) there is a comprehensive Neighbourhood Watch scheme working in Minstead. Do call Sue for further information and to find out who your immediate contact should be. It pays to be alert, aware and in the loop.
FLOODING
Did you have problems in the recent rain? Could we help? Do you know of ditches or drains that are blocked, broken or just not up to scratch, paths or roadways damaged or dangerous? Let us know we may have missed them.
