As you may have heard at our Annual Assembly, our War Memorial had some necessary first aid work done last autumn to prevent it from falling apart. We now need to raise money to purchase a new one. The Minstead Players are presenting some D-Day memories of folk who lived in Minstead at that time. Overlord Overviewed will be in the Village Hall on 4th & 5th June at . They will have a collection in aid of the War Memorial fund. So, not only come along to hear what some of the residents of our Village went through during the 2nd World War leading up to D-Day, but help us to raise money to replace the War Memorial that means so much to many people. The Parish Council with the support of many other village organisations will hold a Village Fete on 14th August and the Trusty Servant will have a Beer Festival over the same weekend.
Alert Box
The New Forest Community Safety Partnership tell us that there is a revolutionary new tool called "Alert Box" that enables people to warn neighbours of trouble or to request help from their own home. The push button device uses digital technology to instantly send and receive messages. It can be used to send and receive messages warning of bogus callers, suspicious activity or crime in the community. Where a network has been set up, signs warn and deter troublemakers. The New Forest Community Safety Partnership is considering the potential users of this scheme and is keen to promote it in local communities. Contact details: David Atwill. at NFDC.Tel.023 8028 5142.
Peter Harris, Director at AlertBox Ltd. Tel. 0870 240 1970.
Votes by Post
Don't miss your chance to vote in the next European election because you are unable to get to the polling station or because you are too busy. You can now apply in advance for a postal vote. The European Parliamentary elections are being held on Thursday 10th June 2004. People using a postal vote system will need to complete their ballot forms in advance of that day. All applications for postal votes must be received at the council offices in Lyndhurst, no later than on Wednesday 2nd June to meet the statutory deadline.
To obtain an application form you may telephone the council's offices 023 8028 5445, or download the form from the council's website at http://www.newforest.gov.uk/votebypost
Advertising on the Village Notice Board.
Advertising space on the Village notice board is available for rent. The charge is £25.00 per annum. Subscriptions are now due for the forthcoming year which runs from 1st June to 31st May.
Young People of the New Forest.
Young people of the New Forest will put politicians and community leaders through their paces at the first Shout About event in October. It is to be held in the council chamber at New Forest District Council's offices in Lyndhurst. It will involve over 60 local young people. Organised by the Hampshire Youth Service, Connexions South Central and the Council the event will bring young people together to explore issues that concern them and to get their views across. They will explore issues such as transport, sexual health, mental health, leisure, housing, education and training, as well as access to information, advice and counselling. There will be workshops and feedback sessions, and a range of fun activities on offer including circus skills and exhibitions. It will include a wide cross section of young people aged between 13 and 25. Shout About will support NFDC's activities during the Year of Youth and help improve services and facilities for young people and encourage them to participate in local democracy.
For more information contact Debbie Willis, District Youth Worker on 023 8086 6203.
Lengthsman
Whilst Stephen Short, our Lengthsman, is still on Sick Leave recovering from a Road Traffic Accident Mr Barnicote has kindly agreed to act as Temporary Lengthsman. Barny has been very busy around the village clearing ditches, trimming hedges, removing and burning up brambles and collecting litter. We are sure that you will agree that he has been doing a splendid job.
Tools for Self Reliance
Tools for Self Reliance is seeking talented, motivated individuals to help guide the organisation through the next stage of development. Trustees play a leading role in governing and leading the organisation and seek to have a range of skills including financial management, organisational development, charity law and experience of working in international development. If you have experience in any of these areas they would be very pleased to hear from you. The role is entirely voluntary and involves attendance at board meetings and engaging in other activities in support of their work. The board of trustees is an elected body and as such you would be expected to go through a formal election process at TFSR's Annual General Meeting. To find out more ask foran information pack by ringing Polly on 02380 869 697 or email info@tfsr.org
Broadband
The number to trigger BT to upgrade the "8081" (Cadnam) Exchange was achieved at Easter and we have been given a Ready For Service date of 25th August 2004. Those of us within 6km (cable length) of the exchange should be able to get Broadband Internet access from that date.
Visit www.broadband4cadnam.org.uk for further news and information, and to register your interest.
The Pension Service.
The Pension Service, based locally in Totton, is part of the Government Department for Work and Pensions and was set up in April 2002 to improve the service to customers. Advice is available in NFDC information offices on a fortnightly drop in basis and the Pension Service can also visit customers who are housebound. A home visit can be arranged by telephoning 0845 6060265
Council Tax Increase.
Although the NFDC was rated one of the best performing councils in Britain, the government only increased its support grant by 0.5 per cent from 1st April, whereas it had promised at least 3 per cent.
NFDC Councillors decided to increase the NFDC portion of the council tax bill slightly, to enable most services to be maintained at current levels with some improvements.
Minstead Parish Council managed to keep their precept the same as in the past two years.
New Forest Apprenticeships for Young People.
Two places have been awarded on the first ever Forestry Commission scheme of its kind, two more will be offered next year. The scheme is open to people of 17 years and older who will learn their trade with some of the finest forest craftsmen in England and will receive tuition at SparsholtCollege.
It is being run in partnership with the National Trust and SparsholtCollege.
For further information contact Harry Oram
023 80283141.
New Forest & HampshireCounty Show.
The Show will be held this year from Tuesday 27th to Thursday 29th July. Main events include The Marching Band of the Royal Marines, Shetland pony Grand National and Bob Hogg's Sheepdog display.
Further information and advance discounted tickets are now available from the credit hotline 01590 622409.
Phytophthera ramorum (Sudden Oak Death)
The Parish Council was represented at a meeting in Lyndhurst at the end of April that was chaired by Defra with panel members from the Forestry Commission. Our representative came away re-assured by the work already carried out and in hand on this topic. Your Council is as up to date as any other council on the subject but if you would like more information visit Defra on www.defra.gov.uk/planth/ph.htm or the Forestry Commission on www.forestry.gov.uk . Both sites are regularly updated.
Old Bangers
Old bangers and rusting wrecks will be taken away free by NFDC.A pilot scheme offering free disposal of old cars and motorcycles has been so successful that the council is extending this scheme throughout the district.
A V5 form as proof of ownership will have to be produced.
To dispose of a vehicle that is no longer roadworthy, telephone the Council's Customer Services dept. on
023 8028 5959.
Community Responders.
Community Responders is a team of highly trained local volunteers, ready, willing and able to reach the scene of a call-out quickly. Two local groups cover an area from Fritham and Nomansland through Cadnam to Totton, Ashurst, Bank and the south of Lyndhurst. Volunteers undergo rigorous training from the Hampshire Ambulance Service and use essential equipment including a defibrillator and oxygen in kits that cost around £4000.00 each. At present there are not enough volunteers to provide 24/7 cover to carry out this excellent community scheme. Anyone who would like to volunteer should be over 18 and physically fit, responsible, with a sympathetic, caring approach and a mature outlook on life. He or she should be able to work as part of a team and be willing to become involved in fund raising activities. Participating means being available "on call" through periods of the day or week to suit yourself, attending the scene and offering first aid until an Ambulance arrives - usually you will be stood down within 30 minutes. You will not be sent to any Road Traffic Accident or scenes of Domestic Violence.
Community Responders need your help, even an hour a week is a great start. If you can spare some time to help save lives, please contact Community Responders Co-ordinator, Celia Stanwyck, on 023 8081 2332
All Saints Church Annual Parish Meeting
This was held on the 25th April and was very well attended. Two Churchwardens (Ann Ackroyd and Sandy Aylen) and a full PCC were elected. A positive attitude to the problems of the Church in Minstead was evident and many useful suggestions and offers were received. One such is the resurrection (sorry!) of the "Welcome Pack" for people newly arrived in the Village.
To include a whole host (!) of useful information and advice, distribution of these is being co-ordinated by Isabel Yeo who will be delighted if you would let her know when someone new moves into the parish. Telephone 023 8081 3144 or Email isabel_yeo@new-forest.org
Here is a copy of the PCC Treasurer's Statement.
"A quick look at the 2003 Balance sheet and it is difficult to understand how it is that over this year and indeed previous years we have operated at a loss when we have a financial and investment value of £80,000. A more detailed look will reveal that the majority of this value is in Restricted Funds meaning they can only be used for the specific puposes stated by the donor. Over the years respective PCC have managed these funds with prudence to enable the maximum benefit to the Church.
Our recurring problem however, is that our annual income of Unrestricted Funds (those we can use for general operating costs) have shown a continuing short fall over expenses, two years ago around £1,500 (£30 a week) last year around £2,000 (£40.00 a week), currently in the region of £3,000 (£60.00 a week).
It is a fact that practically the whole of the increase has been due to Parish Share most of which is taken up by clergy expenditure. Diocese works terribly hard on our behalf but has to meet the demand made upon them.
All Saints has a wonderful record of service over many years, let us conquer our Unrestricted Funds shortfall, and continue into the future our service and support to our local community."
