After 37 years' service in the Royal Navy and a further 6 years in industry, Fiona and I came to live in Minstead in early 1999. After 3 years we moved to Nomansland but returned as soon as we were able and moved into Hurdles (formerly Ashley) in July 2005. We have an extended family and a growing number of grandchildren who love visiting us here.
We think we are very lucky to live in Minstead, which has such great community sprit. I am very privileged to be asked to join the Parish Council, although as such a newcomer I realise that I have plenty to learn. I shall do my best to contribute to the community in any way I can.
The annual clocks, which enable you to park at no additional charge in most NFDC car parks, are valid from 1 January 2007. A short stay clock,which still costs only £8 for the year, will allow up to three hours parking in any NFDC town and village car park. If you wish to stay for longer in the long stay section, you must buy a ticket for the difference in time. These clocks are not valid in the council's amenity car parks on the coast.
A long stay clock which still costs £80 for a year or £44 for six months will allow parking in a long stay bay for more than three hours. It will also allow parking for up to three hours in a short stay bay and in any of the council's amenity car parks on the coast.
There are special clocks available for those regularly using Lyndhurst Community Centre for more than three hours and the Hythe Ferry, but these clocks must be purchased from these two locations and there are special conditions attached to their use. Full details of these schemes are available on the New Forest District Council website www.newforest.gov.uk.
Car parking clocks may be bought at any NFDC office including visitor information centres and health & leisure centres; and, with a credit or debit card, online by visiting www.newforest.gov.uk or by telephone on 01590 646123. A full list of outlets is listed on the website.
is celebrating its 35th year in style!
Although its origins date back to the time of the Rev. Boyd Wilson in 1942 who aimed to bring together rival gangs of boys to sing in the church choir, the first time that girls took an active part was in 1948 when they attended a Christmas party held in the Trusty Servant with food provided by the then landlord Mr Leith.
The Minstead Youth Club was then formed and arranged a number of activities for the children of Fritham, Lyndhurst, Stoney Cross, Cadnam - and Minstead - in subsequent years with total membership reaching around 50 children.
By 1971 it was clear that a more specific organisation was required to meet the needs of the local children and, following a proposal put forward by Gill Gibbons at a meeting of the Minstead WI, Junior Minstead as we now know it was created.
Current membership is around 76 boys and girls although in recent years it has exceeded 85 which, bearing in mind the size of the village, is not insignificant.
This year there are more events planned than at any other time in the organisation's history including both magic and circus skills "master classes", regular film clubs, sports days, a Halloween extravaganza and a host of other activities.
In addition the Junior Minstead pantomime goes from strength to strength and will, in March 2007, be putting on its most ambitious performance to date. All of you with young children should keep an eye out for somethingthat isbound to be of interest to at least one member of your family!
is making an excellent recovery after major surgery. I'm sure you will all join with the Parish Council in sending Rosie our very best wishes and hope that her progress continues
where the surface layer has been worn away, leaving only the tarmac which can be very dangerous for riders and their horses. A number of incidents have been reported around the Village when horses have slipped and riders have been thrown from their horses particularly on the Fleetwater Road, as it leaves the main road through the Village and on to the Acres Down Crossroads. A report has been sent to the Highways department; however we have been told that they are unable to do any resurfacing until the financial year 2008/09.
Meeting the demand for fresh, seasonal, local and traceable food, Hampshire Farmers' markets across the county will increase to 105 in 2007 (there were 98 in 2006), and a new flyer highlighting when and where these will be held is now available free from Hampshire Farmers' Markets, at libraries and tourist information centres. These include new markets in Hartley Wintney near Basingstoke and Cosham near Portsmouth, and a regular monthly market in Southampton's Bargate. Winchester farmers' market continues to be the largest farmers' market in the UK with around 95 stalls attracting around 9,500 shoppers per market. Shoppers can visit a different market each weekend at 13 different towns across Hampshire including Andover, Petersfield, Romsey, Basingstoke, Southsea, Alton, Hythe, New Milton and Farnborough. For more information about your nearest Hampshire farmers' market or for a free leaflet detailing them for 2007 visit www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk or telephone 01420 588671.
The autumn season comprised a Lighting workshop given by Mike Hutton, a production of 'The Do Gooders' performed by Minstead Players Youth and a Murder Mystery evening in conjunction with the Social Club.
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3rd January 2007 Forest Forge present 'A Christmas Carol' 9th February 2007 Reg. Meuross Trio
23rd/24th March 2007 Junior Minstead Panto.
13th April 2007 John Pilkington-The Sahara.
The Hall continues to thrive, meeting the needs of village clubs/societies as well as a variety of private lettings.
Late night noise - Past difficulties with unofficial over-riding of the Sound Limiter system have been resolved. Fabric - Disability Discrimination Act requirements are being met. Asbestos reports have been completed. The Committee is reviewing possible capital expenditure on the fabric of the Village Hall. Initial planning permission has been granted for an extension. If implemented this would go some way to improving the access and storage facilities for village user-groups.
If you wish to raise any questions relating to the Village Hall or make bookings, contact Jane on 023 8081 3143 (e-mail minsteadhall@btconnect.com).
Do not forget that the Hall is available for villagers on Fridays and villagers receive a special discount.
The Hall Committee meets next 23rd January 2007.
A new taxi-share scheme replaces partof the Bus Service 31/31A route through Fritham, (part of) Nomansland, Brook and Minstead to Totton. If you live in any of these areas you are eligible to travel on this taxi-service. The Taxi can be booked to Totton Shopping Precinct arriving at 9.45am and you will be able to return at 11.45am or 1.15pm. It is also possible to connect with Bus Service 30/31 into Southampton.
This taxi-share service is available on Tuesdays and Fridays. Fares are £4.00 single and £5.50 return. Farepass will be accepted. Call 0845 602 4135 to book now. (lines are open between 10am-4pm.)
has asked us to print tips to keep you aware of potential risks this winter:-
- 1. - Fit a smoke alarm and check it regularly
- 2. - Make a fire action plan so that the family knows what to do in the case of fire
- 3. - Take care when cooking with hot oil
- 4. - Never leave candles unattended
- 5. - Ensure that cigarettes are stubbed out and disposed of carefully
- 6. - Never smoke in bed
- 7. - Keep matches & lighters away from children
- 8. - Keep clothing away from heating appliances
- 9. - Take care in the kitchen! Accidents whilst cooking account for 59% of fires in the home
- 10. - Take special care when you are tired or when you have been drinking. Over half of all deaths in domestic fires happen between 10pm and 8am
- 11. - Always have your chimney swept before lighting winter fires
- 12. - Always place a fireguard in front of an open fire
The Service is able to give a free 'home fire safety visit', contact Community Fire Safety Tel: 023 8062 6809
On Saturday 16th December Father Christmas will arrive on the Village Green at 6.00pm. Following the distribution of presents and the consumption of mulled wine there will be Carol singing and the Festivities will end with the traditional performance by the Minstead Mummers. There will be a collection in aid of the Childrens' society.
A very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year
