Volume 2, Issue 3 Autumn 2007
A Newsletter published by the Minstead Parish Council to Inform & Consult
PARISH COUNCIL CLINICS
For a trial period the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Parish Council will be in the Trusty Servant between 5.30 p.m. and 6.15 p.m. every Friday to meet Minstead parishioners who wish to raise issues of concern within the Community. Even if you do not have any particular matters to discuss, please feel free to join them anyway!
TRAFFIC CALMING
As reported in the summer, the Parish Council has opened a dialogue with the New Forest District Council about the possibility of introducing traffic calming measures, particularly in Lyndhurst Road and Fleetwater Road and possibly along the C17. The NFDC initial response has been somewhat lukewarm but we shall persevere as we believe there is a growing safety concern for both people and animals. These roads are increasingly being used as rat runs at peak times by people who appear to have little regard for the statutory speed limit or the tranquillity of the village. We have asked for traffic speed and monitoring devices and will be lobbying hard to get these installed soon.
ROAD REPAIRS
The Parish Council has met with HCC Highways Department to ask for essential road repairs to be undertaken in a number of places around the village. So far the Department has agreed to sort out: the drainage problem by Johnson's field, near Robins Hill crossroads; the flooding and slippery surface at Sally's Water; the Lyndhurst Road/A31 cattle grid; and the drainage east of Church Fields on Lyndhurst Road. In addition the Department will consider some other works, including resurfacing of Fleetwater road which has become slippery and a danger to horse riders.
AIRSPACE DEVELOPMENT
You probably know that National Air Traffic Services (NATS) has proposed an extension to some airspace over the New Forest which will have direct impact upon Minstead. If implemented, there is likely to be a greater number of aircraft flying overhead at lower altitudes than at present, particularly at night, from next April. Minstead Parish Council has joined a great many other organisations in objecting strongly to these proposals. For further information click on www.nats.co.uk/text/134/terminal_control_south_west_2.html to look at the NATS Consultation Document (you will need Appendix L in addition for the Noise Impact study). The Parish Council's response can be read on this website (click on NATS).
A PLAN FOR MINSTEAD?
The Parish Council has been briefed recently on a local government initiative to encourage towns and villages to develop Parish or Community Plans. Such a Plan would be produced by and reflect the views of the individual Community and be Parish based, and its development would require full community involvement and consultation. A Plan would identify what needs to be done to bring about improvements and to safeguard what is valued. It would identify which features and local characteristics matter to people and cover social and community issues, services, economic development, environment and principles of design. In essence, the plan would be a statement of how a community sees itself developing over the next 10/15 years and the practical actions to achieve this.
A Parish or Community plan has no formal status, but has the potential to influence a wide range of organisations, including Local Authorities. It could conceivably be a help in obtaining funding for some projects in certain circumstances. More information can be found under Parish Plans at www.action.hants.org.uk.
The decision on whether or not to have a Minstead Parish Plan is one for the community as a whole. At this stage the Parish Council believes it has a responsibility to inform parishioners about the idea and establish whether there is a consensus to take the idea forward to the next stage. This would necessitate a public meeting to discuss the merits of a Parish Plan and, if as a result it is well supported, the formation of an independent Steering Group representing all sections of the community to take it forward.
We would be grateful if you would take the time to answer the question on the tear off slip at the bottom and hand it in to the Village Shop by 31st October 2007. Alternatively please mail your answer to the Parish Clerk at liz.green@minstead.gov.uk.
VILLAGE HALL
Extensive refurbishment of the Village Hall has been completed in order to maintain the fabric of the premises. There are now 2 clearly marked parking bays for the disabled. Junior Minstead has donated the set of new curtains now adorning the Main Hall windows.
FORTHCOMING THEATRE AT MINSTEAD
23, 24 November - Minstead Players Productions
14 Dec, 7.30pm - 'The Holly and the Ivy', a musical show with traditional folk music with singing and playing of many different instruments.
22 February 2008, 7.00pm - 'A Komedy of Errors' with Circus Berzercus, a brilliantly crazy duo who attempt to perform circus acts with a difference
14, 15 March 2008 - Junior Minstead Panto
Do come along and support these events, as we work hard to put on a varied programme for your entertainment. Marian Young will much appreciate any feedback and suggestions for future bookings are much appreciated.
BEAT SURGERIES
PC Mike Bemand and our Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Ling LAU are planning to hold experimental monthly Beat Surgeries outside the Village Shop between 1200 and 1330 on 12th October, 10th November and 18th December. This is an excellent opportunity to meet and get to know our local Police and draw matters of possible interest to their attention.
A NEW DOOR FOR MINSTEAD CHURCH
Andy Osman has built us a wonderful new outer door from New Forest oak, kindly donated by the New Forest Trust and by Jane Henderson. The Bishop of Winchester will come to lead a special service to celebrate this at our 6pm evening Parish Communion service on Sunday 16th December - all are welcome.
MINSTEAD ALL SAINTS CHURCH - HELP NEEDED
- The three Anglican churches in our benefice are currently seeking a suitable person for the role of part time administrator, based in the new office in St. Michael's Church. Working arrangements are negotiable. If you know of anyone who might be interested in the job, please speak to Marian Young or Sandy Aylen for more information.
- The longest serving member of the Church finance team is about to retire. We are in need of a replacement, preferably not working full time, to take on his duties. This work is vital if we are to keep a living Church in our village. Volunteers urgently required please to George Dibben, Honorary Treasurer, either 8081 2971 or george@dibben.net.
- For those who are not so comfortable with figures, we are looking for a few more enthusiastic people to help with easy flower arranging for the weekly decoration of our lovely Church. No previous experience is needed: anyone who might be interested should contact Fiona Ferguson (8081 3838
THE FENWICK HOSPITAL
Thanks to the untiring efforts of George Dibben and the 'Fenwick 2' Team, who obtained a £760,000 Department of Health allocation and support from the Hampshire Primary Care Trust, the Fenwick Hospital lives on! Opened in 1908 to serve the community it will continue its mission as a Community Health and Well Being Centre, with the aim of helping people live as long as possible in their own homes. Lack of space prevents a full description of the services that will be delivered from next April, but they will include:
- A Long Term Conditions centre
- Complementary Therapies
- Shared Care
- A Carers and Patients Resource Centre
- Sensory Direct
- A Counselling Service
- Training Facilities
Further information can be obtained from:
Brian Strevens, SCA , Farrow House, 4 Kings Park Road, Southampton SO15 5AS
Tel: 023 8071 7180
Fax: 023 8071 7189
Email: brian.strevens@scaccs.org.uk
GETTING IN TOUCH WITH HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
HCC has set up new arrangements for residents wishing to get in touch on issues such as recycling, waste, planning, roads & transport, rights of way, libraries and other general information. The service is based in Fareham and can be contacted on 0845 6035636 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
LYNDHURST PLANNING SURGERIES
The National Park Authority now holds planning surgeries at the Cottage, Queens House, Lyndhurst on Thursday mornings only (9.00 am - 1.00 pm).
