MINSTEAD MAIL
Summer 2008 Volume 2, Issue 5
A Newsletter published by the Minstead Parish Council to Inform & Consult
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Saturday 14th June 7.00 pm Concert in Minstead Church in aid of Charlotte Smith's 'I believe I can' Braintrust charity.
Saturday 19th July Study Centre annual open afternoon
Saturday 16th August Village Fete on the Green in aid of the Pahar Trust.
Saturday 6th September Annual Fruit and Flower Show in the Village Hall.
Keep an eye on the noticeboards and PC website www.minstead.gov.uk for further details and other events!
NEW PARISH COUNCILLOR
Minstead Parish Council is delighted to report that Stewart Pritchard has agreed to become a Parish Councillor, filling the vacancy created by Rae Tugwell's departure. Stewart says: "We acquired the village shop in late December 2007 and quickly recognised that it serves the community in many different ways and now understand how important it is to maintain this vital community service. I assist Pamela in the day to day running of the shop whenever my other work commitments permit and I feel that the constant contact with members of the community can only support and benefit the role of councillor that I have recently been honoured to undertake. I relish the challenges this new appointment will bring and promise to address these to the best of my ability"
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
This is a good time to remind people about Neighbourhood Watch with many of us planning to be away at some stage. Please let your neighbours know and tell them if you are expecting anyone to visit the house while you are absent and if possible leave a contact number. A recent report of a further shed break-in is a reminder that thefts from outbuildings are an all too frequent occurrence in this area. Keep watchful for anything you might think suspicious and make a note of any car reg no's. You should report anything suspicious to the Police immediately on 999 in an emergency; 101 (a new service) for non-emergency anti-social behaviour, community safety advice (see below), information and action; or 0845 045 45 45 for general enquiries or if you want to report a crime. Anyone wanting more info or to get more involved in our Minstead scheme please contact Sue Cole, preferably by email (sue@colefamily.org.uk) or on 8081 3391 and for regular updates fill in the form in the Village Shop with you name and email address.
TRAFFIC CALMING
The results of the recent traffic surveys in various key positions around the Parish are still being analysed. We believe that it is very probable that some form of traffic calming measure will be deployed by NFDC, either a SID (Speed Indicator Device) or SLR (Speed Limit Reminder) in locations where traffic speed has been particularly high.
RUNNING HILL
A growing number of dangerous incidents have been reported on the Running Hill-A31 junction. These include vehicles trying to rejoin A31 westbound and in at least one case driving back down the A31 eastbound towards the Cadnam roundabout in the face of oncoming traffic. Hampshire County Council, NFDC and the Highways Agency have all agreed to take the necessary action to close this junction, supported by the Parish Council whose desire is to avoid injury or loss of life.
ALL SAINTS CHURCH
We offer George Dibben a big welcome and lots of support in his recent appointment as a Churchwarden and also Marian Young who continues as the other Churchwarden. We are grateful also to Yvonne Le Brun, who has taken on the role of Church Treasurer, and all the others who have particular roles this year. It's really good to know that so many people are willing to come forward and help with the running and care of All Saints Church which is undoubtedly a very special place for a great number of people. They and we feel it's particularly important to continue to hold services there and keep it as a living place of worship - as it has been for the past 900 years or so. Further information is available on the PC Website, on www.newforestparishes.com and, of course, on the various noticeboards around the shop and church.
COUNCIL TO REVIEW CONCESSIONARY TRAVEL SCHEME
New Forest District Council is reviewing the current travel concessions available to disabled residents and those aged over 60 and if recommendations are agreed, those eligible will be entitled to free all-day travel on registered bus services commencing in the district. Further information can be seen on the noticeboard and the PC website.
PLANNING - PARISH ENFORCEMENT LIST
The National Park Authority now has a dedicated Enforcement Team which is responsible for handling complaints alleging a breach of planning control and for monitoring new developments to ensure compliance with approved plans and any conditions which have been applied. More information can be seen on the Authority's Website www.newforestnpa.gov.uk. The Parish Enforcement List details the progress of current 'live' enforcement cases by parish including the site address, the alleged breach of planning control, the stage that the case has reached and the officer dealing with the case. The monthly list for Minstead will also be put on the PC noticeboard.
PEOPLE BEING SCAMMED
The New Forest District Council has joined the battle to stop elderly and vulnerable people from falling victim to scams which can cost thousands of pounds. Some tricksters promise fake lottery and prize draw wins, while others offer bogus psychic predictions, get rich quick investment cons and miracle health cures. Every day, people throughout the UK are falling victim to scams of one kind or another. It could be an unexpected prize draw or lottery win, or a chance to invest in an exciting new money-making or investment programme. But remember - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you are being pestered seek help from Neighbourhood Watch, friends, relatives, social workers, trading standards officers or the Police.
NATS AIRSPACE
Despite widespread, strong and well co-ordinated objections, culminating in a question in the House of Commons, the proposed airspace development was implemented from April 2008. There will be an "operational review" after one year. The only concession made was to revise the active period to 0545-0930 & 1730-2130. Feedback, complaints of nuisance etc should be made to Noise & Flight Evaluation, Airside Operations, Southampton Airport, Southampton SO18 2NL. Tel: 023 8062 7070 ; E-mail BAA (website: www.baa.com/southampton) and CAA, Ian Wrathall 020 7453 6524, or James Walker 020 7453 6525.
MID-FOREST CHILDREN'S CENTRE
Brockenhurst College is leading a government initiative for the Mid-Forest to provide children's centres in every community by 2010. The purpose of these is to provide families with access to any help, advice and guidance they need and they will offer a range of services tailored to meet the needs of the community they serve. Further information can be obtained by calling Kat on 01590 624489, by email to childrencentre@brock.ac.uk or by visiting www.brock.ac.uk.
VILLAGE COMMUNITY GRANT SCHEME
Hampshire County Council is working with partners to protect future access to everyday services and local stores, with the launch of the Village Community Grant Scheme. Minstead shop has recently benefited from one such scheme. See PC and HCC websites.
UPPER CANTERTON HGV RESTRICTION
An Experimental Order has been proposed to reduce HGV traffic along the road from Brook to the Walter Tyrell public house. The intended effect is to permit over width vehicles (including caravans and delivery vehicles) to access the pub and camp site from any direction but to require them to leave the pub and camp site in a southerly direction only. Following consultation and subject to no objections from the Police this will be implemented by the NFDC and comments sought.
MINSTEAD STUDY CENTRE
When Minstead School closed in the 1960's its place was taken by the Rural Studies Centre. Schools brought children to learn about the Forest way of life and study its flora and fauna. Four decades on Minstead Study Centre is engaging children and adults in all sorts of activities whilst exploring ways of sustainable living. Our core work is with primary aged children from Hampshire state schools. They usually stay for a week, absolutely love their time at the Study Centre and many never forget it. The Centre also hosts many groups and events aimed at local people. Our winter coppicing days are now a regular date in the calendar. Last winter we hosted a singing day and a bread making day. The grounds are in use much of the time; a local conservation group works there regularly and Junior Minstead will again be there for summer camp. Our Eco - Dorm has added a new dimension. The space can be put to many uses and is occasionally available for hire. It's designed to show children and all users how their small actions can influence the use of resources. Come and look for yourself- it's a bright, comfortable and welcoming space. Changes in funding have brought an increase in prices. This and other factors mean that the future is less certain, but we're continuing to do everything possible to ensure the Centre's role as a world class environmental study centre. It's vital to Minstead Study Centre to be part of the community. If you'd like to join an activity or know more about our work, our facilities and what we can offer you're welcome to contact us!
Tel: 023 8081 3437
Email: jane.pownall@hants.gov.uk
Website: www.minstead.hampshire.org.uk
Our annual open afternoon will be on July 19th. - all welcome; more information nearer the time.
