FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Details of forthcoming events in the Village can be seen on the Village Diary which is regularly updated and placed on the Parish Council Noticeboard. If you would like to join the growing number of people who receive this by email please send your email address to Cllr Alan Ferguson at alanandfionaf@btinternet.com. More details may also be seen on the Parish Council website www.minstead.gov.uk and on the Village Shop and Church Noticeboards. The following major events are planned for this Summer:

· Mon 22^nd June 10.30 a.m. raising of Armed Forces Flag on the Village Green to fly for the week

· Saturday 27^th June Armed Forces Day – From 8.30 a.m. stall in support of the charity "Help for Heroes" outside the Village Shop.

· Wed 8^th July Grand re-opening of the Fenwick Hospital

· Sun 12^th July An afternoon of fun and games in aid of Charlotte's "I Believe I Can" Fund of Hope at Minstead House, School Lane.

· Wed 15^th July Ragwort Pulling

· Sat 18^th July Study Centre Open Day

· Sat 5^th Sept Annual Fruit and Flower Show

· Sun 6^th Sept Junior Minstead Boat Race

CRIME

On a slightly gloomier note, most will already know that there has been a marked increase in the number of thefts locally. Our local Police say that at the moment they do not have anything specific to look out for except perhaps people canvassing or going door to door touting for work etc.  Everyone is urged to keep an eye out for when things or persons are out of place; and all are encouraged to contact the Police when they do see something suspicious and make note of certain things if they can. In summary:

· If you see a crime actually being carried out or life is in danger you should dial 999 immediately.

· Otherwise you should ring 0845 045 45 45 for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police, contact our Neighbourhood Watch coordinator (Sue Cole tel 8081 3391), or call Crimestoppers, the charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

· Any information about suspicious persons or vehicles, or something that is odd or unusual can be very helpful either in preventing a crime taking place or in providing a key part of a bigger picture.

VILLAGE GREEN SEAT

Many thanks to all involved in obtaining a grant from the Countryside Access Forum at HCC for rebuilding the seat on the Village Green; and a special word of thanks to Andy Osman whose skill and craftsmanship has resulted in an outstanding piece of work which should last a great many years.

RAGWORT

As many as possible, and in particular our local livestock owners, are encouraged to support the Parish Council in trying to remove and dispose of this dangerous weed, which was particularly prevalent in Minstead last year. No one wants to see animals dying unnecessarily from Ragwort poisoning.

Minstead Ragwort pulling day is planned for Wednesday 15^th July 2009. Meet outside the Shop at 6.00 p.m.

Please put this date in your diary and help out by making a serious community effort this year!

NEW FOREST NATIONAL PARK PLAN

On 5^th May the Chairman and Vice Chairman attended a meeting of the NPA with the Parish and Town Councils in the North East of the National Park. This was one of a series of meetings for councils to raise major points and suggest changes for the National Park Plan. The following key issues arose from this particular meeting:

· The overall need for Zoning and the potential detrimental impact on Zone 3

· Proposed Service Villages might become dumping grounds for development

· Many difficulties surrounding Affordable Housing

· The pros and cons of possible changes to traffic and transport

· The problems with retaining local businesses, including farms in the socio economic climate.

· Grazing and recreational horse-keeping.

Once agreed the Minutes of this and other similar meetings will be available on the NPA website and also on the Parish Council website www.minstead.gov.uk hopefully in mid June.

TRAFFIC CALMING

A Speed Indicating Device will be in place on the C17 periodically for the next few months. It is hoped this will help slow down traffic on this busy road. The Parish Council is conscious of a general concern about traffic speed and density in other parts of the Village and continues to press for further voluntary controls such as this.

HELP WITH TRANSPORT

· NFDC's CONCESSIONARY TRAVEL SCHEME

Residents over the age of 60, or those of any age who meet certain disability or mobility criteria, can take advantage of free travel on local buses and obtain local travel vouchers or a disabled rail warrant. If you would like further information, to find out if you qualify or to obtain an application form ring 01590 646126 or look at: www.newforest.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=5557.

· TAXI-SHARE TO TOTTON

Many may already be aware of the HCC's Taxi-Share scheme that replaced part of the Bus Service 31/31A route through Fritham, Nomansland, Brook and Minstead to Totton. Residents in these areas can book a taxi to Totton Shopping precinct arriving at 9.45 a.m. and returning at 1.15 p.m. This service connects with the 30/31 bus into Southampton. The Service is available on Tuesdays and Fridays and costs £4 single and £5.50 return and Farepass will be accepted. To find out more and to book call 0845 602 4135 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

· BUS SERVICE TO NEW MILTON

Community First operates a "Call and Go" weekly bus service from Lyndhurst to New Milton every Thursday. Given sufficient warning it will be able to collect people from Minstead, though due to its popularity it is very much a question of booking early to avoid disappointment. In the longer term Community First is considering whether to provide a Minstead service to Totton. To find out more, for fares and to make a booking ring 0845 602 4326.

· LYNDHURST NEIGHBOURCARE

Lyndhurst Neighbourcare serves Bank, Brook, Emery Down, Lyndhurst, Minstead and the surrounding villages. It is a voluntary organisation that offers assistance to those local residents who, through age or infirmity, or any other reason, are in need. It is able to drive people to medical appointments, or help with shopping etc. If you need help, ring the Voicemail number 0845 0945 818.

· CONCESSIONARY FARES FOR YOUNG PERSONS

The NFDC also operates a voucher scheme for those aged between 14 and 18.  On completion of the relevant form and provision of proof of age the Council supply a book of vouchers to the value of £40 annually which can be used on buses and even taxis.  For further details see www.newforest.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=58.

· FURTHER PASSENGER TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Further information about Passenger Transport can be found atwww3.hants.gov.uk/passengertransport.

MINSTEAD PLAYERS AND CONAN DOYLE

As part of the celebrations of the 150^th anniversary of the birth of Sir Arthur Doyle, Minstead Players put on an amusing yet sinister short play reading of the well known story of Charles Augustus Milverton in the appropriate surroundings of All Saints Church. The final demise of the title character (Barry Olorenshaw) by the Veiled Woman (Fiona Crosthwaite-Eyre) was enjoyed by all. The next Minstead Players play reading will be at Keepers Cottage at 7.30 pm on 21^st July and it is hoped to stage the next Production in the Village Hall in November.

FREE SWIMMING

Free swimming is now available at all the NFDC health and leisure centres for the over 60s and under 17s in Totton, Ringwood, Applemore, New Milton and Lymington. To take part you must register at any of these centres or download a registration forms online at www.newforest.gov.uk/leisure and take it to your chosen centre. There is a registration fee of £2 (except for under 8s, Swim Direct members and new Club Active members) and a form of identification and proof of age will be required such as passport, birth certificate, bus pass or driving licence.

NEW FOREST CENTRE WEBSITE

For information about the New Forest Centre and its opening times visit its website at www.newforestcentre.org.uk. This new look website is bursting full of information about exhibitions and events, lectures, a 'book of the month', a reference library, advice about tracing your family history in the New Forest and much, much more. There is also a new online shop facility which sells a large variety of books about the history of the New Forest.

HEDGE MAINTENANCE

Advice from the Wild Life Trust is that hedges should be cut in winter, ideally in early February.  Hedge maintenance should be avoided between March and July when birds may be nesting as it is illegal to intentionally damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird.  It is also best to avoid the autumn as many bushes are in fruit providing valuable food for birds. As fruit is usually borne on last year's growth it is better to cut hedges only every other year. Alternatively, cut one side one year and the other side the next.