Blaxhall Parish Council Newsletter
NO.43 AUTUMN 2002 Welcome to this autumn edition. Written by Clara Jenkins
FETE
The Blaxhall Fete held on August 10th was again a great success thanks to the hard work put in by a great many people. There was a very friendly atmosphere for this real old fashioned event and with the good weather and many activities people seemed to have a great time. We made over £1,700 which has been divided equally between the Church, Playing Field and Village Hall as a welcome boost to their funds.
VEGETABLE SHOW
This was held at the same time as the Fete and attracted a record number of entries. They were displayed in a large marquee on the field, which proved very popular. Thanks to Maggie Grenham and Phil Plant for their organisation.
PLAYING FIELD
I am sure that you have all welcomed the slide and basketball post, which have, at last, been installed as additions to the rest of the playground equipment. They are all very popular with both village and outside children. There is growing concern about the state of the playing field.
PLEASE take all rubbish home. It is not uncommon to see plastic bags, bottles and tins left for someone else to pick up. But worse still dogs are being allowed illegally to leave their "messes" all over the field where children play. Take a plastic bag with you and pick it up and deposit it in the doggy bin that has been supplied. We intend to start a system by which anyone letting their dog foul the field will be "named and shamed" for all to see. So please clear up
The playing field is there for everyone to use. Please be considerate of all users. Let anyone who wants to use the facilities do so without this hindrance and leave the field and play equipment, as you would like to find it. This includes replacing golf divots, and care when playing any sport, which may involve flying balls or high speed moving objects.
The bonfire night celebrations will be on Saturday 2nd November starting at 6.00p.m. Everyone is asked to bring a firework, better still take them to Ed Pipe at the Forge well before the day. The competition this year is for the best Pumpkin Head so get your pumpkin and start cutting - there will be a prize for all.
BLAXHALL COMMON
Just a reminder that it is illegal, to ride any kind of vehicle on the common. We want to keep the area unspoilt and managed for wild life. Please take notice of the local bylaws and enjoy this wonderful space. I am also enclosing the legal details for the common.
Blaxhall Heath SSSI
This land has been notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). It is an offence, without reasonable excuse, intentionally or recklessly to destroy or damage any of the flora, fauna, or geological or physiographical features by reason on which land is of special interest, or intentionally recklessly to disturb any of those fauna. A person found guilty of any such offence may be prosecuted and liable to a fine not exceeding £2000. For further information contact English Nature on 01284 762 218
VILLAGE HALL
In order to help with the much needed funds for the Blaxhall Village Hall the committee will be holding their 2nd Exhibition and Sale of Paintings and drawing on 19/20 October 2002 from 11am - 5pm. Do come along and support the artists and the Village Hall.
HARVEST FESTIVAL
The harvest festival will be celebrated on Sunday 13th October. A service will be at 11.00am in the beautifully decorated church followed by Harvest lunch in the village hall and finally there will be an auction of all the produce donated to decorated the church. Tickets for the lunch at £5 can be obtained from Rona Lear, Shirley Taylor or Tilly Locker
TRANSPORT
There is now a local bus into Saxmundham every Wednesday morning. It leaves Blaxhall Youth Hostel at 10.40am. Coming back it leaves Saxmundham bus station at 12.55 reaching Blaxhall at 13.09pm.
The 81 buses still runs every hour daily but now go all the way to Ipswich Station (Might be useful for train connection). There may be slight variation in times so check it out before you use it.
There are also plans to run a local Minibus from Wickham Market to small villages including Blaxhall), every Tuesday and Friday. However they urgently need volunteer drivers. You need to have a normal driving licence and will be given minibus training. If you can help please ring Dave Wolloff on 01728 830516.
MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING
Shirley Taylor would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended this event to help raise £172 towards the large coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief.
PARISH COUNCIL
Following the resignation of Dinah Greenfield and Gwyneth Gibbs we now have 2 new members co-opted onto the council. They Gary Borrett and Nigel Suckling, I would like to thank both Dinah and Gwyneth for the time and work that they have both given to the Council. Dinah has been on the council for about 12 years and has always been willing to ado all she can in many ways. If you have any matters which you cant to discuss with and council member please feel free to talk to them.
COUNCILLORS
Shirley Birch
Gary Borrett
Graham Bowles
Phillip Dunnett (Chairman)
Andrea Fletcher-Cutts
Clara Jenkins
Stephen Smedley
Nigel Suckling
Shirley Taylor
PARISH CLERK Joyce Iszard
Diary Dates
Sunday 13th October Harvest Festival 11.am
Saturday Sunday 19/20th Art Exhibition
Tuesday October 22nd Drop in Coffee Morning Village Hall
Saturday November 2nd Fireworks
Friday November 15th Quiz Evening
Tuesday November 26th Drop in Coffee Morning
Saturday December 7th Christmas Bazaar Watch for Notices
Tuesday December 17th Drop in Coffee Morning
Don’t forget that every Monday is Carpet Bowls
Thursday morning & afternoon the Art Club
Thursday evening Line Dancing. All the above take place in the Village Hall