Blaxhall Parish Council Newsletter
No.45 Spring 2003 Written by Joyce Iszard
Dear Blaxhall,
What an amazing village you are. I can't thank you enough for that wonderful
farewell party on January 1st
I was totally surprised and incredibly touched by all the gifts and the
money for the holiday, which was truly astonishing and generous.
I shall certainly enjoy the holiday once I have settled in Saxmundham,
which still seems some way off.
I shall certainly remember the party for the rest of my days and the generosity
of the people of Blaxhall.
Of course you haven't seen the last of me in Blaxhall- how can I keep
away. I will also be pleased to see anyone in Saxmundham when I finally
move in.
Sorry this 'thank you' is so late, but I missed the last Newsletter. Robin
PARISH PLAN
Many of you will have attended the village meting at the end of January where the idea of a Parish Plan was put forward. The Parish Plan will set out a vision for the future development of Blaxhall and will cover everything of relevance to the people who live in the parish. It will address the needs of the entire community and everyone will have an opportunity to participate in its preparation. The Plan will be a key document in shaping Parish Council policy and will be useful in assisting local community groups to obtain funding for projects. A steering Group has been set up, of Bob Mackenzie (Chairman), Jonathan Cutting, Jacqui Oliver, Maggie Grenham, Tony Salisbury, Joy Shaw and Steve Smedley, and in the last few days the Steering Group has been successful in gaining funding from the Countryside Agency to carry out this project. Over the next few months there will be a series of consultations and social events on various topics of local importance, culminating in the publication of the Plan itself at the end of the year. For more information you can contact Bob Mackenzie on 01728 688755
VILLAGE HALL
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete one of the Village Hall questionnaires that were circulated last year. The results are now in and, for a village as small as Blaxhall, there are certainly plenty of social activities going on that make use of the village hall. There is also a strong indication that even more activities, such as yoga, keep fit craft and hobby workshops would be on offer when the desperately needed renovations are made. The questionnaire is just one part of the lengthy process that must be gone through in order to apply for a grant from the Community Fund, the organisation that distributes National Lottery money to community projects. The Village Hall Committee is continuing to make progress with our grant application for the long-planned improvements to the village hall. However, with National Lottery funds for village projects starting to dry up, we are also searching for additional means of financing this expensive programme of building work. We already have lots of new and exciting ideas for raising funds over the next twelve months so watch out for news of events later in the year.
THE PLAYING FIELD COMMITTEE
This year we have decided to hold the Car Boot Sale on Saturday 24th May (instead of Bank Holiday Monday) so that we do not clash with other sales in the area. We are hoping to attract more cars than last year. Why not clear out those old tools, ornaments, curtains, crockery, toys etc no longer wanted and sell them on the field between 9 am and 12 noon It will only cost you £3 if you book with Eileen Dunnett (01728 688248) in advance or £5 on the day. Otherwise, come along and pick up a few bargains and enjoy the refreshments.
BLAXHALL FETE
The date to put in your diary is Saturday 16th August 2003. We will have all the usual stalls and most of the games and attraction we have always had in this very popular and successful occasion and one or two new items. We are always looking for helpers so please phone Clara Jenkins (688558) with your offers and any contributions that you can make. Have you any old china, which we can use in the plate smashing stall. You should already have a list of all the classes in the vegetable show, so I hope you are well on the way in preparing the soil, planting seeds and growing the best produce ever.
ELECTIONS
As you know Parish Council elections take place every 4 years, but unfortunately this time there are only eight people standing. They are Gary Borrett, Graham Bowles, Jasper Dickinson, Phillip Dunnett Robert Mackenzie, Stephen Smedley, Nigel Suckling and Shirley Taylor. With this being the case would you like to stand as a Parish Councillor? If so drop me (Joyce lszard Parish Clerk) a line before the 7th May when the Council meets next and you could be co-opted. But don't forget that on the 1st May the District Council elections take place and you should vote on these. The candidates for Blaxhall are Raymond Herring of Red House Farm, Blaxhall, Conservative and Peter Perrin Kintail, Snape Bridge, Saxmundham, Liberal Democrat. YOUR VOTE COUNTS so please use it and try to get Blaxhall one of the biggest turnouts
VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE
Following the recent retirement of Robin Graham from the Village Hall Committee, we now have a vacancy for a new committee member to assist in the running of Blaxhall Village Hall. This is an exciting time for the Village Hall, with ambitious plans for renovation and rousing fund raising events in the pipeline - a great opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to become involved with Blaxhall's most important community asset. If you are interested, please contact Graham Bowles (01728 688192) or Steve Smedley (01728 688751 or 07759 921222; email: steve@millwalkhouse.co.uk)
NEW LOCAL JUDO CLUB
Hollesley Judo Club has recently moved to the Community Centre in Tunstall. Hollesley is a friendly club for players of all ages and abilities, starting from 5 years old, where you can learn and train in safety with qualified and experienced coaches. The club has award schemes for younger player, plus regular gradings and competitions. The Club meets most Thursday evenings at the Community Centre in Tunstall, and runs three sessions: Under 8s 6.30 to 7.30 pm; Juniors 7.30 to 8.30pm; Seniors 8.30 to 9.30 pm. Beginners' courses run throughout the year. Experienced players are also welcome to any session. The sport of judo keeps you fit, improves co-ordination, and develops self-confidence. Contact Coach Julie Jolliffe on 01394 410483.
News flash Hollesley Judo Club will be providing a demonstration of judo at the Tunstall Spring Fair on Saturday 19 April 10.00 am to 12 noon See you there.
GOOD NEWS
Les Heard at Stone Common was allowed home on Friday from hospital, and we all wish him well for his continued recovery.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
To Kenny (The Sheriff) from all who were unable to sign his card and wish him a happy birthday, hoping to hear he is making good progress as everyone in the village very sadly misses him
MAY 1st ELECTION DAY
MAY 7th ANNUAL PARISH MEETING 7.30
MAY 7th PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING (follows above meeting)
ALL IN THE VILLAGE HALL