Hello,
The start of summer has seen our village come together for many events, such as the 5k and 10k runs which were very well supported. It was also great to see so many people at the Village Fete. We were blessed with fine weather and excellent stands from commercial, charity and community groups. The Church stall made a fine cuppa and the beer tent was an unavoidable temptation. I resisted urge to don bells and join the Morris Men, but I was entertained by the wonderful children’s theatre group. The queues to see pictures at the History Society stand brought it home to me how history is the thread that connects us all. It is great to live in a village with such an active community. The next big event is Hawkfest, Friday 11th to Sunday 13th August, it has a beach theme, so I will have to find my Hawaiian shirt! There is an 80/90’s club night, plus bands and singers celebrating local talent and a family day on Sunday with games, competitions, and a band.
After a few days as your new chairman, the Parish Assembly was upon us. The meeting held in the primary school and we heard from the Neighbourhood Development Plan group who outlined their work ensuring your views are better reflected in Borough Council planning decisions. In the future I would like the Assembly to be more about sharing all that affects our community. So next year expect better publicity and a variety of attendees – community and charity groups, other authorities, and the police.
Our basic admin has been under resourced for a long time. Our locum clerk Lisa Racket will, from August, work part-time in the Parish Office, supported by a part-time deputy Tracey Parfit. Our office administrator Bryony Dhillon, had hitherto been holding the fort since our clerk went off sick at the beginning of the year.
To reiterate my commitments as your new Parish Council Chairman:
- maintaining our precious village fabric – looking after things properly should be a given;
- involve you in what we are trying to do in an open and friendly way; and,
- to ensure open and honest debate within the Parish Council permitting ideas to flourish.
With a dedicated admin team, we can deliver an improvement plan at pace to make our village be a better place to live, work and visit.
Thank you,
Michael
Cllr Michael Anderson
Chairman, Hawkhurst Parish Council