The December meeting of the Parish Council was held at Finchampstead memorial Hall on 1st December.  Several members of the public attended, one of whom was clearly an allotment enthusiast!  As reported in the last magazine and the Wokingham Times, if more than six parishioners would like to have allotments, then the PC has a duty to look for suitable land.  So, if anyone has a spare two acres or so, please contact the Clerk!

Did you know that the Parish Council owns fourteen lamp-posts in Finchampstead?  Several were installed many years ago, before the District Council undertook the lighting of main roads, and others have been put in more recently in dark alleyways or at dangerous junctions.  Now the Parish Council is to consider some limited lighting at Avery’s Corner car park.  Many parents, children and teachers now leave Nine-Mile-Ride School much later than previously, and in winter the car park is in total darkness.   If you are a local resident, please be assured that the lamps, if installed, will be lit only for a limited period.

Councillor Roland Cundy reported on a meeting between five Councillors and Doug Patterson, Chief Executive of Wokingham District Council.  The aim of the meeting was to address several issues which have concerned the Parish Council for some time.  The Rides’ lease was the main item on the agenda, and the Chief Executive made it quite clear that the lease would not be signed by WDC until it had completed a review of its assets next summer.  In the meantime, he advised the Parish Council to continue to lobby for improved Youth Services at The Rides.  We were assured that the mobile library will continue to visit Finchampstead and that a permanent building will be considered.  The need for a new Parish Office was noted.  Many of the  above issues were dependent upon the siting of the proposed new secondary school – on that the Chief Executive would not be drawn!

During public question time, the Rector of St James Church, Finchampstead, Rev. Richard Warden addressed the Council.  He explained how the church’s finances worked (the annual Parish Share paid to Oxford Diocese being approximately £70,000 and the running costs about £50,000) and also described the essential conservation work on the church which will eventually cost around £250,000.  A great deal of money has already been raised by church members, but there will be a shortfall and Rev. Warden appealed to the Parish Council for help.  He was advised to ask for a donation before the January meeting of the Finance Committee, when his request would be considered.

The Finchampstead churches and Parish Council have all considered putting out a Welcome Pack for new residents, and this was discussed again at the meeting.  Everyone agreed that it was a good idea, but targeting newcomers could prove difficult.  One suggestion was through doctors’ surgeries where new patients could  pick up a Welcome Pack as they registered with the practice.

This is just one example of how the Parish Council is always looking to make Finchampstead a peasant and welcoming place in which to live.  Ideas and suggestions from residents are always welcome!

A joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone!

Cllr Chris Driver

The date this page was last altered was March 11, 2007.

Copyright © 2003 Finchampstead Parish Council