The July meeting of Finchampstead Parish Council began with the presentation of two cheques; one to the “Gorse Ride in Bloom” event, and one to the Youth Group in connection with its Africa Project.  The cheques were presented by the vice-chairman, Councillor Geoff Markham, who also chaired the meeting.

Next on the agenda was the co-option of Nancy Jennings-Frisby, to fill the vacancy left by Miss Isobel Vaughan-Morgan who resigned in May and had served as a Parish Councillor for a magnificent 51 years.  We shall all miss Isobel’s extensive knowledge of Finchampstead, as well as her friendship and sense of humour. 

It was felt that having a presence at the Village Fete, for the second year running, had been very successful in raising awareness of the Parish Council, Councillors agreed that we should try to attend other school fetes as well, in order to reach a wider cross-section of our community.

As Woodcray Golf Course is now for sale, Councillor Eric Cox proposed that the Parish Council should work with Wokingham Town Council to get our current cycle track extended on Woodcray land alongside the main road.  This proposal was approved.

Cllr. Markham reported on the most recent Amenities Committee meeting , which had been attended by representatives of outside organisations.  Firstly, Derek Wiseman from the gravel company CEMEX, had discussed future bridle paths and allotments.  The latest thinking on the latter issue is that land to the west of Longwater Road, to include the old tree nursery (WBC) may be more suitable.  Watch this space!

Peter Baveystock, WBC Waste Management, had discussed the future of refuse skips/lorries in Finchampstead, and it was agreed that some changes would be made.  The refuse lorry will still attend Avery’s Corner car park on the third Saturday of each month, but only from 8 to 10 am.  It will then go to Billing Avenue from 10 to 11 am.  In addition, a refuse lorry will in future replace the skips at California Park, the Village and Woodmoor.  These visits will also be on Saturdays, and full details will be on notice boards and in the magazine.  The lorries have a huge capacity and are manned, so that help is available.

Many young people in the area would like to have a skateboard park.  The Parish Council is sympathetic, but there are many issues which need to be considered.  Members of the Parish Council are to meet with Sandhurst Town Council, who have a skateboard ramp, to look at pros and cons.

And finally, a plea for help!  We need volunteers to water the flower baskets at California Crossroads.  This has to be done very day, and our previous arrangements are not working well enough.  If we had some volunteers, we could have a rota.  Can you help?

Cllr Chris Driver

The date this page was last altered was September 14, 2008.

Copyright © 2003 Finchampstead Parish Council