The Parish Council meeting began, as usual, with a chance to chat with our local police team.  They reported that Finchampstead was “pretty quiet” at the moment, although several councillors expressed concern over speeding vehicles.  The Finance Committee recommended to the Council that we should not, at this time, fund a further Police Community Support Officer.  The situation will be kept under review.

Councillor Geoff Markham, Chairman of Amenities, reported that a series of meetings has been sent up to look at improving the facilities at California Country Park, including the Scout Hut which is in urgent need of updating.

The Fuel Allotment Committee will be meeting shortly.  This slightly odd name has its origins in the mists of time when “the poor of the parish” were allowed to collect firewood from a piece of land owned by the Parish Council.  When the land was sold, the funds were invested to provide extra money (maybe to help with fuel costs) for elderly people who are long term residents of Finchampstead.  The Council tries to make a small gift to around fifteen people – if you know of anyone, please phone the office.  It’s interesting to speculate how much that small piece of woodland would be worth now, especially as the Council is looking to re-locate the Parish Office!  The premises, located behind Finchampstead Memorial Hall, used by the Clerk and her assistant, are very cramped and possibly not in the most accessible location for most parishioners, so a sub-committee has been formed to consider the matter.  Opinions and suggestions from our parishioners will be most welcome, as always.

By the time this magazine is published, all households in Finchampstead should have received the new-style’ Parish Council News’.  We hope you find it interesting and that you like the new format; do, please, complete the survey on the back page, as it is important for Parish Council forward planning.

Finally, Trafalgar Night seems some time ago now, but, wasn’t it fun?  On behalf of the ‘organising group’, many thanks to all who came and made it such a memorable occasion.

Cllr Chris Driver

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

Copyright © 2003 Finchampstead Parish Council