Longparish Parish Council
Here are some points from the March meeting.

Open spaces
There will be a clean up day on Saturday 24 April. Please see separate article.
Three cheers go to the young people who cleaned and painted the bus shelter. Thank you very much.
The new wok roundabout for smaller children has been installed in the playground. A picnic bench has been ordered and will be installed shortly

Planning
The council

  • welcomed proposals in the second draft of the Test Valley Borough Local Plan to make planning rules more responsive to the needs of villages
  • objected to plans for a house at Testwood Trout Farm because of the impact on the sensitive riverside site
  • was content with flue arrangements in further revised plans for Orchard House and there was no objection to a garage at Carpenters Cottage Forton or an extension at Woodstock

New councillors needed
Two councillors are likely to be leaving the village in the next few months so we will need replacements. Can you help, please? If you'd like to find out more about what being a councillor involves please contact the chairman or any councillor.

The next parish council meeting
is on Monday 19 April after the Annual Parish Meeting. Our meetings are public and all parishioners are welcome to come and can speak. The agenda will be on the website and the notice boards at the shop and in Forton a few days before the meeting.
Jeremy Barber Chairman Tel 720459
email jeremy.barber@longparish.org.uk

Monday 2.15 pm Services for pre-school children and their carers in St Nicholas Church

April 19th Jesus is our friend
Nona Harrison 720215

NEWS FROM TESTBOURNE
Water leak causes unexpected closure
Most pupils had an unexpected day off on a Monday in the middle of March (the "Ides" as it happened) as a result of a serious leak in the piping which supplies the water tanks, which in turn supply the majority of the toilets in the school. Rumours did abound that "Testbourne is flooded" but there was nothing quite so dramatic. We were, however, advised that it would not be safe or healthy to open school with so many pupils and so few toilets. Pupils managed to contain their disappointment at being deprived of a day's education. Staff were in as usual, taking advantage of the time to catch up on all the tasks you can't do when pupils are here.

Pupils use their talents
Pupils can be talented or gifted in many different ways, for example usically practically, in art or in sport. Some of our academically able pupils have recently been using their talents in a range of challenges and doing very well in the process: 5 pupils have gained a gold award in the United Kingdom Mathematics Challenge. Three did so well they have been invited to enter the European Challenge too; during National Science Week a team of six pupils entered the IBM Science and Technology Blue Fusion Competition and were the winning team on their day against very strong competition, including schools from the independent sector. A team also entered the National On-line Science Quiz, coming 7th out of 200 schools in the region and 27th out of 550 schools nationally. Congratulations to all concerned.

Out and about
As usual some of our pupils have been enjoying educational experiences beyond school. Year 9 pupils visited Fort Nelson in Portsmouth as part of their World War One studies, including getting to load a cannon, Year 8 pupils visited the Medina Mosque in Southampton and Year 7 pupils have been at Marwell Zoo, sketching as part of their Art course.

Could you help sponsor our specialist school bid?
As you may be aware we are hoping to submit a bid for specialist Arts status in the coming year. Before we can do that we have to raise £50,000 as our contribution. We shall be seeking to do this in a number of ways, including sponsorship from individuals, the community and business sector. This can be actual financial support or in kind, e.g. through donations of relevant equipment or skill. If
you think you, or perhaps your company, could help in any way please do get in touch with me at school to discuss possibilities (02156 892061). I would be delighted to hear from you!
Hilary Jackson, Headteacher.