NEWS FROM TESTBOURNE

HARVEST GIFTS

From the word HARVEST you can also make the words STARVE and SHARE .   These were the alternatives put to our Harvest Assembly.   Pupils shared very generously when they brought items of food for the Andover Crisis Centre.   Each tutor group had decorated and filled boxes with their gifts ~ which they presented to workers from the centre.

CYCLING SUCCESS

Last month we reported that we would be on the road for our “In Tandem With Testbourne” sponsored cycle, to help raise funds for our Specialist School Appeal.   Sir George Young, our local MP, joined us to start us of on the Saturday morning, including a quick whirl on the tandem.   I don't think I have ever met such a stubborn, determined bunch of young people ~ who refused to give in in spite of plentiful rain and more uphills than down.   We did complete the 40 miles, even if it did take us seven hours.   Thank you to everyone who sponsored us ~ or, indeed, would still like to do.

MAKING SPACE

By the end of November we will have a new classroom to help accommodate the increase in the number of pupils coming to Testbourne.   The new fully equipped room, which will be used as a Maths base, is being converted from the previous kitchen preparation room, which was a much under-used space.   At the same time we will be extending and modernising the main kitchen area and servery.   The changes should help us carry on improving the facilities in the school.

And good news on the toilet front for school and community users ~ the Theatre Hall ladies' toilet refurbishment is now complete in cream and red and almost a pleasure to visit.

FUNDRAISING

We are holding two fundraising events in November, both of which should provide fun and funds:-

All proceeds will go to our Specialist School Appeal.   Please do come along and support us.    Tickets are available from the School Office (01256 892061)

LONGPARISH PLAYGROUP

Places available from January 05

Thank you very much everyone who has supported and helped us with our part of the school building project so far.   The move from the old portacabin went well and we are delighted with our new temporary classroom on the school field.

Now that we have more space we can offer more places .   We are open 9am to 12 noon Monday to Friday and take children from 2 years 9 months to school age.   If you would like a place for your child now or in the future, please phone 01264 720459 or email playgroup@longparish.org.uk for further information .

Longparish Parish Council

Website Our village website has been short listed for the Hampshire Website of the Year awards.   Congratulations to all concerned .

Planning   After clarification of the plans the council objected to an extension at 5 Station Cottages.   The meeting was inquorate when an application for a building at Testwood Trout Farm was considered.   Conscious of the sensitive history of the site, the councillors who remained asked the Clerk to convey an informal objection to TVBC.   The council had no objection to

Open Spaces and Footpaths

Clean up Day is on Saturday 20 November.

Brushcutter course Sat 6 November 10am – 2pm

If you'd like to learn how to use the parish strimmer safely on this free training course contact Ricky Bourne on 720500 or Martin Lampard on 720529.

( The full minutes are on the village website .)

The next Council meeting is on Monday 8 November at 7.30 in the Village Hall committee room.

  Jeremy Barber Chairman.   Tel 720459

email jeremy.barber@longparish.org.uk

Longparish Football Field

Bearing in mind that the field is used by youngsters, please do not allow your dog to foul the grass. If your dog makes a mess please bag it, tie it and bin it.   The Parish Council is arranging for a bin at the far entrance to the field.   Until it is installed, please use your own at home or one of the green ones by the school, the village hall or the cemetery.

Thank you.                                 Longparish Parish Council.

New policing arrangements for Longparish