Welcome
for new villagers
Wednesday 8 March
2006
There will be a reception for new villagers at 8pm on Wednesday 8 March in the new Community Hall.
Please do come if you moved to Longparish in the last couple of years. The Parish Council will fund refreshments and it will give you an opportunity to find out more about the village and meet people who lead village clubs and organisations.
Jeremy Barber Parish Council Chair
Martin Coppen Parish Priest
John Martin
It was almost 50 years ago, on Easter Day 1956, that John played the organ for his first Service at St Nicholas’, as a very young man. It was however, some years later and after his National Service, in 1961, that he was offered and accepted the position of organist.
Sadly, John has now confirmed, after taking a break from playing during the autumn, that he wishes finally to stand down from his very devoted community service as organist to the people of Longparish, offered so generously through these years. A village and church could hardly have anticipated such an extended length of service, reaching across generations of village life. The quality and careful attention to detail which he has brought to his preparation and playing have undoubtedly enhanced the worship offered in the church, Sunday by Sunday, and the many personal occasions, especially weddings and funerals, which mean so much in family and village life.
The church and the wider community will naturally want to show their appreciation of John’s extraordinary service. Yet John has characteristically asked that this is done, if it has to be, quietly and without a public occasion. There will be details as to how to contribute in next month’s Magazine.
We are very grateful for those who have offered their services during these last months, especially Cathy Yelf and Robin Smallwood. The PCC will be considering how to make a more permanent appointment in due course.
Martin Coppen, Rector of Longparish
This report covers the February meeting. Minutes of meetings are on the village website www.longparish.org.uk.
We have a vacancy on the Council. If you are interested please contact Jeremy Barber (details below) or any councillor.
The cemetery paths have been re-surfaced and the potholes by the road and next to the hall will be filled with tarmac shortly
TVBC have given a grant towards restoring the Ashburn Rest and the work will start as soon as possible. The aim is for a lasting job which will retain as much of the historic fabric as possible. The seat height will be raised slightly to make it easier to use.
Moles are a problem again but are receiving attention from Mr Haggar.
The portacabins on the football field have been destroyed by fire which removes a facility and leaves the problem of getting rid of the remains.
The next Clean Up Day will be on 22 April (see separate ad). Please put the date in your diary.
All new villagers are cordially invited to the welcome event for new villagers on 8 March at 8pm in the Community Hall. Please do come along if you came to the village in the last year or so and would like to meet people and find out what goes on.
Over thirty people turned out to the inaugural meeting of the Longparish Community Association which is excellent news.
The housing needs survey has confirmed the need for low cost housing in the village. The council will consider the report in more detail at the next meeting.
The council had no objection to
Rebuilding of Eastfield House which was destroyed by fire last year
Tree works (including replacing a cherry tree!) at Cherry Tree Cottage, Forton
The planning inspector has overturned the TVBC decision and allowed a further extension to the temporary permission for shooting in addition to the Olympic Trap at Owl’s Lodge.
The next Council meeting is at 7.30 on Monday 13 March in the Community Hall. Meetings are public and all parishioners are welcome to come and can speak.
Jeremy Barber Chairman. Tel 720459