From our Reporter at the Parish Council Meeting
2nd hand report of the PC meeting held on 08 May 2003.
It was not the joyous peace under a glorious evening sky, with newly arrived
swifts wheeling and whistling overhead. Nor was it the snarl of kids' motor
bikes on Dencora Field caressing the ears of The Beeches' residents nearby,
and others further away. Parents please note - they also use the highway.
No. Pre-occupied entirely with something else, I simply forgot about the meeting and my passive role in it. That means that this piece could be even less reliable than usual. Mea culpa, sorry, apologies. This could raise such philosophical questions as whether my absence will ultimately cause revolution in the Middle East, or Global warming, etc. Clearly, it will not, although a tidal wave across the fen cannot be entirely ruled out as Wicken Fen comes close, hopefully before my very personal smoke signal climbs into the sky. (Actually, it is now "greener" to be planted under a sapling, so I must change the instructions). I for one would welcome the chance to moor a boat at my doorstep, but others would have to suffer for that to happen.
However, using a little initiative, a little guesswork, and ear-wigging at Le Lion Rouge, there is now just about enough to make an effort worthwhile, with hobby horses much in evidence. The editors say I must do something and, having missed both Jumble Sale and the Village Feast this year, I had to agree.
We have a new PC (Parish Council, not a personal computer)! It may look much like the previous PC with Trevor Jones back in the chair, with the usual suspects in support, but there is now Christopher Wilson as a new PC (Parish Councillor). Congratulations to all, and strength to your arms. Only one vacancy now stops there being a full house, but they seem to manage very well.
I missed my favourite subject of The Beeches wall coming up yet again. Sadly, we are back at square one, with Hereward Housing having misplaced their paperwork about it, and CCC still maintaining their disinterested distance. The phrase "Watch this space" may become very appropriate if the wall disintegrates from years of neglect. Let us just hope that no-one gets hurt, if that happens.
Dencora field has been the subject of a request to ECDC for consideration to site new affordable housing there. Where shall we walk the dogs? Where will the motor bikes go to? Where will cars park for the Reach Fair? More seriously, will the village lose young people if there is no housing for them here, near Mum and Dad? Is this just a ruse, a foot in the door for more extensive plans? Of course, the metal, plastic and glass debris here, gifted by the mindless, must first be cleared up. The mindless are best fitted for this task, and polluters should always pay for their lack of consideration. The recent grass cut here had to take great care to prevent damage to cutters by avoiding some areas.
This old favourite (Dencora) will no doubt be a hot topic for the Village Assembly later this week. Hopefully, more village residents than usual will attend the annual opportunity to make their views known. Past evidence suggests that most people are not much bothered about anything around them, but the possibility of new play equipment may make a difference this time.
The PC agreed to go for "Quality Status", whatever that means. They already do a sterling job, and we have a quality school, a quality church, a quality pub and a quality youth club, not to mention a quality monthly magazine, so what's new? Will it mean more money from government? Will hedges now be cut back from footpaths? Will eyesores in the (Quality) Conservation Area at last be improved, or perhaps an annual competition set up to nominate the worst, with a plaque (in the best of possible taste) to the winner? That would be fun, and there's plenty of competition - "And the winner this year, with new PVC windows, is ..."
I am enjoying the new Speed Watch signs. I scored 24 in Rogers Road. Is this a record? Are old Volvos exempt? There were no reports of shot cats this month. (Getting desperate now).
The New York Times has just discovered that its leading reporter has been reporting on distant events from home, in front of his television. You too now have a taste of something similar! The Swaffham Crier is always at the cutting edge.
THE END