February News

Firstly, an update from January news - the additional lighting in Cheriton Park is working!

Following on from the refurbishment of our Village Hall on Cold Pool Lane, we have been trying to find a way of opening up the hall as a “warm space” for residents so they can enjoy the facilities of the hall and some company – a local “cuppa and chat”. So, starting on February 7th, we are beginning the Two O’Clock Club. There will be tea, coffee and cake (free!) and we will open from 2 to 4pm. As well as advertising here and on our website, we will be doing some posters and flyers in order to reach as many local residents as possible – particularly people living on their own who would get a great benefit from some company. If you would like to join us or know someone who would benefit, then please ring either myself on 01242 690708 or Maralyn on 01242 238429, so we are able to plan the catering.

We hope to develop the group in whichever way our guests would like to see it develop and already have received some suggestions that interesting talks and films would be appreciated. We will also designate one of these afternoons for a talk on Cyber crime – how to avoid being scammed and defrauded. We will soon have a date for a speaker recommended by the Gloucestershire Community Police team.

In January, our Bike Marking session took place with about 30 bikes being security marked and registered on the National Cycle database. Not as many as previous sessions -possibly a reflection of a downturn in people acquiring new bicycles. It was nevertheless a very worthwhile session and enjoyed by all that came.

Our next Parish Council will be on Tuesday 7th March 2023 at 7.30pm. This is the meeting where we agree our budget for- we work out what precept we require at our January meeting - amongst the items we will be considering are support for the foodbank at the Lakeside Community Project, support for Youth Work – detached youth work and the summer scheme at Brizen, improvements to both the back yard and the frontage of the hall and some potential contributions to Highways projects. There is always a public session at the beginning of the meeting and visitors are made welcome.

Sarah Bamford (Chair)