I was not able to present my Annual Report in person this year and I am grateful to Dreda for delivering the following.
CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT APRIL 2006
To start by reminding ourselves about the work that goes on all year mostly unremarked; and actually is one of our main tasks. That is the maintenance of the parish estate; the playing fields, play areas, village green Dudley-Wood Wood and Chester Gibbons Green. In spite of taking a hammering from the weather, heavy use and abuse they are always a credit to the village. Thank you to our team and helpers, especially Steve who has had to manage on his own due to the prolonged absence of John Copley. That’s the bit we can see but let us also be reminded there is also the unseen work of running the ‘business’, maintaining statutory documentation, employment HR, Health and Safety, audit and so on. Our large community deserves decent facilities and I am pleased to report our much-needed new office in the High Street is a success. It has been very helpful to have nearby access to papers, photocopying, and a white board etc. The Clerk is also very happy to have an office where she actually has room to turn round and space to deal with the growing number of tasks that parishes have to deal with. We will be installing a counter for public access and information.
The Parish once again enjoyed an annual programme of events starting with Larks in the Park, which has become a regular event as a part of District wide celebrations. London Colney put on an excellent show and everyone had a great time in the rather bleak weather. During the summer we ran the best kept front garden competition and awarded prizes kindly donated by Ayletts nursery to worthy winners. We supported the November firework display, which was more popular than ever. In December we were delighted that many people joined some of the cast from Peter Pan and local schools for our traditional ‘switching on’ of the Christmas lights. Mr Mark Billsby very professionally introduced the event. The lights were left switched on (which apparently reduces maintenance). They were a welcome sight particularly driving into the village over the Christmas period; we will again extend the display this year. In December the Parish Ball was held at the Pastoral Centre. It was once again very popular and over subscribed. Members of the Events committee worked hard to organise it and sort out the seating. A considerable sum was raised which this year went to good causes and community based initiatives.
Most of our young people are busy studying for exams, at university, or working and playing hard. Idle time does not weigh on their hands. However, village people are frequently raising concerns with the Parish Council about the nuisance behaviour of a few young people, graffiti, vandalism, abusive and obscene language and so on. Sometimes this has escalated to more serious events, even ending in tragedy. In January, we held a workshop with our partners to think of practical new ways to improve relations and communications with young people. We want to act positively to try and remove some of the causes of discontent among youngsters. To be realistic we cannot turn back the tide but perhaps in some small ways we can make a difference.
There are some areas though where we have made less progress than we would have liked. Time, bureaucracy and matters beyond our remit all play a part and this can be frustrating. We have identified what strategically need to be our priorities in the coming years and bit by bit we shall progress.
Finally, I would like to thank the many people who contribute to the life of the village. Our partners in the District, our local police, our suppliers, but most of all people who run voluntary services and societies for young and old. Without them the parish would not function as a village and it would be a much poorer place to live.
Update
The parish council is about improving, where we can, our local facilities and environment. We were pleased to welcome Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust to our annual meeting; we hope to be working with them on various projects in the future. We have decided that our new Office at 154 High Street will normally be open to public, Mon – Thurs 2-4 pm, subject to leave or pressing matters that must take priority. Having managed to save the Public Toilets in the High Street we are pleased to see that the District Council has refurbished them and they have been opened. We are looking at refurbishing play equipment at both Shenley Lane and Walsingham Way. Some of the equipment is in a poor state. Once again we are planning ‘Larks in the Parks’ on the 2nd July, 12-5.00. If any organizations or groups would like to have a stall or perhaps demonstrate a skill, please contact the Clerk. We congratulate Bowmansgreen School who have opened their new extension. Incidentally, we remember Bowmansgreen Farm. I have discovered that the right to keep a 70 acre rabbit warren on the Tyttenhanger Estate was given to one John Bowman in c1331 so perhaps the school logo should have been a bunny. As the dry weather continues we have had hedges set on fire probably by careless smokers. We ask everyone to be vigilant. The village though faces some more difficult challenges to the quality of our lives. Ever increasing traffic, the effect of accidents and highway work on nearby motorways and main routes often make travel difficult and wasteful. The proposed major freight terminal close by at Park Street would add to our difficulties. We have the opportunity to comment on these particular proposals soon. Permission is being sought for further gravel extraction off Coursers road in Ridge Parish (Hertsmere). Whilst the management of this by Lafarge is generally good it is a shame that we would lose more of what little natural landscape remains around our village.
On a personal note I have had the privilege of chairing the council for several years, now it is time for change and change is supposed to be good for us. Readers may have noticed occasional historical comments in my reports; recently I have taken the opportunity to study towards an eventual history degree with the University of Cambridge. My two sons have succeeded with their degrees, now it’s my turn. The chance to study at this level is demanding but not to be missed. This commitment makes it impossible for me to give the time and leadership that the community deserves. I extend every good wish to my successor.
John Dent
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