Village Voice by Rosie Warrillow, 11th March

Our Parish Council meeting took place last week via Zoom, and in spite of a few technical dificulties the main buisness was able to take place. The community pool is looking set to open in June, unless more restrictions are in place. Booking is essential for both the keys and life saving courses which can be done online on the village website. The thorny problem of what to do about dogs running loose on the kiddies play areas was also discussed at length. The possibility of extending the fencing was mentioned, and restricting dogs to be exercised on leads only was also put forward. No, we don’t dislike dogs, they are of course wonderful companions, so long as they are properly watched over. There are plenty of lovely walks around our parish, surely a kid’s play area isn’t the best place for that activity. I have two dogs myself and several other councillors do too, but there is a certain amount of people who don’t watch what their dogs are doing on the green, and in several other areas too. Further discussions are sure to take place in the future, and any fencing will have to wait until drainage and flooding works on the village green are completed. In the meantime please watch what your best friend is doing, a small child was knocked over recently by an aggressive dog who had entered the play park, a shocking and potentially dangerous situation. The Neighbourhood Plan is still with SHDC for the time being, a public meeting will take place as soon as possible to discuss the plan and the future shape of our community.                                                                    

St Andrews Church is continuing to hold services and numbers have been increasing lately as people receive more confidence, and of course a lot of our community have now had the Covid jab. Good news indeed for all of us. This Sunday we will have a Holy Communion service led by our Vicar Rev Matt Rowland. It is of course Mothering Sunday, so all are welcome  to attend. The service will start at the usual time of 11am. There is of course no Lent Group’s gathering but a Lent Course is available on the Team Website. Also online there’s a Family Group session with the Team’s dedicated families worker Sarah, held at 10am on Sunday mornings via Zoom.