THE May meeting of Sandford Parish Council started with a minute of silence for Gordon Griffin JP (Chairman), who had sadly died on May 3, after a very long illness.

Cllr Jim Stephens commended the late Mr Griffin for his service as a Sandford Parish Councillor.

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN - Cllr Brian Fyfe was nominated and elected unanimously.

VICE CHAIRMAN – Cllr Dave Hope was nominated and elected unanimously.

The Clerk reminded everyone that there were Local Elections in May 2023 at which time all Parish Councillors would stand down.

OPEN  FORUM – Mervyn Leach was present and sought permission from the Parish Council to trim the ivy off the playing field wall in Mill Lane. This was readily agreed and a vote of thanks proposed in advance.

WEEDING – It was understood that “hand weeding” had commenced in the Village though it was not known whether the “safe solution weed spraying” had started.

Hard drive for Parish Council laptop – This had now been installed on to the council laptop.

TWENTY’S PLENTY SIGNS – It was agreed to explore this suggestion and the Clerk was asked to contact Cllr Glen Padgham to suggest some suitable locations.

A request had been received over the possibility of changing the location of the dog bin at the entrance to the Furlongs footpath and a meeting was to take place with an officer from Mid Devon District Council.

It was also agreed to press MDDC regarding the request for a second litter bin for the lay-by at the Millennium Green.

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS - Plans were proceeding and mugs, pens, and tea towels were selling well.

These profits will be allocated towards the Jubilee expenditure e.g. £500 toward the fee for the Common Players to perform, mugs £600 etc.

Entrance to all events will be free thanks to generous donations from local individuals and local business.

Sandford has a full programme of events over the four days of celebrations with the Beacon Lighting on Thursday, June 2.

Jubilee Walk though Creedy Park and a visit to the Lockdown Wood on Friday, June 3.

A performance of “Alice in Wonderland” on Saturday, June 4, by the Common Players on the Millennium Green.

Sunday, June 5, Church Service, Big Picnic Lunch at the Parish Hall and end with Jubilee Fun on the playing field.

A full programme of events will be distributed to all homes in the Parish very shortly.

Date of next meeting, June 9, 7.30pm at Sandford Community Sports Pavilion.

MJV