THE January meeting of Sandford Parish Council took place at a new time (8pm) and in a new venue (Sandford Parish Hall Annexe).

An Expression of Interest had been received from Glen Padgham to join the Parish Council and it was agreed to co-opt him and invite him to the February meeting.

Future public consultation with the parish over current issues (e.g. play areas, climate change, electric charging points, parish celebration for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, parking etc) are being pursued.

Play areas - Cllr Dave Hope was already gathering together information ahead of a public event, with parents and children, and it was suggested that this could take place at the end of the school day in the Parish Hall.

Following on from the success of Sandford Pulls Together (SPT), in encouraging the Community to work together, a suggestion has been made for a monthly “Cuppa and a Chat” get-together for lonely parishioners, those who did not have access to the internet for updates in the communications, Covid news, etc.

This suggestion has received a positive response and St Swithun’s Church had agreed to the possible use of the Under Gallery as a venue.

Several councillors were keen to promote this suggestion in the Spring of 2022. It was stressed that the suggestion was in no way to replace any other organisation already functioning in the parish.

A working party meeting to discuss the draft Crediton Neighbourhood Plan was arranged ahead of the January 14 deadline for submission of comments. It was noted that the Plan was using data from the 2011 Census and also showed Creedy Bridge/Pedlarspool in Crediton and not Sandford.

At the February meeting it was agreed to discuss the MDDC Parishes Boundary Review.

Details had been received again of Sandford Water Conservation Project to supply rainwater to Sandford allotments. This could be financed by way of a grant being offered by South West Water.

Sandford School were keen to support this Green project.

The Council agreed donations of £250 to Citizens’ Advice and £100 to Mid Devon Community Transport.

At the next meeting discussions will get underway as to how Sandford should celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Proposals to Light the Beacon at New Buildings, together with the national lighting of 1,500 Beacons, have already been pencilled, together with a visit by the Common Players to perform its latest production of “Alice in Wonderland” in a garden party setting on the Millennium Green.

The next Parish Council meeting will take place at 8pm on February 3 in the annexe at Sandford Parish Hall.

MJV