AT the December meeting of Sandford Parish Council, members discussed the Budget/Precept for 2020/ 2021.

The Parish Clerk went through the Budget, and the proposed Precept, that had been recommended by the Finance Committee.?A Precept of £19,491 was agreed. (2019/2020 £17,915). The Precept would include £5,000 towards Phase 2 of the Play Area proposals. Also £250 each toward the Maintenance funds (accumulating) for the Creedy View car park and the Community Sports Pavilion (accumulating).

The Sandford Remembrance Commemoration had gone well with a larger attendance than usual both at St Swithun’s and in the Square.

It was felt that by using both locations this encouraged more parishioners to attend.

Thanks were recorded to Dave Waring, the community police officer who had provided cones for use in the Square.

Details had been posted on the council “Facebook” page asking the owner of a green Kia left in the Creedy View car park to remove it and this was productive as the vehicle had been removed.

The replacement New Buildings noticeboard has now been ordered. Devon County Councillor Mrs Margaret Squires agreed to contribute £250 from the DCC Locality Fund towards the cost.

Victory in Europe Bank Holiday

National commemorations for the Victory in Europe Bank Holiday is planned for Friday, May 8, 2020 (to replace May Day) and communities will be holding events during the weekend.

Nick Silk (Landlord) was present at the meeting and, in view of its location, told the meeting that he was very keen for the Lamb Inn to be involved.

He also made suggestions for inclusion, as well as the planned 1940 Street Market on Saturday, May, 9. This included closing the Square for the day and a tea party involving families.

Also craft stalls, entertainment, bands, local folk groups etc, were suggested.

He also felt there was a possibility of Sandford running an annual community event.

Chairman Jim Stephens advised that a public meeting was planned in the village, early in 2020, when suggestions could be discussed and a programme of events formulated.

He went on to explain that the parish council were fortunate that it has a Celebration Fund, left over from previous Parish celebrations e.g. the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations, and this could be be used towards any celebrations planned.

The Annual Parish Meeting will take place on March 26, 2020, at which time it is hoped to form a community-lead Sandford Climate Action Group made up of interested parishioners.

The chairman wished everyone a Merry Christmas and felt that 2020 would be a very busy one in the parish.

The next Parish Council Meeting will take place on January 2, beginning at 7.30pm, at Sandford Congregational Church Hall.

MJV