At the Annual Parish Council Meeting, Denis Holmes was elected as Chairman and Richard Terry as Vice Chairman. There were no changes in the sub committee members or in the areas of responsibility. I note that other Parish Councils seem to be continually changing around but we are remarkably consistent  which has the advantage that we know what has to be done and how to go about it. We work very much as a team and set what we consider are realistic objectives for each year. There are of course always the unknown shoals to strike which does add interest as well as causing some head scratching at times.

At the 25^th April PC Meeting we concluded with a joint meeting with the Elstead Thursley Road Recreational Trust to discuss the present position of the plans and funding for the proposed new pavilion. It was agreed that subject to final arrangements on some aspects of the funding building work should go ahead on the planned structure but the upper floor could be completed at a later date. At the time of writing work on the foundations should begin in the first week in July.

Finance for such an undertaking is always a worry but the Trust has just received a big boost to confidence with the news from The Inland Revenue and Customs that the  Value Added Tax incurred on the pavilion project is fully recoverable. This follows a national review of  the liability of these village building projects after the Trust pressed very strongly for a reconsideration of our case when another village in the Leicestershire won a VAT Tribunal Case. The work involved in presenting the case has been formidable but well worth the effort in the end.

Denis Holmes Chairman

By the time you read this, the Summer Term will be nearly ending, with everyone thinking of sunny days and holidays.

The children have enjoyed picnics outside and indoors as part of their play, also making bread, sandwiches and jam tarts to take home and share.  We have been talking about 'growing', starting with seeds and plants, also animals and ourselves.  We now have a lovely display of family portraits on display, all painted by the children.

The 'messy play' evening for parents was great fun with all the adults 'getting stuck in', literally, and taking the new ideas home to share with their children.

Our term ends on Wednesday 13 July with a family picnic and races at Burford Lodge Recreation Ground, it all starts at 11 a.m. and everyone is welcome.  We will be saying goodbye to all our older children starting new schools, do come back and see us soon.  We have several new children starting in September, so we look forward to welcoming them and their families next term.

Jane Kinnard

12