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The current months minutes will appear at the top of the page. Minutes will be added monthly to form an archive so you will be able to see previous months minutes by scrolling down the page.
The official opening of the tennis courts took place on Tuesday 1st July. The courts had been cleaned and painted and the basketball courts were due to be painted as soon as the weather permitted.
A meeting had taken place with the police, residents, TVBC Highways Engineers, County Councillor Alan Dowden, the Crime Prevention Officer, the PCSO and the Contracts and Site Managers from Taylor Woodrow to discuss vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the cutway between Firgrove Road and Borden Way. A planning application was to be submitted to close the access, provided Taylor Woodrow were in agreement.
Vandalism had also occurred at the Junior School and the Police had been called on several occasions but had failed to attend. Councillors Knight and Tupper had both been in contact with Inspector Smith to express their concerns.
A meeting had been arranged with TVBC to inspect the roads and pavements throughout the village and compile a list of outstanding repair works.
The official opening of the new Community Life Centre was scheduled for the 15th July from 3 – 5pm. Facilities and events were to be arranged to enhance the afternoon.
Numerous complaints about rats, both in North Baddesley and Valley Park, were being received by County Councillor Alan Dowden. He had challenged TVBC’s policy claiming that it was discriminatory and that rats could breed at will creating a real health concern. A letter will be sent to the Leader of TVBC expressing the Parish Council’s concerns.
Excavation works for the balancing pond at the Draper site had commenced. An archaeologist was present on site every day but appeared to be only interested in ancient items and not modern. Councillor Knight confirmed that several artefacts had been found which could prove to be very interesting.
Future development at the Great Covert site was discussed and members were aware that a planning application was imminent. TVBC Development Control had suggested that proposed new development in the area might be reduced to 500. The Princes’ Trust Foundation was keen to promote the use of agricultural land for home grown produce to sell in local farm shops.
Planning permission had finally been granted for the new sports pavilion which had been revised to incorporate a Youth Club Wing. Works were due to commence within the next 2 weeks.
A meeting had taken place with residents of Borden Close to discuss issues with vandalism and anti-social behaviour occurring in the cutway which linked with Firgrove Road. Negotiations were ongoing with the Police and TVBC Highways Department to take preventative measures.
Concerns were expressed over the state of the roads and pavement in the village. It was agreed that HCC Highways would be requested to make an inspection.
The new Community Life Centre was open and currently manned by volunteers from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Works to the surgery room were still to be completed before the relevant agencies could fulfil their allocated time slots.
Details concerning the Church’s use of the Recreation Ground for the Historical Pageant in July were discussed and finalised. Sally Kerson, the Parish Administrator, would liaise with the contractor for keys to the barrier gate and for advice on parking.
Around 40 members of the public gathered to see Dennis Peckham awarded the Parishioner of the Year 2008 trophy at the Parish Council’s May meeting. A popular member of the Over 60’s club, Dennis engaged his audience in song after his acceptance speech. Keith Henser was presented with a memento for his time as last year’s winner.
The Annual Assembly followed and reports were read out by Cllrs David Knight, Alan Dowden and Mrs Celia Dowden. The Chairman read out a report on behalf of Borough Cllr Mrs Ann Tupper who had given her apologies. Cllr Dowden was seeking a grant on behalf of the Football Clubs of North Baddesley from the Leader of the County Council and had promised to support this from his own budget with a further 20% of the sum gained.
The new Community Life Centre had opened although the official opening would not be for several weeks. Features would include an internet café and advice and information on a range of subjects.
The AGM followed with Cllr David Knight being re-elected as Chairman and Cllr Eric Cosier as Vice-Chairman. All Committees would remain the same as the previous year.
At the Full Council meeting which followed, Cllr Knight reported that an arrest had been made following a spate of graffiti incidents in the village and a further arrest was imminent.
Floodlights for the skatepark were being considered and it was agreed that, as the planning application for the floodlights to the tennis courts had to be resubmitted due to a technicality, they would be included in the new application.
Discussions took place over plans by TVBC for future development in Romsey and North Baddesley and Cllr Knight had attended the Princes Foundation workshops in this respect.
Cllr Knight reported that, following a visit to an historical event at Weyhill, it appeared that there had been proposals for an Archive Centre in Romsey. Information had also been received from HCC concerning a lottery grant for villages to compile their own archives.
Some 40 members of North Baddesley Over-60’s Club were at North Baddesley Parish Council’s AGM on Tuesday 13th May to support Dennis Peckham as Parishioner of the Year.
They clapped and sang their club song, which “proves the old are young at heart”, and records their affection for their village.
Mr Peckham attended North Baddesley School from 1928 to 1934 and recalls one of his teachers there saying “We should all strive to make North Baddesley a better place.” He added, “We now have a village to be proud of.”
After attending Romsey C of E School Mr Peckham joined Wills Nurseries at Romsey in 1937 and served in the RAF during the war. Altogether he spent 43 years with Wills, the last 10 as Nursery Manager before retirement in 1980.
He moved back to Baddesley, to his present house in Sylvan Drive, in 1987 and the next year joined the Over-60’s Club. He has played an active part there serving as entertainment officer for 15 years and has been chairman and vice-chairman. “I am very supportive of our club which brings much pleasure to a lot of people,” he said.
Mr Peckham, who is also a member of Nursling and Rownhams Retired Men’s Fellowship and Romsey Royal British Legion, was presented with the award by Council Chairman, David Knight. Thanking those who had nominated him, Mr Peckam added, “They seem to think I have done something useful. I hope they are right!”