Boldre Parish Council Newsletter
A very Happy New Year 2024 from Boldre Parish Council.
The end of 2023 was a busy one finalising some ongoing projects and setting some new direction for next year. 2024 looks a promising year. The council has made some applications for funding for recreation projects and has recently engaged with a number of other local parish councils from across the New Forest. The aim is to encourage the sharing of good practice and to enable a focus on key issues that concern residents and build relations with key stakeholders at both Hampshire County Council and the New Forest National Park Authority. All of which will benefit the community.
2023 was a successful year for us; opening the Play Area being our standout event, which we would like to thank the community again for their support. The council also welcomed our new Clerk on board and hosting a defibrillator training event and began building closer relations with the community.
On December 4th, BPC held an Open evening for local residents at Boldre War Memorial Hall; it was an opportunity for people to raise concerns and find out about what we do - as well as to have a chat! Despite heavy rain and strong winds, the turnout was good, responses were positive and we will host a second evening in April. Thank you to those that attended.
BPC plan to continue our improvements to the Play Park. Fencing of the area will be in January. It is hoped that we can extend the equipment available so that a broader age range can be entertained. We have been seeking some additional funding for this.
The Council will meet for its monthly meeting on Monday January 15th, February 12th and March 11th at 18.30. We openly welcome residents to come along to the meeting.
Parish Councillor Vacancy
The council has a vacancy for a Parish Councillor. Being a Parish Councillor is a great way to get involved with the local community. If you like meeting new people, helping solve local problems, organising events and enhancing community facilitates this is a great opportunity!
If you would like more information about being a Parish Councillor, contact the Parish Clerk:
Speedwatch – Can you help?
The SID can be made available in the BPC area if we have a crew willing to staff it. A recent study in a local parish has seen a 60% reduction in speeding through use of a regular Speedwatch team. Please contact the Clerk if you are interested in volunteering.
Recreation Ground Project
The play area project continues; we are very grateful for these donations and for any further donations to the ongoing project. If you have a fundraising project in mind, we would love to hear from you. We would also welcome volunteers for preparation of the kickwall for its new facelift.
Fifteen tree saplings, a 2m x 3m willow dome and spring bulbs have arrived and are ready for planting, if you would like to volunteer to help plant these, please contact the Clerk.
Defibrillator
The Council has a possibility to run a second Defibrillator training course. If you would like to attend this, please contact the Clerk.
Assisted Bin Collections
NFDC offer an assisted bin collection service. If you are unable to put out your household waste to the edge of your property due to a disability, illness, or injury, you can request an assisted collection. This is regardless of the receptacle used. More information can be found on be found here: https://www.newforest.gov.uk/assistedcollections
Emergency Plan – Can you Help?
The council is going to review the existing Emergency Plan. The council will both investigate possible avenues with both HCC and NFDC for what support is available in the light of an emergency as well as reach out locally for an immediate response plan. If you have any ideas or can help with emergency response please get in touch. The recent flooding gave particular issues that perhaps members of the community could help towards in the event of delayed official responses.
Highways
The season of damaged road surfaces has arrived. We have registered a number of issues over the last couple of weeks. Please report any problems you become aware of:
https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/roadmaintenance/roadproblems/potholes
https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/roadmaintenance/roadproblems/flooding
The Highways group produce a monthly report that can be found on our website
Volunteers
Can you help out? The councillors are all volunteers and give up their time to help the community. We have a few projects on the recreation ground that we could do with some extra helpers. Please let us know if you can give an hour, it is very much appreciated.
Boldre Parish Council
Council Chairman – Vincent Slattery
Parish Clerk – Victoria Thomas
