 |
Pennard
Community Council |
|
|
PENNARD COMMUNITY COUNCIL
NEWSLETTER 2009
Hello I’m Mark Smith, one of your Community Councillors. This year I have been asked to put together the 2009 Newsletter. This may seem like an onerous task but it has been informative and fun as you get small insights into what is going on in our villages and their environs. So I hope you enjoy it as much as I have - I will catch up with you at the end.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT (LYNDA JAMES)
We welcomed our assistant clerk, Colin Stacey to the Council’s administrative team in April this year. He has been appointed to assist with the increasing administrative workload of the council.
Financially this is a difficult year, as will be the next few years. We have postponed many of the things we would have liked to have done and used some of the reserves to reduce the local precept. This means we will have to look seriously at certain areas of our expenditure, such as the continual maintenance of a large playing field and pavilion. The field is no longer used by many local teams and has become a recreation area for children and the public at large. The pavilion will require major refurbishment or replacement in the next few years. We are at present putting together various options and it is our intention to hold a public meeting in autumn to ascertain the wishes of local people to the future of the field and pavilion.
Some perennial problems are still with us and we still work to resolve them, such as speeding, cattle roaming the highways, and parking on pavements. I would encourage everyone to attend the PACT meetings and re-enforce with the police and the County Council the need for action on these issues and to raise any other problems. The next PACT meeting 21st September in the Parish Hall at 7pm.
The council’s meetings are advertised on the notice boards and on the website and we welcome interest from the public. So if you would like to look at what your council is doing, you can join us at a meeting, or visit us online at www.gowercc.org.uk. We would appreciate your comments and suggestions as to what information you would also find useful on the website. Please contact Lynda James 234316.
Facilities for Young People
A couple of years ago we met several of the young people in the area to discuss what facilities they would like. Many of the recreation facilities they suggested have already been provided, such as basket ball net, skateboard ramp and football net. From these small beginnings it was suggested that a Youth Council should be set up to give the youngsters of the area more involvement in deciding the future of the villages and an opportunity to organise things for themselves. To this end the community council and the PACP (Pennard Area Community Partnership) are to hold an open meeting on 9th October at 7pm in the Community Hall for all young people between 11-18 who are interested in finding out more and perhaps becoming involved in setting up a Youth Council for the Pennard area .We would like as many young people and parents as possible to come along.
PLEASE PLACE 9th October 2009 IN YOUR DIARY ENSURE THAT ANY YOUNG PEOPLE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD ARE AWARE OF THE MEETING
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE (CHAIRED BY PETER MIDDLETON)
Produce Market
The Environment Committee set up the Produce Market last October and this has proved to be a great success. The traders are more than pleased with the good level of business they are doing and we are seeing new businesses taking up stalls on a Monthly basis which keeps the Market interesting. An exit survey was conducted at the last one and the main feedback keywords received were; Variety, Quality, Price and Friendly atmosphere.
An unexpected benefit of the Market has been the social aspect. The refreshments area has proved a huge success and there have been many positive comments about how nice it is to be able to interact with friends and neighbours in a relaxed and unhurried setting.
The Market is on the second Sunday of the month and run by volunteers from the Environment Committee and other members of the Community Council always chip in to help clean up after, so big thanks to everyone for that.
Litter picks
The Environment Committee has organised two litter picks so far this year. The first was in conjunction with Kittle Residents Association and all the verges in Kittle and up to Pennard Church were thoroughly cleared of litter. It is surprising how much gathers there when you look closely.
The second was recently held near the Castle in association with Keep Wales Tidy. There has been a lot of publicity about litter in the Valley recently and many bags were collected and heroically dragged back up the dune by volunteers.
The next litter pick event is for ‘Tidy Wales Week’ and scheduled for Sunday 27th September (location to be arranged) so please look out for the signs the week before or contact the Council Clerk for details if you would like to help, it can be a surprisingly enjoyable and rewarding couple of hours out of your day.
Highways
The Environment Committee has recently introduced Highways as a regular item on the agenda. Every month new issues will be reported directly to the appropriate department in the County Council. If you spot any problems on Council adopted highways (new potholes or loose kerbstones for example) please report them to the Clerk and we will investigate and report them if necessary.
If you have any strong feelings about any environmental issue within our community, then we’d like to hear from you – please contact Brian Smith, Clerk, tel 232390.
Field Committee (Chaired by George Nash)
Can’t believe another year has passed so quickly, but I like to think it’s because we have been so busy. We welcomed Councillor Andrew Thomas onto our hard working team this year and are grateful for an extra pair of hands so to speak. Our recreational field has demanded a lot of extra attention this summer as it has been badly affected by adverse weather conditions. This has caused the field to be water logged and unplayable. We hope however to be well on the way to solving this issue.
The probation service has yet again given of their exemplary help with odd jobs and decorating services and our grateful thanks go to them. Our pavilion however is suffering the ravages of time and all our efforts to keep it up and running are proving costly. Our thoughts are to eventually replace this building with a modern, energy efficient one. We would however like to know what the residents feel about this. Perhaps you would like a new building at the sports field that could be multipurpose, or perhaps you would rather not subscribe to this type of amenity. We would welcome your thoughts on this issue so either come along to one of our committee meetings, or you can contact the Clerk to the Council (Number given at end of newsletter). So something for you all to think about and I look forward to hearing from you.
BURIAL GROUND COMMITTEE (CHAIRED BY WES WEEKS)
Over a period of time, memorial stones in the Burial Ground will sink or move. This is not only aesthetically unsightly but also poses a potential hazard. As an experiment, the Community Council has laid two concrete plinths on which the next 24 memorial stones will be placed. This is an innovative idea which has not been tried elsewhere, as far as we know, but should prevent movement of the memorial stones as the years go by.
The Council is also conscious that there is limited space for future burials. One idea is to have graves dug for three deceased persons as opposed to two, which is the current practice. The space saved will have to be balanced against the extra cost involved and safety factors.
COMMUNITY HALL COMMITTEE (CHAIRED BY MARGARET WAYMARK)
Now that the old surgery premises have been re-let as Squiggles Nursery, the Committee are embarking on a planned programme of refurbishment of the Community areas. This year the lighting will be replaced to include both new fluorescent lights and other lights with a dimming facility and the ceiling will also be replaced. We decided to leave the redecoration for another year in order to spread the costs better.
There are a few gaps in the regular bookings now appearing so if you have any plans to start a new club or whatever, contact Brian Smith on 232390. The hall is also available for children’s parties and dances at reasonable rates.
FOOTPATHS COMMITTEE (CHAIRED BY NIGEL KING)
The Community Council is not responsible for the upkeep of Pennard footpaths – that is the job of Swansea City & County – but we do try to keep an eye on all 54 of them and work with the footpaths’ officer to help keep them open and safe for everybody.
Of course, people have different ideas about footpaths. If you own fields or grow crops then you will want to be sure that no damage gets done by hikers: that animals are not let out to wander where they should not be; and the barley doesn’t get trampled. If, on the other hand, your main interest is in enjoying country walks, then you will be more interested in keeping all the paths open and free from ferocious bulls. Fortunately the Community Council has councillors who belong to both groups and so we hope to be able to understand all points of view.
In addition, we are championing some special projects. We have been working with the National Trust and Swansea City & County to make the footpath that goes from West Cliff to the view over Three Cliffs Bay accessible to wheelchair users. This is footpath #PD1. The good news is that the necessary work is on the Footpath Officer’s list and should be starting soon.
Another project for the future is the idea of creating a ‘Circular Walk’ a little over two miles long from Kittle to Pennard Church; then down into the Bishopston Valley via Widegate; and back up to Kittle on #PD 40. This will involve a ‘green path’ from Kittle along Pennard Road to Pennard Church.
Walkers love circular routes so we hope this will bring more customers to the businesses in Kittle. What is more: the green path will make walking to church from Kittle much safer than at present... sometimes it seems that we take our lives in our hands if we dare to be a pedestrian on this bit of road. And finally... at some stage in the future... we may be able to finish the green path from the church to Southgate so people can walk in safety all the way.
.
PENNARD CARNIVAL
This year’s carnival was nearly rained off, but again the sun shone down on us. A special thanks goes to Pennard Community Council’s grounds man who worked hard to rid the field of the lakes that had appeared and make it useable. The Sunday morning inter denominational service had to be relocated to the Community Hall, owing to a water logged Marquee but was attended by many members of both Bishopston and Pennard churches and Murton Methodist Chapel.
We had a tremendous turnout of floats of all shapes and sizes. Well done to everyone who took part, you had obviously all worked very hard and have great imaginations. Photographs of this year’s carnival can be found on the Carnival’s Website, Pennardcarnival.org.uk.
Our committee is small and the success of the carnival depends on volunteers on the day. We would like to extend our gratitude to all who helped over the weekend, without them the carnival could not happen. A special thanks to the WI who provided teas and cakes all afternoon and made an outstanding contribution to the carnival funds. All the profits from the carnival, except for the working capital, go to the upkeep and refurbishment of the Parish Hall.
If you have any comments on this years carnival or ideas for ring events or games etc please contact David Wintle on 232626 or Lynda James on 234316. Pennard Carnival will be held on Saturday 19th July in 2010, so put it in your diary.
KITTLE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
During the past year a number of longstanding members of the committee have retired from active involvement in the association. We thank Alan Clark, David Pettifer and Richard Walters for their hard work, ideas and enthusiasm over many years. The new chairman is Chris James, telephone 234316, and Treasurer Graham Morris, telephone 232044. We would welcome new members and ideas, if you are interested please contact any of the committee.
PENNARD AREA COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP (PACP)
The PACP was formed to “enhance Education, Leisure and the Environment for residents of all ages”. Its particular focus is to provide a forum to progress projects which require coordination between two or more organisations. Its most recent project is the setting up of a Youth Council in co-operation with Pennard Community Council. The Safe Routes to School, now Safe Routes in the Community; and Cyd Coed, which has provided a number of facilities for the Primary School including the Trim Trail, maze and trees and landscaping have reached their conclusion. If you have ideas for new projects to meet the partnership’s objectives, please contact the secretary, Chris James, telephone 234316.
PENNARD CHARITY
Many people may not know of this local charity, its aim is to support charitable purposes for the general benefit of the inhabitants of the parish of Pennard. Both individuals and groups can apply for assistance. Since 1990, 0ver £150,000 has been provided too many village organisations and qualifying individuals. In the past the charity has supported many young people to complete voluntary work, join adventure groups, play with the National Orchestra abroad etc. However, the charity cannot consider items/services that should be provided by the public sector. Contact Roger Randle for further information or application forms on 232084
ARTS & CRAFTS SHOWCASE 2009
The last weekend of June saw a wonderful display of works of art and craft from the local Parishioners in the Community Hall. There were 444 items on show from 108 entrants and this was excluding work from the school.
We were delighted to have local artist Gareth Thomas open the Showcase and judge the children’s art and craft work while Chinch Gryniewicz, an internationally renowned photographer who takes many of the photos used by the Gower Bird Hospital, had judged the children’s photographic work. Both presented those children with 1st, 2nd and 3rd certificates.
Gareth and Chinch very kindly gave us a signed and framed print/photograph for us to raffle in aid of the Welsh Air Ambulance. We were able to send off a cheque for £373.00
The organising committee would like to thank Mike Scott, from the Environmental Department of the City & County of Swansea, for allowing us a grant from that department.
The attendance figure was about 950 – perhaps in 2012 we can manage over 1,000.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH (PENNARD & KITTLE)
We are funded by Pennard Community Council in covering costs of meetings, mail shots and Quarterly Newsletters.The volunteer group has a committee of ten; it meets regularly and includes two members of the Community Council
It is enthusiastically supported by a network of some 48 street representatives spread over the area. Although we can be justly proud of the community’s claim to having the lowest crime figures in the whole of the Swansea area we must be vigilant, especially looking after the more vulnerable members of the population.
To this end we continue to make representations to the Police via Chief Supt. and local Inspectors to have a more visual Police presence in the area.
We work very closely with our Community Support Officers and are fully supportive of the PACT meetings (Partnership and Community Together). This provides a wonderful opportunity for residents to express their concerns in an open forum. The next PACT meeting will be on Monday 21st Sept. at Pennard Parish Hall. Please give your support. Jeff Eley (Chair) :- Tel 233196
PENNARD FIRST RESPONDERS
What is a First Responder?
A Community First Responder is a local volunteer who agrees to undertake training in order to be able to provide potentially life saving treatment to those people within the local community who are critically injured or ill, in the few minutes prior to the arrival of an ambulance.
Whenever the Ambulance Service receives a 999 call from the Pennard, Southgate, Parkmill, Lunnon, Kittle, Bishopston or Murton areas which indicates a situation that is considered immediately life-threatening, the Community First Responders currently 'on call' will be contacted directly. The 999 caller will be told that the Community First Responders are on the way and that they will also be backed up by an ambulance as soon as possible. (Community First Responders are always backed up by an ambulance.)
Pennard First Responders have been in existence for several years and to date have dealt with approximately 120 calls, ranging from diabetic comas and epileptic fits to falls and cardiac arrests. At present we only have enough volunteers to cover approximately one third of the week and urgently require more volunteers. If you would like to know more about becoming a volunteer, please contact Betty Jenkins on 01792 232955 or visit www.pennardfr.org.uk.
GOWERNEWS WESITE
There is a new website providing local news and events. To keep up to date log in to www.gowernews.co.uk. If you have local events you want to advertise then please contact Ian Ambrose on ian.ambrose@me.com.
PENNARD GARDEN SOCIETY
Contact: - Glynis Storey - 234332
We have just completed yet another successful Flower/Produce show with the prize for most points in show going to Peter Lucas and the best exhibit in Show going to Chloe Nuzum for her very life-like parsnip elephant - well done both. There were some new categories for children and families this year, including making a scarecrow. We had only one entry, which was excellently done, but we hope for more next year.
The Floral Art section was disappointingly sparse, even though we know that there are very talented floral artists out there, but well done Eirlys Williams and Jen Nuzum.
The Show is open to all residents of Pennard parish, whether members or not, as is the Annual Trip which was another successful day out - this year to the Malvern Spring Show.
We do welcome new members; we meet on the second Monday of every month in the small hall of the Community Centre, entrance around the back, at 7.30p.m.
Community Councillors
Southgate Ward Kittle Ward
Dr. R. J. Cook 233822 Mrs. L. James 234316
Mr. D. C. Hickery 234997 Mr. M. H. Layton 232213
Mr. L. Irwin 429385 Mr. W. Weeks 234180
Mr. N. E. King 233124
Mrs. H. F. Langford 233365
Mr. P. J. Middleton 230280
Mr. G. T. Nash 234425
Mrs. L. Silver 366282
Mr. M. Smith 232093
Mr. A. C. Thomas 234310
Dr. P. M. Waymark 233607
City & County of Swansea Councillor
Mrs. Margaret Smith 233790
Clerk to the Pennard Community Council
Mr. Brian Smith 232390
As from 15th November please contact
Mr Colin Stacey 448117
About your Community Council
Under the Freedom of Information Act your Council is required to act in a “Transparent” manner; to this effect all members of the public have rights to view our proceedings at both Council and Committee along with various other aspects of the Councils work including budget control etc. Members of the Public are always welcome to attend all meetings, dates as published.
This information is available in the library and from the Clerk to Pennard Community Council (see above)
We would also like to point out at this time that all the Councillors give their time and work on a voluntary basis. Only substantiated expenses where incurred are re-claimed. To my knowledge there are no duck houses or moats in Pennard Councillors’ homes at this time.
The following list gives the titles of all the sections included in the Community Plan revised in June of this year, it is available in the Library for free and from the Clerk for a small printing fee. We hope this will give you a more detailed appreciation of the work carried out on your behalf by your Council.
1. Legal Status
2. The Council
3. Introduction to the Area
4. Mission Statement
5. Objectives
6. Present Activities
7. Financial Profile
8. Relationship with Others
9. Issues Facing Pennard Community Council
10. Strengths and Weaknesses of the Community Council
11. What are the Big Issues Facing Pennard Community Council?
12. Publicity
13. Achievements since January 2007
14. What has not been achieved since 2007
15. Conclusion
Maintenance Schedule – Appendix 1
Action Plan – Appendix 2
The dates of all Community Council meetings are posted on the message Boards sited throughout the Parish. For further information, please contact the Clerk.
COMMUNITY HALL - REGULAR BOOKINGS
As at August 2009
ARCHERY |
Fri & Mon Eve |
Peter Evans, 49 Glebe Rd. Loughor Sec. |
899294 |
ART CLUB |
Thu Morn. |
Dr. Alan Marriot, 2 Kittle Green, SA33JX |
232224 |
BADMINTON |
Tue Aft. |
Gill Hale |
233066 |
BOWLS |
Sat Morn |
Cttee Members: |
583576 |
COASTWATCH |
Mon eve. sm.hall |
A. Richards |
390497 |
DANCING |
Fri Aft. |
Tony Wiseman, 30 Heol Barcud, Birchgrove, SA7 9NL |
323430 |
FOOT CLINIC |
Last Fri. morning of each month |
Sharon Richards, 30 Wimblewood Close, SA3 5LQ Mobile: |
427515 |
DOG TRAINING |
Thur Eve.Main Hall |
Ted Grostate, 163 Newton Rd SA3 4UD |
368631 |
GARDENING CLUB |
Second Mon. each month |
Mrs. Glynys Story, 6 Heatherslade Road, SA3 2DD |
234332 |
PARENT & TODDLER GROUP |
Tue Morn. |
Trish Willis,Downside,Sandy Lne SA3 2EN |
232357 |
PARKMILL W.I. |
First Tue Each Month |
Jean Leamon, 140 Pennard Drive |
232057 |
PILATES |
Tue. Eve and Wed. Morn |
Karen Davies, 41 Gloucester Place, Mumbles. SA3 4LF Mobile: |
363854 |
PILATES |
Wed Aft |
Sarah Wilson, 2 Cambridge St. Uplands. SA2 0NB |
07745 398192 |
TEA CLUB |
Wed. Aft. |
Rosemary Hixon, 29 Pennard Dr. Secretary |
233339 |
Copyright © Gower Community Councils 2005 - date
Site produced by Selina Taylor