BRAYFORD      

A rural parish in North Devon, England including Brayford village, High Bray and Charles, and a part of Exmoor National Park

Archive

Parish Council News
 
New Parish Councillor
Mr Jonathan Collier has been co-opted as a new Parish Councillor from 1^st January. There is still one vacancy to fill on the Parish Council. Anyone wishing to become a Councillor should write to the Chairman, Brian Symons, by 10^th February so that a decision can be made at the next meeting.
 
Refuse and Recycling (Greensweep)
The new arrangements are still causing problems for some people. If you have any difficulties with any aspect of Greensweep telephone them on 01271 374776 or email greensweepdirect@northdevon.gov.uk. They have a small team of wardens who can either discuss problems on the telephone or carry out a home visit to discuss your concerns and help find solutions.
 
The Parish Council has received a letter to say that once the new arrangements are totally in place they will not be able to empty the Recycling Pavilion. If you would like the Parish to keep the Pavilion for recycling, please notify one of your Parish Councillors so that they can make representation to District Council.
 
Brayford School
The Head Teacher’s position will be advertised on Friday, 28^th January.
 
Affordable Housing
Hastoe Housing Association is now managing the project and any comments or questions regarding affordable housing in the village should be referred to them.
Anybody interested in renting or buying must have his or her name on the North Devon District Council Civic Centre Housing List. It is suggested that a copy of any correspondence be sent to Hastoe Housing Association, Fleur de Lis, Middlemarsh Street, Poundbury, Dorset, DT1 3GX (01305 250103).
 
Carols at the Nook
This was a very enjoyable evening and raised £121 for the North Devon Hospice. Thank you to everybody who helped make this such a successful event.
 
Neighbourhood Watch
John White (710805) is now our Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, so please let him know of anything relating to crime or vandalism. John has spent some time with PC Robarts (our Community Officer) and reports that although crime is very low in our area, we still need to be vigilant and keep property securely locked. Recently a car was stolen and two broken into in Brayford village and a fuel line on a Land Rover parked in Charles was cut and the petrol stolen in a separate incident. Please report anything suspicious to one of our co-ordinators or to PC Robarts.
 
Temporary Traffic Order
Devon County Council intend to make an order to restrict the speed of traffic to 40mph on the A399 from 310 metres south of Newtown Bridge southwards for 75 metres. There is single way working controlled by traffic signals to allow safe reconstruction of a collapsed retaining wall and the restriction will be in operation only when appropriate signs are displayed.

Public Participation at Parish Meetings
The Parish Council welcome and like to see parishioners at our monthly meetings. It is your opportunity to have your say and express any or all concerns you have relating to our Parish. However, in accordance with meeting guidelines as laid down by the DAPC, we are only able to allocate within a meeting agenda fifteen minutes for public participation. Outside of this time, we are unable to open the meeting up further to public comment or contribution. We realise this can be frustrating and bureaucratic, but it is how we have to run the meeting. Please do not allow this to deter you from following up afterwards with an appointed councillor or attending the next meeting to pass comment. We value your opinions, views, concerns or issues. We are there to serve you, so do not feel that we are not open to approach.
 

A Gentle Introduction to Computers
 
South Molton Adult and Community Learning in partnership with South Molton Community College (Technology Status) would like to offer a free course in Brayford:  A Gentle Introduction to Computers.
  
This course is intended for complete beginners or those with little experience – see the flier enclosed with the newsletter for details and expression of interest.  Please complete and return to the Adult and Community Learning office (details on flier) by 11^th February.
   

Gardening Club
On Wednesday, 16^th February Tony Wood will be talking on Ponds and Water Features. This should be a very interesting evening, so do come if you possibly can.  On Wednesday, 16^th March, our local Flower Show Assistant, Gill Brown, is going to talk about Roses. Although it is said that roses do not flourish in Brayford, there are certain types that love it here, including some old-fashioned shrub roses.
 
Our meetings are held in the Village Hall, starting at 7.30 pm and there is a modest charge of £1 per person.
Full 2005 Programme 

 
Dance The Night Away
Dance or listen to super band "COVER’D" on Friday, 4^th February in the Village Hall from 9 pm to 1am. Tickets are £6, including buffet, and promises of draw prizes or puddings will be gratefully accepted. Please support this event in aid of North Devon Hospice.
 

It is with mixed feelings that we hear Reverend Mark Ward is to move on at Easter. Whilst we wish him joy in his new parish, we feel very sad that he is leaving as we have found great comfort and friendship from Mark and Carolyn. We would like to say a huge THANK YOU for bringing us forward in faith and community spirit.

Methodist Church
 
The concert given by the Harmony Choir on 6^th January raised £740.50 in aid of the Tsunami Appeal. Thank you to everybody who gave so generously. 
 
There will be a service on Good Friday, 25^th March at 11 am and normal services at 11 am and 6.30 pm every Sunday.
 

Coffee Morning
Please come and have coffee and a chat (NOT FUNDRAISING) from 10.30am to 12 noon on Wednesday, 2^nd February in the Methodist Schoolroom: just a get together and enjoying each other’s company – children welcome.

Parent and Toddler Group

The toddlers continue to meet; however, for the time being, this will take place on Friday mornings at our homes instead of the Methodist Chapel room.  Activities and sometimes outings will be arranged.  New little faces and, of course, familiar ones will always be welcome to join in the fun and it’s also a good chance for parents to meet for a chat too.  We would like to thank all concerned for the kind use of the room at the Methodist Chapel.
  

Mother's Union

We enjoyed a coffee morning at Ruth's in January and watched videos on "Literacy and Development" and "Mission Unlimited". Our next meeting will be at 2.30 pm on 16^th February at South Lydcott with a talk by Rosemary Tull on "Uncorking the Wine".  On 21^st March at 2.30 pm, we will meet at the Old School, North Molton when Rev. Mark Ward will be with us.

Women's Institute

On Wednesday, 9^th February, Anne Finch will be giving a workshop on Japanese Gift Bag Making, and The North Devon Hospice will give a talk on Wednesday, 9^th March.

Meetings are held in the Village Hall at 7.15 pm and visitors are welcome at a cost of £2.50 per head, which includes supper.

Special thanks to the Newsletter Editor for providing extracts from the February Newsletter.
 

Supported by Brayford Parish Council