CHURCH SERVICES
Sunday, 10am, united benefice service of holy communion at Charwelton – no service at Preston Capes.
VILLAGE HALL 100 CLUB
The winners of the May draw were, first Sylvia Brookbanks, second Judy Craig, third Mike Delacoe.
OPEN GARDENS
In aid of the National Gardens Scheme, seven village gardens in Preston Capes and Little Preston will be open on Sunday from noon-5pm.
Come and enjoy an afternoon in an attractive and peaceful rural Northamptonshire village.
Lunches available at Little Preston from noon, followed by afternoon teas from 2pm.
Plants for sale at several gardens. Refreshments and plants sold in aid of the church restoration fund.
Ample free parking at both locations, and village maps available for all visitors.
ANNUAL VILLAGE
MEETING
A brief resume of the salient points covered at last week's annual village meeting.
Pcso's report – There were six reported incidents in the 12 months to March 2008, which was a marked increase over the previous period.
The community speedwatch application is in hand. SmartWater is being promoted on posters around the villages. At the moment, there was no way to restrict the use of the High Street by HGVs.
County councillor's report – The growth of Daventry over the next 10 years will put great strain on the current infrastructure and this could affect some villages.
District councillor's report – DDC intends to remain in the lowest quartile of council taxes. DDC's priorities are affordable housing and speed limits, plus free swimming and holiday funds for young people.
Neighbourhood Watch report – Please contact Claire Hoare if you wish to be added to the mailing list.
Highways report – From the start of 2008 road repairs are now being handled by a new contractor, and monthly reports are no longer sent to highways representatives (although some information
is sent direct to parish councils).
The drainage problem at Little Preston has now been repaired. Correspondence with NCC and the police is ongoing regarding the mud on the Preston Capes/Newnham road.
We are now near the top of the community speedwatch waiting list, although a few more volunteers are required to replace several who left the village. Weight restrictions could be one way to reduce the number of HGVs coming through the village, but the numbers of such vehicles would have to be counted over a period of time.
The original road repair budget of £45 million has been cut by one-third, meaning that pot hole repairs will probably only be done twice a year.
Village Hall Committee report – Eight fundraising events (including the fete) were held in the 12 months to January. Numbers are still available to buy for the 100 Club. The monthly lunchtime bars continue to be popular and a good fundraiser. Thanks to David and Margaret Williams for looking after the hall bookings.
Preston Capes Educational Charity – Letters will be sent to all relevant households very shortly.
Footpaths report – Rights of way officers now seconded to road repairs contractor. There is currently an adequate budget to allow for work to be carried out across the county. A blockage on the Preston Capes/Everdon footpath was removed promptly.
The definitive footpaths map is no longer available in branch libraries, but can be seen in Northampton library and on the county council website.
Any other business – Complaints had been received regarding dog fouling in the parish (particularly in the churchyard). Dog owners were asked to make sure that they cleaned up after their pets.