Annual Report 2020

Dear Residents,

It was with some surprise and not a little trepidation that I was elected Chairman of the Parish Council in May 2019.  I soon realised that what I had seen as a Parish Councillor was but the tip of the iceberg. As I now understand, we have an A-Z of functions, powers and duties and statutory provisions which still include Allotments, Baths and Washhouses laid down by Parliament to represent our community and provide services for them. More importantly from a Chairman’s perspective, we are here to act as a focus for local opinion and provide a way to get things done in a way that is best suited to the community.

The engine room of the Council is very much the domain of the Executive Clerk Karyn Reid who together with her Deputy Sarah Daly and their colleagues manage both the statutory responsibilities and the wide range of discretionary community activities such as the Summer Holiday Activities and the Christmas Fair. The Executive Clerk is also our ‘Responsible Officer’ which is a far from trivial role and ensures we stay on the straight and narrow in terms of compliances and financial probity.

Many of the evergreen pressures in the Parish today are a function of modern day living – traffic in the high street, parking, and unwanted development such as Shapley Heath. I knew from my previous experience as Chair of the Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group that these issues are highly emotive, but they do take time to address, often need the support of the other higher levels of Government i.e. the District and County Councils and have outcomes that do not please everyone!

These activities provide a skeletal framework which suffers – as most bones do – from various aches and pains! What I have found more compelling and yet difficult to get a grip of – is the heart of Hartley Wintney – the strength and vibrancy of the Community which we are justifiably so proud of. The sense of wonderment was brought home to me at the Remembrance Day and Advent Services. An outstanding example was how many groups and there volunteers rallied round to provide support during the closure of One Stop. This was, as it transpired merely a dry run for what was to follow with Covid 19 – but that’s for another year!

For me, it is particularly important that we continually test that what we do as a Parish Council supports and enhances as best it can our community – as it is now – and as it will undoubtedly evolve in the years ahead. This is where the energy and commitment of our councillors comes to the fore with their well-established networks and  links in to the heart of the Community for which I warmly thank them.

Chris Farrance
Chairman
Hartley Wintney Parish Council
Chris.farrance@hartleywintney-pc.gov.uk

The Parish Council relies on numerous people – staff, Ward Councillors, volunteers, individuals, local groups, consultants, contractors and suppliers – for the success of its work; this Annual Report provides an opportunity for acknowledgment.

Employees                                                                            

Karyn Reid – Executive Clerk

Sarah Daly – Deputy Clerk – Events & Amenities

Mandy Smith – Community Bus Administrator

Julian Martin – Horticulture & Amenities Officer

John Cox – Play Area/ Grounds Maintenance

Paul Mant – Community Bus Driver

Graham Bartlett – Community Bus Driver

Alan Williams – Community Bus Driver

Den Coates – Community Bus Driver

Chris Morgan – Community Bus Driver

Ward Councillors

County Cllr. David Simpson

District Cllr. Anne Crampton

District Cllr. Tim Southern

District Cllr. Spencer Farmer

A special thanks is offered to Tony Woods, who decided to step down from his role as Parish Councillor at the beginning of September.  Tony has spent many years dedicated to the Village as part of the Parish Council and many other local Community Groups, most notably the U3A.
Tony was elected onto this Council in May 2013, however had previously been part of the Parish Council prior to this, taking a brief break between 2011 and 2013.

He was active on the Planning & Infrastructure Committee, the Environment & Amenities Committee as well as the following working groups / associations;
Traffic Partnership
Vaughan Millennium Orchard Management Group
Civil and Military Aviation Liaison
Hazeley Heath Management Committee
St Marys Church Liaison

Tony has agreed to continue to work with the Parish Council is a less formal role, particularly supporting the Orchard and Hazeley Heath.  We thank Tony for his dedication and support of the Parish Council and whilst we fully respect his decision to stand down, he will be very much missed by Councillors and the Parish Office Team.

Thank you to all our Community Groups, Contractors and Volunteers who support various aspects of the community –your efforts and kindness make a real difference to life in our lovely village.

Photo kindly provided by Derek Trendell